Classic Poem

Some names there are of telling sound,
Whose voweled syllables free
Are pledge that they shall ever live renowned;
Such seems 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!