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1809.9
The Sea-Fight
Samuel Elsdale [1]
The Gentleman's Magazine, LXXIX (July, 1809), p. 655
Lines descriptive of an Engagement which took place off Hispaniola,
between the English Privateer the Revenge, of 14
Guns, Capt. Wetherall, and a French Merchantman, of Six
Hundred Tons burden, and mounting 24 Guns.
The stars had fled, the sun arose,
Along the deep the sea breeze blows,
With rippling track the current flows,
The
British flag flies gloriously.
When, lo! a vessel hove in sight,
'Twas French; both crews prepare for fight,
And summon all their skill and might,
To
gain the conquest speedily.
The English was a privateer,
Renown'd for valour far and near;
Their Captain Wetherall loud they cheer,
To
lead the combat manfully.
The French for merchandize was made,
The Captain late retir'd from trade,
For wife and only son afraid,
Fought
for his life, love, property.
Of murd'rous guns they number'd more,
But British hearts, true to the core,
Who ne'er in battle flinch'd before,
Rush
to close battle furiously.
With deafening shouts they board the foe,
Twice the French Captain aim'd a blow,
Two of the English sunk below,
The
rest retreated hastily.
"Turn, cowards, turn," bold Wetherall cried;
Furious he boards, and at his side
Seldale, whose courage oft was tried,
Assails
the foe impetuously,
The Frenchman's sword, in vengeance drest,
Had laid full low the foremost crest,
But Seldale pierc'd the hero's breast,
And
thus secur'd the victory.
O cruel, fatal, bloody War!
Where'er the Furies drive thy car,
Nor husband, sire, nor son they spare,
Fell
Slaughter reigns promiscuously.
Great God of Heaven! to thee we kneel;
Thy guardian care may England feel,
Secure from hostile fire and steel,
From
force and secret treachery!
Soft Pity weave thy golden chain!
May widows, mothers, ne'er complain
For husbands, sons, untimely slain;
But
ev'ry soul breathe harmony!
May love 'twixt man and man increase,
Stern war and ruthless carnage cease,
The world obey the Prince of Peace,
And
Mercy reign triumphantly!