Classic Poem

1. You may smile if you're a mind to, but perhaps you'll lend an
ear; Like men and boys together, well nigh for fifty
year, Who'ave sailed upon the ocean in summer's pleasant
days, Likewise in stormy winter when the howling wind do rage.

2 I've tossed about on Georges, been fishing in the Bay,
Down south in early summer — most anywhere would pay.
I've been in different vessels to the Western Bank and Grand,
Likewise in herring vessels that sail to Newfoundland.

3 There I saw rough times, I tell you, when things look[ed] rather blue.
Somehow I have been lucky and always have got through.
I ain't no boast, however — I won't say much, but then
I wasn't easily frightened like most of other men.

4 One night as we were sailing, beware of [we were off] land a way —
I never shall forget it until my dying day —
It was in our grand dog [the dim dark] watches I felt a chilly dread
Come over me as though I heard one calling from the dead.

5 Right o'er our rail came climbing, all silent, one by one,
A dozen hardy sailors. Just wait till I am done.
Their faces pale and sea-worn, all ghostly through the night,
Each fellow took his station as if he had a right.

6 They moved about together till land did heave in sight,
Or rather, I should say so, the lighthouse threw its light [lighthouse tower's light];
And then those ghostly sailors all to the rail as one,
They vanished like the morning dew after the rising sun.

7 Those were the same poor fellows — I hope God bless their souls —
That our old craft run under that night on Georges Shoals.
Well, now my song is ended; it is just as I have said [just as I say].
I do believe in spirits, from that I'm to be led [since that time anyway].