ournful visions of a
return to British rule darkened their horizon. But, even while they
were thus saddened by Decatur's defeat, a gallant vessel--the monarch
of the American navy--was fighting a good fight for the honor of the
nation; and out of that fight she came with colors flying and two
captive men-of-war following in her wake.

It will be remembered that the "Constitution" left Boston in December,
1814, for an extended cruise. The gallant frigate, always a favorite
among man-o'-war's men, carried with her on this cruise a full crew of
native Americans,--thorough seamen, and as plucky fighters as ever
pulled a lanyard or carried a cutlass. Her course lay due east; and in
January, 1815, she was in the Bay of Biscay, where she fell in with,
and captured, two prizes. After this she cruised about for a month,
without encountering an enemy. American privateers and cruisers had
fairly driven British merchantmen from the seas, and the tars of the
"Constitution" found their time hanging heavily on their hands. The
captain was an able and considerate officer, and much freedom was
allowed the jackies in their amusements. With boxing, broadsword, and
single-stick play, drill and skylarking, the hours of daylight were
whiled away; and by night the men off duty would gather about the
forecastle lantern to play with greasy, well-thumbed cards, or warble
tender ditties to black-eyed Susans far across the Atlantic.
Patriotic melodies formed no small part of Jack's musical
_repertoire_. Of these, this one, written by a landsman, was for a
long time popular among the tuneful souls of the forecastle, and was
not altogether unknown in the wardroom.

"Now coil up y'r nonsense 'bout England's great navy,
And take in y'r slack about oak-hearted tars;
For frigates as stout, and as gallant crews have we,
Or how came their "Macedon" decked with our stars?
Yes, how came her "Guerriere," her "Peacock," and "Java,"
All sent broken-ribbed to old Davy of late?
How came it? Why, split me, than Britons we're braver;
And that they shall feel, too, whenever we meet.
Then charge the can cheerily,
Send it round merrily:
Here's to our country, and captains commanding;
To all who inherit
Of Lawrence the spirit
Disdaining to strike while a stick is left standing."

Many were the verses of this notable production; for, to be popular in
the forecastle, a song must p