A New Song in Praise of Admiral Keppel’s Fleet
Come, all young seamen, wherever you be,
That sails with Admiral Keppel to sea,
For we are the boys that are loyal and true,
That fights for King George and our country too.
So, boys, fill your bumpers all round;
Success to the fleet that’s outward-bound,
For we are the boys that wears true blue
And belong to Admiral Keppel’s crew.
But when he hoists the British flag,
Not France or Spain has room to brag;
He will fight the French and Spaniards too,
And make Monsieur to cry, ‘Morbleu!’
So, boys, etc.
Had Keppel but orders for to fight
The French wou’d not have run away at night;
No orders he had for to give them their due,
Which vex’d the admiral and his brave crew.
So, boys, etc.
I wish their heads on Temple Bar,
Who’d hinder bold fighting in time of war,
Or else, like Jack the Painter, to be
Hanged high upon Tyburn tree.
So, boys, etc.
Now drink a health to George our King,
Not forgetting Charlotte, his royal Queen,
And all brave seamen that sail on the main
True blue for ever will never stain.
So, boys, etc.