Challenge or shout, until
Rings forth with British will
A shrill
"Heave to!" Then sharp and short
Question and quick retort
Make British sport.
"What is it that you say,—
Where do I hail from pray,
What is my cargo, eh?
"My cargo? I'll allow
You can hear 'em crowin' now,
At the bow.
"And I've long-faced gentry too,
For passengers and crew,
Just a few,
"To fatten up, you know,
For home use, and a show
Of garden sass and so.
"And from Taunton town I hail;
Good Lord, it was a gale
When I set sail!"
The British captain laught
As he leaned there abaft:
"'Tis a harmless craft,
"And a harmless fellow too,
With his long-faced gentry crew;
Let him through,"
He cried; and a gay "Heave ahead!"
Sounded forth, and there sped
Down the red