Before The Battle by Charles Dibdin

Before The Battle by Charles Dibdin

The signal to engage shall be
A whistle and a hollo ;
Be one and all but firm, like me.
And conquest soon will follow !
You, Gunnel, keep the helm in hand-
Thus, thus, boys ! steady, steady
Till right a-head you see the land,—
Then soon as we are ready,

— The signal to engage shall be
A whistle and a hollo ;
Be one and all but firm, like me,
And conquest soon will follow !

Keep, boys, a good look out. d'ye hear.?
'Tis for Old England's honour ;
Just as you broueht your lower tier
Broad-side to bear upon her,

— The signal to engage shall be
A whistle and a hollo ;
Be one and all but firm, like me,
And conquest soon will follow !

All hands then, lads, the ship to clear ;
Load all your guns and mortars ;
Silent as death th' attack prepare ;
And, when you're all at quarters,

—The signal to engage shall be
A whistle and a hollo ;
' Be one and all but firm, like me,
And conquest soon will follow !

Charles Dibdin (1745-1814)