The Cumberland

(March, 1862.)

Some names there are of telling sound,
  Whose voweled syllables free
Are pledge that they shall ever live renowned;
      Such seem to be
A Frigate's name (by present glory spanned)--
      The Cumberland.
            Sounding name as ere was sung,
            Flowing, rolling on the tongue--
            Cumberland! Cumberland!
She warred and sunk. There's no denying
  That she was ended--quelled;
And yet her flag above her fate is flying,
      As when it swelled
Unswallowed by the swallowing sea: so grand--
      The Cumberland.
            Goodly name as ere was sung,
            Roundly rolling on the tongue--
            Cumberland! Cumberland!
What need to tell how she was fought--
  The sinking flaming gun--
The gunner leaping out the port--
      Washed back, undone!
Her dead unconquerably manned
      The Cumberland.
            Noble name as ere was sung,
            Slowly roll it on the tongue--
            Cumberland! Cumberland!
Long as hearts shall share the flame
  Which burned in that brave crew,
Her fame shall live--outlive the victor's name;
      For this is due.
Your flag and flag-staff shall in story stand--
      Cumberland!
            Sounding name as ere was sung,
            Long they'll roll it on the tongue--
            Cumberland! Cumberland!