A few years late, perhaps, but here's the version as sung so beautifully by Martyn Wyndham-Read: CARRYING NELSON HOME Ease the bowspring, Gently set the foresheets on the windward side. Let her go fore and aft and as she turns, Sail her full and by to catch the evening tide. Shake out those topsails, Feel the seas roll under that she knows so well. Find a star to guide her to the dawn And then let her greet the long Atlantic Swell, Sing me a shanty Cantad del Cabo San Vicente Chantez des marins de Nile Sing a hymn of Trafalgar Stream the log now, For she's heeling with a land breeze to inspire; Orange scented from the groves of Andalucia, And within my mind Cadiz still gleams with fire. Give her searoom, Put St Vincent well astern by break of day, Then you shorten sail and harden up those sheets And close-hauled we'll make the northings slip away One point to leeward, For the rolling seas are getting shorter now; They remind me of the lights of far Hyeres, And they tell me Biscay's on the starboard bow. Shake out your reefs, For carried on the breeze that's setting fair Are spices from the quays of Lorient. You can sail her free to weather Finisterre. Ease your mainsheets, For it's soon we'll see the harbour lights of home. Anchor; make good every sheet and halyard, Remembering just who you have on board. Pipe me ashore; Gently hoist aloft your keg of brandy wine, Make ready to receive the Admiral's barge, Lower me easy now, I'm going ashore one last time.
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