The Sea-man's Answer
TO
His Unkind Lover.
Tune of. I lov'd you dearly, etc. Or, Languishing Swain.
Licensed according to Order.
|
FAir Maid, you say you lov'd me well,
|
I do believe it honest Nell,
|
And likewise tell you what is true,
|
Once there was none I lov'd like you.
|
Twas not for Money that I wed,
|
I never ask'd her what she had,
|
You said you would not married be,
|
Till I return again from Sea.
|
That was the reason pritty Dove,
|
Which made me seek for another Love,
|
I thought when I to Sea was gone,
|
You'd wed before I cou'd return.
|
As for thy kindness still to me,
|
A thousand thanks I return to thee,
|
And I am glad you do impart,
|
A Seaman still shall have thy Heart.
|
I have a Brother with me here,
|
Who's Younger than I by one Year,
|
He is a Seaman truly bred,
|
My dearest Nell let him thee Wed.
|
You cry Stop Thief, your Heart I have,
|
My Brother he the same do crave,
|
And begs that I would write to you,
|
To give thy free consent thereto.
|
If you but saw us both together,
|
You could not tell one from the other;
|
Then prithee Nell do not deny,
|
Though I am wed, let him injoy.
|
I hear thou'rt ranging o're the Sea,
|
With full intent to come to me,
|
May Heavens keep thee from all harms,
|
And bring thee safely to my Arms.
|
We're both in the Britania bold,
|
Ith Straights where Strangers much behold,
|
For there was never seen before
|
So great a Ship near the Turkish-shoar.
|
Then come my fair One, come away,
|
My Brother longs to see the day,
|
That you will be his happy Bride,
|
Then waff her hither Wind and Tide.
|
If thou wert come, then we'd be merry,
|
In Bowls of Punch and good Canary,
|
And thou wilt find he'll love thee well,
|
Though I did leave my honest Nell.
|
I prithee Nell do not deny,
|
Thou'lt find him kinder far than I,
|
Although you prove not to be my Wife,
|
Yet my dear Sister all my life.
|
|
|
|
|
|