Now through the battle's roar
Clear the boy sings,
"By the mark fathoms four,"
While his lead swings.
Steady the wheelmen five
"Nor' by East keep her,"
"Steady," but two alive:
How the shells sweep her!
Lashed to the mast that sways
Over red decks,
Over the flame that plays
Round the torn wrecks,
Over the dying lips
Framed for a cheer,
Farragut leads his ships,
Guides the line clear.
On by heights cannon-browed,
While the spars quiver;
Onward still flames the cloud
Where the hulks shiver.
See, yon fort's star is set,
Storm and fire past.
Cheer him, lads—Farragut,
Lashed to the mast!
Oh! while Atlantic's breast
Bears a white sail,
While the Gulf's towering crest
Tops a green vale,
Men thy bold deeds shall tell,
Old Heart of Oak,
Daring Dave Farragut,
Thunderbolt stroke!
William Tuckey Meredith.
On went the flagship across the line of torpedoes, but not one of them exploded, and a moment later one of the most daring feats in the naval history of the world had been safely accomplished. The line of battle was re-formed, the forts and Confederate fleet savagely attacked, and by nine o'clock the Union fleet was in the bay.
THROUGH FIRE IN MOBILE BAY
[August 5, 1864]
I'd weave a wreath for those who fought
In blue upon the waves,
I drop a tear for all who sleep
Down in the coral caves,
And proudly do I touch my cap
Whene'er I meet to-day
A man who sail'd with Farragut
Thro' fire in Mobile Bay.
Oh, what a gallant sight it was
As toward the foe we bore!
Lashed to the mast, unflinching, stood
Our grand old Commodore.
I see him now above the deck,
Though time has cleared away
The battle smoke that densely hung
Above old Mobile Bay.