Their nunnery did feel our fury, their blind zeal could not them save; Some in confusion and great hurry were sent by us to their grave. About their ears their houses tumbled, which no doubt did grieve them sore; Was ever haughty Spain so humbled by one small ship as now before? Two thousand shot and more we fir’d at their churches, forts, and town, It made us laugh till we were tir’d to see their houses tumble down: Seventeen hundred and forty-four, sir, January the fifteenth day, That we made the Spaniards rue, sir, our most noble British play. We had in this bold action one man killed, and no more; Which I think was enough to vex ’em, they having many in their gore. Had the day but longer lasted, and our ship not damnify’d, We’d made them surrender, we protested, or would all have surely dy’d. We then soon for Lisbon sailed, where we got wine our hearts to cheer. At Vigo widows their fates bewailed, and curst the time that we came there. I wish that all our brave commanders, who sail the seas for Britain’s right, May like bold Holmes prove Alexanders, not fearing death when they do fight. May he meet with a just treatment from our nation for the same, For so bold and brave defeatment none but cowards can him blame. Little Laughton, our third lieutenant, did at that time great valour show; King and country’s bold defendant, beloved by all that does him know. Bring us wine, let it be sherry, fill the glass up to the brink; Drown all sorrows and be merry; to our noble captain drink. Pray God send our royal master George the Second long to reign, For to meet with no disaster, but the victory always gain. _ADMIRAL MATTHEWS’ ENGAGEMENT AGAINST THE COMBINED FLEETS OF FRANCE AND SPAIN._ Brave Admiral Matthews has been on the main, With a true British heart, against France and Spain; Resolving to fight for old England once more, And make them knock under before he gives o’er; For there never was such a bold fleet, as they say, Sent out by Old England this many a day. He had not long been on the sea, it is true, Before [that] in sight there appear’d in his view Twenty-eight sail of the French and proud Spain, Who swiftly w[ere] sailing along the salt main. Then he cry’d, ‘My brave boys, look, see how they ride! I hope in small time we shall soon cool their pride.’ We hoisted our sails, and away then we went, With our guns all ready, and hearts likewise bent, Until that we come to the view of them all; Then strait our brave admiral unto us did call, At the word of command to make ready with speed, ‘For I think the proud Dons will fight us indeed.’