Page:Poems of home and country (IA poemsofhomecount01smit).pdf/163



S I sat, on "the Fourth," in the land of the free,

With the banner of freedom above my head waving,

And sang of the bliss which true liberty gives,

And praised the brave men who our blessings are saving,

A vessel of war sailed down on my lee,

And calmly invited my bark to surrender,

With broadsides of compliments, such as you hear,

When the borrower comes to pay court to the lender.

I found it was useless to plead for release,

Or in terms of excuse to beseech him for quarter;

What landsman would venture to parry with words,

The shots of an iron-clad craft of the water?

For safety, steer clear of all naval rigs,

Or gun-boats or monitors, frigates or brigs.

My bark to his mercy, I chose to surrender, - "Lady Muse" is her name; of course he'll defend her.

So, here, Mr. Briggs, is your poem on "work;"

I could n't refuse it, you good-natured Turk;

You're a despot of learning, and in power to-day;

So be absolute monarch, and have your own way!