Volume Iii Part 69 (1/2)

From St. Jago's wealthy port, from Havannah's royal fort, The seaman goes forth without fear; For since that stormy night not a mortal hath had sight Of the flag of the last Buccaneer.

Thomas Babington Macaulay [1800-1859]

THE LEADSMAN'S SONG

For England, when with favoring gale, Our gallant s.h.i.+p up Channel steered, And scudding, under easy sail, The high blue western lands appeared, To heave the lead the seaman sprang, And to the pilot cheerly sang, ”By the deep--Nine.”

And bearing up to gain the port, Some well-known object kept in view, An abbey tower, a ruined fort, A beacon to the vessel true; While oft the lead the seaman flung, And to the pilot cheerly sung, ”By the mark--Seven.”

And as the much-loved sh.o.r.e we near, With transport we behold the roof Where dwelt a friend or partner dear, Of faith and love and matchless proof.

The lead once more the seaman flung, And to the watchful pilot sung, ”Quarter less--Five.”

Now to her berth the s.h.i.+p draws nigh, With slackened sail she feels the tide, Stand clear the cable is the cry, The anchor's gone, we safely ride.

The watch is set, and through the night, We hear the seaman with delight Proclaim--”All's well.”

Charles Dibdin [1745-1814]

HOMEWARD BOUND

Head the s.h.i.+p for England!

Shake out every sail!

Blithe leap the billows, Merry sings the gale.

Captain, work the reckoning; How many knots a day?-- Round the world and home again, That's the sailor's way!

We've traded with the Yankees, Brazilians and Chinese; We've laughed with dusky beauties In shade of tall palm-trees; Across the line and Gulf-Stream-- Round by Table Bay-- Everywhere and home again, That's the sailor's way!

Nightly stands the North Star Higher on our bow; Straight we run for England; Our thoughts are in it now.

Jolly times with friends ash.o.r.e, When we've drawn our pay!-- All about and home again, That's the sailor's way!

Tom will to his parents, Jack will to his dear, Joe to wife and children, Bob to pipes and beer; d.i.c.ky to the dancing-room, To hear the fiddles play;-- Round the world and home again, That's the sailor's way!

William Allingham [1824-1889]