Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/18

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14
POEMS FOR THE SEA.


Columbia's ships!—With dauntless prow
   The tossing deep they tread;
The pirates of the Libyan sands
   Have felt their prowess dread;
And the British lion's lordly mane
   Their victor might confessed,
For well their nation's faith and pride
   They guard on Ocean's breast.

When strong Oppression fiercely frowns,
   Her eagle rears its crest,
And means no bird of air shall pluck
   His pinions, or his breast;
And brightest on the threatening cloud
   Gleam out her stars of gold;
Huzza! for young Columbia's ships—
   And for her seamen bold!