A WET SHEET AND A FLOWING SEA
(Allan Cunningham)

    A Wet sheet and a flowing sea,
       A wind that follows fast
    And fills the white and rustling sail
       And bends the gallant mast;
    And bends the gallant mast, my boys,
       While like the eagle free -
    Away the good ship flies, and leaves
       Old England on the lee.

    "O for a soft and gentle wind!"
       I heard a fair one cry:
    But give to me the snoring breeze
       And white waves heaving high;
    And white waves heaving high, my lads,
       The good ship tight and free -
    The world of waters is our home,
       And merry men are we.

    There's tempest in yon hornèd moon,
       And lightning in yon cloud:
    But hark the music, mariners!
       The wind is piping loud;
    The wind is piping loud, my boys,
       The lightning flashes free -
    While the hollow oak our palace is,
       Our heritage the sea.

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