The Ship of State is strongly built,
Seaworn and seasoned well
By ages gone of storm and stress,
And foeman's shot and shell.

The Ship of State needs seamen bold
To weather out the gale,
For there are tempests dark above,
Would make a weak man quail.

Black, jagged rocks and hidden shoals
Upon her passage wait;
Currents and headwinds, gales and calms
Waylay the Ship of State.

God grant her men whose steadfast souls
Are by no fears distraught,
To steer her thro' the gathering storm
And bring her safe to port.