Admiral Keppel was now appointed to the command of the Channel Fleet, and soon afterwards the _Milford_ captured the _Licorne_, a French frigate of 32 guns, which, with three others, had been found reconnoitring the fleet. The _Arethusa_ and _Alert_ cutters pursued the other French vessels, and at night came up with the _Belle Poule_, when the first action of this war ensued, celebrated in song. Captain Marshall informed her commander that his orders were to conduct him to the British admiral, with which the French captain peremptorily refused to comply. Captain Marshall then fired a shot over her, which was instantly returned by a broadside from the _Belle Poule_. A desperate engagement took place, and continued with great obstinacy for two hours, by which time they were close in with the French coast. The _Belle Poule_ then stood in to a small bay, from whence a number of boats came out and towed her into a place of safety. The _Arethusa's_ main-mast fell over the side, and she was otherwise so disabled that it was with the utmost difficulty she could clear the land. The next morning she was towed back to the fleet by the _Valiant_ and _Monarch_. "The Arethusa." Come, all you jolly sailors bold, Whose hearts are cast in honour's mould, While English glory I unfold, Huzza to the _Arethusa_! She is a frigate, tight and brave, As ever stemm'd the dashing wave; Her men are staunch To their favourite launch; And when the foe shall meet our fire, Sooner than strike we'll all expire On board of the _Arethusa_. 'Twas with the spring fleet she went out The English Channel to cruise about, When four French sail in show so stout Bore down on the _Arethusa_. The famed _Belle Poule_ straight ahead did lie; The _Arethusa_ seemed to fly-- Not a sheet, or a tack, Or a brace, did she slack, Tho' the Frenchmen laugh'd and thought it stuff; But they knew not the handful of men, how tough On board of the _Arethusa_. On deck five hundred men did dance, The stoutest they could find in France; We with two hundred did advance On board of the _Arethusa_. Our captain hailed the Frenchmen, Ho! The Frenchmen they cried out, Hallo! "Bear down, d'ye see, To our admiral's lee." "No, no," says the Frenchman, "that can't be;" "Then I must lug you along with me," Says the saucy _Arethusa_. The fight was off the Frenchmen's land, We forced them back upon their strand, For we fought till not a stick would stand Of the gallant _Arethusa_. And now we've driven the foe ashore, Never to fight with Britons more. Let each fill a glass To his favourite lass; A health to our captain and officers true, And all that belong to the jovial crew Of the gallant _Arethusa_.