A New Song on the Sea Engagement Fought the First of June Last

When Lord Howe beat the French fleet, and took
seven of their Ships, viz. La fuste, Sans Pareille,
both of 80 guns, L'America, L'Achille,
Northumberland, L'Impetueux, and the Vengeur,
all 74-gun ships, but the Vengeur sunk very
soon after she was taken.

Printed in June 1794.

Come, all ye British hearts of gold,
A glorious tale I will unfold
Of Howe, who fought the French so bold,
On board the Queen Charlotte.
On June the first this fight began :
Our admiral he led the van;
Our shot did play so hot that day
The French they try'd to run away,
But Howe took care they should not.

The Charlotte, with Lord Howe therein,
This fierce encounter did begin,
[And] bravely threw her [broadside] in
Against the French commander,
Who found it so hot that day
That no longer there could stay,
But, crouding sail, he bore away;
He was no salamander.

They left us seven ships that day,
So crippl'd, could not get away;
Like logs they on the sea did lay,
So hot was their reception.
Two of them carried eighty guns,
Five seventy-fours were noble ones.
Huzza ! huzza ! their admiral runs ;
He could get no redemption.

Bravo Bowyer, Pasley, Captain Hutt,
Each lost a leg, being sorely hurt;
Their lives they valu'd but as dirt,
When that their country call'd them.
Poor Montague was kill'd that day;
'Twas by their shot, which fierce did play
Before tjie French they ran away,
When we so sorely maul'd them.

Of French ships there were twenty-six
When first upon them we did fix.
We valu'd not their Gallic tricks,
We had but twenty-five sail ;
We being British sailors bold,
Who value honour more than gold,
Our courage has been try'd of old,
We ever will prevail.

So since these French ships are brought in,
In honour of great George, our King,
In praise of sailors let us sing,
And drink to each brave tar, sir;
For they are lads to win the day,
And drive the boasting French away;
To face our shot they will not stay,
Our fame is heard afar, sir.