All in the Downs the fleet was…

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 jovial sailors, tell me true, If my sweet William sails among your crew?

William, who high, upon the yard Rock'd by the billows to and fro, Soon as her well-known voice he heard, He sigh'd and cast his eyes below; The cord slies swiftly thro' 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 wipe 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.

Believe not what the landmen say, Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind; They'll tell the sailors, when away, In ev'ry port a mistress find: Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so, For thou art present wheresoe'er I go.

If to fair India's coast we sail, Thine eyes are seen in di'monds bright; Thy breath in Africa's spicy gale; Thy skin is ivory so white; Thus ev'ry beauteous object that I view Wakes in my soul some charms of lovely Sue

Tho' battle calls me from thy arms, Let not my pretty Susan mourn; Tho' cannons roar, yet safe from harm, William shall to his dear return: Love turns aside the balls that round me sly, Lest precious tears should drop from Susan's eye.

The Boatswain gave the dreadful word, The sails their swelling bosoms spread; No longer must she stay on board; They kiss'd, she sigh'd, he hung his head: Her less'ning boat unwilling rows to land; Adieu! she cry'd, and wav'd her lilly hand.