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On taking PORTO-BELLO by Storm. Inscrib'd to the Vernon Club in Drogheda.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

On taking PORTO-BELLO by Storm. Inscrib'd to the Vernon Club in Drogheda.

Written in the Year 1740.

Let Albion's Rocks loud Pæans ring,
And let the surging Wave reply,
In hoarse resounding Tenors sing,
And send the Tidings to the Sky.
Triumphant Vernon is the Theme,
O! lift it to the tuneful Spheres;
Let distant Globes his Worth proclaim,
Whilst Britain's Guardian Angel hears.
Whilst he expands the mighty Blast
On his exulting Wings outspread,
Descending with celestial Haste
To shield the matchless Hero's Head.

122

Hark! mimic Thunders burst below,
To spread the joyful News around,
Proud Porto-bello feels the Blow,
And lies a Ruin on the Ground.
Let British Bosoms grateful flame,
For Honour and for Treasure won,
While smiling Babes lisp Vernon's Name,
And Kings applaud what he has done.
His Deed that shall enrich our Story,
When busy Fame herself grows old,
And sick Ambition's cloy'd with Glory,
Great Vernon's Triumphs shall be told.
Let then the blushing Bumper flow,
Rich Spirits dance through ev'ry Vein,
Victorious Vernon has laid low
The boasted Strength and Pride of Spain.
Let all th'illustrious Sons of War,
Who triumph in the glorious Task,
Be toasted in thy Wine Guymar,
And empty the inspiring Flask.
For as the Bumper goes its Rounds,
And each stout Hero's Health we ply,
Great Vernon answers in dread Sounds,
And gasping Spaniards sink and die.