The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #97330   Message #1914542
Posted By: GUEST
20-Dec-06 - 06:01 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Aboard our gallant ship the Victory
Subject: RE: Origins: Aboard our gallant ship the Victory
Full available text:

Aboard our gallant ship the Victory one day
While anchored in harbour she lay.
A sailor all marked with scars got in war
Was up for insulting his captain while on the shore.

Are you guilty he was asked when his charge was made ready
Are you guilty Ned his old shipmate said.
I am guilty of knocking him down it is true
For insulting my wife my own darling Sue.
My temper grew hot sir and I quite forgot
That I was only a common sailor.

Now I just left my wife to go back to my ship
When I heard Sue cry out so I back made a trip.
Through the dark misty night like a madman I ran
And I found my dear wife in the arms of that man.
So being her husband my duty was plain
I kock-ed him down, why hang it, I'd do it again.

Now the captain he was asked if the sailor's words were true.
He replied yes what else could he do.
His only excuse he had been out to dine
And along with some friends he had drunk too much wine.
Discharged said the court with your character clear
It is not you Jack but your captain should have stood here.

But are you guilty he was asked when his charge was first made ready
Are you guilty Ned his old shipmate said.
I am guilty of knocking him down it is true
For insulting my wife my own darling Sue.
My temper grew hot sir and I quite forgot
That I was only a common sailor.

The stanzaic form is somewhat uncertain.