Watchman (1802)/The sailor's adventure for a wife

by Charles Dibdin

The SAILOR’S ADVENTURE for a WIFE.

EARLY in the morning, by the break of day,
I saw a jolly sailor, and a lady gay,
They in the grove were walking, early in the morn,
Of love they both were talking, & crossing the lawn.

I stept up close beside them to hear their discourse,
The tailor said, sweet lady, be not so cross,
For if you do deny me for to be my bride,
Then for revenge I’ll Wander o’er the ocean wide.

She said, dear loving sailor I am too young to wed,
To love I am a stranger, these very words she said,
Besides my tender father he has gold in store,
If I should gain his anger he’d see me no more.

Could I but see your father, and my mind reveal,
I have both gold and silver, and houses at my will,
Altho’ lam a sailor, I am not low and poor,
Grant me but one favour, O then I'll ask no more.

O pray what is the favour that of me you crave?
If it lies in my power you the same shall have;
My heart you now have gained, you are all I prize,
So make yourself contented, pray be satisfied.

O sweetest of all women, blessed be that voice,
Heaven be prais'd that I have gain'd my choice,
Before that we are marry’d let me your father see,
All fear is, now" miscarry’d, my heart is full of glee.

So straight to her father the brisk young lady went,
And said,grant me one favour,do give your consent,
In love I am entangled with a sailor brave,
your consent to marry is all that I crave.

Her father gave consent,to church they did repair,
Success attend the sailor and the lady fair,
Attended by her father the lady for to see,
He said, houses and riches all I give to thee.

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GLASGOW,

Printed by J. & M. Robertson, Saltmarket, 1802.