PICTURE IX.

I wish I was over the water again!

‘ Tis a pity we cannot agree;

When I try to be merry‘ tis labour in vain,

You always are scolding at me;

Then what shall I do

With this termagant Sue;

Tho’ I hug her and squeeze her

I never can please her —

Was there ever a devil like you!

If I was a maid as I now am a wife

With a sot and a brat to maintain,

I think it should be the first care of my life,

To shun such a drunkard again:

Not one of the crew

Is so hated by Sue;

Though they always are bawling,

And pulling and hauling —

Not one is a puppy like you.

Dear Susan, I'm sorry that you should complain:

There is nothing indeed to be done;

If a war should break out, not a sailor in Spain

Would sooner be found at his gun:

Arriving from sea

I would kneel on one knee,

And the plunder presenting

To Susan relenting —

Who then would be honour'd like me!

To-day as I came by the sign of the ship,

A mighty fine captain was there,

He was asking for sailors to take a small trip,

But I cannot remember well where:

He was hearty and free,

And if you can agree

To leave me, dear honey,

To bring me some money!—

How happy — indeed — I shall be!

The man that you saw not a sailor can get,

‘ Tis a captain Columbus, they say;

To fit out a ship he is running in debt,

And our wages he never will pay:

Yes, yes, it is he,

And, Sue, do ye see,

On a wild undertaking

His heart he is breaking —

The devil may take him for me!