Launch of a Russian Corvette

From an American Shipyard


O WELL may a gladness illumine each brow,
And a triumph fr~m heart to heart leap,
While we see such a gallant, invincible prow
To its proud home exultingly sweep;
For the genius that shaped every timber is ours,
And America’s hand sets the mast
That shall fearlessly soar when the battle-cloud lowers,
Or a taifrail is smote by the blast.

Nor alone from the pride of our own cherished art,
Bold Corvette! do we gladden o’er thee—
For the country we cherish so close to the heart,
Thou shalt dash o’er the dark-rolling sea;
Thou shalt smile at the levin-bolt hurtled on high;
Thou shalt laugh at the danger below;
And whenever thy battle-flag streams to the sky,
Thunder down on the insolent foe.

Then a bright benediction we breathe on thy form
That will carry the flag of the brave—
That old Muscovite emblem, defying the storm,
Since its great Peter wedded the wave:
So away, proud Corvette, o’er the far-heaving tide,
Breaking through every element’s bars—
And remember the friend that here waves by thy side,
With her cloud-sweeping Eagle and Stars!


New York, 1857