The Post Captain/The Post Captain

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THE POST CAPTAIN.

When Steerwell heard me first impart Our brave commander’s story,With ardent zeal his youthful heart Swell’d high for naval glory;Resolv’d to gain a valiant name, For bold adventures eager,When first a little cabin-boy on board the Fame, He would hold on the jigger,While ten jolly tars, with musical joe,Hove the anchor a-peak, singing yoe heave yoe, Yoe, yoe, yoe, yoe, yoe, yoe, yoe heave yoe.  Whiler en jolly tars, &c.
To hand top-gallant sails next he learn’d. With quickness care and spirit,Whose generous master then discern’d, And priz’d his dawning merit;He taught him soon to reef and steer, When storms convuls’d the ocean,Where shoals made skilful veterans fear, Which mark’d him for promotion:As none to the pilot e’er answer'd like he,When he gave the command, hard a port, helm a-lee,Luff, boys, luff, keep her near,Clear the buoy, make the pier.  None to the pilot, &c.
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For valor, skill, and worth renown’d,The foe he oft defeated,And now, with fame and fortune crown’d,Post Captain he is rated;Who, should our injur’d country bleed,Still bravely would defend her;Now, blest with peace, should beauty plead,He’ll prove his heart as tender:Unaw’d, yet mild to high and low.To poor or wealthy, friend or foe,Wounded tars share his wealth,All the fleet drink his health.Priz’d be such hearts, for aloft they will go,Which always are ready compassion to shewTo a brave conquer’d foe.

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