The Grunstan' Afloat

Not lang sin' some keelmen were gaun doon to sSheels,
When a hoop round some froth cam' alang side their keel;
The Skipper saw't first, an' he gov a greet shout--
How! beggar, man, Dick! here's a grunstan' afloat,

Derry down &c.

Dick leuk't, an' he showt 'at the Skipper was reet,
See they'd hev her ashore, an' then sell her that neet;
Then he jumpt' ower to fetch her--maw sang! what a splatter--
Nee grunstan' was there, for he fand it was watter.

Derry down &c.

The skipper astonish'd, quite struck wi' surprise,
He roar'd oot to Dickey when he saw him rise--
How! smash, marrow! Dick, ho! what is thoo aboot?
Come here, mun, an' let's ha'ed the gunstan' tyen oot.

Derry down &c.

A Grunstan'! says Dick--wey, thou slaverin' cull,
Wi' wetter maw belly an pockets is full;
By the gowkey, aw'll sweer 'at ye're drunk, daft or doatin'--
It's nee grunstan' at a', but some au'd iron floatin'.
Derry down, &c.

by William Armstrong; to the tune, "Derry Down". Source A Beuk o' Newcassel Sangs.
Joseph Cawhall,