Admiral Matthews Engagement against the Com-
bind Fleets of France and Spain.
|
BRave Admiral Matthews has been on the Main
|
with a true Brittish heart against France & Spain
|
Resolving to fight for Old England once more,
|
And make them knock under before he gives oer,
|
For there never was such a bold Fleet as they say,
|
Sent out by Old England this many a Day.
|
He had not been long on the Sea it is true,
|
Before in Sight, there appeard in his View,
|
Twenty eight Sail of the French and proud Spain,
|
Who swiftly was Sailing along the Salt Main,
|
Then he cryd my brave Boys look see how they ride
|
I hop[e] in small time we shall soon cool their Pride.
|
We hoisted our Sails and away then we went,
|
With our Guns all ready and hearts likewise bent,
|
Until that we come to the view of them all,
|
Then strait our brave Admiral unto us did call,
|
At the word of command to make ready with speed
|
For I think the proud Donns, will fight us indeed.
|
But the Wind provd contrary we could not pursue,
|
Altho that we had them so full in our view,
|
And for to deceive us they did lay in wait,
|
Thinking we should follow them up to the Straits,
|
Yhough our good God was pleased to alter the wind,
|
Yet Fortune unto us it proved unkind.
|
There is an old Proverb Ive lately thought on,
|
When you think of a friend youre sure to find none,
|
For when that I thought to see Lestock come by,
|
he was 5 miles a distance & would not come nigh
|
But for all that misfortune we never could start,
|
We pursued after them with a true Brittish Heart.
|
A miles distance next day they at us did fire,
|
But in half an hour we to them drew nigher,
|
Until that we came within Pistol Shot,
|
Then we did let fly, and why should we not;
|
As we sent em one Broadside another did come,
|
Which made our Cannons play, Bomb, bomb.
|
Our Admiral took then his Glass in his hand,
|
To espy what he could, as you shall understand,
|
A double Shot came unto him so nigh,
|
That it took off the place where his Arm did lye,
|
But for that misfortune and all that foul play,
|
We held em six hours in hot Battle that day.
|
The night being come they straightway gave oer
|
and went off with their Criples we see em no more
|
but now that the War is proclaimd against France
|
when we see them again well make em to prance
|
And if ever they into our presence do come,
|
well make our Cannons play Britain strike home.
|
Then straightway we left them in grief to complain,
|
Whilst we are Carousing along the Salt Main,
|
Pray God bless our Fleet and his Majesty too,
|
And grant them success wherever they go,
|
Concluding as this and my Song to end,
|
In Matthews brave Ship these Verses were pennd.
|
|
|
|
|
|