BALLAD. (Adieu my gallant sailor, obey thy duty's…)

Adieu my gallant sailor, obey thy duty's call, Though false the sea, there's truth ashore; Till nature is found changing, thou'rt sure of constant Poll: And yet, as now we sever, Ah much I fear that never Shall I alas behold thee more.

Jack kiss'd her, hitch'd his trowsers, and hied him to begone, Weigh'd anchor, and lost sight of shore; Next day a brisk south-wester a heavy gale brought on, Adieu cried Jack for ever, For much I fear that never Shall I, sweet Poll, behold you more.

Poll heard that to the bottom was sunk her honest tar, And for a while lamented sore; At length, cried she, I'll marry; what should I tarry for? I may lead apes for ever, Jack's gone, and never, never Shall I, alas, behold him more!

Jack safe and sound returning, sought out his faithful Poll, Think not, cried she, that false I swore, I'm constant still as ever, 'tis nature's chang'd, that's all; And thus we part for ever, For never, sailor, never Shall I alas behold you more!

If, as you say, that nature like winds can shift and veer, About ship for a kinder-shore, I heard the trick you play'd me, and so, d'ye see, my dear, To a kind heart for ever I've spliced myself, so never Shall I, false Poll, behold you more.