The Cumberland.
By Herman Melville
(March, 1862.)
Some names there are of telling sound,
Whose voweled syllables free
Are pledge that they shall ever live renowned;
Such seem to be
A Frigate's name (by present glory spanned) -
The Cumberland.
Sounding name as ere 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 ere 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 ere 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 ere was sung,
Long they'll roll it on the tongue -
Cumberland! Cumberland!