Admiral Benbow

We sailed from Virginia and thence to Fayal

Where we boarded our ship and then we went all

For the new on the seas, boys, and sails we did spy

We manned our capstan and went speedily

For the first we come up with was a brigantine sloop

We asked if the others was as big as they looked

But turning to windward as near as we could lie

We saw there were ten men-a-war cruisin' by

We drew up our squadron in very nice line

And boldly we fought them for full four hours time

But the day being spent, boys, and the night a-coming on

We let them alone till the very next morn

Now the very next morning the engagement proved hot

And brave Admiral Benbow received a chain shot

And as he was wounded, to his merry men he did say

"Take me up in your arms, boys, and carry me away"

Now the guns they did rattle and the bullets did fly

But brave Admiral Benbow for help would not cry

"Take me down to the cockpit, there is easeful spots

If the merry men see me, it will sure break their hearts"

Now the very next morning by break of the day

They hoisted their topsails and so bore away

We bore to Port Royal where the people flocked much

To see Admiral Benbow carried to Kingston Church

Come all you brave fellows wherever you've been

Let us drink to the health of our king and our queen

And another good health to the girls that we know

And a third in remembrance of brave Admiral Benbow