Charles L. S. Jones

Tune—“When I was a little boy, some twenty years ago”

WHEN our navy yet was young,

Some thirty years ago,

To try their skill, with right good will,

They sought the haughty foe;

And the turban’d Turk brought low.

Though underneath their batteries,

Our captive frigate lay,

Where ball and shot flew, hissing hot,

Across the foamy bay;

They cut their prize away.

And little reck’d that gallant band

The coil of whisker’d slaves;

Nor deem’d their fun but half begun,

Till they had bow’d the knaves,

And our flag controll’d their waves.

Then here’s to brave Decatur,

And his valiant-hearted crew,

Who show’d the Turk what handy-work

Our infant force could do:

A lesson before he ne’er knew.