Two old friends, Horatio Nelson and Cuthbert Collingwood meeting aboard the flagship HMS Victory on the eve of Trafalgar   ‘Hearts of Oak’ a tribute to our naval hero’s by Harry Riley

“We’ve seen some changes you and I

And more are yet to come.”

We’ve carried battles to the foe

And watched him dance a merry gig

With gunfire all around

Let’s drink a toast to that my friend!”

We’ve seen men fight and seen men die

We’ve played Almighty God and still won through.

For King and Country-clarion’s call

Let’s drink a toast to that my friend!”

“Tomorrow we will test the strength

Of English Oak, and English blood

We’ll light a fire to warm men’s hearts

For a hundred years or more

We’ll make ‘em wish that they were here

And they could call the tune

For you and I are history bound

“Let’s drink to that my friend!”

“If Nelson wants, then Nelson gets…

You’ve brought us through the darkest day

With conquests all along the way…

“Let’s drink to that my friend!”

“Lord Cuddy, ‘truth your name will shine

And it will be the same as mine

If I should fall ere struggle’s done

You’ll pound the foe until we’ve won?”

“Aye, count on me, but please be sure.

Yer’ll not expire midst Trafalgar’s roar”

We’ll both be here as wise old goats

To teem more whisky down our throats’

“I’ll echo that my Geordie lad

Pipes are calling; drums are beating,

England’s fleet is boldly waiting

Hearts of Oak are deadly sure!

Let’s get to work and sink some more

We’ll drink a toast to that my friend

For the sake of Auld lang Syne!”