THE SAILOR'S CONSOLATION
by
Charles Dibdin

One night came on a hurricane
The sea was mountains rolling,
When Barney Buntling turned his quid
And said to Billy Bowling
"A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill
Hark ! Don't ye hear it roar, now ?
Lord help 'em, how I pities all
Unhappy folks on shore now
"Foolhardy chaps who live in towns
What dangers they are all in!
And now lie quaking in their beds,
For fear the roof should fall in!
Poor creatures! How they envies us,
And wishes, I've a notion,
For our good luck, in such a storm,
To be upon the ocean.
And as for them who're out all day
On business for their houses,
And late at night are coming home
To cheer their babes and spouses
While you and I, Bill, on the deck
Are comfortably lying
My eyes! What tiles and chimney-pots
About their heads are flying.
And very often have we heard
How men are killed and undone;
By overturns of carriages,
By thieves and fires of London.
We know what risks all landmen run,
From noblemen to tailors,
Then, Bill, let us thank Providence,
That you are I are sailors."