"But as they fetched a walk one day, They met a press-gang crew; And Sally she did faint away, Whilst Ben he was brought to."
—THOMAS HOOD.
From an engraving after painting by Alexander Johnston.
FAITHLESS SALLY BROWN.
Young Ben he was a nice young man, A carpenter by trade; And he fell in love with Sally Brown, That was a lady's maid.
But as they fetched a walk one day, They met a press-gang crew; And Sally she did faint away, Whilst Ben he was brought to.
The boatswain swore with wicked words Enough to shock a saint, That, though she did seem in a fit, 'T was nothing but a feint.
"Come, girl," said he, "hold up your head, He'll be as good as me; For when your swain is in our boat A boatswain he will be."
So when they'd made their game of her, And taken off her elf, She roused, and found she only was A coming to herself.
"And is he gone, and is he gone?" She cried and wept outright; "Then I will to the water-side, And see him out of sight."
A waterman came up to her; "Now, young woman," said he, "If you weep on so, you will make Eye-water in the sea."