Verses written on board H.M.S. Astraea

When in the cockpit all was dim,
And not a mid dared show his glim,
A youth was left alone.
He scratched his head, surveyed his clothes,
Then took the other cheering dose,
And thus began his moan :

'Ah ! Cursed be that fatal day
When I from home was led astray,
In this damned place to dwell:
Oh ! had I in the country stay'd
I might have learnt some useful trade
And scorn'd the white lapelle.

'When first on board the ship I went,
My belly full, my mind content,
No sorrows touched my heart:
I view'd my coat, so flash and new,
My gay cockade, my hanger too,
And thought them wondrous smart.

'But now, alas ! my coat is rent;
My hanger's pawned ; my "money spent;
My former friends I've missed;
And when of hardships I complain,
My messmates swear 'tis all in vain,
And cry " What made you list ? "

'But hark ! I hear the corp'ral's tread :
Another dose, and then to bed,
Of every joy bereft:
I shake my bottle with a doubt;
My poor half-pint is quite drained out,
Not one kind drop is left.'

The youth with indignation burns,
Into his hated hammock turns ;
Alas ! not long to sleep:
The quartermaster, with hoarse tongue,
Awakes him; says ' The bell has rung !'
He's roused, his watch to keep.

Shiv'ring he walks the quarter-deck,
Dreading the stern lieutenant's check,
Who struts the weather-side ;
With glass and trumpet in his hand,
He bellows forth his harsh command,
With arrogance and pride.