THE WASP AND THE HORNET

THE two proud sisters of the sea,

In glory and in doom!—

Well may the eternal waters be

Their broad, unsculptured tomb!

The wind that rings along the wave,

The clear, unshadowed sun,

Are torch and trumpet o'er the brave,

Whose last green wreath is won!

No stranger-hand their banners furled,

No victor's shout they heard;

Unseen, above them ocean curled,

Safe by his own pale bird;

The gnashing billows heaved and fell;

Wild shrieked the midnight gale;

Far, far beneath the morning swell

Were pennon, spar, and sail.

The land of Freedom! Sea and shore

Are guarded now, as when

Her ebbing waves to victory bore

Fair barks and gallant men;

Oh, many a ship of prouder name

May wave her starry fold,

Nor trail, with deeper light of fame,

The paths they swept of old!