BALLAD. (When last from the straits we had…)

When last from the straits we had fairly cast anchor, I went, bonny Kitty to hail, With quintables stor'd, for our voyage was a spanker, And bran new was every sail:

But I knew well enough how, with words sweet as honey, They trick us poor tars of our gold, And when the sly gipsies have finger'd the money, The bag they poor Jack give to hold.

So I chas'd her, d'ye see, my lads, under false colours, Swore my wishes were all at an end, That I sported away all my good-looking dollars, And borrow'd my togs of a friend.

Oh then had you seen her, no longer my honey, 'Twas varlet, audacious, and bold, Begone from my sight now you've spent all your money, For Kitty the bag you may hold.

With that I took out double handfuls of shiners, And scornfully bid her good bye, 'Twould have done your heart good had you then seen her fine airs, How she'd leer, and she'd sob, and she'd sigh,

But I stood well the broadside—while jewel and honey She call'd me, I put up the gold, And bearing away, as I sack'd all the money, Left the bag for Ma'am Kitty to hold.