The Admiral's Return.

(Written on the occasion of the bringing of the body of Admiral John Paul Jones to the United States for reburial.)

Brave ships are these that bear thee home again

From under far-off skies--brave flags that fly

Above the deck whereon thine ashes lie,

Waiting their urn beyond the alien main;

The nations pause to view thy funeral train

As slowly moving up 'twixt sea and sky

It comes with stately pomp, and Liberty

Holds out her hands and calls thy name in vain.

And yet, mayhap, in vision vague and sweet,

Another sight thou seest beyond the boast

Of patriot pride--beside the new-born fleet,

Spectral and strange, no guest for such a host,

Yet making thy home-coming all complete,

The old "Bon Homme Richard's" unlaid ghost.