SAILING THE BOATS.
Reading edition
HO! the jolly sailors, Lounging into port! Heave ahead, my hearties— That’s your lively sort! Splendid sky above us, Merrily goes the gale. Stand by to launch away Rag and paper sail! Archie owns a schooner, Jack a man-o’-war, Joe a clipper A 1 Named the Morning Star; Charlie sails a match-box, Dignified a yawl; Breakers on the lee shore— Look out for a squall! Now we’re bound for China— That’s across the pond; When we go a-cruising Many a mile beyond. Man-o’-war is watching A rakish-looking craft— Kerchunk! goes a bullfrog From his rushy raft. There’s a fleet of lilies We go scudding round,— Bumblebees for sailors,— And they’re fast aground. Here’s a drowning fly In her satin dress. All hands, about ship! Signals of distress. Argosies of childhood, Laden down with joys, Gunwale-deep with treasures! Happy sailor boys, May your merry ventures All their harbors win, And upon life’s stormy sea Every ship come in. George Cooper.
