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! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE KING'S THRESHOLD by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS BABY BELL by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE DAUGHTER OF DEBATE by ELIZABETH I INVERSNAID by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS ON THE SLAIN COLLEGIANS by HERMAN MELVILLE THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 91. LOST ON BOTH SIDES by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI A SONG OF SUN SETTING by JANE BARLOW |