BALLAD. (I went to sea with heavy heart)

I went to sea with heavy heart, Of her I lov'd the scorn, Yet from my thoughts did ne'er depart Her image, night or morn:

Storms lour'd, waves roll'd, and lightning flew, Yet did I wish to live, Still willing, for my poor heart was true, To forget and to forgive.

The first word, when on English ground, I spoke was her false name, And soon upon enquiry found —For scandal flies—her shame:

She lov'd a youth, before the wind Who cut and let her drive; Avast cried I, 'twere now too kind To forget and to forgive.

While of these thoughts my mind was full, While adverse hopes and fears, Like winds did this and that way pull, She came to me in tears.

Down went my colours, and I swore For her alone I'd live, Kiss'd her, and promis'd o'er and o'er, To forget and to forgive.