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ALL in the Downs the fleet was moord, | |
The streamers waving in the wind, | |
When black-eyed Susan came aboard, | |
Oh! where shall I my true love find! | |
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true, | 5 |
If my sweet William sails among the crew. | |
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William, who high upon the yard | |
Rockd with the billow to and fro, | |
Soon as her well-known voice he heard, | |
He sighd and cast his eyes below: | 10 |
The cord slides swiftly through his glowing hands, | |
And (quick as lightning) on the deck he stands. | |
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So the sweet lark, high-poised in air, | |
Shuts close his pinions to his breast | |
(If, chance, his mates shrill call he hear) | 15 |
And drops at once into her nest. | |
The noblest captain in the British fleet, | |
Might envy Williams lip those kisses sweet. | |
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O Susan, Susan, lovely dear, | |
My vows shall ever true remain; | 20 |
Let me kiss off that falling tear, | |
We only part to meet again. | |
Change, as ye list, ye winds; my heart shall be | |
The faithful compass that still points to thee. | |
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Believe not what the landsmen say, | 25 |
Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind: | |
Theyll tell thee, sailors, when away, | |
In every port a mistress find. | |
Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so, | |
For thou art present wheresoeer I go. | 30 |
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If to far Indias coast we sail, | |
Thy eyes are seen in diamonds bright, | |
Thy breath is Africs spicy gale, | |
Thy skin is ivory, so white. | |
Thus every beauteous object that I view, | 35 |
Wakes in my soul some charm of lovely Sue. | |
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Though battle call me from thy arms, | |
Let not my pretty Susan mourn; | |
Though cannons roar, yet safe from harms, | |
William shall to his dear return. | 40 |
Love turns aside the balls that round me fly, | |
Lest precious tears should drop from Susans eye. | |
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The boatswain gave the dreadful word, | |
The sails their swelling bosom spread, | |
No longer must she stay aboard: | 45 |
They kissd, she sighd, he hung his head; | |
Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land: | |
Adieu! she cries; and waved her lily hand. | |
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