Sinking, burning, taking,
Filling pockets, spilling oil,
While Johnny's heart was aching.
The ballad then describes the arrival of the Phoebe and Cherub and the rencontre in Valparaiso Bay, the challenge and the flight of the Phoebe, in verses which have a great deal of rude vigor.
At last John Bull quite sulky grew,
And called us traitors all,
And swore he'd fight our gallant crew,
Paddies and Scots and all.
Then out he went in desperate rage,
Swearing, as sure as day,