On the Taking of Namur by the King of Great Britain

By Matthew Prior (1664–1721)

A Belgian town captured by the Allies under William III. from the French under Boufflers, on Sept. 5, 1695.

SAMBRE and Maese their waves may join;

But ne’er can William’s force restrain;

He’ll pass them both, who passed the Boyne:

Remember this and arm the Seine.

Full fifteen thousand lusty fellows,

With fire and sword the fort maintain:

Each was a Hercules, you tell us,

Yet out they marched like common men.

Cannons above and mines below

Did Death and tombs for us contrive;

Yet matters have been ordered so,

That most of us are still alive.

If Namur be compared to Troy

Then Britain’s boys excelled the Greeks;

Their siege did ten long years employ;

We’ve done our business in ten weeks.