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BLACK-EYED SUSAN.
All in the Downs the fleet was moored,
The streamers waving in the wind,
When black-eyed Susan came on board:
"Oh! 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,
Rocked by the billows to and fro,
Soon as her well-known voice he heard,
He sighed, and cast his eyes below:
The cord glides swiftly through his glowing hands,
And, quick as lightning, on the deck he stands.
So the sweet lark, high poised in air,
Shuts close his pinions to his breast
(If, chance, his mate's shrill call he hear),
And drops at once into her nest:
The noblest captain in the British fleet
Might envy William's lips those kisses sweet.
Oh, 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 landsmen say,
Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind;
They 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.
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