The Eagle Steam Packet

Oh, hae ye heard the wond'rous news?
To hear me sang ye'll not refuse,
Since the new Stam Packet's ta'en a cruise,
An' bore away for Sunderland.

The folks cvam flocking ower the keels,
Betwixt Newcassel Key and Sheels,
Before she ply'd her powerful wheels,
To work their way to Sunderland.

The sky was clear, the day was fine,
Their dress an' leggage all in stile;
An' they thought to cut a woud'rous shine,
When they got safe to Sunderland.

Now when they to the Pier drew nigh,
The guns did fire and streamers fly;
In a moment all was hue and cry,
Amang the folks at Sunderland.

There was male and female lean an' fat,
An' some wi' whiskers like a cat;
But a Barber's "water-proof silk hat"
Was thought he tip at Sunderland.

In pleasures sweet they spent the day,
The shtot-liv'd moments wing'd away;
When they must haste without delay,
To quit the port of Sunderland.

As on the ocean wide they drew,
A strong North wind against them blew,
And the billows dash'd the windows through:
A woeful trip to Sunderland.

Such howlin, screamin rend the sky,
All in confusion they did lie,
With pain and sickness like to die,
They wish'd they'd ne'er seen Sunderland.

A lady lay beside the door,
Said she had been at sea before,
Whee foaming billows loud did roar,
But ne'er had been at Sunderland.

She soon amongst the heap was thrown,
While here and there they sat alone:
Poo Puff had passage up and down,
But none could get from Sunderland.

Some in a corner humm'd their prayers,
While others choak'd the cabin stairs;
And bloody noses, unawares,
Werre got in sight of Sunderland.

In vain they strove now to proceed,
So back again they came with speed;
But the passengers were all nigh deed,
When they got back to Sunderland.

Now their dresses fine look'd worse than rags,
While each a safe conveyance begs,
And many had to use their legs,
To travel home fromSunderland.

By this affair your reason guide,
When on the seas you'd wish to ride,
Choose a good strong ship with wind and tide;
And so good bye to Sunderland.

-Wm. Midford, In: The Newcastle Song Book or Tyne-Side Songster., W&T Fordyce
Newcastle Upon Tyne.