A British officer wrote this song in celebration of the taking of Charleston, South Carolina by the British in 1780.
A Song About Charleston was sung to the tune of the Watery God.
King Hancock sat in a regal state, And big with pride and vainly great, Address’d his rebel crew,
These haughty Britons soon shall yield The boasted honors of the field, While our brave sons pursue.
Six thousand fighting men or more, Protect the Carolina shore, And Freedom will defend;
And stubborn Britons soon shall feel, ‘Gainst Charleston, and hearts of steel, How vainly they contend.
But ere he spake in dread array, To rebel foes, ill-fated day, The British boys appear;
Their mien with martial ardor fir’d, And by their country’s wrongs inspir’d, Shook Lincoln’s heart with fear.
See Clinton brave, serene, and great, For mighty deeds rever’d by fate, Direct the thund’ring fight,
While Mars, propitious God of war, Looks down from his triumphal car, With wonder and delight.
"Clinton," he cries, "the palm is thine, ‘Midst heroes thou wert born to shine, A great immortal name,
And Cornwallis’ mighty deeds appear, Conspicuous each revolving year, The pledge of future fame."
Our tars, their share of glories won, For they among the bravest shone, Undaunted, firm and bold.
Whene’er engag’d, their ardor show’d Hearts which with native valor glow’d, Hearts of true British mould.
