Tightly each other's hand they pressed,
Loudly they cried, "We will do our best;
"The pine-tree flag, ere day is passed,
Shall float from the Margaretta's mast."
III
They ran to a sloop that lay near by;
They roused their neighbors, with hue and cry;
They doffed their hats, gave three loud cheers,
And called for a crew of volunteers.
Their bold, brave spirit spread far and wide,
And men came running from every side.
Curious armed were the dauntless ones,
With axes, pitchforks, scythes, and guns;
They shouted, "Ere yet this day be passed,
The pine-tree grows from the schooner's mast!"
IV
With sails all set, trim as could be,
The Margaretta stood out to sea.
With every man and boy in place,
The gallant Yankee sloop gave chase.
Rippled and foamed the sunlit seas;
Freshened and sung the soft May breeze;