This is an extract from a sea shanty written soon after the Battle of Trafalgar.
Nelson’s Death and Victory
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
On board the man o’ war.
From broadside to broadside our cannon balls did fly:
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,
On board the man O’ war
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)
