STRICKEN but steadfast, faithful to the last,

To save her flock, herself she could not save

If she would rise triumphant from the grave

To join the sea's immortals of the past.

Ships of the line — though science may decree

Their doom, yet all her efforts must be vain,

For in men's hearts they ever rise again,

The spiritual guardians of the sea.

Each with her own tradition well beloved,

Each with her signal out, as who would say

"'Twas thus and thus we found the only way,

'Twas so we learned and tested, lived and proved."

Frigates and sloops — who gladly paid the price,

No ship or squadron sails the seven seas

To-day, but quickens as it finds, in these,

Symbols of service and of sacrifice.

From River Plate, from Narvik and Dunkirk

Comes testimony to support a tale,

Repeated where the crowded convoys sail,

Of sloops and frigates back again to work!

Whom following, victorious in defeat,

She passed, contented that her strength should go

To strengthen hearts renewed because they know

The Jervis Bay has joined the deathless fleet!

["Naval Review."