Food is scarce and water failing—stranger, spare a trifle here—
Biscuit, grog, and cask of water; just a trifle, stranger, here;
You’ll be paid back never fear.”
Skipper says, “We can afford, man, if you only come on board, man,
Two or three good casks of water, one of biscuit, one of ale.
Shove the boat off; I’m delighted, such a vessel to have sighted,
From the mighty States United; come and taste a glass of ale;
Come and chat for half an hour o’er the friendly glass of ale
I take nightly without fail.”
And our ladder was made ready by two seamen strong and steady,