ALL in the Downs the fleet was moor'd, "Oh! where shall I my true-love find? William, who high upon the yard Rock'd with the billow to and fro, Soon as her well-known voice he heard, He sigh'd, and cast his eyes below: The cord slides swiftly through his glowing hands, And (quick as lightning) on the deck he stands. BLACK-EYED SUSAN. So the sweet lark, high poised in air, "O Susan, Susan! lovely dear, My vows shall ever true remain ; Change as ye list, ye winds! my heart shall be "Believe not what the landsmen 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, If to fair India's coast we sail, Thy eyes are seen in diamonds bright, Thy breath is Afric's spicy gale, Thy skin is ivory so white: Thus every beauteous object that I view, Wakes in my soul some charm of lovely Sue. Though battle call me from thy arms, Let not my pretty Susan mourn; Though cannons roar, yet, safe from harms, William shall to his dear return. Love turns aside the balls that round me fly, Lest precious tears should drop from Susan's eye." |