The Tradesman's Farewell.
Fare you well, dear wife and children,
For now I'm going to sea;
It grieves me to part with you,
But here I cannot stay;
Provisions are so very dear,
And trading is so low,
It grieves me for to part with you,
But now it must be so.
My dear, said she, why should you venture
Your life where cannons roar,
To leave your wife and family
Lamenting here on shore?
Pray do not rove, but stay at home,
Content your mind, my dear,
The times my take a better turn
In the ensuing year.
Molly, said he, believe me really,
I tell you as a friend,
There is no sign, or likelihood
These pinching times will mend;
The market’s been so very high,
And the farmers still complain,
That they cannot pay their rents
But by high prices for the grain.
