The Cumberland.

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!