To join the Duke of Parma’s men, ere up the Thames they go!
For he, the greatest general that Spain or Europe knew,
In Flanders long had waited them, and now impatient grew.
But well the little English ships hung on their rear that day,
And many a shot and shell flew east, to speed the Spaniard’s way!
See hindermost, with towering poop, a galleon of Biscay
Laden with gold of Mexico, full thirty weeks of pay;
And next a frigate huge sails up, with port-holes open wide,
From Andalusia is she come with piles of arms inside.
But well for England fought that day the flame and southwest wind!