Hello friends,

The late Patrick O'Brian's novels feature bits of song here and there. At the beginning of _Post Captain_, Jack Aubrey sings these verses to Stephen Maturin:

Says Jack, There is very good news, there is peace both by land and by sea
Great guns no more shall be used, for we all disbanded be.
Says the Admiral, That's very bad news; says the captain, my heart will break;
The lieutenant cries, What shall I do? For I know not what course for to take.
Says the doctor, I'm a gentleman too, I'm a gentleman of the first rank;
I will go to some country fair, and there I'll set up mountebank.
Says the midshipman, I have no trade; I have got my trade for to choose,
I will go to St. James's Park gate, and there I'll set black of shoes;*
And there I will set all day, at everybody's call,
And everyone that comes by, Do you want my nice shining balls?

[*i.e., shine shoes for a living]

Is this an actual song, or the product of Mr. O'Brian's boundless and well-researched inspiration?

best wishes -- think peace,

Sam Adams