EARL OF DORSET

Then if we write not by each post,

Think not we are unkind; 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 rise 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.

To pass our tedious hours away

We throw a merry main, Or else at serious ombre play;

But why should we in vain

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