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THE SAPHIRAH IN TRIUMPH 185
Their privateers at anchor lying we did sink before their face; Women with their children crying from the town did run a-pace. By us their prison was confounded: to some it proved a happy
day; Such as were not kill'd or wounded took to their heels and run
away.
Their nunnery did feel our fury, their blind zeal could not them
save; Some in confusion and great hurry were sent by us to their
grave. About their ears their houses tumbled, which no doubt did grieve
them sore ; Was ever haughty Spain so humbled by one small ship as now
before ?
Two thousand shot and more we fir'd at their churches, forts, and
town, It made us laugh till we were tir'd to see their houses tumble
down : Seventeen hundred and forty-four, sir, January the fifteenth day, That we made the Spaniards rue, sir, our most noble British
play.
We had in this bold action one man killed, and no more; Which I think was enough to vex 'em, they having many in their
gore. Had the day but longer lasted, and our ship not damnify'd, We'd made them surrender, we protested, or would all have surely
dy'd.
We then soon for Lisbon sailed, where we got wine our hearts to
cheer. At Vigo widows their fates bewailed, and curst the time that we
came there. I wish that all our brave commanders, who sail the seas for
Britain's right, May like bold Holmes prove Alexanders, not fearing death when
they do fight.
May he meet with a just treatment from our nation for the
same, For so bold and brave defeatment none but cowards can him
blame. |
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