Song "Russell's Triumph" or "The Sea Fight in Ninety-Two" by Samuel Ackeroyde commemorating the battle of Barfleur/Cap La Hogue, May 1692


Thursday in the morn, the nineteenth of May,
Recorded for ever the famous Ninety-two,
Brave Russell did discern by break of day,
The lofty sails of France advancing to.
All hands aloft, they cry,
Let British valour shine,
Let fly the culverin, the signal of the line,
Let ev'ry man supply his gun.
Follow me! You shall see that the battle it shall soon be won

Tourville on the main triumphant roll'd
To meet gallant Russell in combat on the deep;
He led a noble train of heroes bold,
To sink the English Admiral and all his fleet.
Now ev'ry valiant mind to vict'ry doth aspire,
The bloody fight's begun, the sea is all on fire
And mighty Fate stood looking on
Whilst a flood, all of blood, filled the scuppers of the Rising Sun.

Sulphur smoke and fire, disturbing the air,
with thunder and wonder affright the Gallic shore;
Their regulated bands stood trembling near,
To see their lofty streamers now no more.
At six o'clock the red, the smiling victors led,
To give a second blow, the fatal overthrow;
Now death and horror equal reign!
Now they cry, run and die; British colours ride the vanquish'd main.

The Sea Fight in Ninety-Two