Page:Popular songster.pdf/20

 Let the foresheets go; don't mind, boys,
 * Though the weather should be worse.

Fore and aft the spirit sail yard get;
 * Reef the mizen; see all clear;

Hand up! each preventer-brace set;
 * Man the foreyard; cheer, lads, cheer!

Now the dreadful thunder's roaring!
 * Peals on peals contending clash!

On our head fierce rain falls pouring!
 * In our eyes blue lightning flash!

One wide water all around us,
 * All above us one black sky!

Diff'rent deaths at once surround us,
 * Hark! what means that dreadful cry?

The foremast's gone, cries ev'ry tongue out,
 * O'er the lee, twelve feet 'bove deck:

A leak beneath the chest-tree's sprung out;
 * Call all hands to clear the wreck.

Quick the lanyards cut to pieces;
 * Come, my hearts, be stout and bold;

Plumb the well, the leak increases,
 * Four feet water in the hold.

While o'er the ship wild waves are beating,
 * We for wives or children mourn;

Alas! from hence there's no retreating,
 * Alas! from hence there's no return.

Still the leak is gaining on us,
 * Both chain-pumps are chok'd below,

Heav'n have mercy here upon us!
 * For only that can save us now!