No panic seized their stalwart hearts, no fear or craven dread.
O well it was for England then that, on her trial day,
Her sailors and her soldiers brave were ready, ready aye!
And Catholics and Protestants with equal zeal were seen
Vying who best could England serve, who best could serve the Queen.
Lord Effingham had chief command in Plymouth Sound that day,
Hawkins and Drake and Frobisher like hounds in leashes lay;
Drake and his men were playing bowls that eve, on Plymouth Hoe,
Said he, “My mates, we’ll end our game and then we’ll end the foe!”
When scarce the morning light had broke on land and sea around