But he said how a sparrow can't founder, d’ye see, Without orders that come down below; And a many fine things, that proved clearly to me That Providence takes us in tow : Take the top-sails of sailors aback, To keep watch for the life of poor Jack. When last we weigh'd anchor for sea, Why, what a d-d fool you must be! Can't you see the world's wide, and there's room for us all, Both for seamen and lubbers ashore ? And if to Old Davy I go, my dear Poll, Why, you never will hear of me more: Perhaps I may, laughing, come back; To keep watch for the life of poor Jack. All as one as a piece of the ship, From the moment the anchor's a trip; As for me, in all weathers, all times, sides, and ends, Nought's a trouble from duty that springs; For my heart is my Poll's, and my rhino's my friend's, And as for my life, 'tis the King's. As for grief to be taken aback: Will look out a good berth for poor Jack ! THE GREENWICH PENSIONER. FaY WAS in the good ship Rover can I sail'd the world around, And for three years and over AS P I ne'er touch'd British ground: At length in England landed, I left the roaring main, Found all relations stranded, And went to sea again. That time bound straight to Portugal, Right fore and aft we bore; But when we made Cape Ortugal, A gale blew off the shore: A log upon the main, We stood to sea again. Next in a frigate sailing, Upon a squally night, The horrors of the fight: I, when they'd eased my pain, And went to sea again. Yet still I am enabled To bring up in life's rear, Although I am disabled, And lie in Greenwich tier ; Who saved me from the main, 'I'll praise with love and loyalty, But ne'er to sea again. THE SIGNAL TO ENGAGE. Y HE signal to engage shall be Be one and all but firm, like me, 24 And conquest soon will follow. You, Gunnel, keep the helm in hand Thus, thus, boys! steady, steady! Till right a-head you see the land, Then, soon as we are ready, .The signal, &c. Keep, boys, a good look-out, d'ye hear ! 'Tis for Old England's honour; Just as you brought your lower tier Broadside to bear upon her, The signal, &c. All hands, then, lads, the ship to clear; . Load all your guns and mortars ; Silent as death th' attack prepare, And, when you're all at quarters, The signal, &c. WHILE UP THE SHROUDS. VAR The landsman, who no better knows, Casts anchor, heaves the log, And drinks his can of grog. When mountains high the waves that swell The vessel rudely bear, Now sinking in a hollow dell, Now quiv'ring in the air, Bold Jack, &c. When waves 'gainst rocks and quicksands roar, You ne'er hear him repine, Freezing on Greenland's icy shore, Or burning near the Line, Bold Jack, &c. If to engage they give the word, To quarters all repair, Bold Jack, &c. THE GOOD SHIP THE KITTY. sea, CAX Left my Polly, the lads call so pretty, Safe here at an anchor-Yo, Yea! She blubber'd salt tears when we parted, And cried—“Now be constant to me!” I told her not to be down-hearted, So up went the anchor-Yo, Yea! And from that time, no worse nor no better, I've thought on just nothing but she; She's my best bower-anchor-Yo, Yea ! When the wind whistled larboard and starboard, And the storm came on weather and lea, The hope I with her should be harbour'd Was my cable and anchor-Yo, Yea! And yet, my boys, would you believe me? I return’d with no rhino from sea; Mistress Polly would never receive me, So again I heaved anchor-Yo, Yea! |