The devil takes, the proverb says, the one that comes behind!
The Andalusian lost her mast, the treasure barque took fire,
While, in their wake, the English ships pressed ever nigh and nigher,
And ere had paled, that summer night, the sunset’s ruddy glow
These two, with all the spoil, were towed right up to Plymouth Hoe.
Brave Drake it was that took the gold, but not a coin kept he;
Full fifty thousand to his men he dealt, with jovial glee!
Beyond the Tamar Raleigh lay, the Lizard Head to guard,
But, when he saw the Spaniards pass, said he, “I count it hard
That I who came to lead the van thus in the rear should lag!”