A New Song on the Successful Attempt of Destroying the French Fleet in Basque Roads on the 11th April 1809
Come, all you valiant Britons of every degree,
Attend a few minutes, and listen unto me
Concerning our brave sailors that sailed on the main,
With courage so bold fresh laurels they did gain.
Success to our sailors that sail on the sea,
Who with Cockrane undaunted, whenever they’ve wanted,
They’ll fight till they die, or gain the victory.
It was in Basque Roads the fleet they did lay,
At the sight of our shipping fill’d them with dismay,
They skulk’d near the shore like cowardly curs,
And dare not come out to face our brave British tars
So success, etc.
In the month of April, mind what I say,
We resolv’d to try this fleet to destroy:
We gave them three cheers before we set to,
And galled them so sorely we made them cry ‘Morbleu!’
So success, etc.
We poured in our shot and our rockets like hail,
Till at length that their courage began for to fail.
Some were taken and destroy’d, and some got on shore,
The rest run up the harbour and would fight no more,
So success, etc.
This fleet from Brest Harbour some time ago got clear,
And our brave British heroes soon after them did steer:
We chas’d them to Basque Roads without fear or doubt,
Tho’ so great was their number they dare not come out.
So success, etc.
So now, Master Boneyparte, cease for to brag,
Till you build some more ships for to hoist your white flag
Which so often has been beat by the lords of the main;
And if they dare face them they’ll serve them so again.
So success, etc.