THE SEAMAN'S VICTORY : OR, ADMIRAL KILLIGREW'S GLORIOUS CONQUEST OVER THE FRENCH FLEET IN THE STREIGHTS, AS THEY WERE COMING FROM THOULON TOWARDS BREST; WITH THE MANNER OF TAKING THREE OF THEIR FRENCH MEN-OF-WAR, AND SINKING TWO MORE ALTHOUGH THE FRENCH ADMIRAL VAINLY BOASTED HE WOULD RECOVER BREST OR PARADICE, YET HE SHAMEFULLY RUN FROM THE ENGLISH FLEET. THE following ballad is taken from the Bagford Collection, where it is directed to be sung "To the Tune of the Spinning-wheel." HERE'S joyfull newes came late from sea, "Tis of a gallant victory, Which o'er the French we did obtain, Upon the throbbing ocean main, As soon as e'er they found our rage, The French fleet sailing from Thoulon, Five ships, with others, did advance, Brave English boys the coast did clear. The French at first did brag and boast, That we engag'd and beat them too: The haughty rage of proud Mounsieur. Our admiral bore up amain, Right valiant seamen, fierce and bold, All with a resolution bent, Whole showers of shot to them they sent, We pour'd our shot on ev'ry side, Now while we did maintain the fight, And likewise have we taken three, The Frenchmen they did retreat, A prize of all the rest he'll make; Under the admiral's command, To shake the very crown of France. Printed for P. Brooks, by J. Deacon, J. Blare, and J. Back. THE SEAMAN'S COMPASS : OR, A dainty new ditty composed and pen'd, The deeds of brave seamen to praise and commend; 'Twas made by a maid that to Gravesend did pass. Now mark, and you quickly shall hear how it was. To the Tune of The tyrant hath stolen. [From Bagford's Collection.] As lately I travelled towards Gravsend, E A sea-man in promise is faithful and just, Honest in carriage, and true to his trust: Kinde in behaviour and constant in love, Is firm in affection as the turtle dove, Valiant in action in every degree, There's none, &c. The sea-men adventures their lives at the seas, Whilst land-men on shore takes pleasure and ease: The sea-men at all times their business must ply, In winter and summer, in wet and in dry, From toyl and pains-taking they seldom are free, There's none but a seaman shall marry with me. Moreover I'de have you for to understand That sea-men bring treasure and profit to land, Above and beneath ground, for wealth they have sought, And when they have found it to England 'tis brought, With hazard of lives by experience we see, There's none but a sea-man shall marry with me. Seamen from beyond seas bring silver and gold, With pearls and rich jewels most rare to behold, With silks and rich velvets their credits to save, Or else you gay ladies could not go so brave, This makes my heart merry, as merry may be, There's none but a sea-man shall marry with me. |