He knew his ship was weak and frail, And could not stand the Spanish fire; But all the signs that he would fail, Served but to raise his courage higher. He knew that bombs embraced his boat, And one good shot would send her high, But lose or win, and sink or float, He was ready to do and die. Advised to hoist the flag of Spain, And thus deceive his watchful foe, He could not bear his name to stain, And quickly gave a manly “No.” “The stars and stripes, I love the name,” (Thus spake the grand heroic voice.) “Whether I fall, or rise to fame, My country’s flag shall be my choice.” His mother’s home might soon be sold, But surely this can never be, His life should take the place of gold, When given for humanity. He gaged his countrymen right well, And left his mother in their hands; No mortgagee could ever sell, A nation’s hero’s mother’s lands. Seven brave men composed his crew, All volunteers from Sampson’s fleet, And ev’ry man a hero true, Knowing the danger he must meet. His ship was called the Merrimac, A noted name in history. And soon she’ll sink and block a track, A sacrifice to victory. At morning dawn the start was made, And quick he reached the chosen spot, ’Mid storms of shell from hill and glade, And hundreds of death dealing shot. The cannons roared, the engine stop’d, The anchor then was quickly dumped, All hands ran aft, a float was drop’d, And onto it eight heroes jumped. The fuse was lit, the ship blew up, And sank upon the proper site, Cervera’s fleet was bottled up, And lost all chance to win the fight. A braver deed was never done, In all the ages of mankind, Since Adam faced the morning sun, Or Christ inspired the human mind. Their duty done, no longer use To risk their lives upon that trip, And hoisting up a flag of truce Were taken to Cervera’s ship. The Admiral, a gallant man, As ever storm of battle braved, Altho he did not like the plan, Rejoiced that our brave men were saved. And then he did a noble act, As human ear has ever heard, By telling us the joyful fact, And sending our brave Sampson word. A thousand cheers now rent the air, And echoed all around the world, Where freedom’s sons and daughters fair, Will keep our hero’s flag unfurled. Brave Hobson has adorned his age, And nobly won immortal fame, His deed will blaze on hist’ry’s page, And all the world will praise his name. THE OLD SOLDIER. Make your walks level and see they are straight And hang sweet flowers on your open gate, Throw the blinds apart, raise the curtains high, Swing the door open and then stand near by, For an old soldier is coming along.