You have subjugated the Scheldt, and forced it to bear its bridge, notwithstanding the strength of its current, the fury of the ocean-tides, the tremendous power of the icebergs, the perpetual conflicts with our fleets.

We destroyed your bridge, with great slaughter of your troops.

Rendered more courageous by that slaughter, you restored that mighty work.

We assaulted the great dyke, pierced it through and through, and opened a path for our ships.

You drove us off when victors, repaired the ruined bulwark, and again closed to us the avenue of relief.
What machine was there that we did not employ?
what miracles of fire did we not invent?
what fleets and floating cidadels did we not put in motion?
All that genius, audacity, and art, could teach us we have executed, calling to our assistance water, earth, heaven, and hell itself.