[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]
15