To this we

sing historical interest, we find details of the action which followed, off the forts Lisset and Saint Vaast. reserve a continuation of account.

Admiral Killigrew obtains prominence, perhaps more than his due, in the title of the following ballad. He was, along with Delaval, placed in command over the Channel Fleet, in March, 1693, in a great measure owing to the personal hatred which existed between Nottingham and Russell (who was transferred to the household from his proper position). A portrait of Russell, after becoming Earl of Orford in 1697, is in Smollett's Hist. Eng., ix. 133; and of Rooke on p. 368. There is some vagueness about the exact date of "The Seamen's Victory." If not coincident with "Russell's Triumph," or a few days later, it refers to 1693, when the French fleets from Brest and Toulon effected their meeting, and baffled Killigrew.

There was another ballad on Tourville's defeat, sung fully eighty years ago. The remainder of the verses may possibly be extant; here is the commencement :

As Turville in his Cabin lay,

He dreamed a strange dream,

A voice appeared unto him,2
And called him by name :
Saying, "Turville, it cannot be right
To linger so long here,

For the English will be here this night,

If that the wind is fair." 3

1 See p. 294, footnote.

2 Compare "He goes but to see a noise that he heard, and is to come again." -Midsummer N.D., Act iii.

3 Mr. John Payne Collier, in a recent letter to the Editor, gave the above verse, mentioning:-"My father (full seventy-five years ago) had a servant with a good voice, and he used to sing a ballad on the same event [viz. The Battle of La Hogue], of which I remember one verse [here given]. I am not sure that the last [line] was not

If that the weather's clear.'

The rest, though I knew it once, I have forgotten." No wonder, if something escapes from memory, at eighty-nine years of age. Yet his intelligence remains as clear as ever; his industry as steady; his human sympathies as warm. Age has not weakened his love for Shakespeare: on whom his latest labour is his best. His friendly encouragement has always cheered literary aspirants; for he is himself devoid of jealousy or envy.

[Bagford Collection, II. 88.]

The Seamens Uictory:

Dr,

Admiral Killegrew's Glorious Conquest over the French Fleet, in the Streights, as they were coming from THOULON towards BREST.

With the manner of Taking Three of their French Men of War, and sinking Two more; although the French Admiral vainly boasted he would recover Brest or Paradice, yet he shamefully run from the English Fleet.

TO THE TUNE Or The Spinning-wheel. Licensed according to Order.

HE

Ere's joyfull News came late from Sea,
'Tis of a gallant Victory,

Which or' the French we did obtain,
Upon the throbbing Ocean Main,
As soon as e'er they found our Rage,
The Rogues was glad to disengage.

6

The French Fleet sailing from Thoulon,
As we by Letters understand,

To join with those that lay at Brest,
As some of them have since confest:
But our brave Fleet with them did meet,
And made the Frenchmen soon retreat.

Five Ships with others, did advance,
Being the very Pride of France,
The Lewis, Dauphin, and the Sun,
With others which were forced to run,

12

Our Admiral bore up amain,
Resolving that he would maintain
A sharp and bloudy Fight, with those
Who dare K. William's Crown oppose:
Then Broad-sides streight began to roar,
Which laid the French in reeking Gore.

Right valiant Seamen fierce and bold,
Couragious noble Hearts of Gold,

30

All with a Resolution bent,

Whole Showers of Shot to them they sent,

By which the French in Hundreds fell,

Our Guns did ring their Passing-bell.

36

We pour'd our Shot on e'ery side,
'Tis bravely done, the Captains cry'd,
Though sharp and bloudy be the Fray,
The French are beat, we have the day:
True English Boys, 'twas bravely done,
See how the Frenchmen run, they run.

Now while we did maintain the Fight,
Two French Ships there we sunk down right,
And likewise have we taken Three,

This Crown'd our Work with Victory;
The noble valiant Killegrew,

After the rest do's still pursue.

The French-men they did [soon] retreat,
They were a shatter'd torn Fleet;
But if he shall them overtake,
A Prize of all the rest he'll make;
Couragious Boys are sail'd with him,
Who freely ventures Life and Limb.

Under the Admiral's Command,
For to defend the Native Land:
May Heaven prosper still and bless,
Our valiant Soldiers good Success,
Then we hereafter may advance

To shake the very Crown of France.

Printed for P. Brooksby, J. Deacon, J. Blare, J. Back.

[In Black-letter: Date, 1692-3.]

42

48

54

60

The Fair Maid's Choice.

Queen.-"The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

Hamlet.-O, but she'll keep her word."―Hamlet, Act iii, sc. 2.

KENT, "the Garden of England," famed for hops, apples,

cherries, cricket, fearless men and pretty girls, has had a fair share of celebration in songs and ballads. We have ourselves contemplated the probability of our gathering together some of these poetic flowers into a "Kentish Garland." Early next century we hope to do so. From Tom D'Urfey's vigorous song on the men of Kent, "When Harold had invaded," to the peasantry-song "A seaman of Dover, whose excellent parts," which tells of The Beautiful Lady of Kent, there is plenty of valour and affection chronicled. Our own Bagford ballad is not without its merit. Perhaps the fact of the Fair Maid belonging to Sandwich, may account for her loving a good deal. We may depend upon it, that he was no "flat," but well worthy of her discriminating choice: "Of all sorts of tradesmen a Seaman for me!" Her private opinion of the other professionals and craftsmen is not flattering to them; but that is their look-out, not ours.

Neither ourselves nor readers need be at sea regarding the tune to which it is directed to be sung, viz. " Shrewsbury for me." To the same goes The Gallant Seaman's Return, "I am a stout Seaman, newly come on shore," Roxb. Coll., iv. 47; and Bagford Coll., ii. 83; to which ballad we shall presently return. It took the title from another in the Rawlinson Coll., No. 26 (4to. Rawl. 566. 26):-"Shrowsberry for me: Being

A Song in praise of that most famous town,

Which hath throughout all England gain'd renown;

In praise thereof, let every one agree,

And say with one accord, Shrewsbury for me."

To a delightful new Tune [its own]: or Shrowsbury for me. It begins thus:

Come listen, young Gallants

of Shrowsbury fair town,

For that is the place

that hath gained renown,

To set forth its praises

we all will agree,

Then every man to his mind,
Shrowsbury for me.

12 stanzas of 8 lines, black-letter, one woodcut; two parts. Printed for R[ich]. B[urton], not later than 1674, and sold by F. Coles, T. Vere, and J. Wright, Another copy, same edition,