Sailor's courtship (1822)/The sailor's courtship

THE SAILOR'S COURTSHIP

It happen'd on a morning clear,
as down the quay I walked,
I chanc'd to meet a maiden fair,
who with her father talked,

Said he Your love is come on shore,
The only man you do adore,
Your folly now you must give o'er,
Don’t wed that tarry Sailor.

O father dear, do not us part,
or strive to seperate us,
For if you do, 'twill break my heart,
great grief it will create us;

His love to me is most secure,
And mine to him shall firm endure,
Beside me life or death. I'm sure,
I'll wed no other Sailor.

Up comes young Jack as brisk's a bee
and saving, My dearest Nancy,
Now I am safe return'd to thee,
my heart's delight and fancy:

I've been where stormy winds do blow,
And often fac'd the deadly foe,
Say, will you have me, yea or no.
And wed poor Jack the Sailor?

Two hundred pounds left by your aunt,
three hundred more I'd give you,
But if you marry without, consent,
a farthing I wont leave you:
Besides to marry she's too young.
And Sailors have a flattering tongue.
So from my pretence quick be gone,
If you wed that.tarry Sailor.

Says Jack. I don’t regard that sum,
my dear, I've gold in plenty;
Believe me, Sir, I do not come
to court with pockets empty;
Five hundred guineas in bright gold,
Upon the table there he told,
And swept them in her apron-fold.
Take that and Jack your Sailor.

Her father seeing his honest heart,
that he behav'd so clever:
Said. 'Tis a pity you to part,
you shall be join'd for ever:
As you so freely give your store,
And you each other do adore,
Now take her Jack, here's as much more,
For you a clever Sailor.

Now messmates we've got safe to port,
and I am happy marry'd,
I hope my lads we'll have some sport,
and crown the day with claret:
My frigate she is rigged right.
With silks and rings most gay and bright,
And I shall show to you this night
I am a valiant Sailor.