Sweet William's Farewell to Black-Ey'd SUSAN
|
All in the Downs the Fleet was moor'd,
|
the Streamers waving in the Wind
|
when Black-ey'd Susan came a-board.
|
Oh! where shall I my true Love find!
|
Tell me, ye Jovial Sailors, tell me true,
|
If my sweet William sails among the Crew.
|
(2)
|
William who high upon the Yard,
|
Rock'd with the Billows to and fro,
|
Soon as her well-known Voice he heard,
|
He sigh'd and cast his Eyes below:
|
The Cord slides swiftly thro his glowing hands,
|
And quick as Lightning, on the Deck he stands.
|
(3)
|
So the sweet Lark, high pois'd in Air,
|
Shuts close his Pinions to his Breast,
|
(If chance his Mate's shrill Call he hear)
|
And drops at once into her Nest.
|
The Noblest Captain in the Brittish Fleet,
|
Might envy William's Lips those Kisses sweet.
|
(4)
|
O Susan, Susan, Lovely Dear,
|
My Vows shall ever true remain;
|
Let me kiss off that falling Tear,
|
We only part to meet again.
|
Change as ye list ye Winds; my Heart shall be
|
The faithfull Compass that still points to thee.
|
(5)
|
Believe not what the Landmen say,
|
Who tempt with Doubts thy constant mind
|
They'll tell thee Sailors when away,
|
In ev'ry Port a Mistress find.
|
Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,
|
For thou art present wheresoe'er I go.
|
(6)
|
If to far India's Coast we sail,
|
Thy Eyes are seen in Di'monds bright,
|
Thy Breath is Africk's Spicy Gale,
|
Thy Skin is Ivory, so white.
|
Thus ev'ry beauteous Object that I view,
|
Wakes in my Soul some Charm of Lovely Sue.
|
(7)
|
Though Battel calls me from thy Arms,
|
Let not my pretty Susan mourn;
|
Though Canons roar, yet safe from Harms,
|
William shall to his Dear return.
|
Love turns aside the Balls that round me fly,
|
Lest precious Tears should drop from Susan's Eye.
|
(8)
|
The Boatswain gave the dreadfull Word,
|
The Sails their swelling Bosom spread,
|
No longer must she stay aboard;
|
They kiss'd, she sigh'd, he hung his Head.
|
Her less'ning Boat, unwilling rows to Land:
|
Adieu, she cries, and wav'd her Lilly Hand.
|
|
|
|
|
|