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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 chord slides swiftly through his glowing hand And, quick as lightning, on the deck he stands.


 * So the sweet lark, high pois'd in air,
 * Shuts close his pinions to his breast,
 * If chance his mate's shrill cry he hear,
 * And drops into her welcome nest.

The noblest Captain in the British fleet Might envy William's lips those kisses sweet.
 * 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.
 * Believe not what the landmen say,
 * Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind;
 * They'll tell thee, sailors, when away,
 * In every port a mistress find:

Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so, For thou art present wheresoe'er I go.