Beds of roses (1)/Arra Captain Agra

CAPTAIN AGRA

Arra, Captain Agra, I’m going to lift,
Will you lend me the loan of your hand in my fist?
I’m going to Dublin, is this the straight way?
I was not there to-morrow nor here yesterday.

⁠ When I went to Dublin, that very fine place,
I went to Green Castle or e’er I did cease;
I look’d all around me to fee what I could spy,
E’er a one in the world to make a soldier of I.

⁠ The first thing I saw was a man on horseback,
With a red coat and a three-cocked-hat;
I boldly stept to him and made a low stoop,
And swore by my durk I would lift in his troop.

⁠ The first thing they gave me was a fine red coat.
With three straps of leather to gird me about;
With a scabbard at my side, and a pouch to put on,
Oh! then for the wars as bold as I can.

⁠ The next thing they gave me was a black-horse,
He lifted me on and my legs went across:
But he would not stir till I gave him the flee!,
And then my brave gelding could run to the deed.

⁠ Then the next thing he gave me was a long gun,
And under the bolt he made me place my thumb;
It was not long there till the gun gave a crack,
And gave my poor shoulder a terrible stroke

⁠ Captain Agra, I cry’d will you help me to tie her,
I believe she’s the devil, fee how she spits five!
It’s a wonder that a man of your understanding,
Should contrive such a thing for any man’s handling.

⁠ Captain Agra, I pray, there is one thing I want,
Does my gun go to Meeting! or does she keep Lent!
Indeed fays the Captain, I can’t magnify,
Oh! arra my jewel, I’m as well satisfy’d.

⁠ The next thing they shew’d me was a long boat.
And if you believe me, the could sweem when afloat;
She’s but half a year old, and if the does thrive,
She’ll be as big’s a slave-galley before she be five.

⁠ Then after, they (hew’d me a very large sloop,
With two standards up and her wings flying about,
With her rudder behind, and a great stern before,
She’s certainly a devil———I ne’er saw before.

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