The Jolly Miller (1799)/The Heaving of the Lead

by Charles Dibdin (1745-1814)

For other versions of this work, see The Heaving of the Lead (Dibdin).

Divider from 'The Jolly Miller', a chapbook printed in Glasgow in 1799

The HEAVING of the LEAD.

For England when with favouring gale,our gallant ship up Channel steer'd.And scudding under easy sail,the high blue western land appear'd,To heave the lead the seaman sprung,And to the Pilot cheerly sung,"By the deep—Nine!"

And, bearing up to gain the port,some well known object kept in view,An Abby-tow'r, an Harbour-fort,or beacon to the vessel true;When of the lead the seaman flung,And to the Pilot cheerly sung,"By the mark—Seven!

And as the much long'd shore we near,with transport we behold the roofWhere dwelt a friend, or partner dear,of faith and love a matchless proof.The lead once more the seaman flung,And to the watchful pilot sung,"Quarter less—Five!"

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Glasgow, Printed by J. & M. Robertson,
Saltmarket, 1799.