The Captain

A LEGEND OF THE NAVY He that only rules by terror Doeth grievous wrong. Deep as hell I count his error. Let him hear my song. Brave the Captain was; the seamen Made a gallant crew, Gallant sons of English freemen, Sailors bold and true. But they hated his oppression; Stern he was and rash, So for every light transgression Doomd them to the lash. Day by day more harsh and cruel Seemd the Captains mood. Secret wrath like smotherd fuel Burnt in each mans blood. Yet he hoped to purchase glory, Hoped to make the name Of his vessel great in story, Wheresoeer he came. So they past by capes and islands, Many a harbor-mouth, Sailing under palmy highlands Far within the South. On a day when they were going Oer the lone expanse, In the north, her canvas flowing, Rose a ship of France. Then the Captains color heightend, Joyful came his speech; But a cloudy gladness lightend In the eyes of each. Chase, he said; the ship flew forward, And the wind did blow; Stately, lightly, went she norward, Till she neard the foe. Then they lookd at him they hated, Had what they desired; Mute with folded arms they waited Not a gun was fired. But they heard the foemans thunder Roaring out their doom; All the air was torn in sunder, Crashing went the boom, Spars were splinterd, decks were shatterd, Bullets fell like rain; Over mast and deck were scatterd Blood and brains of men. Spars were splinterd; decks were broken; Every mothers son Down they droptno word was spoken Each beside his gun. On the decks as they were lying, Were their faces grim. In their blood, as they lay dying, Did they smile on him. Those in whom he had reliance For his noble name With one smile of still defiance Sold him unto shame. Shame and wrath his heart confounded, Pale he turnd and red, Till himself was deadly wounded Falling on the dead. Dismal error! fearful slaughter! Years have wanderd by; Side by side beneath the water Crew and Captain lie; There the sunlit ocean tosses Oer them mouldering, And the lonely seabird crosses With one waft of the wing.