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THE FIRST OF JUNE |
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Part II.
We anxiously the Frenchmen sought for two days o'er the
main, And on the first of June we brought those rebels to again. Lord Howe the signal made for each his opposite to take, Not doubting then that such brave men would soon a conquest
make. The fight began, and ev'ry man his utmost power did try To make these traitors feel and know that British courage still
would flow,
To make them strike or die. |
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Two hours or more this battle was with matchless warmth main-
tain'd, When Providence smil'd on our cause and vict'ry for us gain'd. Though at one time three of the line upon our ship did fall Yet we so well our shot did tell that we beat off them all. The masts of one were soon brought down, and she a log did
lie, To make these ' sans-culottes ' all know that British courage still
shall flow,
To make them strike or die. |
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Our gallant chief commander too, by three was clos'd around; He fought so bravely that the foe was forc'd to quit his ground. Now nine or ten upon the main dismasted wrecks they lay; And all the rest got so well drest they did not chuse to stay. Thus o'er the main being left to reign, to England soon we'll hie With all our prizes, which will shew that British courage still will flow,
To make them strike or die. |
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But one small tribute let me pay, which justice does demand, To Admiral Pasley, who this day was ta'en from his command. One wicked shot, which they had got, his leg did sever soon, Which robb'd the van of this brave man long e'er the fight was
done. Yet 'midst such play he'd smile and say, ' Fight on, my lads, and
try To make these rebel Frenchmen know that British courage still
will flow,
To make them strike or die! |
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