This is an extract from a sea shanty written soon after the Battle of Trafalgar.

On the twenty first of October, before the rising sun,

We formed a line for action boys; at twelve o’clock begun.

Brave Nelson to his men did say,

The Lord will prosper us this day:

Give them the broadside, fire away

Like hailstones the small shot around out deck did lie.

Our masts and rigging was shot away,

Beside some thousands on that day

Were killed and wounded in the fray,

Let’s hope this glorious battle will surely bring peace,

And that our trade in England may flourish and increase,

Our ships from port to port go free

May this turn the heart of hour enemy

On board the man o’ war.

(Traditional)