Classic Poem

1. This damsel was brought up to read and to
write, But this damsel was never brought up for to
fight, But being gallantly dressed in her royal estate,
She shipp'd on board of the Union as mate.

2 Where she served a twelve-month, a twelve-month or more,
Till at last we grew close to the old England shore.
There we saw a French pirate lying down by the main,
And it caused us to hoist up our tops'ls again.

3 We hoisted our tops'ls and bore down alongside,
But the first salutation we got was a broadside.
We gave them another just as hot as they sent.
Now for to sink each other was our full intent.

4 This first salutation our captain was slain,
And this damsel was chosen, master to remain.
( Lines missing )

5 Then she fought this French pirate for hours severe,
Till she scarcely had a man on her deck that could steer,
Till she scarcely had a man that could handle a gun,
While the blood from her scuppers like water did run.

6 For quarters, for quarters, this French Turk did cry;
But “No quarters! No quarters!” this damsel replied.
“You've had all the quarters that I can afford.
You must fight, sink, or swim, or die by the sword.”