The "Kentucky"

(Battleship, launched March 24, 1898.) I     Here's to her who bears the name     Of our State;     May the glory of her fame     Be as great!     In the battle's dread eclipse,     When she opens iron lips,     When our ships confront the ships     Of the foe,     May each word of steel she utters carry woe!     Here's to her! II     Here's to her, who, like a knight     Mailed of old,     From far sea to sea the Right     Shall uphold.     May she always deal defeat,--     When contending navies meet,     And the battle's screaming sleet     Blinds and stuns,--     With the red, terrific thunder of her guns.     Here's to her! III     Here's to her who bears the name     Of our State;     May the glory of her fame     Be as great!     Like a beacon, like a star,     May she lead our squadrons far,--     When the hurricane of war     Shakes the world,--     With her pennant in the vanward broad unfurled.     Here's to her!