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 Poor foolish child---how pleas'd was I

When news of Nelson's victory came;

Along the crouded streets to fly,

To see the lighted windows flame!

To force me home my mother sought,

She could not bear to see my joy :

For with my father's life 'twas bought,

And made me a poor Orphan Boy !

The people's shouts were long and loud,

My mother shudd'ring, clos'd her ears;

Rejoice! rejoice! still cry'd the croud,

My mother answer'd with her tears!

Why are you crying thus, said I,

While others laugh and shout with joy

She kiss'd me, and with such a sigh,

She call'd me her poor Orphan Boy!

What is an Orphan Boy? I cry'd,

As in her face I look'd and smil'd,

My mother through her tears reply'd,

'You'll know to soon, ill-fated child.'

And now they've toll'd my mother's knell,

And I'm no more a parent's joy:

Ah! Lady, I have known too well

What 'tis to be an Orphan Boy!

Oh! were I by your bounty fed,

Nay, gentle lady, do not chide;

Trust me-I mean to earn my bread,

The Sailor's Orphan Boy has pride