22
Black-eyed Susan
ALL in the Downs the fleet was moor'd,
The streamers waving in the wind,
When black-ey'd Susan came on board:
Oh! where shall I my true love find?
Tell me, ye jovial Sailors, tell me true,
If my sweet William sails among your crew!
William now high upon the yard,
Rock'd with the billow to and fro,
Soon as her well known voice he heard,
He sigh'd and cast his eyes below;
The cord slides swiftly through his glowing hands,
And (quick as lightning) on the deck he stands.
So the sweet lark, high pois'd in air,
Shuts close his pinions to his breast,
(If, chance, his mate's shrill voice he hear)
And drops at once into her nest.
The noblest captain in the British fleet
Might envy William's lips those kisses sweet.
O Susan, Susan, lovely dear,
My vows shall ever true remain:
Let me kiss off that falling tear,
We only part to meet again.
Change as ye list, ye winds, my heart shall be
The faithful compass that still points to thee.
