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THE CUMBERLAND
by Melville, Herman [1819-1891]

Some names there are of telling sound,
Whose vowelled syllables free
Are pledge that they shall ever live renowned;
Such seems to be
A Frigate's name (by present glory spanned)—
The Cumberland.
Sounding name as e'er was sung,
Flowing, rolling on the tongue—
Cumberland! Cumberland!
She warred and sunk. There's no denying
That she was ended—quelled;
And yet her flag above her fate is flying,
As when it swelled
Unswallowed by the swallowing sea: so grand—
The Cumberland.
Goodly name as e'er was sung,
Roundly rolling on the tongue—
Cumberland! Cumberland!
What need to tell how she was fought—
The sinking flaming gun—
The gunner leaping out the port—
Washed back, undone!
Her dead unconquerably manned
The Cumberland.
Noble name as e'er was sung,
Slowly roll it on the tongue—
Cumberland! Cumberland!
Long as hearts shall share the flame
Which burned in that brave crew,
Her fame shall live—outlive the victor's name;
For this is due.
Your flag and flag-staff shall in story stand—
Cumberland!
Sounding name as e'er was sung,
Long they'll roll it on the tongue—
Cumberland! Cumberland!
Herman Melville.

Source: Project Gutenberg

Source: Project Gutenberg