5
Different deaths at once surround us;
Hark! what means that dreadful cry!
The foremast's gone! cries ev'ry tongue out,
O'er the lee twelve feet 'bove deck,
A leak beneath the chest-tree's sprung out,
Call all hands to clear the wreck;
Quick the lanyards cut to pieces;
Come, my hearts, be stout and bold;
Plumb the well, the leak increases—
Four feet water's in the hold.
While o'er the ship wild waves are beating,
We for wives and children mourn;
Alas! from hence there's no retreating,
Alas! to them there's no return.
Still the leak is gaining on us,
Both chain pumps are choak'd below;
Heav'n have mercy here upon us,
For only that can save us now.
O'er the lee beam is the land, boys
Let the guns o'erboard be thrown,
To the pump come ev'ry hand, boys,
See, our mizen mast is gone.
The leak we've found, it cannot pour fast,
We've lighten'd her a foot or more;
Up and rigg a jury fore-mast;
She rights, she rights, boys, we're off shore.
Now once more on joys we're thinking,
