The mid-tide meets in the channel waves that flow from shore to shore, And the mist hung heavy upon the land from Featherstone to Dunmore, And that sterling light in Tusker Rock where the old bell tolls each hour, And the beacon light that shone so bright was quench'd on Waterford Tower. The nightly robes our good ship wore were her three topsails set Her spanker and her standing jib--the courses being fast; "Now, lay aloft! my heroes bold, let not a moment pass!" And royals and top-gallant sails were quickly on each mast. What looms upon our starboard bow? What hangs upon the breeze? 'Tis time our good ship hauled her wind a-breast the old Saltee's, For by her ponderous press of sail and by her consorts four We saw our morning visitor was a British man-of-war. Up spake our noble Captain then, as a shot ahead of us past-- "Haul snug your flowing courses! lay your topsail to the mast!" Those Englishmen gave three loud hurrahs from the deck of their covered ark, And we answered back by a solid broadside from the decks of our patriot bark. "Out booms! out booms!" our skipper cried, "out booms and give her sheet," And the swiftest keel that was ever launched shot ahead of the British fleet, And a-midst a thundering shower of shot with stun'-sails hoisting away, Down the North Channel Paul Jones did steer just at the break of day. [Illustration: PAUL JONES' VICTORY] (Battle between the _Bon Homme Richard_ and the _Serapis_, September 23, 1779.) An American Frigate:--a frigate of fame, With guns mounting forty, _The Richard_ by name, Sailed to cruise in the channels of old England, With a valiant commander, Paul Jones was his name. Hurrah! Hurrah! Our country forever, Hurrah! We had not cruised long, before he espies A large forty-four, and a twenty likewise; Well manned with bold seamen, well laid in with stores, In consort to drive us from old England's shores. Hurrah! Hurrah! Our country forever, Hurrah! About twelve at noon, Pearson came alongside, With a loud speaking trumpet, "Whence came you?" he cried: "Return me an answer--I hailed you before, Or if you do not, a broadside I'll pour." Hurrah! Paul Jones then said to his men, every one, "Let every true seaman stand firm to his gun! We'll receive a broadside from this bold Englishman, And like true Yankee sailors, return it again." Hurrah! The contest was bloody, both decks ran with gore, And the sea seemed to blaze, while the cannon did roar. "Fight on, my brave boys," then Paul Jones he cried, "And soon we will humble this bold Englishman's pride." Hurrah! "Stand firm to your quarters--your duty don't shun, The first one that shrinks, through the body I'll run, Though their force is superior, yet they shall know, What true, brave American seamen can do." Hurrah!