The Pacifick Fleet

Good people, give ear, I'll tell you a story,
Will tickle your ears, if you wish Britain's glory;
For in rhyme sure the like was ne'er yet laid before ye,
Which nobody can deny.

The Spaniards of late so haughty are grown,
They pretend both our towns and our ships are their own,
And the latter they take still, 'tis very well known,
Which, etc.

Hereupon we sent word they would find it the best
To give over these pranks, for we liked not their jest,
And they gravely replied they would weigh our request,
Which, etc.

But still they went on highly pleased with the joke,
Our traders were taken, our merchants were broke,
Resolved if they could our stern wrath to provoke,
Which, etc.

So our wrath was provoked, and our rage was so great,
That a fleet was equipped, those proud Spaniards to beat,
And we sent for Dutch help in a violent heat,
Which, etc.

So the Dutch came to help us with twelve men-of-war
(For the Dutch like the Devil injustice abhor,
And they knew that the Spaniards had not played us fair),
Which, etc.

So to Spithead they went, and at Spithead have lain,
But design very soon to scower out the main,
To retrieve us our honour and humble proud Spain,
etc.

But when to this purpose the fleets are to weigh,
I am sure yet no Briton will venture to say,
But this I am sure, they will sail when they may,
Which, etc.

But in the meantime, as in line they are laid,
Most wisely they are of a double use made :
To our nobles diversion, to our foes they give dread,
Which, etc.

For the gentry all round, and nobility too.
To Portsmouth ride post this Armada to view,
As the first English fleet was set out for a show,
Which, etc.

But as France will not bear Christian blood to be shed,
Notwithstanding a Wager himself's at the head,
Fat bucks in great number have bled in their stead,
Which, etc.

For the Cardinal thinks the same end we fulfil
If we bear the expense, tho' the fleet does lie still,
For we so frighten Spain they will do what we will,
Which, etc.

So the fleet lies at anchor, the chaplains read prayers,
The ladies are learning our tarpawling airs,
And each cook for each day some new dishes prepares,
Which, etc.

The treats are of venison, of rack-punch, and jelly,
Chaire entiere have the ladies as some people tell ye
And few will return without tarr in their belly,
Which, etc.

So when sail they will, they will leave us at home
A brood of young sailors for ages to come,
Who will 'list volunteers at the sound of a drum,
Which, etc.

On this score alone the expense were well made,
For sailors are wanting for war both and trade,
So the scheme for the public was very well laid,
Which, etc.