_Hail stately ship of worthy name!
Where cherished memories fondly brood,
Proclaiming wide our Hudson’s fame;
Ay more; a world-wide Brotherhood.
With hearty cheer we welcome thee,
Washington Irving’s flag unfurled,
Whose genius rules from sea to sea
Whose love enriches all the world._
_Ring happy bells! Manhattan greet
Our “Irving” at thy portal now;
No other name so fair and meet,
Your storied record to endow.
Ring joyous bells along the way!
Swing wide and far a welcome free!
The glorious Hudson wakes today
With grateful music all for thee._
_Hail! “Irving” Hail! no name but thine
Could blend and bind such memories true;
Through him long centuries entwine
The Highlands bold and Catskills blue.
From Sunnyside to mountain stream
Where “Laughing Water” gently plays
Let bells salute Van Winkle’s dream
And crown the land with laurel bays._