Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SEAFIGHT IN 1692, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SEAFIGHT IN 1692, by                    
First Line: "thursday in the morn, the ides of may"
Last Line: Let us drink to every english tar
Subject(s): Sea Battles; Naval Warfare


THURSDAY in the morn, the ides of May,
Recorded for ever the famous ninety-two,
Brave Russel did discern, by dawn of day,
The lofty sails of France advancing now:
All hands aloft, aloft, let English valour shine,
Let fly a culverin, the signal of the line;
Let every hand supply his gun;
Follow me,
And you'll see
That the battle will be soon begun.

Tourville on the main triumphant rolled,
To meet the gallant Russel in combat on the deep;
He led the noble train of heroes bold,
To sink the English admiral at his feet.
Now every valiant mind to victory doth aspire,
The bloody fight's begun, the sea itself on fire;
And mighty Fate stood looking on;
Whilst a flood,
All of blood,
Filled the scupper-holes of the Royal Sun.

Sulphur, smoke and fire, disturbing the air,
With thunder and wonder affright the Gallic shore;
Their regulated bands stood trembling near,
To see the lofty streamers now no more.
At six o'clock the red the smiling victors led,
To give a second blow, the fatal overthrow;
Now death and horror equal reign;
Now they cry,
Run or die,
British colours ride the vanquished main:

See they fly amazed through rocks and sands,
One danger they grasp at, to shun the greater fate;
In vain they cry for aid to weeping lands;
The nymphs and sea-gods mourn their lost estate.
For evermore adieu, thou royal dazzling Sun,
From thy untimely end thy master's fate begun:
Enough, thou mighty god of war!
Now we sing,
Bless the king,
Let us drink to every English tar.





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