191 Nor long the Belgians could that fleet sustain, Which did two generals' fates, and Cæsar's bear: Each several ship a victory did gain, As Rupert or as Albemarle were there. 192 Their batter'd admiral too soon withdrew, Unthank'd by ours for his unfinish'd fight; But he the minds of his Dutch masters knew, Who call'd that Providence which we call'd flight. 193 Never did men more joyfully obey, Or sooner understood the sign to fly: With such alacrity they bore away, As if to praise them all the States stood by. 194 O famous leader[46] of the Belgian fleet, Thy monument inscribed such praise shall wear, As Varro, timely flying, once did meet, Because he did not of his Rome despair. 195 Behold that navy, which a while before, Provoked the tardy English close to fight, Now draw their beaten vessels close to shore, As larks lie, dared, to shun the hobby's flight. 196 Whoe'er would English monuments survey, In other records may our courage know: But let them hide the story of this day, Whose fame was blemish'd by too base a foe. 197 Or if too busily they will inquire Into a victory which we disdain; Then let them know the Belgians did retire Before the patron saint[47] of injured Spain. 198 Repenting England this revengeful day To Philip's manes did an offering bring: England, which first by leading them astray, Hatch'd up rebellion to destroy her King. 199 Our fathers bent their baneful industry, To check a, monarchy that slowly grew; But did not France or Holland's fate foresee, Whose rising power to swift dominion flew. 200 In fortune's empire blindly thus we go, And wander after pathless destiny; Whose dark resorts since prudence cannot know, In vain it would provide for what shall be. 201 But whate'er English to the bless'd shall go, And the fourth Harry or first Orange meet; Find him disowning of a Bourbon foe, And him detesting a Batavian fleet. 202 Now on their coasts our conquering navy rides, Waylays their merchants, and their land besets: Each day new wealth without their care provides; They lie asleep with prizes in their nets. 203 So, close behind some promontory lie The huge leviathans to attend their prey; And give no chase, but swallow in the fry, Which through their gaping jaws mistake the way. 204 Nor was this all: in ports and roads remote, Destructive fires among whole fleets we send: Triumphant flames upon the water float, And out-bound ships at home their voyage end. 205 Those various squadrons variously design'd, Each vessel freighted with a several load, Each squadron waiting for a several wind, All find but one, to burn them in the road.