Classic Poem

Well may the continental eagles scream,
And flap their carrion wings with joy! for they
No longer see between them & their prey
That all-protecting name, whose fleckless gleam
Shone o'er the nations like a desert sun!
Beloved for that in Freedom's bloody field
It served her as a sword & as a shield!
Strong for that with its Country it was one!
Nor victimless, tho' short will be their glee.
Shame to the puny pilots of this realm!
Who dared to thwart this honoured place!
But while free-thoughted Englishmen agree,
And noble statesmanship is held in grace,
There shall thou stand again—or at the helm!