Volume 1 — Chapter 8

Memoirs of James Hardy Vaux — James Hardy Vaux

When in the Cockpit all was dim,And Dot a Mid dar'd ahew his glim;A youth was left alone:He scratched his head; surveyed his clothes;Then took the other cheering dose;And thus began his moan:—

Ah I cursed be that fatal day,When I from home was led astray,In this d——'d place to dwell:

Oh! had I in the country stay'dI might have learnt some useful trade.And scorn'd the white lapelle

When first on board the ship I went.My belly full, my mind content,—No sorrows touched my heart:I view'd my coat, so flash and new»My gay cockade, and hanger too.And thought them wondrous smart.

But now, alas! my coat is rent;My hanger's pawned; my money spent;My former friends I've miss'd;And when of hardships I complain.My messmates swear 'tis all in vain;And cry, "What made you list?"

But hark! I hear the corp'ral's tread:Another dose, and then to bed;Of ev'ry joy bereft;I shake my bottle with a doubt;My poor half-pint is quite drained out;Not one kind drop is left!

The youth with indignation barns;Into his hated hammock turns;Alas! not long to sleep:The quarter-master, with hoarse tongue,Awakes him; says, "The bell has rung:"He's rous'd, his watch to keep.

Shiv'ring he walks the quarter-deck.Dreading the stern lieutenant's check.Who struts the weather-side;With glass and trumpet in his hand,He bellows forth his harsh command.With arrogance and pride.