Part 2 — No 53 HENRY MARTYN

1 In merry Scotland, in merry Scotland, There lived brothers three, They all did cast lots which of them should go, A robbing upon the salt sea. 2 The lot it fell upon Henry Martyn, The youngest of the three, That he should go rob on the salt, salt sea, To maintain his brothers and he. 3 He had not a sailed a long winter's night, Nor yet a short winter's day, Before he espied the King's gallant ship, Come sailing along that way. 4 How far, how far, cried Henry Martyn, How far are you going? said he For I am a robber upon the salt seas, To maintain my brothers and me. 5 Stand off, stand off! the Captain he cried, The lifeguards they are aboard. My cannons are loaden with powder and shot; And every man hath a sword. 6 For three long hours they merrily fought, For hours they fought full three. And many a blow it dealt many a wound, As they fought on the salt, salt sea. 7 Twas broadside against a broadside then, And at it, the which should win, A shot in the gallant ship bored a hole, And then did the water rush in. 8 Bad news! bad news, for old England Bad news has come to the town, The king his vessel is wrecked and lost, An all his brave soldiers drown. 9 Bad news! bad news through the London street! Bad news has come to the King, The lives of his guard they be all a lost, O the tidings be sad that I bring. 10 O had I a twisted rope of hemp, A bowstring strong though thin; I'd soon hang him up to his middle yard arm, And have done with Henry Martyn.