The Royal Sailor
The foes of Old England (France, Holland, and Spain),
Made bold by indulgence, insulted the main;
The flag of defiance together unfurl’d,
And at England, Old England, their vengence they hurl’d:
When Neptune arose from his watry throne;
In a coral [red] suit he most beautifully shone;
He call’d for his tritons, and bade them repair
To the Court of great George, for young William was there.
‘He’s royal, he’s noble, he’s chosen by me
This isle to protect and reign prince of the sea.’
O’erjoy’d at the message, the youth rear’d his head.
‘I’ll fight like a prince,’ were the words that he said;
‘The cause of my country I’ll boldly espouse;
To the sea I’m wedded, and give her my vows.
With Rodney, with Digby, with Ross I will go,
And die, but I’ll conquer each insolent foe.’
The tritons reported the words that he said,
And Spain heard the plaudits by Neptune then paid:
‘He’s royal, he’s noble, he’s chosen by me
Britain’s isle to protect and reign prince of the sea.’
The Dons they have felt the effects of his rage;
No more with blood royal they’ll dare to engage;
For he stood on the deck with his naked drawn sword,
And by the bold Digby he passed the word.
Humanity touch’d him, tho’ not with base fear,
When one noble ship was blown into the air.
His courage gave rapture to each jolly tar,
Who look on Prince William their bulwark in war.
He’s royal, he’s noble, he’s chosen to be
The guard of this isle and the prince of the sea.