Bonny bell (1)/The brave sailor

For other versions of this work, see Ye Gallant Souls.

THE BRAVE SAILOR.

Ye gallant souls, who beat so high
with British glory in each vein;
From his example learn to die,
whose honour never knew one slain.

At break of day two sail appear'd
and on the larboard-quarter stood;
For action straight the decks were clear'd,
which soon, alas were dy'd, with blood!

My friend maintain'd the unequal fight,
till bringing all his guns to bear,
With red-hot balls their, thunder freight.
and up one Frenchman blew in air!

The other struck her colours now,
but, and too late his life to save,
For e'er the hostile flag was low,
a shot had mark'd him for the grave