Classic Poem

When Faction, in league with the treacherous Gaul,
Began to look big and paraded in state;
A meeting was held at Credulity Hall ,
And Echo proclaim'd their Ally good and great!
By sea and by land
Such wonders are plann'd;
No less than the bold British Lion to chain!
Well hove! says Jack Lanyard ,
French, Congo and Spaniard,
Have at you — remember we're Lords of the Main!
Lords of the Main — aye, Lords of the Main;
The Tars of Old England are Lords of the Main.

Though party-contention a while may perplex,
And lenity hold us in doubtful suspense;
If perfidy rouse, or ingratitude vex
In defiance of Hell we'll chastise the offence.
When danger alarms,
'Tis then that in arms
United we rush on the foe with disdain:
And when the storm rages
It only presages
Fresh triumphs to Britons, as Lords of the Main.
Lords of the Main — ay, Lords of the Main —
Let Thunder proclaim it, we're Lords of the Main.

Then Britons, strike home — make sure of your blow:
The chase is in view; never mind a lee-shore.
With vengeance o'ertake the confederate foe:
'Tis now we may rival our heroes of yore!
Brave Anson and Drake ,
Hawke, Russell and Blake ,
With ardour like your's we defy France and Spain!
Combining with Treason
They're deaf to all reason:
Once more let them feel we are Lords of the Main.
Lords of the Main — ay, Lords of the Main —
The first-born of Neptune are Lords of the Main.

Nor are we alone in the noble career;
The Soldier partakes of the generous flame:
To glory he marches, to glory we steer;
Between us we share the rich harvest of fame.
Recorded on high,
Their names never die,
Of heroes by sea and by land what a train!
To the King , then, God bless him!
The World onfess him
" The Lord of those men who are Lords of the Main."
Lords of the Main — ay, Lords of the Main —
The Tars of Old England are Lords of the Main.