Page:Memoirs James Hardy Vaux.djvu/99



Oh! had I in the country stay'd I might have learnt some useful trade. And scorn'd the white lapelle

When first on board the ship I went. My belly full, my mind content,— No sorrows touched my heart: I view'd my coat, so flash and new» My gay cockade, and hanger too. And thought them wondrous smart.

But now, alas! my coat is rent; My hanger's pawned; my money spent; My former friends I've miss'd; And when of hardships I complain. My messmates swear 'tis all in vain; And cry, "What made you list?"

But hark! I hear the corp'ral's tread : Another dose, and then to bed; Of ev'ry joy bereft; I shake my bottle with a doubt; My poor half-pint is quite drained out; Not one kind drop is left!