[169. The Greenland Fishery]
I
In seventeen hundred and ninety-four,
On March the twentieth day;
We hoist our colours to the mast,
And for Greenland bore away, brave boys!
And for Greenland bore away.
II
We were twelve gallant men aboard,
And to the North did steer:
Old England left we in our wake—
We sailors knew no fear, brave boys!
We sailors knew no fear.
III
Our boatswain to the mast-head went,
Wi’ a spy glass in his hand;
He cries, ‘A whale! a whale doth blow,
She blows at every span, brave boys!
She blows at every span.’
IV
Our Captain on the master deck
(A very good man was he),
‘Overhaul! overhaul! let the boat tackle fall,
And launch your boat to sea, brave boys!
And launch your boat to sea.’