Song the Galley Slae

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 taken by a foe, 'twas the fiat of fate To tear me from her I adore; When thought brings to mind my once happier state, I sigh—I sigh, as I tug at the oar.

Hard, hard is my fate, oh! how galling my chain, My life's steer'd by misery's chart. And tho' against my tyrant I scorn to complain, Tears gush forth to ease my sad heart; I disdain for to shrink, tho' I feel sharp the lash, Yet my breast bleeds for her I adore; While around me the merciless billows do dash, I sigh—I sigh, and still tug at the oar.

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