CAPTAIN FRANCISCA
Wild heart of France, in pride
And ruin bred!
Against a heart he died,
As brave, as free.
Sternly she bade his men
First sink the prize, and then
Name one that in his stead
Their chief should be.
Each red-shirt laid his hand
Upon the Cross,
Swearing, at her command,
Vengeance to wreak;
To scour the blue sea there
And seek the Spaniards' lair,
From Gracias à Dios
To Porto Rique.
His corse the deep she gave,
Her life to hate;
Upon the land and wave
Brought sudden fear:
No bearded Capitan,
Since first their woes began
(The orphaned niñas prate),
Cost them so dear!
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