SEA SONG.

(DIBDIN)

Pure water it plays a good part in

The swabbing the decks and all that—

And it finds its own level for sartin—

For it sartinly drinks very flat:—

For my part a drop of the creatur

I never could think was a fault,

For if Tars should swig water by natur,

The sea would have never been salt!—

Then off with it into a jorum

And make it strong, sharpish, or sweet,

For if I've any sense of decorum,

It never was meant to be neat!—

One day when I was but half sober,—

Half measures I always disdain—

I walk'd into a shop that sold Soda,

And ax'd for some Water Champagne:—

Well, the lubber he drew and he drew, boys,

Till I'd shipped my six bottles or more,

And blow off my last limb but it's true, boys,

Why, I warn't half so drunk as afore!—

Then off with it into a jorum,

And make it strong, sharpish, or sweet,

For if I've any sense of decorum,

It never was meant to be neat.