Page:Auld wife ayont the fire.pdf/5

 (5) Pretty NANCY of London, in Leaden-hall Street, Was courted by Billy on board of the ſteer, And when that theſe ſtormy winds begin for to blow, My heart is oppreſſed with ſorrow and woe. Prety nancy of London, my own heart's delight, This is a kind letter I'm going to write; This is to acquaint you what we undergo, Upon the falt feas where the hurricanes blow. A ſhip in diſtreſs is a moſt terrible fight, Like an army of ſoldiers juſt going to fight. A ſoldier can ſhun his moſt terrible doorn, Whilſt a ſalior ſubmits to a watery tomb. It was late in the evening before it was dark, Our honoured captain he few'd us a mark, Of ſomthing that he could diſcern in the ſkies, Oi a terrible ſtorm that was going to riſe. It roared like thunder, it toſs'd us about, While many a bold ſailor, both gallant and ſtout, Stood trembling and quaking 'twixt hope and deſpair One moment below and another in the air. Early in the morning before it was day, Our honoured captain then to us did ſay, Be not afraid, brave boys, but be of good chear, While we've good ſea-room, we've nought for to fear But when the wind blows it makes my heart to ake It makes all our cabins and rooms for to ſhake ; But what can I do ſo far from the shore? I think on my true love, what can I do more.