10
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,
If my sweet William sails among your crew?"
William, who, high upon the yard,
Rock'd with the billows to and fro,
Soon as her well-known voice he heard,
He sigh'd, and cast his eyes below;
The chord slides swiftly through his glowing hand
And, quick as lightning, on the deck he stands.
So the sweet lark, high pois'd in air,
Shuts close his pinions to his breast,
If chance his mate's shrill cry he hear,
And drops into her welcome nest.
The noblest Captain in the British fleet
Might envy William's lips those kisses sweet.
O Susan, Susan, lovely dear,
My vows shall ever true remain;
Let me kiss off' that falling tear,
We only part to meet again;
Change as ye list, ye winds, my heart shall be
The faithful compass that still points to thee.
Believe not what the landmen say,
Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind;
They'll tell thee, sailors, when away,
In every port a mistress find:
Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,
For thou art present wheresoe'er I go.
