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216 Indiana University Publications, Folklore Series
6. "Fair one, I had a messmate; George Riley was his name;
I'm sure from your description that he must be the same. Twro years we spent together upon the old Belle Flower, And such a gallant sailor I never knew before.
7. " 'T was on the 10th of April, near to Port Royal bay,
We had a tight engagement that lasted a whole day. Between Rodney and De Grasse, where many a man did fall, Your true-love fell a victim to a Frenchman's cannon ball.
8. "While weltering in his gore your generous lover lay,
With faltering voice and broken sighs, these words I heard
him say: 'Farewell, my dearest Nancy; were you but standing nigh To gaze your last upon me, contented would I die/ "
9. This melancholy story w^ounded her heart so deep She wrrung her hands in agony, and bitterly did weep, Saying, "My joys are ended if vrhat you say be true; Instead of having happiness, I've naught but grief in view."
10. On hearing which, his person himself he no longer could
conceal; He flew into her arms and himself he did reveal. Now these two constant lovers did each other embrace; He kissed the bright tears from her eyes, and wiped her
lovely face. Saying, "My dearest Nancy, with you I'll forever stay; And never more will I depart till my mainmast's cut away." |
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