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ON BOARD A MAN-OF-WAR
Then up again upon the deck, So briskly, boys, we bundle; Since we have secur'd our pack, We have no cause to grumble. Then we clap on what we heave upon, Some piping, others singing: There's hoist away, likewise belay. Thus we make a beginning.
When once our ship has got all in, And nothing now neglected, To think of sea we do begin, Our orders soon expected. Then with a career we get all clear, In readiness for unmooring, Boats alongside with wind and tide To carry the women ashore in.
' All hands, unmoor,' the boatswain calls,
And he pipes at every hatchway ;
If you Tom Cockswain's traverse tip him
Take care he don't catch you ;
For without a doubt, if he finds you out,
You may be sure within you,
Over face and eyes, to your surprise
He'll arm you without mercy.
The capstan is already mann'd. Shall we hear the boatswain hollow ? Sometimes he is listening at a stand To hear the answers follow. We have not brought to, there's such ado, While some are calling the swabbers. Now heave away without delay, Boys, hold on the nippers.
The boatswain and his mates are piping,
Crying, ' Men, have a rally,'
And often forward they are piking
To have a rout in the galley.
' What are you about? Away with us out.'
To leave our victuals we abhor it;
With cuffs and knocks leave kettles and pots,
And the Devil cuff them for it. |
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