BALLAD

Ballad

Ballad

A fleet with flags arranged

Left the port of Brest,

And flagship posted

The signal: "Steer south-west."

For this Anville Admiral D'

Had sworn by cross and crown

To ravage with fire and steel

Our inability Boston city.

There were rumors in the street

In houses there was fear

The entry of the fleet,

And the danger hovering near.

And while from mouth to mouth

Spread the good news of the consternation

I stayed in the Old South

Humbly say: "Pray!

"O Lord, we would not advise!;

But if in thy Providence

A storm is expected to arise

To drive the French fleet, therefore,

And disperse in the ...