JULY 6, 1865 <br /> <br />Now, smiling friends and shipmates all, <br />Since half our battle 's won, <br />A broadside for our Admiral! <br />Load every crystal gun <br />Stand ready till I give the word,-- <br />You won't have time to tire,-- <br />And when that glorious name is heard, <br />Then hip! hurrah! and fire! <br /> <br />Bow foremost sinks the rebel craft,-- <br />Our eyes not sadly turn <br />And see the pirates huddling aft <br />To drop their raft astern; <br />Soon o'er the sea-worm's destined prey <br />The lifted wave shall close,-- <br />So perish from the face of day <br />All Freedom's banded foes! <br /> <br />But ah! what splendors fire the sky <br />What glories greet the morn! <br />The storm-tost banner streams on high, <br />Its heavenly hues new-born! <br />Its red fresh dyed in heroes' blood, <br />Its peaceful white more pure, <br />To float unstained o'er field and flood <br />While earth and seas endure! <br /> <br />All shapes before the driving blast <br />Must glide from mortal view; <br />Black roll the billows of the past <br />Behind the present's blue, <br />Fast, fast, are lessening in the light <br />The names of high renown,-- <br />Van Tromp's proud besom fades from sight, <br />And Nelson's half hull down! <br /> <br />Scarce one tall frigate walks the sea <br />Or skirts the safer shores <br />Of all that bore to victory <br />Our stout old commodores; <br />Hull, Bainbridge, Porter,--where are they? <br />The waves their answer roll, <br />'Still bright in memory's sunset ray,-- <br />God rest each gallant soul!' <br /> <br />A brighter name must dim their light <br />With more than noontide ray, <br />The Sea-King of the 'River Fight,' <br />The Conqueror of the Bay,-- <br />Now then the broadside! cheer on cheer <br />To greet him safe on shore! <br />Health, peace, and many a bloodless year <br />To fight his battles o'er!<br /><br />Oliver Wendell Holmes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/at-a-dinner-to-admiral-farragut/
