OUR SAILORS. "O protect the hardy Tar, And when again you're plung'd in war Sing, Muse, tho' feeble be thy strain, Our Sailors! When freedom, property, and laws, Our Sailors! Who scorn the despot stain'd with blood, Destroy them, for our country's good? Our Sailors! RUSHTON. Who act thro' life an honest part? Who ever dry misfortune's tear, Each helpless outcast proud to cheer? Our Sailors! Who guard our coast, protect the fair? Our Sailors! Who still supply our groaning boards, Our Sailors! Who brave hidd'n rocks, and dang❜rous seas? Who bear the pestilential breeze? Who taste not luxury nor ease? Our Sailors! Who mid' the tempest's threat'ning blast, Or, cheerful sing, of dangers past? Our Sailors! Who death can face, without alarm, In battle's rage, terrific storm, When light'nings blue Heav'n's face deform? Our Sailors! Who, shipwreck'd on a foreign coast, Our Sailors! To them we owe whate'er we prize, Our Sailors! Indignant, let the Muse reveal, But tell the pangs they're doom'd to feel, Our Sailors! Eager to hail their native land! While friendship greets along the strand, A wife's embrace, a prattler's smile, Our Sailors! Oh! mark the ruthless fiends appear, Men, who should be their country's care, Blush! Britons, blush! to have it told, That to the tender's putrid hold Fell hirelings, cow'rdly, force the bold, Our Sailors! Peace to thy bosom, feeling Bard! (3) Our Sailors! |