I've a few questions about this song that Peter Bellamy found & reset to music of his own.

Where did he get this verse from & have I got it correct?

Before we reached America, they gave me many a drill
They soon learnt me a nimble way to handle an iron pill
In course of time a fight began, when bold Jack Tars laid straight
What I would give if I could run from on board a ninety eight

I take it that the pate as used in the 2nd to last verse means the top of his head, yes?

"To Greenwich College I came back because I saved my pate".

And what is an iron pill?

Thanks to ya all
Barry