Mysha,

"So the Roaring Forties to the south'ard of St. Paul Called you in the eighties;"
The Roaring Forties is that area of the Southern Ocean to the south of all the continents, (I know, S.America goes to 56 South) a rough, tough region where the wind blows ever round the globe with nothing to stop it. St Paul?? I guess, if it exists, may be a port or island to the north of the Roaring Forties and has no great significance other than to pad out the line.
The roaring log fire draws his mind back to the 1880's, when as a younger, fitter man, he voyaged around the world.


"Sweethearts on the tow-rope"
When the ship was homeward-bound and going at a cracking pace then the crew would say that it was their sweethearts pulling them home.

regards
Jake
Such was the strength of their affection for one another!!