BALLAD. (A sailor and an honest heart)

A sailor and an honest heart, Like ship and helm, are ne'er apart; For how should one stem wind and tide If tother should refuse to guide? With that she freely cuts the waves.

And so the tar, When clashing waves around him jar, Consults his heart, and dangers braves Where duty calls; nor asks for more Than grog aboard, and girl ashore.

'Tis not a thousand leagues from home More horrid that the billows foam; 'Tis not that gentler is the breeze In channel than in distant seas; Danger surrounds him far and near:

But honest tar, Though winds and water round him jar, Consults his heart, and scorns to fear, The risks he runs endears him more To grog on board, and girl ashore.

'Tis not that in the hottest fight The murd'rous ball will sooner light On that than any other spot, To face the cannon is his lot; He must of danger have his share:

But honest tar, Though fire, and winds, and water jar, Consults his heart, and shakes off care: And when the battle's heat is o'er, In grog aboard, drinks girl ashore.