Dibdin's Museum, &c, SONG

Oh! think on my fate, once I freedom enjoy'd, Was as happy as happy could be!— But pleasure is fled! even hope is destroy'd! A captive, alas! on the sea: I was ta'en by the foe—'twas the fiat of fate, To tear me from her I adore! When thought brings to mind my once happy state, I sigh! while I tug at the oar.

Hard, hard is my fate! oh how galling my chain! My life's steered by misery's chart; And though 'gainst my tyrants I scorn to complain, Tears gush forth to ease my full heart: I disdain e'en to shrink, tho' I feel the sharp lash; Yet my heart bleeds for her I adore! While around me the unfeeling bellows will dash, I sigh! and still tug at the oar.

How fortune deceives! I had pleasure in tow, The port where she dwelt we'd in view; But the wish'd nuptial morn was o'er-clouded with woe, And dear Anna! I was hurried from you; Our shallop was boarded, and I borne away, To behold my dear Anna no more! But despair wastes my spirits, my form feels decay! He sigh'd—and expir'd at the oar.