The Sailor's Tragedy ; or, The Last Farewel of Captain Smith

I am in a consternation at my now approaching death;
It's my woful lamentation e're I do resign my breath
I shall write this fatal morning, which I mean to leave behind.
Let my ruine be a warning evermore to all mankind.

Often have I sail'd the ocean, with a proud, aspiring heart,
Aiming still at high promotion, far above my due desert.
Having lost my first commission, I cou'd not be satisfy'd
Till the steps of grand ambition led me to the fall of pride.

Wholesome laws and human reason could not guide nor govern me:
Therefore did I practice treason nay, unto a high degree.
In the Nightingale I sailed, and oppos'd our gracious Queen;
Law has over me prevailed; justice now steps in between

Me and all those flights of honour which I eagerly persu'd,
Fighting under the French banner; but this day I must conclude
My sad life, with tears of sorrow, which I in abundance shed.
I can bid my griefs good morrow, but my joys are from me fled.

Had I been but true and loyal to her present Majestie,
Then I had never stood the tryal or by lawes been doom'd to dye;
But I suffer as a traytor 'gainst the Queen and Government;
Sure there cannot be a greater grief to make the heart relent.

O, that ship which I purloined was the Nightingale by name,
In the which I once designed to have purchas'd lasting fame :
But by chance she was retaken, for indeed we could not fly.
Now of friends I am forsaken, since my death is drawing nigh.

When I pass along the city towards Execution Dock
I shall meet with little pity, every one at me will mock:
On me they will cast reflections, which will cause much discontent ;
Let this quail the fond affections of the proud and insolent.

Farewell to the joy and pleasure which I formerly have had :
Now my griefs are out of measure, my heroick heart is sad;
All my comforts are departed, there is nothing left but grief,
Conscience wounded, broken-hearted, Lord, afford me some relief.

Blessed Father, don't forsake me in the bitter pangs of death.
Of thy tender mercy take me, when I shall resign my breath,
To thy glorious habitations, which are free from care and strife.
Farewel to all tribulations which attends our humane life.

Now the sad and dismal hour of my death is drawing nigh ;
Tho'.the fates may seem to lower let the loving standers-by
Grant me now their prayers and pity, which does worldly wealth excel.
Now I end my mournful ditty and you see my last farewel.