Characteristic Song

Your MOLLY has never been false, she declares, Since last time we parted at Wapping Old Stairs; When I swore that I still would continue the same, And gave you the 'Bacco-Box, mark'd with my name.

When I pass'd a whole fortnight between decks with you, Did I e'er give a Buss, TOM, to one of the crew? To be useful and kind to my THOMAS I staid, For his Trowsers I wash'd, and his Bumbo I made.

Though threaten'd last Sunday to walk in the Mall With SUSAN, from Deptford, and Billing sgate SAL, In silence I stood, your unkindness to hear, And only upbraided my TOM with a tear.

Still faithful and fond from the first of my life, Tho' I boast not the Name, I've the truth of a Wife; For falsehood in Wedlock too often is priz'd, And the Heart that is constant should not be despis'd.