LESSON LXXI.
en'sign, flag.
dis man'tled, stripped of masts, sails, and guns.
pa tri ot'ic, full of love for one's country.
hulk, a dismantled ship.
frig'ate, a ship of war.
tat'tered, torn.
me'te or, a fiery body in the heavens.
van'quished, conquered; overcome.
har'pies, destroyers.
manned, supplied with men.
OLD IRONSIDES.
During our second war with Great Britain, which began in the year 1812, many battles were fought both on land and sea.
Among the ships of war belonging to the United States Government, was a frigate named the Constitution. She was built about the beginning of the present century, and owing to her good fortune in many engagements, her seamen gave her the name of "Old Ironsides."
She was in active service throughout the entire war, and captured five ships of war from the British, two of which were frigates.
In all her service, her success was remarkable. She never lost her masts, never went ashore, and though so often in battle, no very serious loss of life ever occurred on her decks. Her entire career was that of what is called in the navy "a lucky ship."
Perhaps this may be explained by the fact that she always had excellent commanders, and that she probably possessed as fine a ship's company as ever manned a frigate.
In 1829, the Government ordered the Constitution to be dismantled and taken to pieces, because she had become unfit for service.