The Captured Crew

Night scarce her mantle had withdrew, And slowly usher'd in the morn, When bearing down, we 'spied in view, The savage foe not far astern: The stoutest trembled—small our crew, The victims of superior power; Ye courage bade the drooping few Wait calmly for the fatal hour.

Bold they approach'd—a council's held, Our men, with voice united, cry, 'Rather than basely deign to yield, 'They'd meet their fate and boldly die:' The fight now rag'd—from side to side The thund'ring cannons dreadful sound; With purple stain the deck was dy'd, Which issu'd from each gaping wound.

Such havoc now stern death has made, Vain our resistance—nought could shield; Wounds and fatigue on valour prey'd, And with reluctance did we yield: But scarce our batter'd hall we quit, Scarce from the sturdy wreck retire, Ere up she blew, 'sham'd to be beat, Shrouding her form in sheets of fire.