SEAN O'COSGAIR

Pity it was that you should ever stand

In ship or boat,

Or that you went afloat

Inside that ship!

The lusty steps you took!

The ways and journeys you knew how to wend

From London back to Beltra,

And this end!

You who could swim so well!

What time you sported in the lifting tides

The girls swam out to you, and held your sides

When they were weary, for they knew they were

Safe, because you were there.

Your little-mother thought that this was true

( And so she made no stir

Till you were found ),

Although an hundred might be drowned, you

Would come back safe to her,

And not be drowned!