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Wars > Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)

Britons to arms

(16) Britons to arms

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                                                BRITONS TO ARMS !!!

Chcerly my hearts of courage true, the hour's at hand to try your worth : a glorious peril

waits for you, and valour pants to lead you forth. The Gallie fleet approaches nigh boys, now some must conquer:

some must die boys; but that appals not you nor me, for our watchword, it shall be Britons strike

home, revenge your country's wrongs, Britons strike home, revenge your countrys wrongs.

                          2
Undaunted Britons now shall prove
The Frenchmans folly to invade
Our dearest rights, our countrys love,
Our laws, our freedom, and our trade;
On our white cliffs, our colours fly boys.
Which we'll defend, or bravely die boys;
For we are Britons bold and free,
And our watch word it shall be

Britons strike home &c.

                          3
The Tyrant Consul then too late
Dismayed shall mourn th'avenging blow.
Yet vanquish'd, meet the milder fate
Which merry grants a fallen foe :
Thus shall the British banners fly boys.
On Albions cliffs still raisd on high boys,
And while the gallant flag we see.
We'll swear our watch word still shall be
Britons strike home &c.

Published July 30, 1803 by John Wallis No. 16 Ludgate Street London.

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