You maidens, pretty in town and city, pray hear with pity my mournful strain A maid confounded in sorrow drowned, and deeply wounded with grief and pain:
All for the sake of a lovely Sailor, I am still bewailing in melting tears; Whilst other maidens are fondly playing, I am grieving for my Sailor dear.
Thro’ dales and vallies thro’ shades and vallies; and all around each lovely grove. Roll’d in sweet flowers in shadow bowers, we spent soft hours in mutual love:
Now he has left me, I do not blame him, because my darling was prest away; It was for my fortune my greedy parents contriv'd to have him sent to sea.
Five thousand pounds left by my uncle, beside four hundred pounds a-year. It is for that reason they do disdain him, as he is below them, my Sailor dear.
May every vengeance be their attendance, that caus'd my darling to cross the main: For worldly treasure and my displeasure, they parted us for the sake of gain.
Could I command all the wealth in India, and the gold and silver far and near, I would soon resign even golden mines, and in marriage join with my Sailor dear.
My hardened parents gave special orders, that I should close confined be With my chamber free from all danger, or lest I should my darling see.
Thirteen long weeks upon bread and water I liv'd, and find no other cheer! Oh! cruel usage to give a daughter, for loving of a Sailor dear.
Fortune befriend him, always attend him, and still defend him where'ev he goes; By land and water may angels guard him, while he's at war with his country's foes.
O that I were a nimble Sailor, no scars nor dangers would I fear, But freely enter, and boldly venture, to range the seas with my Sailor dear.
Since now my dear has cross'd the ocean, I grieve alone with a bleeding heart! And sickle fortune, which is uncertain, has caus'd my darling and me to part.
No man shall ever obtain my favour, my heart it loyal in love sincere; Till death destroy me, none shall enjoy me, except my charming Sailor dear.
