Classic Poem

Launched once more on the ocean wave,
Where my careless boyhood found me;
Free to roam where the wild winds rave,
And the billows roll, around me.
Oh! there's joy on my restless home,—
Joy for the daring seamen!
Though landsmen shrink
When on danger's brink,
Not the rocky shore,
Nor the breakers' roar,
Can daunt old Ocean's Freemen.

Hearts as free as the winds that sweep
The breast of the trackless ocean,
Have the sons of the mighty deep,
When the gallant ship's in motion.
Toss'd on waves that roll mountains high,
What cares the dauntless seaman?
His heart beats warm,
Both in calm and storm,
For there's not a breeze
That sweeps the seas,
Can daunt old Ocean's Freemen!

Long as the Red-Cross Banner flies
High over the heaving billow,
Will the tar tempt the fiercest skies
That frown on his restless pillow.
Long as Old England's Ensign waves
Over her dauntless seamen,
Not the midnight breeze
That sweeps the seas,
Nor the hostile shore,
Nor the battle's roar,
Can daunt her Ocean Freemen!