Classic Poem

Let Britain's sons their voices raise,
Her Seamen's praise to sing;
Once more let Fame inspire the lays,
And wake the trembling string.
The Poet must his humble rhimes
To louder notes attune;
And celebrate to future times
The Glorious First of June.

'Gainst thirty ships of haughty France,
Who hop'd they might prevail,
Our gallant Tars did bold advance
With six-and-twenty sail;
Their noble hearts of oak beat high,
They fought from morn 'til noon:
" The French shall ne'er forget, they cry,
" The Glorious First of June. "

Six struck their flags; and two, destroy'd,
Sunk in the briny wave;
As quick as light'ning Britons hy'd
Their sinking crews to save:
To conquer'd foes full quick extends
Their Mercy, grateful boon!
In War begun, with Pity ends
The Glorious First of June.

Come, fill your glasses, fill them high,
To HOWE and ev'ry Tar;
Their's was the noble victory,
Though bought with many a scar.
This day shall future Britons boast,
And not forget it soon;
But ever in a bumper toast
The GLORIOUS FIRST OF J UNE .