'Twixt the offing here and Grève where the river disembogues?

Are you bought by English gold? Is it love the lying 's for?

Morn and eve, night and day,

Have I piloted your bay,

Entered free and anchored fast at the foot of Solidor.

Burn the fleet and ruin France? That were worse than fifty Hogues!

Sirs, they know I speak the truth! Sirs, believe me there 's a way!

Only let me lead the line,

Have the biggest ship to steer,

Get this 'Formidable' clear,