Till I draw the firm splice that's betwixt her and me;

I'll roam on the ocean, for much do I love it--

To wed with another were rank bigamy."

"O William, what nonsense you talk, you are raving;

Pray how can a ship and a man become one?

You say so because you no longer are craving,

As once you were truly--and I am undone."

"You wrong me, my dearest, as sure as I stand here,

As sure as I'll sail again on the wide sea;

Some day I will settle, and marry with you, dear,