And every man within the ship, was anxious for the fray:
Our first lieutenant went on board, her hold to overhaul,
And found them training of their guns, to the boatswain’s pipe and call.
To get near the main hatchway, our officer contrives,
But some ruffian-looking rascals surrounded him with knives;
For well they knew we peace must keep, unless that we could tell
That slaves were actually on board, detecting them by smell.
Striving this object to attain, he firm resistance met,
So then return’d on board in haste, fresh orders for to get;
Says he, “It is a spanking ship, I’m sure that she has slaves,