William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
The Heroes of TripoliN
Hung their shadows o’er the bay,
Where, upon the briny flood,
Preble’s daring squadron lay.
See detach’d a warrior-train,
Somers, Wadsworth, Israel brave,
To the castle move amain.
Memory on your deeds shall dwell;
Blazon’d with unfading glory,
Freedom’s trophies you shall swell.
“Allah!” echoes from the steep,
Turban’d millions rush below,
To o’erwhelm them on the deep.
Loud exclaims, with patriot flame,
“Ere they bear us to the land,
Let the waves our corses claim.
Floating on the breeze’s breath,
In explosion’s kindling blaze,
We shall find a glorious death.”
Blazing o’er the wondering flood,
Turks in wild confusion lie,
Staining ocean with their blood.
Hurried to a watery grave,
Somers’ band, by honour led,
Undismay’d embrace the wave.
Memory on your deeds shall dwell;
Blazon’d with unfading glory,
Freedom’s trophies you shall swell.