And could she wield a cutlass-blade,
This laughing little Midshipmaid?
Was she among the trusty lads—
Before the time of iron-clads—
Those reckless, brave young Hearts of Oak,
Who looked on danger as a joke?
Or did she ever feel afraid,
This dainty little Midshipmaid?
She might have fought, indeed she should,
In time of Howe or Collingwood;