A New Sea Song written by a Lieutenant of the Bellerophon

Twas on the twenty-eighth of May, the morning being clear,
A fleet to windward we espy'd ; they Frenchmen did appear.
The signal for the same being made, the chace was soon begun ;
And then for battle we prepar'd, to shew monsieurs some fun.
Our ship being clear'd, the foe we near'd, with expectations high,
That we should show the murd'rous foe, that British courage still would flow,
To make them strike or die.

The fam'd Bellerophon began her cannons first to play
Upon a three-deck'd ship of theirs, which could not run away :
Our hearts of gold their shot well told, in show'rs about her side,
'Till the Leviathan came up, the battle to divide;
Then seeing plain 'twas quite in vain the contest more to try,
She struck ; and this does shew that British courage still will flow,
To make them strike or die.

Night coming on, the battle ceas'd, till Phoebus rose again,
When we beheld this trait'rous fleet still vaunting on the main;
Our line being form'd, and all hearts warm'd, the fight was soon renew'd;
Determined to hand down that flag, which with contempt we view'd.
Lord Howe engaged their hottest rage ; he broke their line to try
If such manoeuvres would not shew that British courage still would flow,
To make them strike or die.

The battle warmly was maintain'd, much valour was display'd,
Till night, with all her sable train, the action still delay'd.
Now since again all o'er the main these rebels can't be found
We'll toast our admirals in our glass; our girls, too, shall go round.
Each heart shall sing, ' Long Live the King !' and each again reply,
'If e'er we're call'd again we'll shew that British courage still shall flow,
To make them strike or die?
PART II.

We anxiously the Frenchmen sought for two days o'er the main,
And on the first of June we brought those rebels to again.
Lord Howe the signal made for each his opposite to take,
Not doubting then that such brave men would soon a conquest make.
The fight began, and ev'ry man his utmost power did try
To make these traitors feel and know that British courage still would flow,
To make them strike or die.

Two hours or more this battle was with matchless warmth maintain'd,
When Providence smil'd on our cause and vict'ry for us gain'd.
Though at one time three of the line upon our ship did fall
Yet we so well our shot did tell that we beat off them all.
The masts of one were soon brought down, and she a log did lie,
To make these ' sans-culottes ' all know that British courage still shall flow,
To make them strike or die.

Our gallant chief commander too, by three was clos'd around ;
He fought so bravely that the foe was forc'd to quit his ground.
Now nine or ten upon the main dismasted wrecks they lay;
And all the rest got so well drest they did not chuse to stay.
Thus o'er the main being left to reign, to England soon we'll hie
With all our prizes, which will shew that British courage still will flow,
To make them strike or die.

But one small tribute let me pay, which justice does demand,
To Admiral Pasley, who this day was ta'en from his command.
One wicked shot, which they had got, his leg did sever soon,
Which robb'd the van of this brave man long e'er the fight was done.
Yet 'midst such play he'd smile and say, ' Fight on, my lads, and try
To make these rebel Frenchmen know that British courage still will flow,
To make them strike or die.'

My shipmates, now let's celebrate a day of great renown,
Which will this victory relate to ages yet unknown.
Come, let us raise our voice to praise the gallant name of Howe,
Who by this check the stubborn neck of France has made to bow.
May peace again, and all her train, with blessings from on high,
Shine on our Isle ! then all shall know that Britons will such courage shew,
To make them strike or die.

God Save the King !