The Poems of Philip Freneau Volume II Part 9

[37] An illegible word.

[38] This poem had also been used in "Mars and Hymen." In later editions it was printed as a distinct lyric, with the t.i.tle "The Northern Soldier." The present version, reprinted from Freneau's ma.n.u.script, will be seen to differ considerably from the others.

[39] A part of the ma.n.u.script is missing at this point.

[40] Here the ma.n.u.script ends abruptly.

PART III

ERA OF THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL

1781--1790

ERA OF THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL

1781--1790[41]

[41] This period began in August, 1781, when Freneau became connected with Mr. Francis Bailey's _Freeman's Journal_, in Philadelphia. In June, 1784, he left Philadelphia for a wandering career upon the ocean, which continued until 1790, when his a.s.sumption of the editorship of the _New York Advertiser_ and his marriage put an end for a time to his wanderings. The greater part of the poems written during this period appeared originally in the _Freeman's Journal_.

ON THE MEMORABLE VICTORY[42]

Obtained by the gallant Captain Paul Jones, of the _Good Man Richard_, over the _Seraphis_, etc., under the command of Captain Pearson.

Written August, 1781

1

O'er the rough main with flowing sheet The guardian of a numerous fleet, _Seraphis_ from the Baltic came; A ship of less tremendous force Sail'd by her side the self-same course, _Countess of Scarb'ro'_ was her name.

2

And now their native coasts appear, Britannia's hills their summits rear Above the German main; Fond to suppose their dangers o'er, They southward coast along the sh.o.r.e, Thy waters, gentle Thames, to gain.

3

Full forty guns _Seraphis_ bore, And _Scarb'ro's Countess_ twenty-four, Mann'd with Old England's boldest tars-- What flag that rides the Gallic seas Shall dare attack such piles as these, Design'd for tumults and for wars!

4

Now from the top-mast's giddy height A seaman cry'd--"Four sail in sight "Approach with favouring gales;"

Pearson, resolv'd to save the fleet, Stood off to sea these ships to meet, And closely brac'd his shivering sails.

5

With him advanc'd the _Countess_ bold, Like a black tar in wars grown old: And now these floating piles drew nigh; But, muse, unfold what chief of fame In th' other warlike squadron came, Whose standards at his mast head fly.

6

'Twas Jones, brave Jones, to battle led As bold a crew as ever bled Upon the sky surrounded main; The standards of the Western World Were to the willing winds unfurl'd, Denying Britain's tyrant reign.

7

The _Good Man Richard_ led the line; The _Alliance_ next: with these combine The Gallic ship they _Pallas_ call: The _Vengeance_, arm'd with sword and flame, These to attack the Britons came-- But two accomplish'd all.

8

Now Phoebus sought his pearly bed: But who can tell the scenes of dread, The horrors of that fatal night!

Close up these floating castles came; The _Good Man Richard_ bursts in flame; _Seraphis_ trembled at the sight.

9

She felt the fury of her ball, Down, prostrate down, the Britons fall; The decks were strew'd with slain: Jones to the foe his vessel lash'd; And, while the black artillery flash'd, Loud thunders shook the main.

10

Alas! that mortals should employ Such murdering engines, to destroy That frame by heav'n so nicely join'd; Alas! that e'er the G.o.d decreed That brother should by brother bleed, And pour'd such madness in the mind.

11

But thou, brave Jones, no blame shalt bear; The rights of men demand thy care: For these you dare the greedy waves-- No tyrant on destruction bent Has planned thy conquests--thou art sent To humble tyrants and their slaves.

12

See!--dread _Seraphis_ flames again-- And art thou, Jones, among the slain, And sunk to Neptune's caves below-- He lives--though crowds around him fall, Still he, unhurt, survives them all; Almost alone he fights the foe.

13

And can thy ship these strokes sustain?

Behold thy brave companions slain, All clasp'd in ocean's dark embrace.

"Strike, or be sunk!"--the Briton cries-- "Sink, if you can!"--the chief replies, Fierce lightnings blazing in his face.

14

Then to the side three guns he drew, (Almost deserted by his crew) And charg'd them deep with woe: By Pearson's flash he aim'd the b.a.l.l.s; His main-mast totters--down it falls-- Tremendous was the blow.[43]

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