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Sweet Nancy Nouse, and Jack Jib-boom,

Had long been man and wife,

And envy's self could not find room

To blame their happy life.

Each girl who would a husband find,

Each tar who fain would wife,

These words would always keep in mind,

Nan's blest, for Jack's alive.

One Pest, a knowing and false friend,

When Jack was out at sea,

Laid siege to Nancy, to no end,

For a true wife was she;

He teazed her with each doubt and fear,

That his vile suit might thrive,

Yet hope still whisper'd in her ear,

'Tis false, for Jack's alive.

He kept Jack's letters back, forged news,

Her virtue to ensnare,

And did her patient ear abuse,

To drive her to despair;

He swore Jack had fallen overboard,

And never would arrive.

When a hoarse voice like thunderroar'd,

'You lie, friend, Jack's alive.'