The Wasp, 1918 · page 319 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 319: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page recounts a historical naval battle, specifically the 1702 engagement involving Admiral John Benbow against French forces. The text celebrates Benbow's heroic persistence despite being severely outnumbered (one ship and one brig against five ships and four frigates) and abandoned by his own cowardly captains. The satire appears to use this historical episode as political commentary—likely criticizing contemporary naval or military leadership for lack of courage or commitment. Benbow's famous declaration "We are not beaten yet" exemplifies the martial virtue being championed, while the "craven captains" represent the target of ridicule. The phrase about "hanging of the cowards" suggests *The Wasp* was advocating for harsh accountability against those deemed disloyal to country and queen. The *Ruby*, though damaged, loyally follows orders and fights on—presented as the exemplary standard against which actual commanders fall short. This appears to be straightforward historical narrative used for patriotic and political effect rather than illustrated satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
310° _ THE WASP. Benbow saw that he was fighting a hopeless - fight, for his craven captains still hung inactive on the skirts of the battle. Only the little Ruby was with him, shattered of huli, cluttered with wreckage, with only her mainmast standing, _ but still sailing and fighting. So he drew out of the fight, hoping for no more than to get back to port with the Breda and the brig, and to arrange, for the hanging of the cow- — ards who had deserted him, their country, and — their queen. It was not until the ene of the third day ~ of the battle that the two heroic vessels cleared their skirts of the enemy for long enough to make some repairs to their spars and hulls. The survivors of the two crews toiled all night at planks and ropes and spars, hopefully preparing for honourable escape ; but when morning broke, ~ with a piping wind, John Benbow changed his mind. : “ We are not beaten yet,”’ said he. Again he flew his signals for general action and turned upon the enemy—and again the valorous Ruby obeyed the order. This was the fourth day of the battle of one ship and one brig against five ships and. four frigates. Two of the French ships “were out of lecomicbooks.com