Liz,

Ageing brain. Knew it rang a bell, I sang it only last year! It may not be the same as yours, but its West Country local and alternative to Stewie's one.

From Susan Williams, Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset, via Cecil Sharp

1. Pretty Nancy of London who lives in High Street,
Was courted by Jimmy on board of the Fleet
While the wind from the East Lane began for to blow
My heart hath been blessed by some sorrow and woe

2. O Nancy, my charmer, my joy and delight
Will you take this kind letter which I have now to write
Tis just to inform you what we undergo
All on the salt seas where the stormy winds blow

3. Twas early one morning before it was dark
Our honorable captain he showed us his mark
He showed us to something to view in the sky
He told us of a terrible storm that was nigh

4. Came rolling like thunder which tossed us about
Whilst many a bold seaman both valiant and stout
Stood shaking and trembling between hopes and fears
One moment in the low lies, the next in the air

5. A ship in distress is a terrible sight
Like an army of soldiers just going to fight
But a soldier can run to the beat of a drum
But the sailor must submit to a watery grave

^^