Then all hands were called to quarters, while we pursued in chase, With well prim'd guns, our tompions out, well spliced the main brace. Soon to the French we did draw nigh, Compelled to fight, they were, or fly, The word was passed, "CONQUER OR DIE," My brave Yankee boys. Lord! our Cannons thunder'd with peals tremendous roar, And death upon our bullets' wings that drenched their decks with gore, The blood did from their scuppers run, Their chief exclaimed, "We are undone!" Their flag they struck, the battle won, By the brave Yankee boys. Then to St. Kitts we steered, we bro't her safe in port, The grand salute was fired and answered from the fort, John Adams in full bumpers toast, George Washington, Columbia's boast, And now "the girl we love the most!" My brave Yankee boys. 1813. [Illustration] [Illustration] THE WASP'S FROLIC. (Action of 18 October, 1812.) [From "Naval Songster," 1815.] 'Twas on board the sloop-of-war _Wasp_ boys, We set sail from Delaware Bay, To cruise on Columbia's fair coast, sirs, Our rights to maintain on the sea. Three days were not passed on our station, When the _Frolic_ came up to our view; Says Jones, "Show the flag of our nation"; Three cheers were then gave by our crew. We boldly bore up to this Briton, Whose cannon began for to roar; The _Wasp_ soon her stings from her side ran, When we on them a broadside did pour. Each sailor stood firm at his quarters, 'Twas minutes past forty and three, When fifty bold Britons were slaughter'd, Whilst our guns swept their masts in the sea. Their breasts then with valor still glowing, Acknowledged the battle we'd won, On us then bright laurels bestowing, When to leeward they fired a gun. On their decks we the twenty guns counted, With a crew for to answer the same; Eighteen was the number we mounted, Being served by the lads of true game. With the _Frolic_ in tow, we were standing, All in for Columbia's fair shore; But fate on our laurels was frowning, We were taken by a seventy-four. [Illustration] [Illustration] "CONSTITUTION" AND "GUERRIÈRE." (Action of 19 August, 1812.) It oft times has been told, That the British seamen bold, Could flog the tars of France so neat and handy, oh! But they never found their match, Till the Yankees did them catch, Oh, the Yankee boys for fighting are the dandy, oh! The _Guerrière_ a frigate bold, On the foaming ocean rolled, Commanded by proud Dacres, the grandee, oh! With as choice a British crew, As a rammer ever drew, Could flog the Frenchmen two to one so handy, oh!