Ballad—in Christmas Gambols

Give ear to me, both high and low, And, while you mourn hard fates decree, Lament a tale right full of woe, Of comely Ned that died at sea.

His father was a commodore, His King and country, served had he; But, now, his tears in torrents pour, For comely Ned that died at sea.

His sister Peg her brother loved, For a right tender heart had she, And often to strong grief was moved, For comely Ned that died at sea.

His sweetheart Grace, once blyth and gay, That led the dance upon the lea, Now wastes in tears the lingering day, For comely Ned that died at sea.

His friends, who loved his manly worth, For none more friends could boast than he, To mourn now lay aside their mirth, For comely Ned that died at sea.

Come then and join, with friendly tear, The song that, 'midst of all our glee, We from our hearts chant once a year, For comely Ned that died at sea.