“Wall, it’s a fact,” cried Doolittle, “I’ll swear
A rover ain’t contented anywhere;
But if he is a real sailor slip,
He’s happiest on the hull—aboard a ship—
For there at times he has his tallest fun,
Especially if ’tis a dandy one
Where all is fine—O mateys, that’s the thing!”
He raised his voice, and thus began to sing:
(While up and down he merrily did prance)
Unto the air of Dance, the Boatman, dance!