Last speech of the farmer's colly/The Rochester lass

ROCHESTER LASS.

IN Rochester city, a young ⟨damsel⟩ did dwell,
For wit, ⟨and for⟩ beauty none could ber excel,
Admired she was and had any many a suiter,
But one young youth and he loved her well.
This ⟨charming⟩ young youth he was a brisk sailor
Long time he had ⟨ploughed⟩ the ⟨watery⟩ main,
The enemy ⟨insulted⟩ the British flag royal,
He was summond to go and meet them again.

⁠This jolly young sailor, if true as reported,
Had been but a ⟨very⟩ few weeks on the shore,
As he and his true-love were walking,
Then by a large press-gang he from her was tore
They cried we perceive you are a young sailor,
That is fit for ⟨to⟩ fight for your country and king,
And as we want sailors you must plough the ocean,
No excuse we will have.
You must face these ⟨bold⟩ en'mies once more again.

⁠It was early one morning as day it was dawning,
This beautiful fair one a letter received,
It was to inform her the ship had weigh'd anchor,
With grief and vexation this fair one griev'd,
she cried oh! the waves they do prove so cruel,
They ⟨have⟩ robb d me of him I estemed so dear,
My mind it is tortur'd ⟨with grief and⟩ vexation,
While from her bright eye fell may a ⟨tear⟩.

⁠It was wrote in these lines my love, don't be ⟨surprised⟩,
Once more I am compelled for to plough the ⟨rough sea⟩,
But ⟨nevertheless⟩, my dear girl don't be ⟨griev'd⟩,
To you ⟨and⟩ to you only true and constant I'll be
Though ⟨many a fair⟩ one I shall see.
There is no doubt on it when our ship is in port,
Or harbour she lies no one shall induce me,
To think of another, while I am away.

⁠And I hope in return you will do so by me,
So adieu my dear Sally till the next time I see you
Our ship's bound to India all with a fresh gale,
⟨Early⟩ to morrow the day is appointed
So heaven protect you until the next meeting,
Which I hope will be soon now the wars are all o'er
And when my dear Sally we will be united,
In sweet harmony and lead our lives happy,
While secure on the shore.

FINIS