I.
As some brave Admiral in former War
Depriv'd of Force, but prest with Courage still,
Two rival Fleets appearing from afar,
Crawls to the Top of an adjacent Hill.
II.
From whence (with Thoughts full of Concern) he views
The wise, and daring Conduct, of the Fight:
And each bold Action to his Mind renews,
His present Glory, and his past Delight.
III.
From his fierce Eyes flashes of Rage he throws,
As from black Clouds when Lightning breaks away,
Transported thinks himself amidst his Foes,
And absent yet enjoys the bloody Day.
IV.
So when my Days of Impotence approach,
And I'm by Love and Wine's unlucky Chance,
Driv'n from the pleasing Billows of Debauch,
On the dull Shore of lazy Temperance.
V.
My Pains at last some Respite shall afford,
While I behold the Battels you maintain;
When Fleets of Glasses sail around the Board,
From whose Broad-sides Vollies of Wit shall rain.
VI.
Nor shall the Sight of honourable Scars,
Which my too forward Valour did procure,
Frighten new-listed Soldiers from the Wars,
Past Joys have more than paid what I endure.
VII.
Shou'd some brave Youth (worth being drunk) prove nice,
And from his fair Inviter meanly shrink,
'Twould please the Ghost of my departed Vice,
If at my Counsel he repent and drink.
VIII.
Or shou'd some cold complexion'd Sot forbid,
With his dull Morals, our Nights brisk Alarms,
I'll fire his Blood by telling what I did,
When I was strong, and able to bear Arms.
IX.
I'll tell of Whores attack'd their Lords at home,
Bawds Quarters beaten up, and Fortress won;
Windows demolish'd, Watches overcome,
And handsome Ills by my Contrivance done.
X.
With Tales like these I will such Heat inspire.
As to important Mischief shall incline;
I'll make him long some ancient Church to fire,
And fear no Lewdness they're call'd to by Wine.
XI.
Thus Statesman-like I'll saucily impose,
And safe from Danger valianly advise;
Shelter'd in Impotence urge you to Blows,
And being good for nothing else be wise.