This is one of many exulting effusions which were called forth by the taking of Cadiz (vulgarly called Cales). The town was captured on the 21st of June, 1596, the Earl of Effingham being high-admiral of the fleet, and Essex general of the land forces. Sir W. Raleigh, Lord Thomas Howard, and other distinguished soldiers had commands in the expedition. The praise here bestowed on Essex's humanity was richly deserved, and the booty taken by the conquerors is not exaggerated. The whole loss of the Spaniards, in their city and their fleet, was estimated at twenty millions of ducats.
We give this ballad from Deloney's Garland of Good Will, as reprinted by the Percy Society, vol. xxx. p. 113. The copy in the Reliques (ii. 241), which was corrected by the editor, differs but slightly from the present.
Long had the proud Spaniards
Advancèd to conquer us,
Threatening our country
With fire and sword;
Often preparing5
Their navy most sumptuous,
With all the provision
That Spain could afford.
Dub a-dub, dub,
Thus strike the drums,10
Tan-ta-ra, ta-ra-ra,
The Englishman comes.
To the seas presently
Went our lord admiral,
With knights couragious,15
And captains full good;
The earl of Essex,
A prosperous general,
With him preparèd
To pass the salt flood.20
Dub a-dub, &c.
At Plymouth speedily,
Took they ships valiantly;
Braver ships never
Were seen under sail;
With their fair colours spread,25
And streamers o'er their head;
Now, bragging Spaniards,
Take heed of your tail.
Dub a-dub, &c.
Unto Cales cunningly,
Came we most happily,30
Where the kings navy
Did secretly ride;
Being upon their backs,
Piercing their buts of sack,
Ere that the Spaniards35
Our coming descry'd.
Tan-ta-ra, ta-ra-ra,
The Englishman comes;
Bounce a-bounce, bounce a-bounce,
Off went the guns.40
Great was the crying,
Running and riding,
Which at that season
Was made at that place;
Then beacons were firèd,45
As need was requirèd;
To hide their great treasure,
They had little space:
"Alas!" they cryèd,
"English men comes."50