Charles Dibdin

The Sailor's Consolation

ONE night came on a hurricane,
    The sea was mountains rolling, 
When Barney Buntline turned his quid,
    And said to Billy Bowling: 
"A strong nor-wester's blowing, Bill;
    Hark! don't ye hear it roar, now? 
Lord help 'em, how I pities them
    Unhappy folks on shore now!

"Foolhardy chaps who live in towns,
    What danger they are all in, 
And now lie quaking in their beds,
    For fear the roof should fall in; 
Poor creatures! how they envies us,
    And wishes, I've a notion, 
For our good luck, in such a storm,
    To be upon the ocean!

"And as for them who're out all day
    On business from their houses, 
And late at night are coming home,
    To cheer their babes and spouses,-- 
While you and I, Bill, on the deck
    Are comfortably lying, 
My eyes! what tiles and chimney-pots
    About their heads are flying!

"And very often have we heard
    How men are killed and undone 
By overturns of carriages,
    By thieves, and fires in London; 
We know what risks all landsmen run,
    From noblemen to tailors; 
Then, Bill, let us thank Providence
    That you and I are sailors."