CHARLES SACKVILLE, EARL OF DORSET
Then if we write not by each post,
Think not we are unkind j Nor yet conclude our ships are lost
By Dutchmen or by wind: Our tears we'll send a speedier way. The tide shall bring them twice a day With a fa, la, la, la, la.
The King with wonder and surprise Will swear the seas grow bold,
Because the tides will higher rii>e Than e'er they did of old.
But let him know it is our tears
Bring floods of grief to Whitehall stairs With a fa, la, la, la, la.
Should foggy Opdam chance to know
Our sad and dismal story, The Dutch would scorn so weak a foe,
And quit their fort at Goree. For what resistance can they find From men who've left their hearts behind ? With a fa, la, la, la, la.
Let wind and weather do its worst,
Be you to us but kind; Let Dutchmen vapour, Spaniards curse,
No sorrow we shall find: 'Tis then no matter how things go, Or who 's our friend, or who 's our foe
With a fa, la, la, la, la.
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