University of Virginia Library


175

NANNY'S SAILOR LAD.

Now fare-you-well! my bonny ship,
For I am for the shore.
The wave may flow, the breeze may blow,
They'll carry me no more.
And all as I came walking
And singing up the sand,
I met a pretty maiden,
I took her by the hand.
But still she would not raise her head,
A word she would not speak,
And tears were on her eyelids,
Dripping down her cheek.
Now grieve you for your father?
Or husband might it be?
Or is it for a sweetheart
That's roving on the sea?
It is not for my father,
I have no husband dear,
But oh! I had a sailor lad,
And he is lost, I fear.

176

Three long years
I am grieving for his sake,
And when the stormy wind blows loud,
I lie all night awake.
I caught her in my arms,
And she lifted up her eyes,
I kiss'd her ten times over
In the midst of her surprise.
Cheer up, cheer up, my Nanny!
And speak again to me;
O, dry your tears, my darling,
For I'll go no more to sea.
I have a love, a true true love,
And I have a golden store;
The wave may flow, the breeze may blow,
They'll carry me no more!