Cruel father, or, The loyal lover's downfal (1802)/The Royal George

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THE ROYAL GEORGE

O The sad and dismal story,
which proceeds from Spithead coast,
The Royal George and all her glory,
Here unfort'nately are lost.

Thirteen hundred souls there perish'd!
melancholy for to hear!
Many fatherless and widows,
mourn for their relations dear.

It was the twenty-ninth of August,
that did prove the fatal day
That good ship was there repairing,
before they did set out for sea.

But a squal of wind arising,
great's our cause for to lament.
In three minutes, most surprising:
ship and crew to bottom went.

Such a dismal scene of horror,
never mortal eyes did see.
This brave ship which was a terror,
to the daring enemy.

She was the pride of all the navy,
for her success and courage brave,
Pity 'tis for the brave sailors,
who have got a wat'ry grave!

Kempensfelt that brave commander,
the youngest admiral we have.
But ah! both he and his brave sailors,
all have perish'd in the waves!

In battles he was still victorious,
he did govern his fleet with skill;
His actions were crown'd with success,
his death with grief our hearts do fill.

This most melancholy subject,
from each eye must draw a tear!
Such a dismal scene of horror,
near to Spithead did appear.

The beach and houses at the port
were all filled with the dead
In each look nothing but dejection,
each human heart for them did bleed.

Children weeping for their parents;
widows for their husbands dear;
The dismal cries of those were sinking,
did pierce the heart of all did hear.

But none could give the least assistance,
to this brave and goodly ship,
Now in the waves without resistance,
she lies fourteen fathom deep.

What a loss is it to Britain,
in so critical a time,
For to lose such brave commanders,
and gallant sailors in their prime:

Whose stout and undaunted courage,
French and Spaniards both have felt
Our enemies were made to tremble,
at the name of Kempenfelt.

May Heaven support our British Heroes,
and from danger keep them free.
And send us one into his station,
as valiant and as good as he.

Heaven prefers our Royal Sov'reign,
long may he the sceptre sway.
His fleets and armies be victorious,
over every enemy.