I

The boats are lowered, floating on the sea,
And as the men, with silent courage, stand,
Like to a battle call of minstrelsy,
A sudden volume sweeps. Oh! Gallant Band, —
Calmly, as if on terraced garden green,
The liquid music lifts to starlit skies,
As though the breathless horror of the scene
Were but a prelude unto Paradise.

II

The sweet, old hymn that every little child
Has learned to whisper at his mother's knee,
Perchance, at that dread moment, reconciled
Each doubting heart to meet Eternity.
The flute and cornet, cello, violin,
Not one was missing from the accustomed place,
And wafting sound, above the water's din,
Followed each warrior to his resting place.

III

No hope forlorn, by martial music led,
Was ever cheered by anthem more inspired;
Each hero, now amongst the deathless Dead,
Ready to meet his fate, with ardor fired,
Owed his last debt to those who, unafraid
Though face to face with Death that was to be,
With valianThearts and hands so firmly played
Unto the end, their Requiem of the Sea!