“We thought maybe there is a story to it,” said Fred.
“Yes, there is,” said their grandfather. “And I know a little rhyme that tells the story.”
“Could you say it to us?” asked Alice.
“Yes, if I can think of it. Let me see. How does it begin?”
Grandfather leaned his head back in the chair. He shut his eyes for a moment. He was trying to remember.
“Oh, now I remember it!” he said.
Then he said to them these little verses:—
GRANDFATHER’S RHYME.
When I was but a boy,
I heard the people tell
How gallant Captain Law-rence
So bravely fought and fell.
The ships lay close together,
I heard the people say,
And many guns were roaring
Upon that battle day.
A grape-shot struck the captain,
He laid him down to die:
They say the smoke of powder
Made dark the sea and sky.
The sailors heard a whisper
Upon the captain’s lip:
The last command of Law-rence
Was, “Don’t give up the ship.”
And ever since that battle
The people like to tell
How gallant Captain Lawrence
So bravely fought and fell.
When disappointment happens,
And fear your heart annoys,
Be brave, like Captain Lawrence—
And don’t give up, my boys!