Classic Poem

I

Come list all ye Cullies and Doxies so dear,
You shall hearken to the tale of the Bold Marineer
That took ship out of Holyhead and drove her so hard
Past Bardsey, Pwlheli, Port Madoc, and Fishguard —
Past Bardsey, Pwlheli, Port Madoc, and Fishguard.

II

Then he dropped out of Fishguard on a calm Summer's day,
By St David's and Strumbles and across St Bride's Bay;
Circumnavigating Skomer, that Island, around,
With the heart of a Lion he threaded Jack Sound —
With the heart of a Lion he threaded Jack Sound.

III

But from out the Main Ocean there rolled a great cloud,
So he clawed into Milford Haven by the Fog Blast so loud,
Until he dropped anchor in a deep-wooded bay,
Where all night with Old Sleep and Quiet Sadness he lay —
Where all night with Old Sleep and Quiet Sadness he lay.

IV

Next morning was a Doldrum, and he whistled for a breeze,
Which came from the N.N.W.'ard all across the high seas;
And in passing St Govan's lightship he gave them good night,
But before it was morning he raised Lundy Light —
Before it was morning he had raised Lundy Light.

V

Then he tossed for twelve hours in that horrible place
Which is known to the Mariner as the Great White Horse Race,
Till with a slant about three bells, or maybe near four,
He saw white water breaking upon Loud Appledore —
He saw white water breaking upon Loud Appledore.

VI

The Pirates of Appledore, the Wines of Instow;
But her nose is for Bideford with the tide at the flow.
Rattle anchor, batten hatches, and leave your falls curled.
The Long Bridge of Bideford is the end of the World —
The Long Bridge of Bideford is the end of the World.