Virginia Argus

THE FRIGATE CONSTITUTION.

Argo of Greece, that brought the fleece
To Athens famous city.
As we are told, by bards of old.
Twas sung in many a ditty:
But Yankees claim a prouder name
To spur their resolution,
Than Greece could boast and do her most—
The frigate Constitution.

When first she press'd, the stream's cool breast,
They hail'd her, pride of story :
And she o'erpays hope's flattering praise,
By matchless deeds of glory ;
Of all that roam, the salt sea's foam,
None floats with Neptune dearer,
Or fairer shines in fame's bright lines,
Or more makes Britain fear her.

Neath Hull's command, with a tough band,
And nought beside to back her,
Upon a day, as log books say,
A fleet bore down to thwack her ;
A fleet you know, is odds or so,
Against a single ship sirs;
So 'cross the tide, her legs she tried,
And gave the rogues the slip sirs.

But time flies round, and soon she found,
While ploughing ocean's acres,
An even chance to join the dance,
And turn keel up, poor Dacres :
Dacres, 'tis clear despises fear,
Quite full of fun and prank is,
Hoists his ship's name in playful game.
Aloft, to scare the Yankees.

On Brazil's coast' she rul'd the roast,
Where Bainbridge was her captain ;
Neat hammocks gave, made of the wave,
Dead Briton's to be wrapp'd in;
For there, in ire, 'midst smoke and fire,
Her boys the Java met sirs.
And in the fray, her yankee play
Tip'd Bull a somerset sirs.

Next on her deck, at fortune's beck
The dauntless Stewart landed:
A better tar ne'er shone in war,
Or daring souls commanded
Old friends, once more rides,
In search of English cruisers :
And Neptune grins, to see her twins,
Got in an hour or two sirs.

Then raise amain the joyful strain,
For well she has deserved it:
Who brought the foe so often low,
Cheer'd freedom's heart and nerv'd it—
Long may she ride, our navy's pride,
And spur us ad solution;
And seamen boast, and landsmen toast,
THE FRIGATE CONSTITUTION.