A few young boys, their mothers' joys,
And five men there were found, sirs,
Floating at ease—each little sees
Or dreams of death and wound, sirs.
"Fly to the bank! on either flank!
We'll fire from every corner;
We'll stain with blood Muskingum's flood,
And gain immortal honor.
"The cannon there shall rend the air,
Loaded with broken spikes, boys;
While our cold lead, hurled by each head,
Shall give the knaves the gripes, boys.
"Let not maids sigh, or children cry,
Or mothers drop a tear, boys;
[I have the Baron in my head],
Therefore you've nought to fear, boys.
"Now to your posts, this numerous host,
Be manly, firm, and steady.
But do not fire till I retire
And say when I am ready."
[The Deputy] courageously
Rode forth in power and pride, sirs;
Twitching his reins, the man of brains
Was posted by his side, sirs.
The men in ranks stood on the banks,
While, distant from its border,
The active aid scours the parade
And gives the general order:
"First, at command, bid them to stand;
Then, if one rascal gains out
Or lifts his poll, why, damn his soul
And blow the traitor's brains out."
The night was dark, silent came Clark
With twelve or fifteen more, sirs;
While Paddy Hill, with voice most shrill,
Whooped! as was said before, sirs.
The trembling ranks along the banks
Fly into Shipman's manger;
While old Clark Green, with voice serene,
Cried, "Soldiers, there's no danger.