The Melodist/The Heaving of the Lead

by Charles Dibdin (1745-1814)

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

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 blne western land appear'd,
To heave the lead the Seamen sprung,
Ann to the Pilot cheerly sung,
"By the deep nine."

And bearing up to gain the port,
Some well-known object kept in view,
An abbey-tow'r, an harbour-fort,
Or beacon to the vessel true:
Whilst oft' the lead the Seamen flung,
And to the Pilot cheerly sung,
"By the mark seven."

And as the much-lov'd shore we near,
With transport we behold the roof
Where dwells a friend, or partner dear,
Of faith or love a matchless proof:
The lead once more the Seamen flung,
And to the watchful Pilot sung,
"Quarter less five."

Now to her birth the Ship draws nigh,
We take in sail, she feels the tide;
"Stand clear the cable,"is the cry,
The anchor's gone—we safely ride:
The watch is set, and through the night
We hear the Seamen with delight
Proclaim—"All's well."

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