Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/518

 CHARLES SACKVILLE, EARL OF DORSET

Then if we write not by each post,

Think not we are unkind j Nor yet conclude our ships are lost

By Dutchmen or by wind: Our tears we'll send a speedier way. The tide shall bring them twice a day With a fa, la, la, la, la.

The King with wonder and surprise Will swear the seas grow bold,

Because the tides will higher rii>e Than e'er they did of old.

But let him know it is our tears

Bring floods of grief to Whitehall stairs With a fa, la, la, la, la.

Should foggy Opdam chance to know

Our sad and dismal story, The Dutch would scorn so weak a foe,

And quit their fort at Goree. For what resistance can they find From men who've left their hearts behind ? With a fa, la, la, la, la.

Let wind and weather do its worst,

Be you to us but kind; Let Dutchmen vapour, Spaniards curse,

No sorrow we shall find: 'Tis then no matter how things go, Or who 's our friend, or who 's our foe

With a fa, la, la, la, la.

�� �