Classic Poem

I' M afloat! I'm afloat on the fierce rolling tide;
The ocean's my home! and my bark is my bride!
Up — up with my flag! let it wave o'er the sea;
I'm afloat! I'm afloat, and the rover is free!

I fear not a monarch — I heed not the law;
I've a compass to steer by, a dagger to draw;
And ne'er as a coward or slave will I kneel,
While my guns carry shot, or my belt bears a steel

Quick — quick — trim her sails; let her sheets kiss the wind;
And I warrant we'll soon leave the sea-gull behind;
Up — up with my flag! let it wave o'er the sea!
I'm afloat! I'm afloat! and the rover is free;

The night gathers o'er us; the thunder is heard;
What matter? our vessel skims on like a bird;
What to her is the dash of the storm-ridden main?
She has braved it before, and will brave it again!

The fire-gleaming flashes around us may fall;
They may strike; they may cleave; but they cannot appal.
With lightnings above us, and darkness below,
Through the wild waste of waters right onward we go!

Hurrah! my brave crew! ye may drink; ye may sleep
The storm-fiend is hushed; we're alone on the deep;
Our flag of defiance still waves o'er the sea;
Hurrah, boys! hurrah, boys! the rover is free!