Battle of the Shannon and Chesapeake

On board the Shannon frigate in the merry month of May,
To watch the bold Americans off Boston lights we lay.
The Chesapeake lay in harbour, a frigate stout and fine,
Four hundred and forty men she had, her guns were forty-nine.

'Twas Captain Broke commanded us, a challenge he did write
To the captain of the Chesapeake to bring her out to fight.
Our captain says, ' Brave Lawrence, 'tis not from enmity,
But 'tis to prove to all the world that we rule on the sea.

'Don't think, my noble captain, because you have had success
That British tars are humbled, not even in distress.
No! we will fight like heroes our glory to maintain,
In defiance of superior size and the number of your men.'

The challenge was accepted, the Americans came down,
A finer frigate ne'er belonged unto the British crown.
They brought her into action on the true British plan,
Nor fired a shot till within hail then they the fight began.

Broadside for broadside then did yield a most tremendous roar,
Like thunder it resounded, re-echoed from each shore.
This dreadful firing lasted near a quarter of an hour;
Then the enemy's ship drove right aboard, their yards were locked in ours.

Our captain went to their ship's side to see how she did lie,
When he beheld the enemy's men who from their guns did fly.
'All hands for boarding !' now he cry'd; ' the victory is sure.
Come bear a hand, my gallant boys, our prize we'll soon secure.'

Like lions then we rush'd on board, we fought them hand to hand,
And tho' they overnumbered us they could not us withstand.
They fought in desperation, disorder, and dismay,
And in about three minutes' time were forced to give way.

Their captain and lieutenant with seventy of the crew
Were killed in this sharp action, and an hundred wounded too.
The ship was taken to Halifax and the captain buried there,
And the remainder of his crew as his chief mourners were.

Have courage then, all British tars, and never be dismay'd,
But put the can of grog about and drink success to trade,
Likewise to gallant Captain Broke and all his valiant crew,
Who beat the bold Americans and brought their courage to.