Page:Songster's garland.pdf/24

24 BLACK EY'D SUSAN.

ALL in the Downs the fleet was moor'd,

The streamers waving to the wind,

When black-ey'd Susan came on board,

O! where shall I my true love find ?

Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,

If my sweet William sails among your crew.

William, who, high upon the yard,

Rock'd with the billows to and fro,

Soon as her well-known voice he heard,

He sigh'd, and cast his eyes below;

The cord flies swiftly through his glowing hands

And quick as lightning on the deck he stands.

O Susan, Susan, lovely dear !

My vows shall ever true remain;

Let me kiss off that falling tear;

We only part to meet again.

Change as ye list, ye winds ! my heart shall be

The faithful compass that still points to thee.

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,

The sails their swelling bosom spread;

No longer must she stay aboard :

They kiss'd—she sigh’d, he hung his head

Her less'ning boat unwilling rows to land :

Adieu ! she cries, and way'd her lily hand,