France Cover'd with Glory

Good people all, I pray attend a most surprising story :
'Tis of an action on the main, that cover'd France with glory.
'Twas on the ninth day of July, from Cadiz post away
Six sail o' th' line, and frigates three, to Algesiras Bay.

For, kept by th' English in blockade, the mighty Linois lay,
With five large ships, a frigate too, in Algesiras Bay.
These to relieve Moreno came, not to engage in fight,
But to the port of Cadiz straight with them combine in flight.

A fresh east wind rose on the twelfth, the French and Spaniards go,
For Cadiz swift they sail, and take the Hannibal in tow.
Now this same eastward gale, alas! brought on the English fleet,
Who seem to wish for nothing more than enemies to meet.

Five sail o' th' line the English had, a frigate and a brig-
They came as if they did not care for France and Spain a fig.
The night came on, and France and Spain were very much In fear,
As stronger grew the eastern breeze, more English might appear.

Hence they were puzzled what to do-that is, which way to fly-
For what, indeed; are France and Spain when British tars are nigh!
At length th' allies heard cannon three, and fires saw far behind-
They thought them English signals, so they push'd before the wind.

Then they congratulate themselves that they were got together,
And that they sail'd so very well beyond Old England's tether.
A conflagration soon they saw burst through the dark of night,
Which seem'd to be their ships on fire-Oh! then how great their fright !

Such their first thoughts; but soon they fear'd 'twas fire-ships of the foe:
That was enough to urge their speed, and wondrous fast they go.
No longer there could be a doubt, the foe has pass'd the Strait;
Nay, they had reach'd the Gallic wake-there was no time to wait.

The French at their maintop-mast-head had put the light to rally;
But pull'd it down when th' English came, lest they too near might sally.
For well the wary Frenchmen knew, if they hold forth a light,
It must have led the English on, to force them into fight.

The night the French in anguish pass'd, because it did not show
Whether some ships that were in sight were enemies or no.
At length the day dispers'd their fears-a day it was most sweet;
For why?-the French soon found themselves in midst of their own fleet.

At five o'clock they heard a sound that did denote a fray,
Which made the Frenchmen all rejoice they were so far away.
The wind about eleven rose four vessels came in view:
They thought them friends, but found them foes, and then again they flew.

The Formidable then they saw driving before the wind,
As if she said, ' The Devil take all those that are behind.'
At length the French with rapture found they need not fret and chafe,
The foe they had escap'd and then anchor'd in Cadiz safe.
And now to all our naval lads may Heav'n still give a blessing
And if defeat with glory clads, may France ne'er want a dressing !