Our boat being launch’d, and all hands in,
The whale was full in view;
Resolved was then each seaman bold
To steer where the whale-fish blew, brave boys!
To steer where the whale-fish blew.
VI
The whale was struck, and the line paid out,
She gave a flash with her tail;
The boat capsized, and we lost four men,
And we never caught that whale, brave boys!
And we never caught that whale.
VII
Bad news we to the Captain brought,
The loss of four men true.
A sorrowful man was our Captain then,
And the colours down he drew, brave boys!
And the colours down he drew.
VIII
‘The losing of this whale,’ said he,
‘Doth grieve my heart full sore;
But the losing of four gallant men
Doth hurt me ten times more, brave boys!
Doth hurt me ten times more.
IX
‘The winter star doth now appear,
So, boys, the anchor weigh;
’Tis time to leave this cold countrỳ,
And for England bear away, brave boys!
And for England bear away.