INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 759
More bitter than death this day must prove
Whichever way it go, For the brothers of the maids we love
Make ready to lay low Their sisters' sweethearts, as we move
Against our dearest foe.
Thank Heaven! At last the trumpets peal
Before our strength gives way. For King or for the Commonweal
No matter which they say, The first dry rattle of new-drawn steel
Changes the world to-day!
THE DUTCH IN THE MEDWAY
(1664-1672)
TF WARS were won by feasting,
Or victory by song, Or safety found in sleeping sound,
How England would be strong! But honour and dominion
Are not maintained so, They're only got by sword and shot,
And this the Dutchmen know I
The moneys that should feed us,
You spend on your delight, How can you then have sailor-men
To aid you in your fight? Our fish and cheese are rotten,
Which makes the scurvy grow We cannot serve you if we starve,
And this the Dutchmen know !