Maritime work song in general

Subject: Folklore: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Mar 20 - 07:31 PM

State of the art:

“A sea shanty, chantey, or chanty is a type of work song that was once commonly sung to accompany labor on board large merchant sailing vessels. The term shanty most accurately refers to a specific style of work song belonging to this historical repertoire. However, in recent, popular usage, the scope of its definition is sometimes expanded to admit a wider range of repertoire and characteristics, or to refer to a maritime work song in general.” [wiki]

More standard narrative:
The Advent and Development of Chanties

and
“...There are also several less-established theories regarding the origins of the sea shanty. Although there is little evidence to support this, some historians argue that the maritime musical form can be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt...”
[Piratical Debauchery, Homesick Sailors and Nautical Rhythms, Reidler, 2017]

The 2400 year gap in evidence and theory is best explained by the modern standard shanty narrative's substitution of a genre label for a work practice. 19th century, English, merchant marine &c are not functional attributes. They are consumer preferences.

What follows is a list of references based on the thread title, beginning at the beginning*:

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Mar 20 - 07:37 PM

Paywalled & hard to get but a good place to start: 'Celeuma' in Christian Latin: Lexical and Literary Notes, Sheerin, 1982

*I use the 2400 year number in conversation not because nautical work song is that old, it's much older, rather because that's roughly where documented Western history picks up. It's a little late for 'Ancient' Egypt.

That said, the glossary and job titles were already well in place; it wasn't all that Greek in origins (just the vowels) and the Ptolemaic Kingdom (c.332 - 30BC) was Hellenistic. Alexander the Great was a Pharaoh of Egypt. Pharoah's Canals were the first 'Suez' canals.

i.e.: Pharaoh, great or high house. The Pharos of Alexandria was an Egyptian lighthouse. Latin for lighthouse is farus.

Most of the Old Testament was already firmed up by 300BC as well.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Mar 20 - 07:39 PM

“The rowers did not sit, but Stood in an inclining position. The practice was directed by a person called celeustes the Roman hortator remigum who was placed in the middle of them, and carried a staff, with which he gave the signal when his voice could not be heard. This signal was for the rowers to strike; and he encouraged them by a song or cry, called the celeusma. This was either sung by the rowers, or played upon instruments, or effected by a symphony of many or striking sonorous tones.”
[A Treatis on the Arts, Manf, Manners, Inst of the Greeks & Romans, Vol.I, Fosbroke, 1833, pp.211-212]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Mar 20 - 08:10 PM

“Next in turn are two "oar-masters" (toixarchoi), who are each responsible for the discipline and working of one of the long rowers' benches; and following in grade, though highly important, are the keleustes, and the trieraules, who, by voice and by flute respectively, will give the time and if needs be encouragement to the rowers. These are all the regular officers, but naturally for handling the sails and anchors some common sailors are desirable. The Invincible carries 17 of these….
[A Day in Old Athens, Davis, 1914, pp.131-132]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 07:03 AM

Rowing songs are all over but generally they aren't classed as shanties. Not sure why not.

Turangawaewae Regatta

Lots of Hebridean ones.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 10:20 AM

Gibb's researches show pretty conclusively that one of the contributory factors towards the advent of chanties was indeed slave rowing songs in the Caribbean, from about 1800 up to 1830. As I said in the other thread the major impetus came from the stevedores in the Gulf ports but there are a few textual connections with the earlier rowing songs like Sally Brown.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Lighter
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 10:43 AM

Origin is not necessarily identity. They got a special name because they often had a more elaborate form than had rowing songs, and because they seemed "new" to anglophone shipboard crews who sang them. (As the "Advent" thread shows, the word was not imposed from above, but came from "folk" speech.)

Are 19th-21st century "chanteys" so much like ancient Egyptian and other rowing songs that they don't "deserve" their own category?

Is it necessary or helpful to lump these phenomena together?

Their differences to me are obvious, but everyone's entitled to an opinion.

At what point does similarity become identity? The point is to communicate, in various contexts, what it is that we mean.

The futility of insisting on the "real" meaning of such categories is endlessly demonstrated on the "What is 'Folk'?" threads.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 11:11 AM

If you think of shanties as "songs to assist collective rhythmic coordination of work processes on board ship", rowing songs are surely part of that. Though obviously shanties can be much more varied in form than the rowing-song subgroup.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: RTim
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 11:44 AM

You all need to read Gibb Schreffler's newish book - "Boxing the Compass" - a Century and a Half of Discourse About Sailor's Chanties.

Occasional Papers in Folklore Number Six
Camsco Music and or Loomis House Press.

Not sure what the situation is now with Camsco since Dick's death.....but I suspect they are closed.
The book is NOT list at Loomis....??
Gibb may have some for sale...??

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Lighter
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 01:28 PM

Hear, hear!

Still available and worth every penny:

https://tinyurl.com/slvgo7v

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 02:17 PM

Gibb is most certainly the current guru. Though rowing songs undoubtedly contributed to the chanty corpus, I would personally not include them simply from the point of view that historically the chanty is specific to merchant ships and nothing else. I would also leave out the stevedore songs that contributed unless they were also demonstrated to have been also sung on ship. I accept that the stevedores worked on board the ships whilst in port and yes that means there was crucial overlap.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 02:26 PM

One aspect I'm interested in that doesn't get much coverage, is which seas, which ships, which trades were chanties generally used in. There are some sea merchant trades where chanties are very sparse if they occur at all, and I'm talking about records of actual chanties and references to them having been used.

We're all aware of the tea clippers, the wool trade, the meat run and the packet ships, the American Atlantic coastal trade, the trade between America and Europe, but there is very little mention of chanties in the whaling trade. I'm not aware of them being evident in the Baltic trade or to any extent in the North Sea, though latterly the Swedish and German ships used them on the longer trips. Chanties were certainly evident in the Pacific before the Panama Canal was built but perhaps not as much as in the Atlantic.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 08:37 PM

c.200BC – Three versions of Polybius on the Phoenicians/Carthaginians & the birth of the Roman navy. The original keleustes is translated as boatswain, flugelman &c:

“21. Now, however, those to whom the construction of the ships was committed were busy in getting them ready, and those who had collected the crews were teaching them to row on shore in the following fashion. Making the men sit on rowers-benches on dry land, in the same order as on the benches of the ships themselves, and stationing the fugle-man in the middle, they accustomed them to fall back all at once bringing their hands up to them, and again to come forward stretching out their hands, and to begin and finish these movements at the word of command of the fugle-man. When the crews had been trained, they launched the ships as soon as they were completed, and having practised for a brief time actual rowing at sea, they sailed* along the coast of Italy as their commander had ordered.

*It is often necessary to use the word "sail." but it should be borne in mind that the ships were propelled chiefly by oars.”
[The Histories of Polybius, Vol.I, Paton ed., 1922, p.57]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 08:41 PM

“II. The Trumpet, and what they call'd the Lituus, were what they us’d to make Signals a-board their Veffels; and fo was alfo the Celeufma, which was a Shout or Noife made by the Mariners when they were doing any thing with united Force; which Cry, according to Ariftophanes, was Rhippapé and Oop; but they had without doubt other Cries befide this. Inftead of the Voice they fometimes alfo made ufe of Stones, according to Xenophon, and ftruck them againft one another; but this Signal was probably on fome particular Occafion only. The Rowers had alfo their Cries, to make them keep time with their Oars, and to pull either harder or fofter, as there was Occafion; which Signal was alfo given by finging, and fometimes by Mufical Inftruments: For fo Afconius Pedianus fays, that to animate the Rowers they us'd Symphonies, and fometimes the Voice alone, and fometimes the Guitar.

III. The manner of exercifing the Sailors and Rowers, as well as Marines, both by Greeks and Romans, but efpecially by the laft, was very remarkable: Nor was it without long Practice that they arriv'd at the Art of doing fuch difficult Work with Eafe and Order. Xenophon takes particular Notice of their Dexterity, and fays that when they were feated in their Ranks they never embarrafs'd one another, but manag'd their Oars with great Order, and kept Stroke with all the Exactnefs imaginable. Thucydides alfo relates with great Accuracy, and in a very particular manner, the Exercife us’d by the Syracufians, when they were to engage the Athenians at Sea, who at that time were thought to excel all the reft of the Greeks in Naval Affairs.

The Romans alfo took a great deal of Care to exercife their Seamen and Marines; the manner of which Exercife Polybius thus defcribes: “So long as they that had the Care of fitting out a Fleet, fays he, were employ'd in Ship-building, others were providing Sea-men and Rowers, and exercis'd them at Land in this manner, that they might be fit for the Service: The Rowers they feated upon the Sea-fhore in the fame Rank and Order, as they were difpos'd in when they were a-board, and plac'd an Officer in the middle of them to give the Word of Command, and inftruct them to plunge and recover their Oars all together, and to leave off rowing in an Inftant whenever the Word was given for that purpofe. For the Commanders had their Celeufmata, which were the Signals when they were to begin to row,and when to leave off; and the Rowers had alfo their Cry in their Turn for the fame purpofe.” As to thofe that gave the Signal to the Rowers by finging, let's hear what Plutarch fays in the Life of Alcibiades: “Callipedes, fays he, an Actor in the Play-houfe, and in his Tragick Drefs and Buskins, and with all the Ornaments us’d by Actors upon the Stage, had the Command of the Rowers, and gave them their Signals in Song.”
[Antiquity Explained and Represented in Sculptures, Vol.III, Montfaucon, 1722, Pt.II, Bk.IV, p.174]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 08:47 PM

Oops my bad. One was a duplicate but two should do for now. What the Romans built was a rowing simulator:
USS Recruit (TDE-1)
USS Marlinspike

The science (one of them) is called cybernetics: the scientific study of control and communication in the animal and the machine.

Kybernetes, Gr. steersman or governor.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 09:10 PM

My friend Dick Holdstock has been working on a book since I met him in 1993. I think the book was about the British Merchant Marine at the time, since sailors in the British Navy didn't sing. But the subject of his book has always been elusive.

Now, he titles his project Songs of the Struggle for British Political and Social Reform from 1765 to 1865. Whatever the case, he has introduced me to all sorts of songs (mostly songs of the sea) over the years, and I have treasured every moment of the time I have been able to spend with him.
If you have any questions about maritime work songs, you will find Dick most knowledgeable. His Website says you can contact him at http://www.dickholdstock.com/contact.php

He is one of the most delightful people I know.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 11:33 AM

Lest we get too focused on rowing & oar songs... from: Spanish sea shanties

"There were Roman/Hiberian maritime corporations & unions (codicarii & helciarii), and maritime work songs (chorus helciariorum) in the year zero.... Monte Testaccio"


Seneca the Younger(c.4 BC–AD65)
“Stridentum et moderator estedorum,
Curvorum, et chorus Helciariorum”
[The Epistles of Lucius Annæus Seneca, Vol.I, Morrel, 1786, p.199]

Marcus Valerius Martialis (c.40–AD101)
“Ne blando rota fit molefta fomno;
Quem nec rumpere nauticum celeufma
Nec clamor valet helciariorum.”
[Martial iv, 64]

So-called for the yokes they wore: helcium

See also:
towpath
hobbler
Steamboat coonjine songs
volga boatmen, stevedores, cotton screwers...ad infinitum

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Jack Campin
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 12:42 PM

There is a (possibly bogus) explanation of the Galician "alala" songs, that they derive from Greek and Phoenician rowing songs.

I wonder if anywhere in the vast unread corpus of Egyptian or Mesopotamian writings we have any boatmen's songs from the Nile or Euphrates 4000 years ago?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 02:36 PM

Would depend on whether anyone thought it worthwhile noting them down. Since it seems that as recently as c.1910 Chaliapin was surprised to be asked to make a recording of the Song of the Volga Boatmen, which could certainly be described as at least an aquatic work-song, it's unlikely there were any "folk song collectors" in Ancient Egypt &c. Just a wee joke.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 06:17 PM

If these walls could talk...

Hardest to come by is music; the lyrics are not easy; it's mostly, but not all, literary references, heavy on the dictionaries &c.

If there is one (1) word for it all down through the ages it's celeusma, and Martial is the go-to citation – typical: Chanties of Capt. Tho. Forrest

“Ceffatis, pueri, nihilque môftis?
Vatreno, Eridanoque pigriores?
Quorum per vada tarda navigantes,
Lentos figitis ad celeufma remos.
Jam prono Phaëthonte fudat Æthon;
Exarfitque dies, et hora laffos
Interjungit equos meridiana.
At vos tam placidas vagi per undas,
Tuta luditis otium carina:
Non nautas puto vos, fed Argonautas.


Why, my lads, more fluggifh go,
Than Vatrenus, or the Po?
Think ye through their ftill ye fteer,
Drawling-oars to wait the chear?
Phaeton begins to fire,
Ethon lo! in full perfpire;
Now the noon-tide hour proceeds,
To repofe the panting fteeds.
Ye, ferene upon the wave,
Sun, and wind, and water brave.
No mere navigators now,
Ye are Argonauts,* I vow.”

*Argonauts, (in one fenfe) fluggifh mariners.c.95AD – The Epigrams of Martial
[A Voyage to New Guinea, and the Moluccas, from Balambangan, Forrest, 1779, p.305)]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 06:18 PM

“Cessatis, pueri, nihilque nostis?
Vaterno, Rasinaque pigriores,
quorum per vada tarda navigantes
lentos tinguitis ad celeusma remos.
iam prono Phaethonte sudat Aethon
exarsitque dies et hora lassos
interiungit equos meridiana.
at vos tam placidas vagi per undas
tuta luditis otium carina,
non nautas puto vos, sed Argonautas.

Slack are ye, O youths, and no watermen, more sluggish than Vaternus and Rasina, along whose slow shallows ye float, and dip lazy oars in time to the boatswain's call. Already, while Phaethon slopes downwards, Aethon1 sweats, and the day has burst in flame, and the noontide hour unyokes weary steeds. But you, straying along waves so placid, play in idleness on a safe keel. Not tars do I hold you, but tarriers.2

1 One of the horses of the Sun.
2 Argonautas, which may be interpreted “Argonauts” or “lazy sailors”….”
[Martials Epigrams Vol.I, III. LXVII, Kerr, 1925, pp.206-207]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 06:20 PM

“THE LAZY BOATMEN

My lads, you naught of rowing know;
        You're lazy, I'm afraid.
More sluggish than the shallow tide
        Where dips your languid blade.

The sun has climbed to heaven's height,
        His steeds all panting seem
And now the hour of midday rest
        Unyokes the weary team.

You pull along the placid waves;
        But with instraightened back.
The boat is safe; you take your ease;
        Your tars not jack but slack.
[Martialis, The Twelve Books of Epigrams, Pott, Wright, 1925]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 06:22 PM

All the dictionary citations to follow notwithstanding Lazy Boatmen is not a celeusma. It's a novelty tourist complaint about slow service with a pun on argonaut for the punchline. Still works as a reference though.

As one can see from the spread of translations, heaven only knows how it might have rolled off the Latin tongue, or fidula, in AD100. Not as well as On Charinus one suspects:

“On Charinus.
Charinus is perfectly well,
and yet he is pale;
Charinus drinks sparingly,
and yet he is pale;
Charinus digests well,
and yet he is pale;
Charinus suns himself,
and yet he is pale;
Charinus dyes his skin,
and yet he is pale;
Charinus indulges in... infamous debauchery,
and yet he is pale.”
[Martial, 77]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,David
Date: 11 Mar 20 - 07:22 PM

Chanteys are a class of deep water sailor work songs. Rowing songs are just that- work songs used for rowing but not chanteys.Farm and field songs and waulking songs are work songs but not chanteys.
Chanteys are used for basically two jobs; heaving & hauling. The exception is the furling or bunting chantey which involves a quick upward lifting thrust of the sail onto the yard.
Hugill explained it years ago in Shanties From the Seven Seas and he publicly lectured on it almost 'til the day he died.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Mar 20 - 04:42 PM

Longus (c.150AD?)

“There was one amongst them, that was the Celeustes or the hortator to ply, and he had certain nautic-odes, or Sea-songs: the rest like a Chorus all together strained their throats to a loud holla, and catcht his voice at certain intervals. While they did thus in the open Sea, the clamor vanisht, as being diffused in the vast ayr. But when they came under any Promontore, or into a flexuous, horned, hollow bay, there as the voice was heard stronger, so the Songs of the Celeusmata, or hortaments to the answering Marriners, fell clearer to the Land. The hollow valley below received into it self, that shrill sound as into an Organ, and by an imitating voice rendered from it self all that was said, all that was done, and every thing distinctly by it self; by it self the clattering of the Oars: by it self the whooping of the Sea-men: and certainly it was a most pleasant hearing. The Sound coming first from the Sea, the Sound from the Land ended so much the later, by how much it was slower to begin. Daphnis therefore taking special notice of the Musick attended wholly to the Sea, and was sweetly affected, endeavouring while the Pinnace glided by like a bird in the ayr, to preserve to himself some of those tones to play afterwards upon his Pipe.”
[Longus, Daphnus & Chloe, Thornley ed, 1657]

Lesbos

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Mar 20 - 06:45 PM

Bit of naval architecture trivia.

Tessarakonteres: "...a very large catamaran galley reportedly built in the Hellenistic period by Ptolemy IV Philopator of Egypt (221-204BC.)" [wiki]

Note: Four thousand oarsmen, mostly for show. Probably the 'golden age' for rowing chorus size but at 16 million calories/day + beverage just for the propulsion, who can afford it? The Romans never went for the megaboat concept.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Mar 20 - 06:59 PM

It's the year 0200AD. Origins revisted -

Stan Hugill (1906-1992)

“Early shantying was, from what we know, little more than primitive chanting and wild aboriginal cries to encourage the seamen to keep time and work harder, and the fierce elemental yells on a rope known as 'sing-outs' were to be heard even in modern times aboard sailing vessels and occasionally aboard steamers while some sailing ship shellbacks still remain to sing them.
                ***
Many research workers have delved into the past endeavouring to find ancient references to seamen singing at their work, but their efforts have produced little. Undoubtedly early seamen did sing at their work, but I rather fancy that in Greek and Roman galleys, triremes, and whatnot any singing that was done would be at the oars—rowing songs rather than heaving and hauling chants. Miss Lucy E. Broadwood, in the Journal of the Folk Song Society, writes in similar vein. Sir Maurice Bowra, who has kindly waded through many exisitng Greek texts on my behalf, has produced two sailor songs only, both from the Oxyrhynchus Papyri, and of these he writes: 'It is not certain that either of these pieces is a sea-shanty in the strict sense of the word, but the first looks as if it were sung by a group of sailors competing and the second is clearly a sailor's song.'”
[Hugill]

Safe to say Hugill & Longus disagree about the artistic mileage of the oar song.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Mar 20 - 07:04 PM

Pt.II

“...although there is little evidence to support this, some historians argue that the maritime musical form can be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt...” [Reidler, see OP]

Wiki
“Etymology
The phenomenon of using songs or chants, in some form, to accompany sea labor preceded the emergence of the term "shanty" in the historical record of the mid-19th century.

Emergence
Singing or chanting has been done to accompany labor on seagoing vessels among various cultural groups at various times and in various places. A reference to what seems to be a sailor's hauling chant in The Complaynt of Scotland (1549) is a popularly cited example.

Work chants and "sing-outs"
There is a notable lack of historical references to anything like shanties, as they would come to be known, in the entirety of the 18th century. In the second half of the 18th century, English and French sailors were using simple chants to coordinate a few shipboard tasks that required unanimous effort.”


Where we're at:
Martial et al should suffice for a “maritime musical form” in general being a part of the military, business and artistic communities, including Hellenistic Egypt, since the first century AD, romanticism and all. Sheerin's notes & bibliography alone will do the trick, if you can get at it.

And it's still only 200AD.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Mar 20 - 05:19 AM

See Hugill above: Oxyrhynchus Papyri (c.300AD)

Mudcat search draws a blank. Not much to go on:

Graeco-Egyptian Literary Papyri
Scroll #1383 – Sailor's Song (Late third century.)

“This interesting little poem, a prayer to the Rhodian winds for a calm voyage, apparently complete, is closely parallel to 425*, a brief invitation to sailors to compare the sea and the Nile, written in the second or third century...”

*Poetical Fragments:
Scroll #425 – No title – “...a short extract from some lyric poem copied out as a school exercise.”

Conchy note: Greek chorus has more phrases & tropes for 'enhorting the cohort' than the Eskimos do for 'it's cold outside.' In a later century the poet would be invoking St. Elmo.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Mar 20 - 05:32 AM

Homer, Virgil, Ovid &c get worn thin in the modern references. Save it for later.

wikis:
Vulgate
Septuagint

Strong's Hebrew: 1959. hedad - a shout, shouting, cheer.

Strong's Greek: 2752. keleusma - a word of command, a call, an arousing outcry.

"...from Aeschylus and Herodotus down, an order, command, specifically, a stimulating cry, either that by which animals are roused and urged on by man, as horses by charioteers, hounds by hunters, etc., or that by which a signal is given to men, e. g. to rowers by the master of a ship (Lucian, tyr. or catapl. c.19), to soldiers by a commander (Thucydides 2,92; Proverbs 24:62.)”

2753. keleuó - command, order, direct, bid.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Mar 20 - 05:37 AM

See also: Lyr Req: songs from 'Grapes of Wrath'

Book of Jeremiah (c.600BC)

“25:30. Et tu prophetabis ad eos (vel, contra eos) omnia verba hæc, et dices illis, Jehova ab excelso rugiet, et ex habitaculo sanctitatis gase edet vocem suam; rugiendo rugiet super habitaculum suum; celeusma (clamorem potius generaliter) quasi prementium torcular respondebit super cunctos incolas terræ.

25:30. Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth."

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Mar 20 - 05:43 AM

Alala
Antiphon

Augustine of Hippo (354–430AD)
Sidonius Apollinaris (430–489AD)

“CELEUSMA (?e?e?e??, to call). In antiquity the celeusma was the shout or cry of boatmen, whereby they animated each other in the work of rowing; or, a kind of song, or formula, rehearsed or played by the master or others, to direct the strokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour. The word is used by some early Christian writers in application to the hallelujah, which was sung in ecclesiastical assemblies. Apollinaris says, that the seamen used the word hallelujah as their signal, or celeusma, at their common labour; making the banks echo when they sung hallelujah to Christ. In the church, hallelujah was sung by all the people. St. Augustine says, it was the Christians' sweet celeusma, whereby they invited one another to sing praises to Christ.”
[An Ecclesiastical Dictionary, Explanatory of the History, Antiquities, Heresies, Sects, and Religious Denominations of the Christian Church, Farrar, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 06:30 PM

The original, (also above:)

"Stridentum et moderator effedorum
Curuorum hinc chorus helciariorum,
Refponfantibus alleluja ripis,
AdChriftum leuat amnicum celeuma (leg.celeufma)
Sic, fic pfallite nauta vel viator.”
[Apollinarus, I. ep.10]


Jerome (347-420AD)

“It [Allelujah] was sung every day in Spain, except upon fast-days; though it was otherwise in the African Churches.” St. Jerome says it was used in private devotion, “For even the ploughman, at his labour, sung his Allelujahs.” And this was the signal, or call, among the monks' to their ecclesiastical assemblies: for one went about and sung Allelujah, and that was the notice to repair to their solemn meeting. Nay, Sidonius Apollinaris seems to intimate," that the seamen used it as their “signal,” or celeusma, at their common labour, making the banks echo while they sung Allelujah to Christ.”
[Origines Ecclesiasticae: or, The Antiquities of the Christian Church, Vol.IV, Bingham, 1840]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 06:41 PM

It's 500AD. The capital of the Eastern Empire moved to Constantinople c.330AD. The Western Empire collapsed c.470AD. The 'Dark Ages' are going to start off… literally… dark:

wikis:
Lake Ilopango
Extreme weather events of 535–536
Late Antique Little Ice Age (c.600-700AD)

Imagine rowing or towing Ptolemy IV's Tessarakonteres upstream in the rainy season.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 01:19 AM

It's a day early but here's one for the Irish:

Antiphonary of Bangor

Columbanus (540-614)?
oooor…
Colman nepos Cracavist (c.800)?

“Connections with Bobbio
On the basis of similarity in prosody, he (Colman) has also been identified as the composer of certain poems traditionally assigned to Columban, the saint and founder of Bobbio Abbey. These are Columbanus Fidolio, Ad Hunaldum, Ad Sethum, Praecepta vivendi, and the celeuma.” [wiki, Herren (2000)]

Heads up: The footnotes were written a long while after (1894 & 1914) St. Columbanus... or whomever:

“Boating Song.
Heia5 viri, nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!
        Arbiter6 effusi late maris ore sereno
        Placatum stravit pelagus posnitque procellam,7
        Edomitique vago sederuut pondere fluctus.
5 Heia, viri, nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!
        Annisu8 parili tremat ictibus acta carina.
        Nunc dabit arridens pelago concordia caeli
        Ventorum Inotu praegnanti9 eurrere velo.
Heia, viri, nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!
10         Aequora prora secet delphinis aemula saltu
        Atque gemat largum, promat seseque lacertis,
        Pone trahens canum deducat et orbita10 sulcum.
Heia, viri, nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!
        Aequore flet corus:11 “vocitemus nos tamen heia!
15         Convulsum remis spumet mare: nos tamen heia!
        Vocibus adsiduis litus resonet: tamen heia!

5 yoho!         6 the lord        7 blast.        8 pull                9 swelling.                10 track.                11north wind.

Heia, viri, etc. A boating song, of uncertain age, found in a Berlin MS. of the eighth century. There is frequent mention in the ancient writers of the nauticus cantus (e.g. Cic. Nat. Deor. ii. 35) of boatmen at the oar; and the practice of singing at work also appears to have been general. Thus Varro, cited by Nonius (56), speaks of the vine-dressers singing at the vintage, and the sarcinatrices in machinis, which one would like to translate, “the seamstresses over their sewing machines.” For the spirited lines given here, see Bährens, Poet. Lat. Min. iii. 167, and Peiper in the Rheinisches Museum, xxxii. 523.

nostrum. Agreeing with the second heia, “our yoho.””
[Roman Life in Latin Prose and Verse, Peck, Arrowsmith, 1894]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 01:21 AM

More of the same:

Heia Viri

“p.172
Provided by the king with a body of sturdy oarsmen, the pilgrims descended the Moselle to Coblenz, where their boats swung into the "wide and winding Rhine". When Columban saw how the rowers toiled at their oars to make head against the rapid current, the refrain of an ancient boat-song ran through his mind:

        Heia viri! nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!
        Courage, men! let the echo of our song reply courage!

He thought it would encourage the boatmen to bend more lustily to their work if the strokes of their oars were accompanied by some such strain. So in imitation of the old pagan song, and retaining in part its wording, he composed a Christian sailor's song, the only example of its kind that has come down to us.2 Just as the sailors—such is its theme—encourage one another to oppose stout hearts to wind and wave and shower, so should Christian men with firm faith and trust in God after the example of Christ resist and overcome the assaults of Satan:

                                1.
        En silvis caesa fluctu meat acta carina
        Bicornis Rheni,3 et pelagus perlabitur uncta.4
        Heia viri! nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!

                                2
        Extollunt venti flatus, nocet horridus imber,
        Sed vis apta virum superat sternitque procellam.
        Heia viri! nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!

p.173
                                3.
        Nam caedunt nimbi studio caeditque procella,
        Cuncta domat nisus, labor improbus omnis vincit.5
        Heia viri! nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!

                                4.
        "Durate et vosmet rebus servate secundis,6
        O passi graviora, dabit Deus his quoque finem ".7
        Heia viri! nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!

                                5.
        Sic inimicus agit invisus corda fatigans,
        Ac male temptando quatit intima corde furore.
        Vestra, viri, Christum memorans mens personet heia!

                                6.
        State animo fixi hostisque spernite strophas,
        Virtutum vosmet armis defendite rite.
        Vestra, viri, Christum memorans mens personet heia!

                                7.
        Firma fides cuncta superat studiumque beatum,
        Hostis et antiquus cedens sua spicula frangit.
        Vestra, viri, Christum memorans mens personet heia!

                                8.
        Rex quoque virtutum rerum f ons summa potestas
        Certanti spondet, vincenti praemia donat.
        Vestra, viri, Christum memorans mens personet heia!

Notes
p.172
2 The text of this Carmen Navale was discovered by Dr. W. Meyer, Secretary of the City Library of Munich in a Leyden MS. of the tenth century. He sent it to Ernst Diimmler, who immediately recognized it as an imitation of the ancient Boat-Song discovered by him in a Berlin MS. From the name of the author on the margin the first part is cut off; the second part—banus has led Krusch and Gundlach (N. Archiv., XV, 514) to ascribe it to St. Columbanus, with all the more probability as in the Berlin MS. the ancient boat-song is immediately followed by Columban's Verses to Fidolius.
3 Verg. Aen., 8, 727.
4 Ibid., 91.

p.173
5 Verg. Georg., I, 145.
6 Aen., I, 207.
7 Aen., I, 199.
[The Life and Writings of Saint Columbanus (542-614), Metlake, 1914]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 01:26 AM

See Gibb on Lowlands and Hugill on origins (above.)

I'll say this for those wild & primitive pagan aboriginals… they clean up nice:

Lumen Vocale "Heia Viri"
Heia Viri – Anúna

“This version of the Roman rowing song was reputedly adapted by the Irish monk St. Columbanus (d. 615). This is one of his best known poems, and was probably inspired by his journey up the Rhine after his expulsion from Gaul.”
[McGlynn sheet music detail]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 09:42 PM

Earlier mention, refrain only:

“Dass dieses Verfahren unmethodisch ist, den Sinn des Gedichtes stört und die Entstehung der Verderbniss nicht erklärt, werde ich an anderm Orte ausführlicher zeigen. Die Collation de Handschriften, besonders die des so musterhaft schön gesschriebenen Bembinus, ist, wie mich eine Nachcollation derselben 1875 überzeugte, in so hohem Grade nachlässig ausgeführt, dass Bährens nicht einmal die Schreibung des Namens des Vergil richtig angibt; im Titel hat der Bembinus uirgilii, nicht wie Bährens behauptet Uergilii! Auch darüber an anderm Orte Näheres. – S.76ff. gibt Bährens drei Inedita. Mit Sicherheit ist davon nur dar Schifferlied aus dem codex Santenianus s. VIII – IX, 16 Hexameter mit dem viermaligen Refrain »heia, viri, nostrum reboans echo sonet heia!« dem Alterthum angehörig; bei den Versen über Baiae und über Lucretia aus einem Manuscript des 15. Jahrhunderts scheint dies sehr zweifelhaft zu sein.”
[Jahresbericht über die Fortschritte der classischen Alterumswissenschaft, Bursian, 1877]


Also: #62 in The Hundred Best Poems (Lyrical) in Latin (MacKail ed, 1906.) Same lyrics as Peck-Arrowsmith with no footnotes & credit to: “Incerti Auctoris.”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 09:46 PM

Norwegian Bokmål & Nynorsk: heiarop
1. shout of "heia!", a cheer.

Swedish: heja
1. (with på) cheer (on someone/something)
                Jag hejar på Manchester United.
                I cheer on Manchester United.
2. to greet by saying "hi!"


"The Scots (originally Irish, but by now Scotch) were at this time inhabiting Ireland, having driven the Irish (Picts) out of Scotland; while the Picts (originally Scots) were now Irish (living in brackets) and vice versa. It is essential to keep these distinctions clearly in mind (and verce visa)."
[1066 and All That]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 09:54 PM

“Cani, inquit, remigibus celeuma per fymphoniacos folebat, & per affam vocem, id eft, ore prolatam, vt in Argo naui per cytharam. poffumus etiam intelligere ad hoc fymphoniacos capi folere, vt in claffe pugnantibus clafficum canant, vnde ipfi tubæ claffis nomen pofitum eft clafficum.”
[Ioannis Antonii Valtrini Romani, Societatis Iesv, de re Militari Veterum Romanorum Libri Septem, 1597]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 10:04 PM

More on Greco-Roman maritime job-titles & infrastructure:

“The person who steered the ship and directed its course was called GUBERNATOR, the pilot, sometimes also MAGISTER, Virg. Æn. v. 176. Sil. iv. 719, or RECTOR, Lucan. Viii. 167. Virg. Æn. iii. 161. 176. He sat at the helm, Cic. Sen. 6.; on the top of the stern, dressed in a particular manner, Plaut. Mil. iv. 4.41. 45., and gave orders about spreading and contracting the sails (expandere vel contrahere vela), plying or checking the oars (incumbere remis vel eos inhibere), &c. Virg, v. 12. x. 218. Cic. Orat, i. 33. Att. xiii. 21.

It was his part to know the signs of the weather, to be acquainted with ports and places, and particularly to observe the winds and the stars, Ovid. Met. iii. 592. Lucan. viii. 172. Virg. Æn. iii. 201. 269, 513. For as the ancients knew not the use of the compass, they were directed in their voyages chiefly by the stars in the night-time, Horat. Od. ii. 16. 3., and in the day-time by coasts and islands which they knew. In the Mediterranean, to which navigation was then chiefly confined, they could not be long out of the sight of land. When overtaken by a storm, the usual method was to drive their ships on shore (in terram agere vel efficere), and when the danger was over, to set them afloat again by the strength of arms and levers. In the ocean they only cruised along the coast.

In some ships there were two pilots, Ælian. ix.40., who had an assistant called PRORETA, Plaut. Rud. iv. 3.75. i. e. Custos et tutela proræ, who watched at the prow, Ovid. Met. iii. 617.

He who had command over the rowers was called HORTATOR and PAUSARIUS (keleustes), Plaut. Merc. iv. 2. 4. Senec. Epist. 56. Ovid. Ibid., or Portisculus, Plaut. Asin. iii. 1. 15. Festus, which was also the name of the staff or mallet with which he excited or retarded them, (celeusmata vel hortamenta dabat), Plaut. Asin. iii. 1, 15. Isid. Orig. xix. 12. He did this also with his voice in a musical tone, that the rowers might keep time in their motions, Serv. ad Virg. Æn. iii. 128. Sil. v. 360. Valer. Flacc. i. 460. Martial. iii. 67. iv. 64. Quinctil. i. 10. 16. Stat. Theb. vi. 800. Ascon. in Cic. Divin. 17. Hence it is also applied to the commanders, Dio. l. 32. Those who hauled or pulled a rope, who raised a weight, or the like, called HELCIARII, used likewise to animate one another with a loud cry, Martial, ibid., hence Nauticus clamor, the cries or shouts of the mariners, Virg. Æn. iii. 128. v. 140. Lucan. ii. 688.
[Roman Antiquities, Adam, 1825]

Funerary Procession in the tomb of Qar (c.2350-2180BC)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 10:08 PM

“This active trade was maintained by well-organized ports on sea and river, with large fleets to serve them, and by a fine road network. From earliest times merchants and craftsmen organized themselves into corporations not unlike medieval guilds, and a the state came more and more to concern itself with commerce these became important features in an increasingly regimented society. In sea-ports like Narbonne and Arles the most imposing corporations were those of the traders by sea, the powerful navicularii; at river ports there were the nautae, the river shippers, barge owners, etc.—generally men of substance and weight in their city. Rather less august are the corporations of utricularii, lightermen, boatmen, etc., and the ratarii who were concerned in the building and use of rafts and may have worked ferries.

The utricularii seem to have been distinguished by their boats or rafts made buoyant by inflated skins, very useful in the navigation of the lagoons of the south. Such boats had been used by Hannibal when he crossed the Rhone. Many inscriptions of utricularii have been found, particularly in Provence, and at Narbonne and up the trubutaries of the Rhone (e.g. at Vaison on the Ouvèze). One intersting case is an identity disc from Cavaillon, with on one side the inscription Colle(gium) utri(clariorum) Cab(ellesnsium) L(uci) Valer(ii) Succes(si), and on the other a little model of an inflated skin.

Heavy traffic went as far as possible by river, and the nautae are extremely important all over Gaul and are known on the Rhone, Saône, Seine, Durance, Ardèche, Ouvèze, Loire, Aar, Moselle, Rhine. The nautae were responible for the portage of goods from one river to another, so owned wagons as well as ships and barges. A shipper from Vannes has left an inscription at Lyons showing that he belonged to the corporation of nautae both of Loire and the Saône.

There were also corporations of hauliers—helciarii whose painful task it was to tow barges upstream, and some attractive sculptures show them at work. Sidonius writes of the boatmen he heard singing as the towed their cargoes through Lyons.”
[Roman-Gaul, Brogan,1953]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 10:13 PM

Phil, this is great stuff. Can you get in touch with me?
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 12:11 AM

“Rowing oars have been used since the early Neolithic period. Wooden oars, with canoe-shaped pottery, dating from 5000–4500 BC have been discovered in a Hemudu culture site at Yuyao, Zhejiang, in modern China. In 1999, an oar measuring 63.4 cm (2 ft) in length, dating from 4000 BC, was unearthed in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.” [Rowing wiki]

Man'yoshu (c.750AD)
"492 Hearing the song of a boatman rowing up the river, on the second day. [xix: 4150]

In my morning bed I listen–
        Afar on Imizu's stream
Sings a boatman,
Plying his morning oars.”

The mansion of Yakamochi, Governor of Etchi, probably stood on the hill near the river of Imizu.


749–51 Referring to various things.[xv: 3627-0]

...As daylight came and the flood-tide reached us,
Cranes called flying to the reedy coast;
To leave the shore with morning calm,
Both our boatmen and rowers,
Laboured with loud cheers ;
And like the grebes we pushed our way
To see the dim, far isle of 'Home.'”
[The Man'yoshu, Yakamochi, Gakujutsu Shinkokai ed., 1965]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 12:20 AM

The 'Dark' Ages are reflected in the sources, or lack thereof, for now.

c.900 – The Icelanders/Danes/Norwegians colonized south-western Greenland. The West's maritime ecomony stretches from the American mainland to Asia Minor.

c.1000 The beginning of the age of sail, but not the end of the age of the oar & yoke:
Galley
Cog (ship)

Were the maryners glad or wrothe,
He made them seyle and rowe bothe;
That the galley gede so swyfte,
So doth the fowle by the lyfte.
[Richard Coer de Lyon (c.1300AD)]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 12:29 AM

Salve Regina (c.1100)
Lyr Req: Salve Regina

“It was set down in its current form at the Abbey of Cluny in the 12th century, where it was used as a processional hymn on Marian feasts. The Cistercians chanted the Salve Regina daily from 1218. It was popular at medieval universities as evening song, and according to Fr. Juniper Carol, it came to be part of the ritual for the blessing of a ship. While the anthem figured largely in liturgical and in general popular Catholic devotion, it was especially dear to sailors.” [wiki]

Conchy note: There may be a measure of Adm. Columbus circular referencing re: "dear to sailors" connection. Still checking.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 12:40 AM

Jean de Joinville (1224-1317)
Erasmus (1466-1536)

“Peregrinatorium Religiosum – Manners and Customs on Shipboard – When the Priests and Clerks embarked, the Captain made them mount to the castle (round-top) of the ship, and chaunt psalms in praise of God, that he might be pleased to send them a prosperous voyage. They all with a loud voice sang the beautiful hymn of Veni Creator, from the beginning to the end, and while they were singing, the mariners set their sails in the name of God," [singing "Salve Regina,"] which was the Celeusma of the Middle Age. A Priest having said, that God and his mother would deliver them from all danger if processions were made three times on a Saturday, a procession round the mast was accordingly begun on that day.”
[British monachism, Fosbroke, 1817, p.441]


Conchy note: I'm having trouble getting at the Latin originals but... this is the first specific/exclusive mention of whatever a standard model heaving or hauling shanty might be. Compare/contrast the tone of the verbiage to Hugill on the Compostella 'peregrinatorium religiosum' of the same century (to follow.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 03:50 PM

Hi, Phil
I don't like interrupting your excellent research but I think someone should point out that your subject 'Maritime work song in general' appears to have very tentative links to what you are posting.

The idea behind all of these 'work songs' is that the singing or chanting is an aid to the actual work. 'I acknowledge your 'might be' but all I see here is that the mariners were actually singing for other reasons than assisting their work. Seemingly totally religious reasons in this case.

The use of singing/chanting whilst rowing is well documented in many cultures.

Keep up the good work anyway.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 05:30 PM

Steve: It's the saints & scholars era of the celeusma. From the Greeks until the steam age, the only decrease in rowing song will be the size of the chorus. The two will cross paths at T.W. Higginson's oarsmen. There's a capstan or anchor vesper coming up as well. Longus' bunch chanting an alala to the 'Rhodian winds' isn't really a stretch.

It's certainly praise song. How did you divine your way to “totally” though? A cheer is a cheer is a cheer...

It'll get weirder at Reidler's Wagner (Heia! Yo-jo!) & Pirates of the Caribbean.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 05:34 PM

The "Compostella" stuff is here: Lyr Add: Howe! Hissa! (Shanty)

Also found under Pilgrim's Journey & other titles.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 06:24 PM

Promptorium parvulorum (c.1440)

“CRYE. Clamor, vociferacio.

CRYE of schypmen, that ys clepyd haue howe (halowe, P.)1 Celeuma, C. F.
1“Celeuma est clamor nauticus, vel cantus, ut heuylaw romylawe.” ORTUS. See hereafter HALOW, schypmannys crye.

HALOW, schypmannys crye.5 Celeuma, C. F.
5“Celeuma est clamor nauticus, vel cantus, vel heuylaw romylawe (ut heue and howe, rombylow,” edit. 1518.) ORTUS. In the MS. of the Medulla in the Editor’s possession, “heualow, rummylow.’’ See Ritson’s Dissert. on Anc. Songs, p. li.
        “ They rowede hard, and sungge ther too,
        Withheuelow and rumbeloo.” Rich. C. de Lion, 2521.
        “ Your mariners shall synge arowe,
        Hey how and rumbylowe.” Squyre of lowe degree.

It occurs likewise in Skelton’s Bowge of Court; Cocke Lorelle’s bote, &c. This cry appears not to have been exclusively nautical, for it forms the burden of a ballad on the Battle of Bannocksburn, 1314, the alternate stanzas of which, as given in Caxton’s Chron. terminate thus, “ with heuelogh—with rombilogh;’’ or, as in Fabyan, “with heue alowe—with rumbylow.” A cor et à cry, by might and maine,with heaue and hoe.” COTG. Hence seems to be derived the surname of Stephen Rummelowe, Constable of Nottingham Castle, 45 Edw. III. mentioned in Issue Roll of Exch. 1369. Compare CRYE of schypmen, that ys clepyd haue howe.

HOLWYN', or cryyn’ as schypmen (halowen with cry, P.) Celeumo.

HOWTYN’, or cryyn as shepmenn (howten, K.P. howen, J.W.)2 Celeumo, CATH.
2 HOWCYN, MS. See the note on HALOW, schypmannys crye.

Plumbe, of schypmen. Bolidis, vel bolis, C.F.

SCHETE. Lintheamen, lintheum, C. F.

Schypmannys stone. Calamita, C. F.”
[Promptorium parvulorum sive Clericorum, Way, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 07:22 PM

I'm sure you must be aware of the modern survival in the Helston Furry May Carol, 'Hal-an-tow, Jolly Rumbelow'

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 10:23 PM

To include but not limited to:
RE: What does 'Hal an Tow' mean?
Lyr Req: Hal n Toe? / Hal an Tow
Lyr/Tune Add: Helston Hal an Tow
Lyr Req: alt. verses to Hal An Tow
Hal n Tow on you tube

It's a good'n.

PS: I think we'll catch all of Richard the Lion-Hearted quotes without a dedicated post but there's a lot to process here.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 07:06 PM

11 October 1492

“All hands were summoned as usual, and after they had said their evening prayers and sung the Salve Regina which all seamen are accustomed to say and sing in their own fashion...”
[Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus, Morison, 1942]

Conchy note: Now this one I do have some serious doubts about, both the task, if any, and the sources.
(See above)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 07:10 PM

Felix Fabri   (1441-1502)

A long one but this is just a fraction of it. Great read for the galley buff. Brackets added for clarity:

“At night they know all the hours by looking at the stars. Beside the mast they have one compass, and another in the uppermost chamber of the castle, and a lamp always burns beside it at night ; nor do they ever turn their eyes away from it when sailing at night, but one always gazes at the compass, and chants a kind of sweet song, which shows that all is going well, and in the same tone he chants to him that holdeth the tiller of the rudder, to which quarter the rudder itself ought to be moved: nor does the steersman dare to move the tiller any whither save by the orders of him who looks after the compass, wherein he sees whether the ship be going straight or crookedly, or sideways. See more about this subject hereafter...

He [the Cometa or Baron ie: boatswain] carries hanging round his neck a silver whistle, with which he gives the signal for what nautical labours are to be performed; and at whatever time of the day or night that whistle is heard, straightway all men run making a whistling noise in answer….

Under these [companii] again there are others who are called mariners, who sing when work is going on, because work at sea is very heavy, and is only carried on by a concert between one who sings out orders and the labourers who sing in response. So these men stand by those who are at work, and sing to them, encourage them, and threaten to spur them on with blows. Great weights are dragged about by their means. They are generally old and respectable men. Lowest of all are the galleyslaves of the first and second class, whom in Latin we call reiniges, or rowers, who sit on the cross-benches to work at the oars. There are a great many of them, and they all are big men; but their labours are only fit for asses, and they are urged to perform them by shouts, blows & curses….

As a rule they are Macedonians, and men from Albania, Achaia, Illyria and Sclavonia; and sometimes there are among them Turks and Saracens, who, however, conceal their religion.

[Passengers]
Some sing songs, or pass their time with lutes, flutes, bagpipes, clavichords, zithers and other musical instruments….

For when the wind is quite fair, and not too strong, there is hardly any motion which those who are in the cabin can feel, because the ship runs along quietly, without faltering, and both the pilgrims below and the galley-slaves on deck sleep quietly, and all is still, save only he who watches the compass and he who holds the handle of the rudder, for these by way of returning thanks for our happy voyage and good luck continually greet the breeze, praise God, the Blessed Virgin and the saints, one answering the other, and are never silent as long as the wind is fair. Anyone on board who hears this chant of theirs would fall asleep, even though otherwise he could not sleep, just as restless crying children are lulled to rest by their mother's crooning song, when if all was still they would cry, and they go to sleep more because the song assures them of their mother's presence than because of its sweetness. Even so the pilgrims are more quiet because by this song they understand that the ship is sailing straight forward, and that all is well, than on account of the song itself; for they call out even as the watchmen of the city of Ulm do when they cry the hours of the night, which cry hinders no one from sleeping, but sends many restless folk to sleep….

It seemed to us that while we sung thus our galley bounded beneath us and sailed faster, ploughing the waves more freely, that the wind filled the sail fuller, and the water, stirred by the wind, sent us along more swiftly.”
[The Book of the Wanderings of Br. Felix Fabri, Vol. I, Stewart trans, 1896]
[Also: Hugill, foreword]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 07:18 PM

Just to end the century on a lighter note, as they down South La Nave de Los Locos:

Sebastian Brant (1458-1521)

“Celeusma
Ne tibi collidant ventus & vnda ratem
Vortice precipitem causis ne te impetus vllus
Siue procella vorax, obruat inde vale.”
[Stultifera Navis, Brant, 1494]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Mar 20 - 07:35 AM

Hark, now hear the sailors cry,
Smell the sea, and feel the sky,
Let your soul & spirit fly,
into the mystic. [Morrison]

“Wherefore, he told us it was meet and right that we should give thanks to our Redeemer, and sing a hymn of gladness with our loudest voice. So two pilgrims who were priests and monks, and who had good voices, went along the rowing-benches as far as the mast, to the place where sea Mass is wont to be read, and there in union they began to sing with a loud voice the hymn of Ambrose and Augustine,(Te Deum laudamus) which was taken up by all the other clergy present as it is sung in church, each man singing it according to the notation of his own choir at home. I have never heard so sweet and joyous a song, for there were many voices, and their various dissonance made as it were sweet music and harmony; for all alike sang the same words, but the notes were different and yet sweetly harmonized together, and it was a joyous thing to hear so many priests singing the same song together out of the gladness of their hearts. There were many Latin priests, Sclavonians, Italians, Lombards, Gauls, Franks, Germans, Englishmen, Irishmen, Hungarians, Scots, Dacians, Bohemians, and Spaniards, and many there were who spoke the same tongue, but came from different dioceses, and belonged to different religious orders. All these sang the glorious Te Deum, in which even the laity, pilgrims, and the crew of the galley alike joined in, shouting aloud for joy at our good fortune. Our trumpeters blew their trumpets loudly, and sounded their shawms, and one Bogadellus, a jongleur, played upon a drum and sackbut, while others blew flutes and bagpipes. Meanwhile some bowed their faces to the deck and prayed, looking toward the Holy Land; others wept for joy while they sang, and so all sang a new song before the throne of God, and the earth and sea rang with their voices. It seemed to us that while we sung thus our galley bounded beneath us and sailed faster, ploughing the waves more freely, that the wind filled the sail fuller, and the water, stirred by the wind, sent us along more swiftly.”
[Fabri, ibid]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Mar 20 - 07:50 AM

Another 15th century 'heu-heia' straggler:

“Celeuma clamor nautarum fiue carmen fup mortuos vel fuperlacum.

Celeus rex eleufinæ ciuitatis or triptolemi qrufti ci opis instrumenta monftraffe di doctus cerere.

Hehu interiectio dolentis diffyllabum:utrunque oducit.
?eia age uox exhortantis aduerbium diffyllabú primam producit.
Heu & heus interiectiones hiscribendæ funr. (Note: typical five places)

O Littera diuerfas partes orationis efficit.?am interdú onteriectio e doletis:ut o deus I quanta miferia fumus:Interdum admirantis:ut orem admirabilem. Iterdú optantis aduerbiu:ut O mi hi pteriti referantur cælituf anni.exhortantis quoq ut o fugite.

Proceleumaticus pes dictus... fit ad celeuma canentium aptus.
Proccleumaticus conftat ex quattuor breuibus:ut canicula.”
[Papias Vocabvlista, 1496]

Conchy note: The old text & typsetting are a challenge. The transciption errors are all mine.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Mar 20 - 07:16 PM

Getting a bit ahead of the dictionaries but, see the linked thread above:

Mrrzy: Ho, hisse! is French for Pull! or whatever you say in English when hoisting in unison...

At Howe! Hissa!'s spot on the maritime work song timeline that depends a lot on the House of Plantagenet being English or French.

wiki.fr: Oh hisse

L.Heu - The queen of the non-lexical vocable antiphons.

Note: The “H” is silent, ie: Hiberia - Iberian. O! (ho, ha, heo, hoe, hoy, jo, o, oh, yeo, yo, yoa.)

Ergo: O! Isse!
Also:
O! Cazza
O! Halle
O! Issa
O! Saglia
O! Saille
O! Ride
ad celeusma infinitum (and beyond!)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 03:50 AM

1500AD The word “sailor” isn't part of the merchant marine yet.

Johannes Gutenberg (1400-1468)

The standard “Age of Heroic Commerce” is c.1600 to 1900 [Brown], however...

Portuguese India (1505)

“The styles of sea songs were shaped by the shipping routes that formed during the Age of Heroic Commerce, connecting Western Europe, the Americas, the West Indies, and Africa. Since ports of call were social hubs and trading centers for material goods, cultural philosophies, and traditional music, these sites served as meeting grounds for “white men’s songs and shanties and Negro songs and work-songs” where sailors would leave “after being hammered into shanties by the Negroes, and Negro work-songs from ashore would be taken by white sailors and added to their repertoire for halyard and capstan.” [Reidler]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 03:51 AM

“Celeufina, (keleusma) clamor nautarum & aliorum, cum uno
aliquid iubente omnes uniformiter refpondent, quafifibiina uicem iubentes.

Celeuftes, cclcuftæ, mafe. gen. quiremiges hortatur, quafi nauigationis moderator: qui a Plauto Latinè hortator appellatur, quòd ea hortamenta faciat, quæ uerbo Graeco celeufamata dicuntur etiam à Latinis. Budæus.

Hei, oi interiectio ingemifcentis, datiuo iúgitur pronominis. ut Hei mihi, (oi uoi) qualis erat. Cicero: Hei mihi, non pofa. fum hoc fine lachrimis commemorare. Afpiratur natura, quodis animi affectus afpiratione melius declaretur.

Helciarii, qui in nauionera funibus moliutur, uel qui naues de ducunt. fubducui ue ad officia inuicê adhortantes, ut uno co nixu pariter cofpirantes, admoliri uniuerfis uiribus poffint, quodfingulis nequeut, ut fieri interim uidemus. Hæc Bud. in priorib. Annot. in Pandect. Martial.lib.i. Qué nec rumspere nauticum celeuma, Nec clamor valet helciariorum.

O (Too long to translate, It means O.)

Paufarius,… à Seneca uocatur, qui remigibus modos dat, & remigandi officiú quadam quafi paufa moderatur.

Proceleufmaticus,... per ex quatuor fyllabis breuibus conftans. Dictus quafi primitus iuffus, eo quòd in facris Mineruæ prius eius pedis uerfus pronunciari iubebantur….”
[Dictionarivm Latinae Lingvae, 1540]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 03:52 AM

Missed one:

"Celeûfma, celeúfmatis: vel Celeûfma, celeúmatis, n.g. L'ehortemene des mariniers ou autres gés qui fefforcét defaire quelque befongne.

Celeúftés, celeúftæ. m.g.Tel enhorteur, & donneur de courage.”
[Dictionariolum Puerorum In Hoc Nudae Tan, 1545]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 04:02 AM

Here's another of the so-called 'proto-shanty.'

wiki: The Complaynt of Scotland (1549)

Threads:
Lyr Add: Sea Shanties from 'The Complaynt' (1549)
Tune Req: Seeking a 1600s Sea Shanty
RE: The origin of Sea Chanteys

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 04:10 AM

Posting the rowing & galley bits here:

Lymphad

“Neither do the ancient vessels of the Northern nations appear to have been of a contemptible size. Before the invention of cannon, the most serviceable and commodious war vessels, especially for piratical expeditions, were a species of long barges, which admitted the application of numerous oars, hence termed "wormfooted" by Lycophron….

...Of this kind are some of the most celebrated ancient vessels; as, the Dragon of Harold Harfagre, and the Long Serpent of Olave Tryggueson, which carried thirty banks of oars, very large and high, with a gilded serpent on the prow. These long vessels were, by the Saxons, denominated Keeles. In the eleventh century, many of these vessels were capable of containing 120 men. Of galleys, two kinds were employed, the one of which was only rowed with oars; the other, frequently denominated the galeasse, combined the effect of both oar and sail. Thus, in the romance of Richard Cœur de Lion, ap. Strutt,

Were the maryners glad or wrothe,
He made them seyle and rowe bothe;
That the galley gede so swyfte,
So doth the fowle by the lyfte.

Some of the latter kind had triple banks of oars raised over each other; and, according to Mat. Paris, were capable of containing 60 men in iron armour, besides the sailors who managed the vessel, and 104 rowers. Gallyettis were a small species of gallies. Balengers were small sailing vessels. Carikes, or Hulkes, were large sailing vessels, the largest of which seem to have been denominated Buccas.

...The vessel described in the Complaynt, is a galeasse. This species was much broader, as well as longer, than the galley, and was navigated both by sails and oars. Besides guns on each side of the deck, interspersed between the banks of oars, they had both artillery and small arms planted on the forecastle and stern.”
[Complaynt of Scotland, Leyden, 1801]


Conchy note: Many parallels to Gargantua and Pantagruel, and a character named Celeusma.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 09:45 AM

bireme, trireme, quadreme? quinquereme, of Ninevah. Any hexaremes?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 12:37 PM

The Leyden Glossary (1801)
“In the sea scene which immediately succeeds, the minuteness of description employed by the author, is entirely averse to every principle of taste in composition, except in a work professedly scientific; But from this very circumstance, it derives an additional value, as it has preserved many sea cheers which have long fallen into desuetude; and many sea terms by which the different parts of a ship, and the different operations and manœuvres of navigation, were formerly denominated. These cheers and terms are chiefly of Norman and Flemish origin, and, with many others of a similar kind, were preserved to a late period, by that singular race of men, the fishers of the eastern coast of Scotland, many of whom have hardly, at this day, abandoned the peculiar habits and phraseology by which they were long distinguished from the pastoral and agricultural inhabitants of the interior parts of the country.

BOULENE, (p. 62.); Fr. boule; the semicircular part of the sail which is presented to the wind.

BOULENA, (p. 62.) a sea cheer, signifying, hale up the bowlings.

CAUPUNA, (p. 62.) a sailor's cheer in heaving the anchor. The form is contracted; but the radical term is probably coup, to overturn.

CUNA, (p. 63.) a sea term; quas. cun a’. To cun a vessel, is, to give directions to the steersman; for which purpose, a person is employed, who chaunts, from time to time, his directions, in a high tone of voice.

HAIL, v. (p. 62.) to haul, or hale. Fr. haller. B. halen.

HEISAU, (p. 63.) a sea cheer, contracted of heeze all; heeze, heis, or heys, to lift. A.S. heahsian. Fr. hisser. B. hissen. Hence the popular word heezy, a rouzing, a scolding, or fight. Thus, in the ballad of Scornfu Nancy—
        My gutcher left a good braid sword,
                Tho' it be auld and rusty;
        Yet ye may take it on my word,
                It is baith stout and trusty;
        And if I can but get it drawn,
                Which will be right uneasy,
        I shall lay baith my lugs in pawn,
                That he shall get a heezy.
                        Ritson's Scotish Songs, vol. i. p.183.
By a similar analogy, stour, dust, is used metaphorically to signify a fight.

HOLABAR, (p. 63.) a sea cheer, probably a direction to employ the bar of the capstan; quas. holla! Bar!

Hou, (p. 59, 61.) hollow; the how of a ship; the hollow part, or hold; also a sea cheer, halla! (p. 62.)
        With hypocritis, ay slyding as the sand,
        As humloik, how of wit, and vertew thin.
                Adhortatioun prefixed to Lyndsay's Warkis,
                        Edin. 1592.

PULPEA, (p. 62.) a sea cheer; quas. pull pull a’.

SARABOSSA, (p. 62.) a sea cheer. Ser the bus a'; i.e. serve the stock.

VEYRA, (p. 62.) a sea cheer; quas. veer a’.

VORSA, (p. 63.) a sea cheer; quas. force a'.”
[The Complaynt of Scotland, Leyden, 1548, (1801)]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 12:41 PM

Lyrics as above:

"…Rowing songs are found, from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, in which the word 'rumblelow' frequenty appears—the word also appears in songs sung by water processions which used to be held by the Lord Mayor of London. This has been pointed out by L.G. Carr Laughton and Miss L.A. Smith and others, and D'Israeli in his book Curiosities of Literature writes that, 'our sailors at Newcastle in heaving their anchors (still) have their “heave and ho, rumbelow”', which brings the word down to comparitively recent times. My friend Mr. G. Legman has pointed out that in Skelton's sixteenth-century Bowge at Court there is a song “Heve and how, rombelow, row the bote, Norman, rowe!'

...2. The verses are taken from the Introduction to Capt. W.B.Whalls Sea Songs and Shanties, Brown, Son & Ferguson, Glasgow, 1927”
[Hugill, foreword]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 01:02 PM

In case y'all missed it, you now have yet another maritime work song function that falls outside the scope of the shanty. Command & control (conn.)

“...one always gazes at the compass, and chants a kind of sweet song, which shows that all is going well, and in the same tone he chants to him that holdeth the tiller of the rudder, to which quarter the rudder itself ought to be moved:...” [Fabri]

“CUNA, (p. 63.) a sea term; quas. cun a’. To cun a vessel, is, to give directions to the steersman; for which purpose, a person is employed, who chaunts, from time to time, his directions, in a high tone of voice.” [Leyden]

“SONG. The call of soundings by the leadsman in the channels....” [Smyth]

Lyr Add: Mark Twain (Harry Belafonte)
(^Not to be taken seriously.)

See image of Qar's tomb [links above.]
The proreta on the prow of Qar's funerary barge is holding a long pole, Gr. kontus. If the water is too deep for the pole to reach bottom he measures with the lead line but cannot help steer &c.

Also:
Quant pole
contour line
Conn (nautical)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 01:06 PM

John Calvin (1509–1564)

“30 Et tu prphetabis ad eos, vel, contra eos, omnia verba hæc:& dices illis. Iehouah ab excelfo rugiet, & ex habitaculo fanctitatis fuæ edet vocem fuam: rugiendo rugiet fuper habitaculum fuum celeufma, clamorem potius generaliter, quafi prementium torcular refpondebit fuper cunctos incolas terræ.

Nomen ???? vertunt Celeuma, vel celeufma:alis magis placet vertere Lugubrem cantionem. fed fæpius occurrit quum agitur de vindemiis. Celeufma autem nauticum eft, quemadmodum fcitur. etymologia quidem eft generalis, & [keleustes] eft hortari:& celeusma nihil eft aliud quàm exhortatio. Scd quoniam vox illa tantùm de nautis reperitur,ideó mihi magis pla cuit ponere clamoris nomen.”
[Johannis Calvini Operum Omnium Theologica, Calvin, 1558]


“25:30. Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

The word ???? eidad, is rendered celeusma, a shout; but some render it a mournful singing; and it often occurs when the vintage is spoken of. Celeusma, as it is well known, is the shout of sailors. Its etymology is indeed general in its meaning; for keleustes is to exhort, to encourage ; and then the noun is exhortation. But as this word is only used as to sailors, I prefer to adopt the word sound, or a loud noise.”
[Commentary on the Prophet Jeremiah, Vol.III, The Tenth Annual Report of the Calvin Society for the year 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Mar 20 - 07:28 AM

These next few should have gone up before the Complaynt.

“Remus inftrumentume eft, quo naues aguntur. Verg. Quam deinde Cloanthus Confequitur melior remis. Inde remos inflectere. Cic. Ne...hoc loco expectandum eft, dum de remo inflexo refpondeam. Et Remos detergere,pro collidere,vel confringere, tunc detergere translatu eft.

Remigare eft naue remis propellere. Cic. Non enim fuftinet remos, fed alio modo remigant. Idem. Vtru agitur mauisiftatimúe nos uela faceré aut. quaftiè portu egredientes paululum remigares.

Remex dicitur,qui remis agit, uel qui remigandi minifterio mancipatus eft, uel qui fcalmo hæret,id eft labro nauis,ubi remi adnexi funt. Cic. Arbitrabar fuftineri remos, cum inhiberi effent remiges iußi.

Remigatio eft incitatio nauis à remige propulfæ. Vel eft remigis contentio,atq impetus in nauem propellendam. Cic. Inhibitio remigum motum habet,... uehementiorem quidem remigationis nauem conuertentis ad puppim.

Remigium eft ipfaremoru agitatio, & remigatio,uel eft remorum ordo,aut remigu multitudo.Verg. Remigium fupplet, focios fimul inftruit armis.

Scalmus eft lignum teres,cui naute remos loco quodam alligant ad nauigandum,ut firmius nauigent. Vel eft labru nauis,ubi remi adnexi funt, à quo interfcalmia fpatia iuter remiges dicta funt. Cic. Hæc ego confcendens è Popeiano tribui actua riolis decem fcalmorum.

Celeuftes dicitur, qui remiges hortatur, quafi nauigationis moderator, qui à Plauto latinè hortatur ????llatur quod ea hortamenta faciat, quæ uerbo græco celeufmata dicuntur etiam à latinis. Hoc uero celeufmata quod & ??l?uma dicitur, in nauibus... aff a uoce,ore prolatainterdum, iterdum, interdu tibia canebatur. Inde & Symphoniaci ferui. Cic in Ver Act. I. Celeuma item,ut nautæ faciunt Helciarii, id eft, qui onera funibus moliuntur:uel qui naues deducut, fubducuntúe, ad officia inuicem fefe adhortantes,ut uno connixu pariter confpirantes, admoliri uniuerfis uiribus poffint,quod fingulis nequeunt.

Heus* eft vocatis,uel reuocantis,uel interdum etiam dolentis. Cic. Sed heus tu , quid agis? Terent. Omnium rerum heus uicißitudo eft.”
[Commentarium Latinæ Linguæ, Vol.II, Doleti, 1539]

*Typical too many places for: Heu, eheu, eho, ehodum, hei, hoi, hem, hui, ah, aha, ha &c &c. See original text.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Mar 20 - 06:54 PM

Celetes pe.qp. Grece… exhortor: vocatur equi q ad curfum foli adhíbee.fiuee bigis vel quadrigis etia nauigia ut his teporib fierá folet. Na q bigis quadrígifue ve adhibèbatur ad curfium defultorii dicebat.Ply. Antiqui celetas dicebat I facris. Postea vero & q bigis vel o drigisui ciffent latie dicut defultorii q ex his facile defiliat.

Celer ide eft qd velox.a quo celerrim & celeriffi mus fiut fuperlatiua fcam. Prif. Celero.as.pe.cor.celeriter aliquid facio. A quo Accelero copofitu.

Celeufma clamor nautarii & alioru cum vno aliquid iubente oes vniformiter refpodent quafi fibi inuice iubetes.Hie.apd Hieremia:Celeufma quafi calcatiu cocinetur aduerfus oes habitatores terre.

Helciarius qui fune canabino naue trahit aduer fus vndas:vt eft apud. Mar. De helcio fpar teo dimoto nexu machinæ liberatu applicat pfepio.Eft paulo poft. Helciotande abfolutus refectuique fecure redditus.

Heu interiectio doletis iungit acto pnoís. Ter. Heu me miferu. Na per exprobationé iu git efi no mine.Ver. Heu ftripe inuitas. Et cu nto.Ide. Heu pietas heu prifca fides. Interdu geminat & nulli cafuiferuit.Ver.Heu heu qd volui. Aliqii etia dr Eheu. Afpiratur ficut & hei eade ratione.

Heus adverbiu vocatis. [typical]

O! [typical]

Proceleumaticus pes ex quattuor fyllabis brevibus costans:dictus quafi pmitus iuffus:eo op in facris minetue prius eius pedis verfus pronuciari tubebantur…

Remiges nautici q remos agut & remigadi minifterio mancipati fut:hui ntus fingularis eft remex remigis. Curt.remex militis officia turbabat.

Tranfuador .&Tranfuado.as.pe.cor.per vadu traiicio.Hiero.ad.Helio. Per tranflatione: Sed quo niam fcopulofis locis enauigauit oratio & inter canas fpumeis fluctibus cautes fragilis in altu cimba proceffit.expandenda vela funt ventis & quæftionumicrupulis tranfuadatis letantiu more nautarii epilogi celeuma cantandu eft.”
[Dictionarium ex optimis authoribus, Calepini, 1509]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Mar 20 - 06:56 PM

“Si tu proreta ifti nauies, ego gubernator ero.Vfus eft Vlpíanus hoc verbo ín título de publícanís, grece... &... dícítur. Remíges funt quífcalmís herent,íd eft labro nauís,vbí remí adnexi funt,a quo interfcalmia fpacia inter remiges dicta funt. Celeuftes eft q remiges hortatur,quafi nauigationís moderator quía Plauto latíne hortator appellatur,q, ea hortamenta faciat que verbo greco celeufmata dicutur etiam a latínís.Hôc vero celeufma quod & celeuma dicitur in nauibus claffiariis affa voce interdú, interdi tibia canebatur,ita vt remiges pro modulorum atqu haremonie ratione vel concítarétur vel ínhiberent remos. Pedíanus auctor eft caní remígíbus celeuma per Symphoníacos feruos folítu olím effe.& per affam vocem íd eft ore prolatam,& (vt ín argo nauí) ínterdu per cítharam. Cícero ín Díuínatíone.Ab hac mulíere prefectus Antoníí quídam fymphoníacos feruos abducebat per íníuríam,quíbus fe ín claffe vtí velle dícebat. Quem locum Pedíanus exponens poffumus (ínquít) íntellígere ad hoc fymphoníacos feruos capí folere, vt ínclaffeclaffícum pugnantíbus canant, vnde ípfi tubæ claffs claffícum nomen eft pofítum. Híeremíæ vígefímoquínto cap.Celeuma quafí, calcantíum concínetur aduerfus omnes habítatores terre. Quo verbo allegorí cos Propheta figníficauít hortamentum mutuum populos contrucídantíum, quod per celeuma vuas calcantíum quafí fanguínem exprimentíu intellígítur, quod verbum Lyranus interpres non percepít.Síc ením folent celeuma facere Helcíaríi. & naute & helcíaríí, vd eft quí onera funíbus molvuntur, vel quí naues deducunt,fubducuntve ad offícíaínuícem adhortantes,vt vno conníxu paríter confpírantes,admolírí vníuerfís víríbus poffvnt quod fíngulvs nequeunt,vt fíerí ínterím vídernus.Et capí. vígefímooctauo. Nequaq calcator vuæ folítu celeuma cantabít.Sunt etíam ín nauí quí vectores dicuntur,qui ob hoc tantum ín nauí funt vt vehátur,quo modo hocín título accípíutur.quí fi mílítes funt Epíbaté dícuntur verbo greco,fed latínís vfítato,latíne clafííaríí vocantur. Nauícularíí nauíú funt domíní,qui Græce nauclerí dícuntur, merítorías naues habentes, Patronos appellamus.Tacitus.Atq índe decurfu ín líttora vím ín merca tores aut ín nauícularíos audebant.Vnde nauícularíam facere.Cícero ín Ver rem Actíone vltíma. Quíd eos quí hoc audíebant arbítrabare ínanem te nauem effe íllam in Italíam deducturum nauícularíam te cum Romam veníffes effe facturum? Hí & nauículatores ab eodem dícuntur ín oratíone prolege Manílía.Vegetíus tamen líb.quarto, Nauícularíos eos effe dícít quí ín claffe fingulís nauíbus prefunt,quos Græcí nauarchos vocant.Cæterum verba que dam Græca híc defunt,quæ reftítuv nífv ab eo quí Florentínas Pandectas adíe rít non poffunt.
[Annotatio Nes Gvlielmi Bvdaei Parisiensis, 1521]

Oy.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: RTim
Date: 24 Mar 20 - 10:52 PM

I am increasingly bemused by this thread.....I am not sure whose benefit it is for? It has Nothing to do with Maritime music for the ordinary person, and just seems to be a vehicle to prove that the main correspondent is cleverer than anyone else..!!

Tim Radford (a poor old 'ampshire boy....)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Mar 20 - 12:50 AM

Rtim: fyi - One (1) semester of Latin when Pontius was still a co-Proreta.

It's the 2400 year history of the 'proto-chanty' in literary references. I find the terms wild, primitive, aboriginal, &c… unhelpful. If you're here for the shanties, you're early.


“Celeúfma, celeúfmatis: vel Celeûma, celeúmatis.n.gé. Mart. Grido uniforme de marinari à fare qualche lor opera.

Celeúftes, celúftæ, m.g.Bud. Chi conforata i marinai al navicare.
[Dictionariolum Latinum ad Puerorum, 1558]


“Celeúfma, celeúfmatis: vel Celeúma, celeúmatis, neut. gen. Mart. L’enhortement des mariniers ou autres ges qui s’efforcent defaire quel que befongne.

Celeúftes, celeúftæ, m.gen. Bud. Tel enhorteur, & donneur neur de courage.

Contus, conti, m.g. Vne lone gue perche de bois, Vne perche a mariniers, dequoy ils fondent le fond de l’eaue, & de quoy ils conduifent vne naf felle quand il y apeu d'eau.
[Dictionarium Latino gallicum, 1561]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Mar 20 - 01:22 AM

Battle of Lepanto (1571)
Battle of Lepanto order of battle

"...in which the Holy League deployed 6 galleasses and 206 galleys, while the Ottoman forces numbered 216 galleys and 56 galliots."

“Over the following decades, the increasing importance of the galleon and the line of battle tactic would displace the galley as the major warship of its era, marking the beginning of the "Age of Sail".” [wikis]


“They Shout,
*A fhoutng or crie of fhipmen, Celeufma, Celeufina, vel Celeuma, celeúmatis, II. g. Mart.”
[Triple Dictionary in Englifh Latin & French, 1573]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Mar 20 - 01:24 AM

“Celeuftes, Bud. Navigationis moderator, qui remiafigno vocali exhortatur… Hefych. Le comite, enhorteur des rameurs, donneur de courage. The encourager of the rowers: he that calleth on the mariners to hartern them in their bufineffes, and as fome fay, the botefwaine.

Conchyta, Plaut. Qui conchas legit & musculos… Pefcheur de moufles. A muffhell man: a cockleman: an oyfterman: he that gathereth and taketh up fhellfifh.

Contus, … Perche de marinier. A mariners or watermans pole to gage water or fhoove forth a veffell into the deepe.

Helciarius, Mart. qui navim adverfo amne trahit fune ductario. Qui tire vn bateau. An hailer, or he which haleth and draweth a fhip or barge alongft the river by a rope: alfo he that draweth up burthens and packes into the fhip. Helciarius etiam que fune molitur onera in navi…

Paufarius, Senecæ, qui remigibus modos dat, cum Celeufte idem, meo quidem indicio, nifi quòd difcrimen videatur effe in accendedis operis, & facienda paufa, hoc eft, fuperfedendo à remigandi munere…. L'advertiffeur des mariniers qu'il faut repofer. He that commandeth the rowers or mariners to ceafe rowing, (as fome fay) the maifters mate.

Proreta, Plauto, qui in prora a tutelæ navis præfidet… Le gouverneur de la proue. The ruler of the forefhip or Decke.

Symphoniacus, qui in claffe canit bellicum. Trompette és navires de guerre. A trumpeter in fhips of warre.”
[The Nomenclator, Higins, 1585]

;)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 25 Mar 20 - 03:37 PM

Hi Phil, whilst I can just about follow what you're trying to do, I do wish you'd stick to your title, particularly the words 'work' and 'song'.
Either that or change the title.

A poor Yorkshire boy!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 12:00 AM

Steve: See my - 11 Mar 20 - 06:17 PM about the mix you can expect. This won't ever be a sheet music & lyrics thread. Heia! Viri! &c are exceptional and the celeusma isn't going to change its stripes for me or thee. If the elves have a nicer, friend of the working man title, I'm all for it.


"Chanter, Canere, Cantare, Occinere, Præcinerc, Pfallere. Qui apprend autruy à chanter, Vocis & cantus modulator, Phonafcus, Muficus.

la Chiorme d'une galere ce font touts les Forfaires ou Forfats tirants à la rame Remiges.

Enhorter, Hortari, Adhortari, Cohortari, Exhortari, Vti hortatione, Suadere.
Enhorteur, Suafor, Confuafor, Adhortator, Exhortator.
Enhort ou Enhortement, Hortatio, Adhortatio, Cohortatio, Exhortatio, Suafio.
L'enhortement des mariniers ou autres gens qui s'efforcent defaire quelque befongne, Celeufma celeufmatis.

Efcoute,efcoute Syre, Heus, heus Syre.
Efcoute di moy, Eho dic mihi.
Efcoute, tu fcais bien que,&c. Heus proximus fum egomet mihi.

Hareleurier, Io canes, Euge canes.celeufma venatorium, & hortamentum. B.

Hau, vocandi,ab Heus, inde Haula.

Hé, Vocandi, Heus.

Hola hola, Heus heus.

Hucher, Accerfere, Arceffere, Inclamare, Vocare. Fortè ab Heus, aduerbio vocandi. vt principio dictum fit Heufcher deinde Hufcher, & demum corruptius Hucher. Perionius fic tradit, Si à Vocare dempferis o, fupereft Vcare, inde Vcer, & per ignorantiam originis Hucher.

Ceulx qui tirent vn bateau au col, Helciarii.B.
Osi tirent vn bateau, Helciarii.
Vn collier à cheuaulx, Helcium, helcii.
Bourrelier, qui fait les colliers des cheuaulx, Helciarius. Il vient de Bourre, quòd helciis infarciat tomentum.
Qui tire quelque fardeau auec cordes, Helciarius.

Venez ca, Heus, Eho.

Corner Requefte de fois à autre, Celeufma requifitorium edere.”
[Dictionaire Francoislatin, Thierry, 1564]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 12:04 AM

Olde German and the one Greek word I can transcribe:

“Hofcha / Heus, Ohe.

Hem… Interiectio irafcentuc. Terent…
Hem, Refpondentis. Terent. Heus heus Syre.s.hem quid eft?

auff Mahuen Excire, Excitare, freq. Exciere.
auffMahnen Hortari, Adhortari, Cohortari, Admonere, oder.
verMahnen Hortari, Cohortari, Adhortari, Admonere,Comonere, Commonefacere, Exhortari.
verMahner Hortator, Hortatrix, Exhortator, Monitor, Admonitor. Celeuftes.
verMahnug Hortatio, Hortamen, Hortamentum, Adhortatio, Admonitio, Exhortatio, Cohortatio.

O Oh, Ohe, Heus, Eho: Prò…. Oataricha, mugilumoua, fale condita.

<Proceleufmaticus, ci,... Pes eft ex quatugr breuibus fyllabis conflans.

Rommet/roff; fommet /Helcium.

Treiber der ruderfnecht / Celeuftes.

Ke…Celeufma hortametum quod remigibus datur: Item, iuffum, mandatum.
Ke ...Celeuftes, iuffor, & qui celeufma canit.”
[1587 - Lexicon Trilingue, Roberti]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 12:07 AM

Ah well. It proofed okay and then changed from omega to plain old "O" in the post. At least it wasn't four question marks. Yo-ho.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 12:11 AM

Some early Spanish to end the century. Note our old Caribbean friend gritar (gritador) or griot to some.

“A hao, ho, Heus.

Coro, de coro, a quier, by hart, the turning of the faile, chorus, Memoriter, veli tranfuerfio.

Grita, a crie, Vociferatio.
Gritar, to crie, Vociferari,

Guay, alas, wo, Hei heu.

O. oz, ether, would God, Velaut, utinam, heus

Sirga llevar barcos a la firga, to draw with a rope, Trahere.
Sirguero, a drawer of a boat with a rope, Tractor.”
[1591 - Bibliothecae Hispanicae pars Altera, Percyvall]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 09:25 AM

Okay Phil are there specific references to celeusma being used aboard a vessel for anything to do with ropes, hoisting sails, working a simple capstan or winch, in other words other than rowing?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Lighter
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 10:32 AM

The heart of the issue, Steve.

The fact that throughout history and across the globe people have sung songs while rowing doesn't diminish the other documented fact that nineteenth-century, anglophone crews began routinely to sing what we may call "dedicated" songs for use while heaving and hauling - apparently for the first time in history.

To insist on conflating these things into one homogeneous, reductive category called "sailors' work songs" seems to me to obscure rather than to enlighten the discussion.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 01:51 PM

Lighter: Some folks like lumpy gravy... others has to leave it be.

Steve, 1800 years... from 'boatman' to 'hobby horse' and counting:
"Those who hauled or pulled a rope, who raised a weight, or the like, called HELCIARII, used likewise to animate one another with a loud cry, Martial, ibid., hence Nauticus clamor, the cries or shouts of the mariners, Virg. Æn. iii. 128. v. 140. Lucan. ii. 688."

"Sirga llevar barcos a la firga, to draw with a rope, Trahere.
Sirguero, a drawer of a boat with a rope, Tractor.” [Percyvall]

"Bourrelier, qui fait les colliers des cheuaulx, Helciarius. Il vient de Bourre, quòd helciis infarciat tomentum." [Thierry]

In Western labour & naval science history these are the 2020 longshoreman & stevedore brotherhoods. The nave & codicarii were merchant marine. We also have fighting the navies not in the standard narrative... (no lyrics &c.)

Job titles & descriptions follow the work. English sailing is relatively new and most everything was an auxilliary until late coal/early fuel oil. Towing and rowing were #1-2 forms of marine propulsion until fairly recently.

It was what it was.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 02:30 PM

Gibb would be able to put more meat on the bones, but the Stevedores in the Gulf ports were already singing proper chanties i.e., songs with a chorus that were taken into the chanty repertoire) for screwing the cotton, before they came aboard ship if I recall correctly from Gibb's writing.

All of this is well and good and equivalents in other periods are still very interesting but establishing a direct link from any of these to the chanties we know seems to be all supposition.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 05:51 PM

Vulgar Latin dropped the “s” and swapped the "a" in celeusma. Typical 100+ places on Google Books for the 17th century:

“Celeume. The showt, or noyfe that Mariners make when they weigh anker, or do any other office in the ship with joyned ftrength; an encouraging sound.”
[A Dictionaire of the French and English Tongue, Cotgrave, 1611]


Also typ. 200+ places – Seneca, Pliny, Martial et al:

“Idem officium eius qui fymphonianis celeuma canentibus in naui modum dabat:quem plautus aliique prifci, dixerunt portisculum, Seneca, paufarium.”
[Cai Plinii Secundi Epistolae, Casav, 1607]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 05:57 PM

“Ah, alas, O I. Ah, hei, heu, eheu, oh, vae, atat.

The fhout and noise that mariners make doing any thing together, as in hoifting the anker.
I Celeufma, vel celeuma, f.*
He that maketh such a noife.
I Celeuftes, m.

They that keepe fhip onely for their living of meate and drinke.
I Diaturei, m.

To cheare, or encourage.
I Exhortor, hortor.

A horfe collar, whereby he draweth in the cart. I Helcium,n.

A chearing, or encouraging.
2. Hortatio, f.

He that holdeth the ftern,a maifter or governour of fhip.
2. Gubernator, m.

Harke firra. I Heus, eho, ehodum, interiect.

He that draweth a fhip, or barge by a rope, or that draweth packes into a fhip
I Helciarius,m.

The perfon of a cooke, or mariner, or fuch like in a comedie, or rather a meane, or mixt perfon, which is neither fervile, nor altogether free.
I Melon.**

A fhip boy, drudge, or flave in a fhip.
I Mefonuata,f.

They which take fhippe, & inftead of paying their fare, do the duties of Mariners.
I Nautebibatæ, arum, m.

He that giveth a figne when one fhould paufe. The mafter rower. I Paufarius.”
[Riders Dictionarie, 3rd ed, Holyoke, 1612]
[Riders Dictionarie Corrected, Holyoke, 1617]

*See also: shout.

** Note the social status of the 17th century mariner in commedia dell'arte.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 06:13 PM

Much has been written about William Shakespeare's nautical bent, even a few claims of (proto)shanties, but I've not read anything that would qualify. One word that does come up in the footnotes is the use of via in Merchant of Venice:

Thesaurus Polyglottus, 1613 - Translations for heu, heus in:
?ebrew, Classic & Vulgar Latin, Italian, Spanish, Gallician, Greek, Lusitanian, German, Belgian, English, Slavic, Dalmatian, Polish, Hungarian, Bohemian, Portuguese, Malay & four abbreviations unknown to your scribe.

The “O!” (or a'via, vien, venez, ad nauseum) vocalable seems fairly universal in Western culture.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 06:25 PM

As above:
“Nau, nau, nau. (Cestuy Celeume, dift Epistemon, n'eft hors de propos & me plait) car le iour eft feriau. Infe, infe, Bon. Os'eferia Epiftemon, ie vous commande tous bien efperer. Ie voy a Caftor à dextre.”
[Pantagruel, Les Oevvres de M. Francois Rabelais, Docteur en Medicine, 1596]

“Vea, vea, vea! huzza! This shout of the seamen is not amiss, and pleases me, for it is holiday. Keep her full thus. Good. Cheer up, my merry mates all, cried out Epistemon; I see already Castor on the right.”
[Pantagruel, Vol. 2, Urquhart, 1892]


VEYRA, a sea cheer; quas. veer a’.
VORSA, a sea cheer; quas. force a'.”
[The Complaynt of Scotland, glossary]


Vayra, veyra are words probably related to the Spanish word 'Vira!'—'Heave' or 'Hoist'—heard from ports of the Mediterranean to those of the Far East.
[Hugill]


The pausarius in action:

“Of the Boats and Skiff
A fresh Spell is to releeve the Rowers with another Gang, give the Boat more way for a dram of the bottell, who saies Amends, one and all, Vea, vea, vea, vea, vea, that is, they pull all strongly together.”
[1627, A Generall Historie of Virginia, New England, and The Summer Isles, Vol.II, Smith, 1907 ed.]

Two things:
a) The oarsmen will typically be greater in number than the rowing stations.

b) Big boats don't stop or start on a dime. The gods of interia demand a certain degree of accelerando in the restart tempo. otoh - emergency braking can be lethal to the oarsmen.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jun 20 - 04:01 PM

Betwixt Rider's Dicyionary and Smith's A Seaman's Glossary, were Markham's several volumes on “horfemanfhip.”

By the start of the 17th century, horses had mostly replaced humans in the tow path helcium and appear to have inherited more than a few commands & paces from their predecessors along the way. See also the ayre, gallop, jaunt, quadrille &c &c.

Also typical: Folklore: Padstow's Obby Oss

“And firft for the voice, as it is the found which naturally ail creatures moft feare, fo it is in diforders the needfulleft remedie: and according to the fignification of the word, fo it is either a correction or a helpe: as for example, if it bee roughly or terriblie delivered, as Ha traytor, ha Villain, or fuch like, then t’is a correction for fhrewdneffe or obftinacie: but if you crie Hoe, Ho or Hey, Hey, or Via, Via, Via, then tis a help either in galloping, in turning, or any ayre or fault whatfoever. But if you will cherrifh, then you must in the mildeft manner that may be, crie Holla, holla, or So boy, fo boy and such like.”
[Cavalrice, or The Arte and knowledge belonging to the Horfe-ryder, Markham, 1616]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: sciencegeek
Date: 23 Jun 20 - 06:30 PM

maybe five or so years ago - back when I could get the Documentary Channel, I watched a documentary about the Yellow River and it had a great five minute segment on the Chinese "boatmen" who scrambled along the treacherous river bank towing barges upstream... they had a leader and chorus singing away as the long line of men hauled the boat along.   dangerous work

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 03:46 AM

There are a few references to Chinese boatmen to come. I'm sure there would be many, many more if I were using a different keyboard and browser language.

The Chinese Qi is a subset of the Japanese kiai 'spelling.' Both have a meaning not too different from the Westerner's kele; a kind of energy focusing shout or cheer, albeit the Eastern variety is a good deal more mystical in nature. See also Cotgrave below for halé & halle.

Here is the rest of Cotgrave I somehow managed to omit from the above. The definition of chiourme covers rowing, the capstan and running rigging all-in-one:

“Chant: m. A Song, Ayre, Carol, Ballade; Lay, Roundelay; alfo, a Poem, or Difcourfe, in Ryme.

Chanté: m. ée: f. Sung, chaunted; warbled; crowed; refounded; commended, or defcribed in Meeter, or in verfe.

Chiourme: f. A banke of Oares; or, the whole companie of slaves, Rowers (in a Galley;) alfo, the noife they make in rowing; alfo, (in a fhip) the Saylers; and, the noife they make in weighing of ankers, and hoisting up of faileyards.

Halé: m. ée: f. Sunne-burnt; as Haflé; alfo, veered, as a cable; alfo, hounded, or fet, as a dog at.

Halle f. (An interjection, of cheering, or fetting on of a dog;) ha boy, now now.

Hé. An Interiection of calling. Vien ça hé. come hither hoe.

Hei. as Hé.

Hory ho, hay & ho (The ordinarie harsh accent, or voice, of carters.)

Huchant. Calling for; whooping, or hollowing unto. Huchant en paume. Whifiling for, or calling unto by whifiling in the fift.
Huchet: m. A Hutchet, Bugle, or fmall Horne; fuch as one as Poft boyes ufe.
Hué: m. ée: f. Hooted, or fhowted after; exclamed, or cryed out upon, followed with hue and cry.
Huée : f. A fhowting, or hooting; an acclamation, outcry, or hue and cry, of many voyces together.
Huerie: f. A hooting, fhowting, acclamation, crying, outcry.

A fhoute. Huée.
To fhoute. Huer, Huyer.

Shouted Huyé, Hué,

A fhouting. Huée, hopperie, hu, huerie.
Shouting, Huant, huetant.

Vaudeville: f. A countrey ballade, or fong; a Roundelay, or Virelay; fo tearmed of Vaudevire, a Norman towne wherin Olivier Baffel*, the firft inueter of them, liued alfo, a vulgar prouerbe; a countrey or common faying.
[A Dictionaire of the French and English Tongue, Cotgrave, 1611]

* Olivier Basselin (c.1400 – c.1450)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 03:50 AM

Written sometime earlier. English translation c.1637 -

“BRITANS OF ARMORICA.

DVring this most wofull, desperate, and lamentable tempestuous season, some poore remaines of Britaines, being found in the mountaines, were killed up by whole heapes; others, pined with famine, came and yielded themselves unto the enemies, upon composition to serve them as Bondslaves for ever, so they might not bee killed out of hand, which was reputed a most high favour, and especiall grace. There were also that went over sea into strange lands singing under their spread sailes with a howling and wailing note, in stead of the Mariners* Celeusma, after this manner: Thou hast given us [O Lord] as sheepe to be devoured, and scattering us among the heathen. Others againe remained still in their owne countrey, albe|it in fearefull estate, betaking themselves (but yet continually suspecting the worst) to high [ E] steepe hilles and mountaines intrenched, to woods, and thicke growne forrests, yea, to the rockes of the sea.

* A song at their first setting out.”
[Britain, or A chorographicall description of the most flourishing kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the ilands adjoyning, out of the depth of antiquitie beautified vvith mappes of the severall shires of England: vvritten first in Latine by William Camden Clarenceux K. of A. Translated newly into English by Phile´mon Holland Doctour in Physick: finally, revised, amended, and enlarged with sundry additions by the said author., Camden, 1637]
At the Univ. of Michigan

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 06:21 AM

It would be good to have all this interesting info in an easily digested book, Phil. have you got any plans?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 21 - 08:27 PM

If you're just wandering in from Tik-Tok or elsewhere:

Don't get too hung up on the labels. Excluding or including song from a genre label doesn't change how the waterfront or deck of a ship sounded in earlier times.

Maritime work song in general is not intended to be “shanty-centric.” It includes all the rhythmic sounds that sailors made when going about any of their tasks in unison… shanties inclusive. Also, their sources in, and influences on, popular culture from pre-history to the present day.

Ho-jo-to-ho is a so-called 'proto-shanty' or 'sing out' and what the fat lady sings. Strange but true, both are a cadence.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 21 - 08:30 PM

Referencing: Piratical Debauchery, Homesick Sailors and Nautical Rhythms, Reidler, 2017.

Purcell's Dido & Aeneas goes somewhere about here. Mentioned because it's the first of Reidler's three nautical opera.

Short version in two parts:
I. The He's a Pirate (Badelt & Zimmer) theme from the 2003 Disney film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is taken from Purcell's Sailor's Chorus.

II. The common melody constitutes a kind of pirate riff* recognizable to the average consumer of the culture and evoking a “pirate” mindset therein.

I'm not feeling it, but that's just me; and a reeeeal stretch for the “nautical rhythms” cited in the intro & glossary.

*eg: Snake charmers = Girls in France; Sailors = College Hornpipe; Native Americans = Silverheels (aka: Tomahawk Chop) – and the Oriental riff for all things Asian &c &c &c.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 21 - 09:10 PM

And per my Tik-Tok thread rant, Aeneas' crew didn't shanty. It's keleusma.

“Harteurier, Io cànes, Euge canes, celeufma venatorium & horramentum. B.”
[Le Grand Dictionnaire Francois Latin, Nicol, 1643]

Celóma, the mariners-crye when they tug at a cable, weigh anker, or hoife-failes.
Celomare, to cry all together as mariners do, when they weigh anker or hoife-failes.
[Vocabulario Italiano & Inglese, Torriano, 1659]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Apr 21 - 06:17 PM

Rewinding three centuries - from the TikTok thread:

"Subject: RE: Sea Chanteys All Over The News [TikTok]
From: Catamariner
Date: 16 Jan 21 - 09:52 PM

...in the Rihla of Ibn Battuta, the following description of a rather ceremonial and clearly not very Islamic drinking bout at the court of Ozbeg Khan (a Turkish sultan): "During all this [ceremony], they sing [songs resembling the] chants sung by oarsmen." [HAR Gibb, the Travels of Ibn Battuta 1325 - 1354, Vol 2, p 480].)..."

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 21 - 05:00 AM

Still backing up, but only 16th century. Yet another* variation on the “griot.”

Os Lusíadas (1572)
1880 English translation by Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890)

As ancoras tenaces väo levando,
Com a nautica grita coftumada,
Da proa as vellas fos ao vento dando,
Inclinian per a barra abalifada: [II-18]

“Weighed are the biting anchors, rising slow,
while 'customed capstan-songs and shouts resound;
only the foresails to the gale they throw
as for the buoyed bar the Ships are bound:”


Alevantafe nifto o movimento
Dos marinheiros, de hua & de outra banda
Levam gritando as ancoras acima
Mostrando a ruda força que fe eftima. [II-65]

“Meanwhile the sailors to set sail prepare;
all work and either watch its anchor tends;
the weighty irons with willing shouts are weighed,
and sin'ewy strength, the seaman's pride, displayed.”

*As mentioned elsewhere, the word covers a lot of musical ground. The Grito de Dolores is just one of several Grito Mexicano in Mariachi, Norteño, Banda &c.

And, of course, a West Indian plantation griot (gritador) was a kind of 'proto' calypsonian according to some authors.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 22 Jun 21 - 09:44 AM

Your own translation might be more helpful, Phil, or at least a literal translation. That translation looks rather fanciful to me but I don't savvy the lingo. Capstans in the 16th century?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 21 - 10:44 AM

Steve: "Your own translation might be more helpful..."

I don't speak twenty-eleven languages like Burton so, I doubt it. Look at how different the Latin-English academic translations of Polybius are (above,) each one by the 'expert' linguist neither you nor I are.

Sooo, fwiw, I would agree about the pirate opera but then, it's 16th and 19th century poetry and not naval science. I wouldn't expect dry nonfiction either.

Fwiw: the original looks more like "weighing anchor(s) with the customary grita." No mention of specific ergata.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 21 - 10:02 PM

Westernized more than a bit. I have no luck posting Greek or Hebrew online. See links below for the mother alphabets.

“Keleusma, Hortatio, I T.heff. 4.16. Celeusma, ut Latini quoque loquuntur, Stephan. In Thef. This word fignifieth fuch kinds of fhouts or watch-words as men that row, or vintage-men, do use, to encourage or call upon one another, Deodate in locum. It fignifieth properly that encouragement which i Mariners ufe to one another, when they altogether, with one fhout, put forth their oares, and row together.”
[Critica Sacra Or Observations on All the Hebrew Radices, 1650]
Strong's Hebrew 1959   – hedad – a shout, shouting, cheer.
Strong's Greek 2752 – keleusma – a shout of command.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 21 - 10:04 PM

“Celeume. The fhout, or noyfe that mariners make when they weigh anchor, or doe any other office in the fhip with joined ftrength; an incouraging found.”
[A Dictionarie of the French and English, Cotgrave, 1660]



“Celeufma,tis. The mark-word given to keep time with all the benches of rowers in a gally.
Celeuftes,is, or æ. The boatfwain that gives the word.
Proceleufmaticus, a, um. Likethe cry of the Boatfwain. Pes Proceleufmaticus, A foot of four fhort fyllables.”
[Dictionarium Minus, Wase, 1662]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 21 - 10:46 PM

“Confortare: incitare à qualche cofa. Hortor, âris; uel hortâre, hortâtus fum, hortári. Verbo deponente. Terentio.

Confortatore dei marinari à navigare. Hic celéuftes, celúftæ. Bud.

Grido uniforme di marinari à far qualche loro opera. Hoc celeúfma, huius celeúfmatis; &hoc celeûma, huius celeúmatis. Mart.”
[Prontuario di Voci Volgari et Latine Copiosissimo, 1665]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Dec 21 - 06:22 AM

“Celeufma vel Celeuma, atis; n. Gr. Mart, a ><, jubeo,... quod a Euft. The fhout or noife which Mariners make when they do any thing together with joyned ftrength, or when the Mafter doth call and encourage them.

Celeuftes, æ; Bud. Gr. Such an exhorter or encourager, fuch a maker of noife: he that doth moderate the faying, and calleth on the Mariners, to hearten them in their bufineff. Portifculus, Enn. hortator, Nonn.

A drudge in a fhip. Mefonauta.

A galley-flave. Mefonauta, neut.

A Mariner. Navigator, nauta, remex, navita, naviculator, navicularios.
that ruleth the foredeck. Proreta, m,
They which take fhip, and inftead of paying their fare, do the duties of mariners. Nautepibatæ, arum; m.
Belonging to mariners, Nauticus, adj.

Paufarius, ii; m. GelI… Sic a Sen. vocatur, qui remigibus modos dat, & remgandi officium quafi quâdam paufâ moderatur: portifculus. One that giveth a fign when a paufe or reft fhould be made in the doing of any thing; he that commandeth the rowers or mariners to ceafe rowing, or (as fome fay) the Mafters mate.

Farus, ri; Ifid. vel Pharus… Eft turris maxima, quam Græci & Latini in commune ex ipsius rei ufu pharum appellaverunt, ex-Graec... quod flammarum indicio longè videatur a navigantibus. An high tower on the Sea coaft, wherein was light to fhew the ready entrance for mariners to the haven.

(Ship)
He that draweth a fhip or barge by a rope, or that drawith packs into a flip, Helciarius, m
He that ruleth the fore-deck of a fhip. Proreta, m.”
[A Copious Dictionary in Three Parts, 2nd ed., Gouldman, 1669]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Dec 21 - 06:24 AM

“They that will appear in the Quality of Diffenters, muft ftem the violent Current of prevailing Example, inveterate Cuftom, whilft others have nothing to do but skull away with the Tide, when it comes in, with the Celeufma of Queen-hithe, Weftward hoe, Lambeth hoe!...”
[Melius Inquirendum, Alsop, 1679]


“Celeume, the fhout of noife that Mariners make when they weigh anchor, or do any Office in the fhip with joyned ftrength.”
[A Dictionary of Barbarous French, Miege, 1679]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Dec 21 - 06:25 AM

“O! HISSE. O! Halle; ô! Saille ô! Ride. Tous ces termes font criez par un homme dans de certains travaux; mais en différens tems, foit qu’il faille hiffer quelque chofe, la haller , la pouffer, ou la rider. Ce cry fe fait pour faire réünir toutes les forces des travailleurs afin d’agir de concert; car lorfque celui qui donne la voix prononce un O, avec une voix traînante, chacun fe prépare pour l’effort qu’il faudra faire, & en achevant le mot, comme, Hiffe, tous travaillent à la fois.

SAILLE. Eft un mot du commun des matelots, qui eft prononcé par plufieurs joins enfemble, enélevant, ou pouffant quelque chofe.

UN, DEUX, TROIS. C’eft jufqu'à ce nombre que compte celuy qui donne la VOIX pour faire haler la Bouline.

VOIX. à la voix. C'est être à la portée de la voix.

A la VOIX. Se dit encore commé un commandement que l'on fait a
quelques gens de l’Equipage, pour les faire travailler à la fois, lors qu’on donne la Voix.

Donner la VOIX. Cela fe dit d’un homme qui avertit par un cri articule, du travail que plufieurs hommes doivent faire. Voiez ô hiffe &c.”
[Dictionaire des Terms Propres de Marine, Desroches, 1687]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 02:36 PM

Back to before the beginning, two thousand four hundred years… and counting. Anybody want to try posting the original Greek text for Heave ho!...?

PEACE” c.421BC (Aristophanes)

HERMES
(to the Chorus) Now at my signal, everyone, start hauling, and pull on those ropes!

CHORUS LEADER
Heave ho!

CHORUS
Heave!

CHORUS LEADER
Heave ho!

CHORUS
Heave again!

CHORUS LEADER
Heave ho!
Heave ho!

TRYGAEUS
Hey, these men aren’t pulling equally! Pitch in, there! How puffed up can you get? You’ll be sorry for this, you Boeotians!

CHORUS LEADER
Heave ho!

CHORUS
Heave!

CHORUS LEADER
(to Hermes and Trygaeus) Come on you two, help us pull!

TRYGAEUS
(taking hold of a rope) Aren’t I pulling then, and hanging on, and falling to, and doing my best?

CHORUS LEADER
Then why is our work going nowhere?…

CHORUS LEADER
We’re getting nowhere, men. Come on, we’ve got to take hold and all pull together. Heave ho!

CHORUS
Heave!

CHORUS LEADER
Heave ho!

CHORUS
Yes, heave! [sic]

CHORUS LEADER
We’re moving it only a little.

TRYGAEUS
Well, isn’t it awfully absurd that some of you are going all out, while others are pulling the opposite way? You’re looking to get whacked, you Argives!

CHORUS LEADER
Heave ho!

CHORUS
Heave!

CHORUS LEADER
We’ve got some malcontents here.

TRYGAEUS
Those of you who itch for peace, at least you’re hauling bravely.

CHORUS LEADER
There still are some who hinder us.

HERMES
Men of Megara, why don’t you go to hell? The goddess remembers you with hatred, for you were the first to daub her with your garlic. And to the Athenians I say: stop hanging on to where you’re now pulling from; you’re accomplishing nothing but litigation. If you really want to pull this goddess free, retreat a little seaward.

TRYGAEUS
Come on, men, let us farmers take hold, all by ourselves.

HERMES
Look, men, you’ve got the job moving along much better.

TRYGAEUS
He says the job’s moving along! Now everyone put your heart into it!

HERMES
Look, the farmers are pulling it off, and nobody else.

CHORUS LEADER
Come on now, come on, everyone!

HERMES
Yes, we’re nearly there now!

CHORUS LEADER
Now let’s not slacken, let’s instead
exert ourselves more manfully still!

HERMES
There she comes!

The eccyclema gradually emerges through the central door, bearing the statue of Peace and her attendants, Cornucopia and Holiday.

CHORUS
Heave now, heave, all!
Heave, heave, heave now!
Heave, heave, heave all!...”
[Henderson, ed., Aristophanes II, Clouds, Wasps & Peace, (Cambridge: Harvard U. Press, 1998)]

Note: Original Greek text on alternate pages omitted here.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 02:43 PM

Back to the 17th century and the 'ol Greek ululatu is still soldiering on in fine proceleusmatic style:

“XXV. Itaque nonnulli miferarum reliquiarum in montibus deprehenfi acervatim jugulabantur: alii fame confecti accedentes, manus hoftibus dabant in ævum fervituri, fi tamen non continuo trucidarentur, quod altiffimæ gratiæ ftabat in' loco: alii tranfmarinas petebant regiones, cum ululatu magno ceu celeufmatis vice, hoc modo fub velorum finibus cantantes: Dedifti nos tanquam oves efcarum, & in gentibus difperfifli nos Deus: alii à montanis collibus, minacibus praeruptis vallati, & denfiffimis faltibus, marinifque rupibus vitam, fufpecta. femper mente, credentes, in patria licet trepidi perftabant....

Navigantibus quoque eis de Gallia Britannicum mare cum beatæ memoriæ Wilfrido Epifcopo, canentibus Clericis & pfallentibus laudem Dei pro celeumate in choro, in medio mari validiffima tempeftas exorta eft, & venti contrarii, ficut difcipulis Jefu in mare Galilææ, erant.”
[Historiae Britannicae Saxonicae Anglo Danicae, Gale, 1691]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 02:48 PM

“Celeuma. ???e??µa
Cantus & clamor quo pariter laborantes fe excitant & animant ad ftrenuè agendum, v.g. Nautæ ad remigandum, milites ad pugnandum, Vinitores ad torcular premendum, vocatur Celeuma, Græcè ???e??µa, Hebraicè… Hedad. Vide Jerem. 25.v.30. cap.48.v.33. Cap 5E. v.14”
[Dictionarium in qvo Voces Omnes Difficiloris Significantionis, Bukentop, 1669]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 02:50 PM

Like I said, no luck at all with the Greek. And it all looks so nice in preview... harrumpff! :/

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jan 22 - 10:05 PM

More R.N. thread drift.
Steve: I seem to be missing something here. Has the word 'chanty' however you spell it ever been used anywhere in a historical context to describe anything other than work SONG aboard merchant ships? Nothing personal about it as far as I can see. Your persistent desire to include other things under the term is commendable, but we would like to see some evidence.

Advent & Development thread: Please note that the focus here is not on the ancient origins of work-songs, shipboard or otherwise. It is not on the origins or earliest references to singing/chanting to coordinate labour at sea. [Gibb]

Whereas, please note that the focus here is on the origins of work-songs, shipboard or otherwise. It is on the references to singing/chanting to coordinate labour at sea;… to which I will add... ancient, early or late but in some semblance of chronological order, hopefully.

Where any one citation fits homework assignment, songbook or record shelf is up to the individual consumer.

For the record Steve. I do not know what a “chantey” is until I've learned: who is using the label; on what product and in what marketplace. Change any one of the three and the definition will change accordingly. I would think you have your genre/sub-genre backwards. Chantey is filed under celeusma not the other way around, but that's just me.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jan 22 - 10:09 PM

Only slightly out of sequence. Still in the 17th century, still not in English:

“In hanc explicationem huius metaphoræ aptiffime quadrat obferuatio Maldonati ad illa verba Ierem.48.num.33. Nequaquam calcator vua folitum celeuma cantabit. Hebraica enim ita reddas; non calcabit celeumate, celeuma non celeuma. Eft enim celeuma cantus, quo qui fimul laborant, vt remiges, aut qui calcant in torculari, fe ad contendendas vires, cohortari folent. Celeuma igitur non erit celeuma calcantium vuas, & præ alacritate animi, cantu fe incitantium ad laborem; fed erit celeuma hoftium cohortantium fe ad cædem. Ierem.25.num.30. Celeuma quafi calcantium concinetur aduerfus omnes habitatores terra. Et ?.51.num.14. Iurauit Dominus exercituum per animam fuam, quoniam replebo te hominibus, quafi brucho, & fuper te celeuma cantabitur. Loquitur enim de Babylone hominibus innumeris, perinde ac racemis, confertiffima: de Medis autem, & Perfis, tanquam de vindemiatoribus, fe ad calcandum torcular , fanguinémque effundendum, celeumate cohortantibus.”

Index:
“Cap.25.n.15. Sume calicem vini furoris huius de manu mea, & propinabis de illo cuncetis Gentibus. Deut.3n.309
n.i15. Bibent, & turbabuntur, & infanient. Nahum 2.n.49
n.30. Celeuma quafi calcantium concinetur aduerfus omnes habitatores terræ. Deut.32.n.311
num.39. Propterea ecce ego tollam vos portans. Nahum I.n.5

Cap.f51.n.7. Calix aureus Babylon in manu Domini inebrians omnein
terram. Nahum 2.n.49.50.51
n.14. Super te celeuma cantabitur. Deut.32.n.311
[Commentarii Exegetici Litterale, Deuteronom. Cap. XXXII, 1623, p.84]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jan 22 - 10:12 PM

Latin-to-French:
“Enhort, ou Enhortemet Hortatio, Adhortatio, Cohortatio, Exhortatio, Suafio.
Enhortemet des mariniers ou autres ges que s'efforcet de faire quelque befonge. Celeuma, celeufmatis.
Celeufme, parolle Grecque, fignifiant le cry & acclamation des mariniers arriuant à port. Rentrans au per faluer vos perfections par ce celeufme; Virg, Chiff.”
[Le Grand Dictionaire François Latin, Augment, A-E, 1625]


“Celeusma dicitur clamor nauticus.
Celeuftes, qui remiges hortatur, quafi nauigationis moderator. Et Celeufma nauticus clamor dicitur. Budæus.
Helciarii, qui matores naus funih, trahunt canabinis aduerfus undas.”
[Officina Sive Theatrum Hisor et poeticum, 1626]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jan 22 - 10:14 PM

“I en efto no quiero fer creido fino lo rubrican i califican muchos fantos padres con autoridades de fus efcritos.

        sed quoniam è fcopulofis locis enaviganit oratio, & intersantas fpumeis fluctibus cantes fragilis in altum cimba proceffit, ex pandenda vela funt ventis, & quafitionum fcopulis transvadatis, & latantium more naviarum, epilogi celeuma cantandum eft.

Ya que mi oracion de los peligrofos efcollos fe ha efcapado, i por entre rocas candidas con las olas efpumofas fe ha metido en el golfo mi chalupa, quiero efplayar las ve las à los vientos, i pues è ya vadeado las peñas de las afperas queftiones, aguifa de retoçofos marineros, cantaré de mi epilogo el deffeado celeuma. Efto es de S. Geronimo à fu buen amigo S. Heliodoro.”
[Cartas Philologicas, Cascalas, 1634]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 23 Jan 22 - 10:08 AM

Happy to see chanty filed under a wider genre, as long as it retains its own autonomy for what we've already described. Basically I'm not interested in what modern day practitioners and commercial interests use it for. Its usage aboard merchant ships under certain conditions c1830 to c1920s is well documented and that's all I'm primarily interested in.
Having said that I'm glad someone like you is looking at a wider historical picture, and what the equivalents were in RN terms. Anyone vaguely interested in chanties will have a good idea of what they were and what they were used for.

I do advise you include explanations/translations with your posts as they mean very little to the majority of people on here.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jan 22 - 04:37 PM

Where are the threads for these terms and ideas? Before I created this new one I did a word search on Mudcat, Shanty wiki &c for Western Culture's historical salty antiphons and came up empty.

If I find translations/explanations/reviews in the document record, you can read them here & if anything Lucayan Archipelago or environs shows up, I'm your buttercup.

But I can't copypasta Greek. I have too much respect for Os Lusíadas &c to subject them to my fat-fingered, nonnative transliterations & “… it seems likely thats...”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jan 22 - 04:39 PM

“...Veftit faxea fylva per columnas.
Hinc agger fonat, hinc Arar refultat.
Hinc fefe pedes, atque eques reflectit,
Stridentum & moderator effedorum:
Curvorum hinc chorus helciariorum,
*Refponfantibus akkekuia ripis,
Ad Chriftum levat amnicum celeuma.
Sic fic pfallite nauta, vel, viator:
Namque ifte eft locus omnibus petendus,
Omnes quo via duciy ad falutem.

*Refponfantibus alleluya ripis] Dum nautæ, inquit, Alleluya decantant, id ipfum Echo in ripa refonat. Et cantici ergo lemma expreffit, voce ufus eft propria. Et cantici ergo lemma proprie celeuma carmen nauticum. Quod proinde qui canunt nautæ, ?e????te? Longo dicuntur lib. 3…. ubi & celeufma elegantiffme defcribit, & Echo in proxima valle, ut Sidonius in ripis, celeufmati, refponfantem. Sed celeumatis Sidoniani argumentum, Alleluya & Dei laudes erant. Quo more veters Chriftiani modulos fuos & cantica in Chrifti, San?torumque honorem fæpe vertebant. Ac ne a nautis difcedamus, Paulinus de reditu Nicetæ:
        Navitæ lati solitum celeufma
        Concinent verfis modulus in hymnos,
        Et pies ducent comites in aquor
                Vocibus auras.
[Jacobi Sirmondi Opera Varia, 1696]

Note: More Martial recycled into popular music, such as it exists c.1700AD.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jan 22 - 04:40 PM

“PAUSARIUS, qui remigibus modos dabat, & remigandi officium quadam quafi pausâ moderabatur, olim dictus eft: Senecæ Keleuste. Nam in navi fuiffe Symphoniacos, qui celeufma remigibus canerent, & per affam vocem, i.e. ore, prolatam, illorum laborem demulcerent, ex Afconio ad divin. Cicer. docet Pignorius Comm. de Servis. In Argo fanè navi, teftatur Hyginus, Orphea per citharam celeufma nioderatum effe, quod & tetigit Valerius Flaccus Argonauticon l. m. v. 470.
        Nec verò Othryfius t?anftris impenditur Orpheus,
        Aut pontum remo fubigit, fed carmime tonfus
        Ire docet, fummo paffim ne gurgite pugnent.
Vide quoque eundem eod l. v. 184. Martialem l. 4. Epigram. 64. Rutilium Numatianum l. 1. &c. Nauticum hoc carmen, nauticus cantus Ciceroni eft, Nauticus clamor Virgilio Æn.l. 3. v. 128, Celeufma aliis: quod hodie, Italorum moribus, voce vel parvâ fiftulà nautis accini, Pignorius fuprà memoratus tradit. Aliam vocis notionem vide fuprà.”
[Lexicon Vniversale, Vol.III, Hofmanni, 1698]

"Via, via, cheerly mates!” [footnote to definition of the celeusma, Lexicon Universal, Hofmanni, 1698]


A minor bit of 'cheerly' fluff for Reidler's nautical themes in pop entertainment:

“We fare better; cheerly, cheerly boys,
The fhip runs merrily; my Captain's melancholy,
And nothing cures that in him but a Sea-fight;
I hope to meet a faile boy, and a right one.”
[Double Marriage, Act I, Sc.I, The Comedies and Tragedies of Beaumont & Fletcher, 1647, p.26]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jan 22 - 05:49 PM

All apologies, checked my notes again. I didn't come up completely empty. No suprise the poster:

"Subject: RE: Spanish sea shanties
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 08:11 PM

Saloma is the Spanish word for chantey. Spanish dictionaries that I have all equate shanty with shack.
Unfortunately, saloma is a rather common name as well so it is hard to find saloma=chantey in Google."

Spanish, from when Spain was Hiberia. One of Western Culture's eleventeen conjugations of the prehistoric Greek keleusma.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 01:31 PM

My head hurts!

Just one more request: Can you please use a modern s when posting pre-1800 quotations? The old seraph s has long been out of use and only makes the reading difficult.

To any other readers, anybody following any of this?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Reinhard
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 01:49 PM

...if he only used the long 'ſ'. Replacing it with the totally different letter 'f' does not make a citation olde and authentic but wrong, dumb and boastful.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Lighter
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 01:56 PM

No interest in translating equals no interest in being understood - except by those exceptionally fluent in Latin and Greek.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 03:10 PM

It hurts when I do this... Don't do that.

So, no Mudcat threads with those relevant ideas & terms you three were already familiar with?

I transcribe. I'm not going to sing them for you either. Win some-lose some.

The historical terms and ideas here, however inaccessable, are not mine. When the sources change, the citations will change. Nobody speaks every language. 100% of the early material isn't going to be in English or use 20th century type. +99% of the planet doesn't care and never did. Oh well.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 05:45 PM

But the people here obviously do care and have an interest in what you are trying to do.

Even when using English you are far from clear. 'relevant ideas and terms'. What are you trying to say, in plain words please? Gibb and others have set out what boundaries are possible and have descriptions of chanties from the early 1800s onwards up to when these songs were being used in the Gulf ports 1n the 1830s and their transference to shipboard. Influences from other genres. Up to when the term chanty was being used aboard ship. Plenty of contemporary references. What more do you want? I know Gibb is interested in what happened to the chanties once the English anthologists got hold of them and started making up bowdlerised texts, but I'm more interested in the contemporary history.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 09:02 PM

Steve: Even when using English you are far from clear. 'relevant ideas and terms'. What are you trying to say, in plain words please?.

Having said that I'm glad someone like you is looking at a wider historical picture, and what the equivalents were in RN terms. Anyone vaguely interested in chanties will have a good idea of what they were and what they were used for.

Your words. The R.N. is not shantying correct? So what do you and other shanty fanatics know about the wider historical picture for the period under discussion (<1700AD?) I got nothing when I checked, ergo this thread.

Y'all complain about Latin & Greek. Yet all the Greek and half the Latin is translated to English for you. I'm thinking this isn't about me.

Except for Reinhard. It proofs correct but posts "f" "s" "?" or "/." I gave up. No brag, just dumb and tired.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: RTim
Date: 24 Jan 22 - 10:54 PM

Phil is so unclear about everything......I am not really sure what he is trying to prove or disprove??
I can only assume he wants to prove that Chanties (by whatever spelling you prefer) - existed BEFORE 1830...but in doing so - he fills the pages of this "Blog" with Latin and Greek texts - which (I Think) nobody else can refute!
If he were to Simply say "Chanties" existed way before 1830.....he has to back that up with facts that everyone can understand...not make assumptions from "his" reading of long forgotten language and outdated texts.
Similarly.....It is widely accepted that Sung Shanties were NOT Performed on British Naval Ships, but that instruments were used instead! If he wishes to still call these "Chanties" - then that is an opinion that is not shared by most, if not all, the others who read these texts...

Whatever is your reason to be here reading this is personal - and Phil's views are also personal - that is obvious.....but please explain Why you are writing this - In plain English Please!!!
I also know - that whatever you say, it will NOT stop me singing these "songs" and I hope that others enjoys them as much as me....no matter why they feel the way they do....

Tim Radford (Who is more than silently pissed off at academic bullshit! Particularly when it is not necessary.) Yes - I did re-read this before posting..and still did!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 03:56 AM

RTim: but in doing so - he fills the pages of this "Blog" with Latin and Greek texts - which (I Think) nobody else can refute!

What Greek? And if you wish to refute the Latin-to-French, German or Spanish dictionary citations here, feel free to use the Latin-to-English dictionary citations here. Or vice versa. If you must insist on assigning me a label or side, make mine "undecided" or "neutral."

We'll get to 'your' shanty terms, glossary and ideas when we get there. For now, it's about others' not yours, apparently:
Lyr Add: Sea Shanties from 'The Complaynt' (1549)
Lyr Add: Howe! Hissa! (Shanty)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 04:12 AM

Moving on to the 18th. English-to-Latin as it happens:

“HAL.
A halfter (he which haleth and draweth a fhip or barge along the river by a rope) Helciarius, ii, m.
And halfer (a rope wherewith Barks or boats are towed or haled along ?ome channel or river) Helcium, ii, n.

ROW
A rower of a Ship, Remex, igis, m.
The mafter Rower, Paufarius, ii, m.

SHIP
He that draweth a Ship or Barge by a Rope, or that draweth Packs into a Ship, Helciarius,ii,m.
Ship Boy, Drudge or flave in a Ship, Mefonauta, æ, m.
Pole belonging to a Ship, Contus, i, m.”
[The Law-French Dictionary, 1701]

Note, see above re: chorus helciarorum, hobby horses &c.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 04:59 AM

For the record, I don't speak either language any better than island Creole:

“HALER. Haalen.
C’eft tirer, ou pefer de toute fa force fur un cable, ou fur une manœuvre, pour la faire bander ou roidir. Quand les matelots halent fur une manœuvre il faut qu’ils donnent la fecouffe au cordage tout d’un même tems, pour le bander avec plus de force; & afin de concerter le tems de cette fecouffe le Contre-maître, ou quelque autre, dit à haute voix ce mot, Hale. Tout-de-même quand il fait haler fur une bouline le Contre-maître les fait tenir prêts par ces trois paroles, favoir, Un, Deux; Trois; &c au mot de Trois ils donnent tous, d’un commun éfort, la fecouffe à la bouline. Quandles matelots qui font cette cette manœuvre, veulent railler les Oficiérs de la marine, ils prononcent eux-mêmes trois autres paroles, & au-lieu de dire, Un, Deux, Trois, ils difent, Capitaine, Lieutenant, Enfeigne. En manœuvrant les couëts, on crie auffi trois fois, Amure; &c pour l’écoute on crie trois fois, Borde; & au troifiême cri on hale furla manœuvre.

O! Hiffe, O! Hale, O! Saille! O! Ride. Dus roept-men na’t volk, om de handt aan’t werk te flaan.
Tous ces termes font criez par un matelot, dans de certains travaux, mais en différens tems, foit-qu’il faille hiffer quelque chofe, ou la haler, ou la poufler, ou rider. Ce cri fe fait pour faire réünir toutes, les forces des travailleurs, afin d’agir de concert; car lors-que celui qui donne la voix prononce un O! avec une voix lente, chacun fe prépare pour l’éfort qu’il faudra faire, & en achevant le mot, comme par éxemple, Hiffe, tous travaillent à la fois.

SAILLE. Set aan.
C’eft un mot en ufage parmi les matelots, qui eft prononcé par plufieurs enfemble, en élevant ou pouffant quelque fardeau.

UN, DEUX, TROIS. Een, Twee, Drie.
Celui qui donne la voix pour faire haler la bouline crie à haute voix, Un, Deux , Trois, & au dernier mot les travailleurs font leur éfort. Voiez, Haler, & Voix.

VOIX. A la Voix. Soo digt-by dat men malkanderen kan hoorem ?preeken, dai men bequaamelijk met malkanderen kan ?preeken.
C’e?t être à la portée de la voix.

A LA VOIX. Luiftert na commando.
Cela fe dit encore comme un commandement que l’on fait aux gens de l’équipage, pour les faire travailler à-la-fois, lors-qu’on donne la voix.

DONNER la Voix. Het woordt fpreeken.
Cela fe dit d’un homme qui avertit par un cri articulé, afin-que les gens ocupez à ce travail faffent leurs éforts tous à-la-fois. Voiez, Ho, Hiffe, &c.”
[Dictionnaire de Marine, Brunel, 1702]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:17 AM

The methodology isn't worthy of the word:
1. I don't know shanties. Keleusma I know.
2. Search keyword: keleusma.
3. Review returns for definitive keywords.
4. Rinse, repeat. I've got about one hundred at present.
5. Sort & post returns by date. Job done.

My only 'argument' or 'position,' if you insist, is: a given maritime work song literary reference appeared in year [X.] If your difficulty is with anything else, it's not about me.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:28 AM

Testing, testing 1-2-3: Okay Reinhard, all the Hebrew, Greek and long form French previews just fine. Let's see how it posts:

"???? D'où vient ???? Hedad, bruit, clameur de ceux qui pillent une une ville, ou la campagne: ou qui foulent les rai?ins dans le pre??oir: où l'un excite l'autre au travail avec joye & allégre??e: comme les Grecs parlent de leur ?e?e?sµa, cri de marine: & les Latins de leur Eleleu, cri de guerre, Jer. 5 1. 14. E?aie 16.9, 1 I. Jer.25.3o & 48.33. Ezech.7.7 C'e?t le cri de ceux qui foulent aupre??oir (dit Rabbi David) par lequel ils s'exhortent mutuellement. Saint Jerôme l'explique tantôt par la voix, c'e?t à dire, par le cridont nous venons de parler; tantôt par le celeu?ma, qui veut dire le cri des pilotes. Lentos tingitis ad celeu?ina remos. Martialis. Vous ne faites que mouiller foiblement vos rames à la voix des Pilotes Il y en a qui rapportent ce mot Hébreu à la racine Jadah; qui veut dire jetter, comme qui diroit que l'on jette une voix gaye & libre, & peut-être au??i mêlée de brocards, & de railleries. Menoch de Republ Hebr. l.7. c.8. voyez en davantage dans ce même Auteur.”
[Dictionaire de la Langue Sainte, Leigh, 1703, pp.148-149]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:31 AM

Test fail. If I can ever fix that, y'all might actually have Greek text to complain about.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Howard Jones
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:38 AM

Phil, I have followed this and similar threads with increasing bafflement. I simply cannot fathom just what it is you are trying to say, whether it's about shanties or maritime work songs in general.

It's great that you are researching maritime work song, and looking at other periods of time and other cultures than simply the 19th century Anglo-American shanty tradition. However you appear to be using Mudcat mainly as a dump for your raw data, which is untranslated and often presented without comment. When you do comment, it is often written in such an oblique style that it is unclear what your point is.

May I respectfully suggest that you complete your research and then present us with your findings? We might then be able to have an interesting and fruitful discussion, which none of the current threads seem to be able to provide.

Looking back, I see that Steve Gardham requested something similar as long ago as July 2020.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Iains
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 08:07 AM

http://www.sagaconference.org/SC03/SC03_Perkins.pdf

Make of it what you will!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 10:22 AM

Interesting, Iain.
His theories are plausible enough as they are applied to rowing chants which are pretty universal anyway. His knowledge of chanties however, seems a little thin. His one example he gives is 'The Mermaid' which might have been used as a chanty at some point but was certainly not from the main corpus and is more of a forebitter, with broadside origins.

He seems to have missed a trick presented to us by Gibb, in that a few early rowing chants/songs of the Georgia islands can be directly related to some of the earliest chanties (Sally Brown & Grog time o' day).

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 02:18 PM

Howard: However you appear to be using Mudcat mainly as a dump for your raw data, which is untranslated and often presented without comment. When you do comment, it is often written in such an oblique style that it is unclear what your point is.

Me: My only 'argument' or 'position,' if you insist, is: a given maritime work song literary reference appeared in year [X.] If your difficulty is with anything else, it's not about me.

We're having a belligerent agreement. I accept "raw data," in a spectrum of languages, is of no intrinsic value to most readers. No offence taken. Obviously y'all cannot say the same. Those months-of-the-year song list threads must really grind your teeth!

To repeat: Mark me down as 'undecided' & 'no comment' on findings now. This way your needs to refute findings I've not found in Greek text I've not posted will fall back on you where they clearly belong.

I'd be confused too, if I were you.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 03:29 PM

Clarity: What are these comments about the data (who, what, where, when, why) y'all are having problems understanding? If it's the data, maybe it can be improved. If it's my opinion of your opinion of Greek text I've never posted, lucidity is right off the menu.

Translations: I'm probably less incapable of translation than y'all but obviously more motivated. My rough count:

A little over half my data posts here are in English. The remainder are split between Dutch, French, German, Classic & Vulgar Latin, Portuguese and Spanish. Roughly half this remainder are translations themselves but not always to English.

IMNSHO: Insisting on others providing English translations of Latin-to-French, German or Spanish dictionaries is a purely emotional need. It's not really about the data.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 03:33 PM

“CELEUSMA, cri de plu?ieurs per?onnes, chant de réjouï??ance que font les Mariniers quand ils prennent port,ou qu'ils aprochent de la Terre. Ilen e?t parlé en trois endroits de la Prophetie de Jeremie, Rugiens rugiet ?uper decorem ?uum: Celeu?ma qua?i calcantium concinetur, adversùs omnes habitatores terra, fai?ant allu?ion aux chan?ons de ceux qui foulent les rai?ins, ch.25.v. 3o. Dans le ch.48.v.33. il dit qu'il a ôté toute la joïe du Carmel, qu'il a fait répandre le vin des pre??oirs, & que celui qui foule les rai?ins, ne chantera plus ces cantiques acoûtumez. Nequaquam calcator uva folitum Celeufma tantabit.”
[Le Grand Dictionaire de la Bible, Vol.I, Certe, 1703]

Note: Bit of a rehash of Calvin, Old Testament, hedad &c. See previous.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: RTim
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 04:06 PM

He can't stop!!....now rehashing french text (I am NOT going to waste time checking any earlier posts!!)...all without translation. This last post adds NOTHING. I am not going to look at anymore of this...

Tim Radford.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:11 PM

Which bit of that last French/Latin copy refers to song accompanying task? I can follow most of the French. Arriving in port or approaching land. it appears to refer to rejoicing rather than accompanying any work. Perhaps the Latin bits refer to work.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:23 PM

RTim: Chill! FYI I've provided you with the accepted period English expert translations of Calvin. How you find what you find when you can't (French) and won't (English) read the "raw data" is not about me or this thread.

If you don't object to "raw data" songbook index threads with untranslated song titles, this thread should not be a problem for you.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:43 PM

Steve: That would be my rough take on it as well. Have you read the Calvin stuff? It's Hebrew-Greek-French etymology/crossovers in the Old Testament vinter's shouts; the psalms hedads and the mariner's celeusma.

We've had a similar exchange previously in the Howe Hissa! thread, you & I. There are other citations to come. "It seems likely that..." the Protestant and Catholic churches were to the celeusma what minstrelsy & pop was to become to the shanty. And just as hard to tell which one you might be looking at from a distance.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 05:53 PM

Steve: Last one got clipped. You are now my French expert, congrats. Is there any "offical" shanty or Mudcat glossary for what's going on in Dictionnaire de Marine?

Those should tie in to an Advent & Develpment post sometime fairly soon, if it didn't already get lost in the shuffle.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Lighter
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 06:01 PM

See my remarks above, 10 March 2020, 10:43 a.m.

And th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 06:12 PM

Just to be clear, I'm misusing "shanty" glossary. What are the c.1700AD translations/keywords for the same English merchant marine practices (I'm assuming) that I can add to the current search routines?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jan 22 - 07:23 PM

Lighter 2020: Speaking strictly for myself. The current subject is not shanties and is not to be lumped in with shanties. Do we not agree? I think we do.

From my OP:
"A sea shanty, chantey, or chanty is a genre of traditional folk song that was once commonly sung as a work song to accompany rhythmical labor aboard large merchant sailing vessels. They were found mostly on British and other European ships, and some had roots in lore and legend. The term shanty most accurately refers to a specific style of work song belonging to this historical repertoire. However, in recent, popular usage, the scope of its definition is sometimes expanded to admit a wider range of repertoire and characteristics, or to refer to a "maritime work song" in general." [wiki]

Hence the thread title. The lore and legend genre and mariner's general work song glossary c.400BC-1700AD used the other terms and definitions cited here. They were not to be found on Mudcat, until now. What is it you object to, or wish to refute <1703AD?

If the 1800s sources lump them all together, you'll read it here. If not, no worries eh?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jan 22 - 12:41 AM

Took me a minute to find it. Stepping back into the 17th century just a bit:

“...And hence the Land is filled with those loud Celeusmata's*, which summons all hands to pull down the Church, and lay it even with the ground; and pitty it is, but that Church which is so great a Canibal, were so dealt with.”
[The Case of Persecution, Charg'd on the Church of England, consider'd and discharg'd, in order to her justification, and a desired union of Protestant dissenters, Long, 1689]
*Celeusmata is the plural of celeusma. Celeusmata's I'm not sure.

Nothing to do with the maritime or work song per se but one usage that came to straight to mind when the 'banning' of lyrics & chanting came up in the R.N. thread.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jan 22 - 04:28 AM

To be honest, it's not the Dutch, French, German, Classic & Vulgar Latin, Portuguese, Spanish, Hebrew or Greek I'm struggling with; it's Phil's English that I find quite baffling.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 26 Jan 22 - 02:39 PM

'They were found mostly on British and other European ships'<<<<<

I think Gibb would have something to say about that. I think a more accurate statement would be they were published mostly in British anthologies. Evidence would suggest that at least half the references are of American origin and that's certainly where they originated, and indeed onshore. the first use of the word 'chantyman' as a worksong leader was for a stevedore in the Gulf ports.

Wiki seriously needs an update!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 02:02 AM

Perigrination: A voyage, esp. an extensive one.

Steve: Seconded on the wiki. I'm no fan. And here we see people complaining about too little c.1700 English while New Orleans is neolithic. It's been a weird timeline so far, methinks we ain't seen nuttin' yet.

Here's another example of those short, spontaneous sacred chants laid over the longer generic rowing tempos.

“Ventis vela dantur, tum carina undis fertur, dextra lævaque æque tenduntur rudentes, navis etiam clavo fuo imperiofe deducitur. Modo etiam celeuma canunt nautæ, nunc aliquibus modis exfultant, nunc ludus verbis agitur, nunc carum convitium objicitur.”
[Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Benedicti, Vol.II, D'Archery, Mabillon, Ruinart, 1701]

Note: One should be able to limp by on copypasta and Google translate with the above.

Mystery Guest: Offered to clarify any examples. Still waiting.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 02:32 AM

Re Perkins: Brünnhilde’s operatic battle cry is likely more German than Norse. Best guess, Perkin's period under discussion would include the Columbanus citations above. That will get you from Ireland to Germany at least. Note the authorship/provenance issues mentioned.

Whomever, the Germanic imagery will get mashed up with the older Norse legends in various mid-19th century Wagner opera. See also: Piratical Debauchery, Homesick Sailors and Nautical Rhythms, Reidler, 2017. (same problems there as wiki tho.)

Proper citations to follow when we get there.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 03:19 AM

Just by the numbers, complaynts notwithstanding, the English are actually doing okay here so far. The Americans however:
1492 - Columbus' log and Salve Regina. They never visited on the Mainland proper.
1627 - Smith and the Vea, vea, vea, vea, vea galley chant in the Virginia colonies.

Did I miss anything American mentioned elsewhere on Mudcat? Anyone have anything else <1700s? In any language or application?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Mystery Guest
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 06:04 AM

Now I've put something in the "From" box, am I any less mysterious than "Phil d'Conch"

"Proper citations to follow when we get there"?

"We"? I suspect you're travelling alone most of the time, Phil.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 11:02 AM

Phil,
You appear to be jumping about from your wider references to 'chanty' itself. Please distinguish between the two otherwise you lose all of us.
Anything before 1800 has no relation to 'chanty' historically. The rowing songs of the Georgia Islands c1820 have so far not been related back to African rowing chants or any others in text or tune, whilst that is always a possibility. It is more likely that the rowing songs relate to river songs and field hollers from southern slaves. As far as I'm aware these are not African related in text but are almost always in English. The main impetus for shipboard chanties came from the Gulf Ports cotton screwers c1830.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,jag
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 11:48 AM

What makes maritime work songs in general distinct from heaving/hauling/pushing work songs in general? In the case of chanteys the *connections* to work on shore seems important.

"1-2-3-pull" can be effective but might make dull work duller.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 02:16 PM

Me: Speaking strictly for myself. The current subject is not shanties and is not to be lumped in with shanties. Do we not agree? I think we do.

Steve: How can I say it with more clarity? Or do you disagree? I keep asking for Mudcatters' <1700AD salty job titles and glossary. Perhaps it would be better if you explained to me why lump c1700 maritime work song in general with shanties or is it vice versa?

Again: The only critical attribute is a nautical glossary. The only sort order is publishing date. The only 'hopping' is for ommissions and later English translations. I think it's your urges for "findings" never on offer that confuse you.

Again: If the 1800s sources lump it all together, you will read it here. If not, no worries. Either way, I'm the librarian, not the professor.

Shanties are "found" alpha-by-author in Music, under Folk, that's between Secular Choral and Popular and that's not my 'opinion' either.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 02:34 PM

Jag: See Dictionnaire de Marine, Brunel, 1702 above and
UN, DEUX, TROIS. Een, Twee, Drie. Capitaine, Lieutenant, Enfeigne.(!!!)

Ever heard of any similar c.1700 English phrases? They'll get all manner of labels in the late 1800s and early 1900s but... what the c1700 English mariner called them I haven't found yet.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 22 - 03:03 PM

We have several terms for these short co-ordination chants. The most common ones other than regulated RN ones are often referred to as 'sing outs' nowadays, although the word 'sing' is perhaps misleading. It is very likely that they were such simple things that they didn't have a term for them c1700, though undoubtedly they used them. Some combination of 'heave-o' or 'hauly-hi-oh' I have seen mentioned. I'm sure people like Gibb who have studied this in greater detail have examples.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jan 22 - 08:08 PM

One minor conting song mention (leadsman.) 18th century “Cotton screwing” in the R.N. and capstan driven rowing engines:

“BOATSWAIN, is a Ship-Officer, to whom is committed the Charge of all the Tackling, Sails, and Rigging, Ropes, Cables, Anchors, Flags, Pendants, &c. He alfo calls out the feveral Gangs and Companies aboard, to the due Execution of their Watches, Works, and Spells, &c.

BOATSWAIN’s-MATE, has the peculiar Command of the Long-Boat, for the fetting forth of Anchors, Weighing or fetching Home the Anchor, Warping, Towing, or Mooring; and to give an Account of his Store.

Heave the Lead; that is, to Sound, or to find where the Ship may fail, by the Depth of Waters. He that Heaves the Lead, ftands by the Horfe, or in the Chains, and fings the Depth he finds.

ROWING-engine ...A Wheel is fitted to the Drum-head of the Cap-ftan, whofe Teeth turn a Trundle-head, thro’ which an Iron-bar is run that reaches a-crofs, and goes thro’ the Ship-Side; and on its Ends without Board, at a convenient Diftance from the Side of the Ship, are faften’d two Drum-heads, like that on the Capftan in which are fitted fix or eight Paddles, fo as to be taken out at Pleafure. And at the outermoft Ends of the Paddles is faften’d an Iron-Pin, with a Head on it: by which means, and by the Help of a Cord, taking a half Turn round about all thefe Pins, both the Paddles may be twifted, or ftrain’d and ftrengthen’d fo, that they fhall all work proportionably; and alfo the Paddles may, with a Luff-Tackle, be the more handily and eafily lifted in and out, in order to be fitted into, or taken out of the Drum-heads of the Bar. Now if the Paddle's be made proportionably large, according to the Number of Men that can be brought to the Capftan, who if they but work, the Veffle may make very good Way in fmooth Water

STEEVING, is alfo a Word ufed by Merchant men, when they ftow Cotton, or Wool, which is forc’d in with Screws; this they call Steeving their Cotton, or Wool.”
[The Gentleman's Dictionary, Bonwicke, 1705]

Notes: Roughly the same evolution as keleusma-to-salomar &c.: stevazo (Greek,) stipare (Latin,) estivador (Portuguese,) estibador (Spanish,) Stevedore (English.) So far, the steeving task appears well before job English titles, chants &c. Stevedore (etymology)

The rowing engine is typical for early mechanical propulsion experiments prior to the 19th & steam.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 03:02 AM

Companion to the previous:

“...Steeving is likewise ufed by Merchants when they ftow Cotton or Wool, which being forced in with skrews, they call Steeving their Cotton or Wool.”
[Seaman's Grammar & Dictionary, Smith, 1691]

Note: I've kept the above apart from the earlier Virginia Colony stuff. It doesn't appear in the volumes published during Smith's lifetime. The 1691 edition was revised and updated by “B.J.”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 09:11 AM

That's somewhat more useful to our studies, Phil. 'Steeving' is particularly relevant. Now what would be great would be some early references to singing whilst steeving, as we are fairly certain that one of the main sources for chantying was screwing/steeving cotton.

Taking the term back thus far is very useful. Thank-you!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Iains
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 01:57 PM

Two Years Before the Mast is a memoir by the American author Richard Henry Dana Jr., published in 1840, (Available Gutenberg Press)
page 102 has a description of steeving hides into the ship and the whole crew bowsed the tackles home with a song.

" Two long, heavy spars, called steeves, made of the strongest wood, and sharpened off like a wedge at one end, were placed with their wedge ends into the inside of the hide which was the centre of the book, and to the other end of each, straps were fitted, into which large tackles were hooked, composed each of two huge purchase blocks, one hooked to the strap on the end of the steeve, and the other into a dog, fastened into one of the beams, as far aft as it could be got. When this was arranged, and the ways greased upon which the book was to slide, the falls of the tackles were stretched forward, and all hands tallied on, and bowsed away until the book was well entered; when these tackles were nippered, straps and toggles clapped upon the falls, and two more luff tackles hooked on, with dogs, in the same manner; and thus, by luff upon luff, the power was multiplied, until into a pile in which one hide more could not be crowded by hand, an hundred or an hundred and fifty were often driven in by this complication of purchases. When the last luff was hooked on, all hands were called to the rope—cook, steward, and all—and ranging ourselves at the falls, one behind the other, sitting down on the hides, with our heads just even with the beams, we set taut upon the tackles, and striking up a song, and all lying back at the chorus, we bowsed the tackles home, and drove the large books chock in out of sight."

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 02:12 PM

Needless to say, if anybody finds anything new or I leave out an existing Mudcat mention "...in general," please do post it here.

Teaser alert: My earliest 'steeving/skrewing chant' so far is from a British source. It's extempore verse, call-and-response but has no English, American or cotton and moves the existing timeline back hardly at all. Still searching.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 08:38 PM

“The Officers in the Navy were the Præfectus Claffis, or Admiral, and fometimes the Duumviri when two were join'd in Commiffion, together with the Trierarchus, or Captain of a particular ship, most properly of the Trireme; the Gubernator, or Mafter; the Celeuftes, or Boatfwain, and others of inferior Note.”
[Romæ Antiquæ Notitia: Or, The Antiquities of Rome, Kennett, 1696]

Note: I'll add one of these in every so often to reflect how the locals were interpreting the old job titles for themselves.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 08:40 PM

Show biz clamor nauticus:

“Now, being on Board, I made Observation
Of Something relating to Navigation:
For up came the Boatswain, with Countenance stern,
With a great Pair of Whiskers, and a Mouth like a Churn,
He lug'd out his Whistle, and up came the Sailers,
And all Hands aloft as nimble as Taylors:
There was Toe-le-ho, and, Boys heave away,
Whilst another was tearing his Throat with, Belay;
Then Haul Cat, Haul A damnable Yawling;
The Boatswain a Swearing, the Master a Bawling,
Helm-a-lee, ye Landlubbered Loobies;
Let go the Fore-Bowlings, ye Fresh-Water Boobies;
Haul Aft the Main-Sheet, ye Lump of a Dog,
Whist another was Singing a Tune to the Log….”
[Pax in Crumena: Or, The Trooper Turn'd Poet, Rands, 1714]

Note: It doesn't end there and, with a few minor updates, it's a serviceable 1800s American minstrel show.

Abaft the binnacle! Hatch the mizzen! Abandon ship! [Capt. Crunch]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 30 Jan 22 - 01:27 PM

Okay, at least some of these commands look genuine as observed, rather than all made up fun and games. The only slight relation to men singing at their tasks is the use of the word 'Singing' in your last line, presumably referring to the singing out of depths by the man with the lead line. Perhaps if you post the next line we can be better informed on that one. The practice was often referred to as singing which probably stems from the fact that this was such a boring but necessary task and the crew member sang it to relieve the boredom. If it is this, it doesn't relate in any way to call and response, unless other crew members were relaying the depths to other parts of the vessel.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jan 22 - 05:51 PM

Steve: Are the job titles keywords? Is the reference title, author and date correct? If yes, job done.

fwiw: I take it as a comedy. I wouldn't go deeper on Monty Python than: if audiences were not familiar with knights & castles, I fart in your general direction, isn't funny to them. It was never about real chemcial warfare in the first place.

PS: Look at your post history here. One gets the impression you're not looking or expecting to contribute period relevant sources. Fair?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,jag
Date: 30 Jan 22 - 06:15 PM

"often referred to as singing which probably stems from the fact that this was such a boring but necessary task and the crew member sang it to relieve the boredom."

The elongated vowels give clarity. Try it over a distance or against the sound of wind or sea.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Iais
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 04:40 PM

If in shallow water it was critical to know the depth and it had to be relayed clearly in case action needed to be taken.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_H70Ap07bE

"For riverboat workers on the Mississippi, however, there was a time when sounding the water depth literally involved sound—you could even call it song. In 1939 Alan Lomax and Herbert Halpert, two well-known folklorists, recorded Joe Shores, a 52-year old river pilot for a ferryboat that ran between Greenville, Mississippi and Arkansas City, Arkansas performing what is called a “sounding call.” In the recording Shores slowly chants or sings out verses of terms for the depth of the water:

    No bottom, / Mark four, / Quarter less four, / Quarter less five, / Half twain, / Quarter twain…

    Quarter less four, / Half twain, / Quarter twain, / Mark twain, / Quarter less twain, / Nine and a half feet, / Nine feet, / Eight and a half feet."

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 05:02 PM

I don't know the source but if I had read that from a broadside I'd say it looked genuine enough, although it appears to be a description by someone not familiar with the scene. Yes the job titles are genuine and the language could be of 1714. I can't see anything that would make it into comedy and I've studied so-called comic pieces of the period.

I'm certainly interested in relevant sources to chanty and proto-chanty, but not in other forms of assistance to work such as practised in the RN, or of religious singing aboard ship.

Any references I come across to shipboard worksong I note, but I have lots of other interests and I don't spend a lot of time looking for them, which is why I appreciate what you are trying to do and what Gibb and Jon do very well.

As far as I can glean the taking of soundings has been common practice for many centuries in all cultures. A local version close to where I live was taking soundings with a lead line on the Dogger Bank in the North Sea to find the lucrative fishing grounds, but as Iais says it was a crucial exercise when approaching land. 'By the deep ...

As

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:03 AM

Steve: I've been corrected since I posted Rands. Epistolary poetry, so I'm told:

“The epistolary form can add greater realism to a story, because it mimics the workings of real life. It is thus able to demonstrate differing points of view without recourse to the device of an omniscient narrator. An important strategic device in the epistolary novel for creating the impression of authenticity of the letters is the fictional editor.” [Epistolary novel]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:08 AM

“14. Il a juré par fon ame, par fa vie, par luy-même. Ie te rempliray d'hommes comme de fauterelles qui vont à troupes, pour marquer le grand nombre d'ennemis qui viendront fur luy, & la chanfon celeuma, par laquelle les foldats s'exhortent au combat, fera chantée fur toy.”
[L'Explication Selon le Sens Litteral des Cinq Livres de la Sagesse, 1680]

Notes: Marching song. Not nautical. Notable for where it appears IMO: Panchatantra.

Chantée = sung. Nothing to suggest any more to it.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:10 AM

“Celeufme, m.fignifie le cry & acclamation du Comite d'une galere, par laquelle il admonéte & exhorte les Galeriens, ou à travailler, ou à defifter du travail, 't Geroep van den Bevel-hebber, die de Galey boeven, op de Galeyen ofte Roey-fchepen zittende, tot het roeyen aenmaent, of ook altemets vermaent van 't roeyen op te houden.”
[Le Grand Dictionnaire Francois-Flaman, D'Arsy, 1682]

“Schiffleut/ m.pl. hi Nautæ. Das gefchrei der fchiffleuten. Hoc. Celeu?ma, clamor nauticus.”
[Lexicon Quatuor Linguarum Latinæ Germanicæ Græcæ Gallicæ, Gürtlei, 1682]

Also: 1.5 pages on the “Alleluia” ending with the usual celeusma & chorus heliciariorum sources.
[Notizia De Vocaboli Ecclesiastici, Casarenghi, 1682]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:18 AM

“Celéuma, as Celóma.
Celóma, the Mariners Cry, when they tug at a Cable, weigh Anchor, or hoi?e Sails.
Gridáre, Gridacchináre, to cry, as a common cryer doth, to cal out, to ?hout, to hollow, to ?cream, to whine; al?o to proclaim aloud; al?o to chide, to braul, to ?cold, to contend in words.
Gridáre all'árme, to call to arms, to rai?e an alarm.
Gridatóre, a Cryer or common Cryer in a Market place.”
Salpáre. to weigh or heave Anchors.
Salpatóre. a weigher or heaver of Anchors.
Sciáre, to wit, to ken, or know by Science; al?o to cry together with one voice or con?ent, as Marriners do when the hoi?e ?ails or heave anchor; al?o to cut or furrow the Sea or water as a ?hip under sail doth.
*Siáre, among Mariners, it is to cry all with one voice or con?ent, as they do when they hoi?e-?ails, heave anchor, or row and hale backward; al?o to make a hor?e or oxe ?tay or go backward with the Carter's voice, as our Country-clowns u?e to cry, Hay, Haitor, Hoa.
*Sia, sia, be it, be it, among Mariners or Water-men, to will, or to encourage one to row backward, or to help, to hale and heave anchor.
*Siázza, the crying of Mariners together, to encourage one another.
[Vocabolario Italiano & Inge?e: A Dictionary, Italian and English, Florio, 1690]

Note: Revised & expanded from 1659ed., above.
The gridatóre is the future French-Caribbean griot of calypso. The grievance theme is also present.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:21 AM

“celóma, le cry des mariniers, quand ils veulent ancrer.
celomáre, la crierie des mariniers.
[Dittionario Italiano, E Francese, Oudin, 1693]


“CELEUSMA, atis. n. Afeon. Pæd. of Celeuma, atis. n. Mart. Keleusma. Een bevel, of teeken, 'r welk de bevelhebberen aan matroozen en roeyers met monde, of een fleuitje gaven, om dit of dat fcheepswerk te doem. Sommige zeggen, dat dit het geluid is, welk de roeyers te gelijk geven, om te toonen dat zy alle vaardig zijn, en om den anderen tot volvoeringe van het bevolene aan te potren.”
[Dictionarium Latino-Belgicum, 1699]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:24 AM

“CELEUSTES. Operæ precium fa?turus videor, ?i hanc etiam vocem cum remigis ?ignificantione explicem. Celeu?tes autem dicitur, qui remiges hortatur, qua?i navigationis moderator: qui à Plauto Latine hortator appellatur, quod ea hortmenta faciat, quæ verbo Græco celeuƒmata dicuntur etiam à Latinis. Hoc vero celeu?ma, quod celeuma dicitur, in navibus cla??iariis affa voce interdum, interdum tibia canebatur, ita ut remiges pro modulorum atque harmoniæ ratione vel concitarent, vel inhiberent remos. Pædianus autor eft, canni remigibus celeuma per ?ymphoniacos ?ervos ?olitum olim e??e, & per a??iam vocem: id e?t, ore prolatam, & (ut in Argo navi) interdum per citharam. Cicero in Verr. A?t. i. Ab hac muliere Præfe?tus Antonii quidam ?ymphoniacos ?ervos abducebat per injuriam, quibus ?e in cla??e uti velle dicebat. Quem locum Ciceronis A?con. P?dianus exponens: Po??umus, ?aquit, intelligere ad hoc ?ymphoniacos ?ervos capi ?oler, ut in cla??e cla??icum pugnantibus canant: undeip?fitubæ cla??is, cla??icum nomen e?t po?itum/
        CELEUMA ITEM, ut nautæ, faciunt Helciarii: id e?t, qui onera funibus moliuntur: vel qui naves deducunt, ?ubducuntue, ad officia invicem ?e?e adhortantes, ut uno connixu pariter con?pirantes, admoliri univer?is viribus po??int, quod ?ingulis nequent: ut ?ieri ?æpe vidimus Venetiis in loco, qui lingua Veneta Douana vulgo appellatur.”
[Thesaurus Graecarum Antiquitatum, Gronovio, 1701]

Note: Forgot to post the wiki with the previous mention - Cithara (also – kithera.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:25 AM

“Hortator nautarum, remigium: Celeu?tes, e: ?ive is. Budaus. Navigationis ?cil. Moderator, qui remiges ?igno vocali exhortatur: Pau?arius. Sen. idem cum Celeu?te, ni?i dicamus hunc e??e, quem vulgus nauticum appellat, Sottocomito. Et qui requiemq; modumque Voce dabat remis animotrum hortator Epopeus. Ovid.3.met Ma?tx nauticus; nam ferè coa?tos remiges ma?tige ad nautica compellit opera, Aguzino di galera.
[Synonymorum, Epithetorum & Phrasium, Serræ,1701]

Note: Aguz(z)ino can translate as either “officer” or “torturer.” Eek!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:27 AM

Identical definitions in two texts:

“Het teeken 't welk de bevelhebbers gaven aan de matroozen, of reilers met monde of een fluitje, om het een of 't ander fcheeps werk to doen. Celeufma, atis n.g. Afeon. Pæd. Vel celeuma, atis n.g. Mart.”
[Woordenboek der Nederlantsche en Latynsche Tale, Hannot, 1704]
[Le Grand François-Flaman de Les termes & manieres de parler touchant la Marine & la Navigation, Witsen, 1704]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 03:49 AM

"Informational chants" - Date: 22 Mar 20 - 01:02 PM., (above.)

Typical: "...one always gazes at the compass, and chants a kind of sweet song, which shows that all is going well, and in the same tone he chants to him that holdeth the tiller of the rudder, to which quarter the rudder itself ought to be moved:..." [Fabri, 15th century]

The Greek sounding kontus can be found on the walls of Egyptian tombs. It's the pilot's badge of office. At other extreme is Harry Belafonte's Mark Twain.

The American auctioneer's chant (Danville System) is supposedly from the same place as all of the above. Still checking the sources.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 04 Feb 22 - 04:45 AM

More backtracking:

“celeufna, vel celeumam, atis, neut. genr- L'enhortment des mariners, ou autres gens qui s'efforcent de faire quelque chofe.
celeuftes, celeuftæ, m, ge. Tel embarteur & donneur de courage.
paufarius, A Seneca vocatur qui remigibus modos dat & remigandi officium quadam quafi paufa moderatur.”
[Dictionariolum Latino Gallicum, 1602]


“Sirenum vox illa, quæ timebatur, erat blanda quidem, non tamen publica: at hæc quæ timenda eft, non ex vno fcopulo, fed ex omni terrarum parte circumfonat, & quafi grato celeumate ad vela explicanda, & rudentes expediendos inuitat…

...Seu nouercali laceret procellâ
Naufragam puppim, canit expeditus
Sarcinus vitæ, mediis im undis
                Dulce celeuma:

METRICA PARAPHRASIS
...Dum portum inuehimur, quifquis es, ulsimo
Menten aduerte celeumati.”
[Speculum Vanitatus, 1635]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 04 Feb 22 - 04:48 AM

“Gridatore] proclamator
Celeufma, tus, vel celeuma, matis, ne. ge. Mart. Grido unite di più perfone, come di Marinari à fare qualche loro opera.
Celeuftes, ftæ, mal. ge. Bud. Chi coforta i Marinari al navigare.
Clamatorius, ria, rium, Pli. Gridatore.
[Perfectissimus Calepinus Parvus Sive Corre?tiffimum Di?tioarium, Mirani, 1705]


“Quitanos los efclavos, y con fu Rofario nos ata y encadena en los abismos! Profiguio la galera fu rumbo, y divifando los navegantes las coftas de Bretaña, empezaron alegres à cantar el Rofario, como dulce y celeftial celeuma: y llegando del Puerto, hallaron en falvo quanto del vagel avian arrojado al mar en la tormenta.”
[Historia de la Vida de S. Domingo de Guzman, Miguel, 1705]

Note: Another spontaneous “Land ho!” celeusma reference.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 04 Feb 22 - 04:50 AM

“Celeuma.
Vocatur Keleusma, Celeuma, feu Celeusma, ùt in Græco fcribitur, clamor & cantus, quo pariter laboranties fe mutuo excitant as ftrenuè agendum, v.g. nautæ feu remiges ad remigandum, milites as pugnandum, vinitores as torcular promendum. Semper in Vulgata Ceuleuma cantatur, ùt patet Jerem. 25.30. Jer. 48.33. Jer. 51.14.”
[Dictionarium in Quo Voces Omnes Difficilioris Significationis, Quae in Vulgata Nostra S. Scripturae Latina Translatione Occurrunt, Dilucide Explicantur, Bukentrop. 1706]

Note: Same treatment of scripture as Calvin et al with soldier "songs & shouts" added to the dialog.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 04 Feb 22 - 04:51 AM

“Celeuma, for Celeufma.
Celeufma, atis, n. The Mark-word given to keep time when the Seamen do any thing together. g.
Celeuftes, æ, m. he that makes that Noife, or Encourageth the Seamen. g.
A Halfer, Helcium.
A Halfier Helciarius.
Helciarius, ii. n. he that tows a boat or ship. *Helciarius equus, a drag horse.
Helcium, ii, n. A Horfe-collar, drawing Harnefs.
A Mafter-rower, Paufarius.
A Warpe [Sea-word] Helcium.
A Hawser, Helcium.”
[A Dictionary English-Latin, and Latin-English, Coles, 1707]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 04 Feb 22 - 04:57 AM

“Celebro, Celeber, à… hortor, cohortor, undè & Celeufma conclamtio, &c.
Celeusma, atis. n….. hortamentum, fpecialiter nauticum. Verbale à…. fut. Prima præt… hortor, impero.
Celeuftes, a. m. ?…. hortator fpecialiter remigum,...”
[Scientia Latinitatis, Hertling, 1708]

Note: Greek text omitted.


“Celoma. Der Schissoneschen Freuden Geschren mann sie anlanden. Freuden Geschren. Acclamzione, Celoma.
Schreyer. m. Gridatore. v. Marckschreyer.”
[Dizzionario Italiano – Tedesco, Tedesco – Italiano, Castelli, 1709]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 04 Feb 22 - 05:03 AM

“As I was a Boatfwain's Mate, I had the Command of about 200 Men in the Ship, and it was my Place, to fee that the Men attended, and were prefent at the time of Worfhip; and I was diligent in the performance of that Service; and when any refufed to obey my Command, in that respe?t, I endeavour'd by force to compel them.”
[The Fighting Sailor turn'd Peaceable Chriftian, Lurting, 1710]

Note: Possible reason for R.N. style ban on boatswain's lyrics on watch.


“CELOMA, Een bevel of teeken, 't welk de bevelhebberen aan matroozen en roeijers met monde, of een fluitje gaven, om dit of day fcheepswerk te doen.”
[Il Grande Dittionario Italiano et Hollandese, Giron, 1710]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 06:36 PM

Schiff-Lied/ celeusma, celoma, grido de' marinari per allegrezza.”
[Das Herrlich Grosse Deutsch-Italianische Dictionarium, Vol. 1, Kramer, 1700]


“celeufma, atis. Vel celeuma, atis, n. grido per animare i marinari.
clamor, ris. grido
exclamatio, f. efclamazione. grido.
exclamo, as. gridare, efsclamare.
Oh. grido di dolore. alle volte di allegrezza.
vociferatio, f, grido.”
[Regiæ Mercurij Conclave Latino-Italicum, Anguselli, 1710]


“Ammattare, terme de marine, appeller ou crier à haute voix.
Celóma, le crie fe Mariniers, quand ils veulent ancrer.
Celomáre, la crierie des Mariniers.
a Crída, à haute voix, publiquement.
Cridatóre, crieur.
Gridatóre, crieur, criailleur, criard.
Grido, cri, bruit, renommée, plur. grida.
Iava, terme de marine, pour dire, l'on fait déja ce qui eft commandé.
Iffáre, iffer, hauffer, en terme de marine.
Oiffa, le cri du marinier pour iffer.
Stipatóre, un qui entaffe, qui charge les marchandifes, ou qui les ferre.”
[Dictionaire Italien et François, Veneroni, 1710]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 06:50 PM

Ahoy (greeting)

Most of the dictionaries above include interjections not cited here. Here is that full Thesaurus Polyglottus (above) list of variations on the Latin heus:

“??u.
?ebr. oi, o, ah.
Latin. oi, xoi.
Latin. heu.
Italie. oime, hai.
?ifp. hay.
Gall. helas.
German. en/even/ach/aves
Belg. ach.
?ng. allace, ach,alas eh, lord god.
Sclav. pre??m?ne, ?uuc, oh, jomene
Dalm. vay, oboy.
??lo. owe, biada.
Lufat. a'via.
Boh. Ach, ah, auwe, beda.
Hung. yay, ok.
?rafil. yere,ake eeli aka, hovaj.
?alae. bevan m?ra.
Iavenf. Ba vanaban.

Heus
Heb. hoi.
Græc. [...]
Lat. heus.
Ital. oli, o.
Hifpan. he.
Gallic. he, vien, ou, venez.
Germ holla/loh/hoscha.
Dan. heyhey.
Ang. holach, hoë hoe.
Belg. houghy.
Schav. hasha.
Polo. tichoicane.
Tur. jaha.
Hangai. halláde.
Brafil. nein.
[Thesaurus Polyglottus, 1613]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 06:52 PM

“CELEUSMA, <keleusma, genit. celeufmatis. n. Afcon-Ped. Mart. Cry des Matelots, pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage ou certain fignal donne avec quelque inftrument de Musique pour le mefme effet. Coup de fiffet, pour animer les Rameurs & les Mariniers au travail.
HELCIARIUS, genit. helciarii. m. Mart. Qui tire un bafteau avec une corde.
Helciarius. Apul. Un Bourrelier. m.
HEU, Cic, Helas! Ah! Ha! *Heu ma miferum! Ter. Ha que je fuis miferable!
HEUS, (Interje?tion pour appeller quelqu'un.) Terent. Hola. *Heus tu? Terent Hola, à quoy penfes-tu? Que distu?
HORTATOR, genet. hortatoris m. Cic. Qui exhorte, qui encourage à une chofe.
PAUSARIUS, genit. paufarii. m. Sen. Comite de Galére. m. Qui commande aux forçats de ramer ou de s'arrefter.”
[Magnum Dictionarium Latino-Gallicum, Danetius, 1711]

Note: Hola, à quoy... (see previous)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 06:57 PM

“Celeufme] Keleusma exclamation, cry & admonition des nautonniers à haute voix, por fe donner courage. liv. 4. chap. 22.”
[Oeuvres de Maitre François Rabelais, Vol. 16, Bordesius, 1711]


“CELEUSMA, & Celeuma. Vide Alleluja, Scenopeja.”
[Hierolexicon, Sive Sacrum Dictionarium, Magri, 1712]
Note: “See Alleluja,” (another ˜1.5 pages not transcribed.)


“...Scribit Sidonius 1, 2. Epist. nautis in primâ Ecclefia ad Portum appellentibus folenne fuiffe canere Alleluja.”
Refponfantibus Alleluja ripis.
Ad Chriftum levat amnicum celeusma.
[Thronus Veritatis Evangelicæ Sex Gradibus Sublimitatus: Sive Festivale Sextuplex, Jamaigne, 1712]

Note: Sidonius in the original Latin. See chorus helciariorum, Farrar et al &c (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 06:58 PM

“CELEUSMA,… genit, celeufmatis, n. Afcon-Ped Mart. Cry des Matelots, pour s'encourager à l'overage, ou certain fignal donne avec quelque inftrument de Musique pour le mesine effet. Coup de fifflet pour animer les Rameurs ou les Mariniers au travail.
HEI. (Interjection d'un homme qui fe plaint.) Ter.. Ha, helas.
HELCIARIUS, genit. helciarii. m. Mart. Qui tire un bateau avec une corde, comme fur la riviere de Seine & fur la Loire.
Helciarius. Apu. Un Bourrelier. m.
HORTATOR, genit hortatoris. m. Cic. Que exhorte, qui encourage à une chofe.
PAUSARIUS, genit. paufarii. m. Sen. Comite de Galére. m. Qui commande aux forçats de ramer ou de s'arrefter.”
[Magnum Dictionarium Latinum et Gallicum, Danetius, 1712]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 05:31 AM

“Celoma, le cry des mariniers, quand ils veulent ancrer, das Schreien der Schifleuten / waun sie andern wollen / celeufma.
Celomàre, m. la crierie des mariniers, idem.
Crìda, per grìda, cry public, der offentlidie Ausruf / proclamatio publica.
à Crìda, à haute voix, publiquement, in hoher erhabener Stimme / voceftentoreà, fonorà, altà.
Cridàre crier, ruffen / clamare, exclamare.
Cridatòre, m. crieur, der offentlidie Austruffer / proclamator, præco.
Oiffa, le cry du marinier pour iffer, ... / vox nautica, qua velorum expanfio jubentur.”
[Il Dittionario Imperiale, Veneroni, 1713]

Also: Grìda, gridànte, gridàre, gridàta, gridatòre, grìdo, iffa &.
Dictionaire Italien et François, 1710, above.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 05:35 AM

Ҡ Celeuma, pro Celeufma; Afcon.

* Celeufma, atis; n. ... I. Hortamentum, Non. Five juffum. Sal… jubeo; unde &… I. hortator, Enn. juffor. Gl, ut fit adhortatio portifculi. Celeufma, nauticus eft clamor ad hortandum, Serv,… Mart. The Fhout or noife which Mariners make when they do any thing together with a joyned ftrength, at which times the cry, Ho up? or when the falute others with a What cheer? or when the Mafter calls and encourages them.

* Celeuftes, æ… m. Bud…, ijuffor, GI. hortator, Plaut. Qui Lat. portifculus die. The boatfwain; he that calleth on Mariners, to hearten them in the bufinefs.

Helciarius, rii; Mart. Qui navi onera funibus molitur…. An hafter, or he which haleth and draweth a fhip or barge along the river by a rope; a pug, a barge-man: alfo one who draws or pulls up any burden with cords.
        *Helcium, ii; n. Apul…. The harnefs of a cart-horfe, an horfe-collar, where-by he draweth in the cart, a trace.

HEUS: vocandi adv…. Ho! Do you hear? Fo ho! Alfo alas! Vir.

Hortatius, a, um; Quint… Exhortatory, incouraging.

Horator, oris; m/ verb. Cie. Suafor, au?tor… An encourager or advifer Hortator fcelerum, Ovid.

Pausarius, ii; m. á paufa… That officer in the ship who gave time to the rowers, and order to begin and leave off by words or figns. Paufarius voce remigibus modos dans, Sen.

To SHOUT or make a shout or cry. Conclamo, acclamo.
To fhout for joy Jubilo
A fhouting. Acclamatio, f.
A fhout. Clamor, m.
A fhout for joy Jubilum.
A fhout of soldiers when both armies joined. Barritus, ûs.
A fhout or noife that mariners make when they do anything together. Celeufma, n.
To give a fhout, or set up a fhout Clamorem tollere.

Stipator, orls; m. verb. Cie. à Stipando... di?t à Stipe, quam mercedis nomine acciplunt, Feft. An attendant or one of the Squires of the body; the guard; alfo one that lays in fuch fardels as are to be carried in a fhip; a Stower of goods.

Stupa...
        Stipando: omn. À gr…. The coufe part of flax, tow, hards, ockam to clk fhips with, Serv.
Stuparius, a, um; Plin… Of or belonging, or ferving to drefs or beat tow or hards withal”
[A Latine Dictionary, Littleton, 4th ed. 1715]
Adam Littleton (1627–1694.) Another heavily revised and updated posthumous edition.


Notes:
Greek & Hebrew text omitted.
Steeving (stipa) etymology refers to shipyard caulker. The early definitions are for court guard or attendant.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 05:39 AM

“CELEUSMA, cri de plufieurs perfonnes, chant de réjoüiffance que font les mariniers, quand ils prennent port, ou qu'ils aprochent de la terre. Il en est parlé en trois endroits de la Prophetie de Jerremie: Rugiens, rugiet fuper decorem fucem: celeusma ,quafi calcantium concinetur, adversùs omnes habitatores terre, faifant allufion aux chanfons de ceux qui foulent les raifins, ch.25. v.30. Dans le ch.48 v.33 il dit. Qu'il a ôré toute la joïe du Carmel, qu'il a fait répandre le vin des preffoirs; & que celui qui foule les raifins ne chantera plus ces cantiques accoutumez: Nequaquam calcator uva folitum celeufma catabit.
[Le Grand Dictionnaire de la Bible, Vol.I, Simon, 1717]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 05:41 AM

“CELUMA. (Termo Nautico.) Vizeria dos marinheiros. Celeufma, atis. Nuet Mart.
A Celeuma medonha fe levanta
No rude marinheiro, que trabalha.
        Camoens. Cant. 2. Out. 25. Vid. Faina.
[Vocabulario Portuguez, & Latino, Vol.B-C, Bluteau, 1713]


“FAINA, Fàina. (Termo Nautico) A vozera, com que os marinheiros fe incitaõ a fazer o feu officio refpondendo, ou repetindo vozes a hum, que as entoa fó, para final de que rodo a huma maõ, ponhaõ o hombro, ou peyto ao trabalho. Celeufma, atis. Neut. Afcon. Pæd. Celeuma, atis, Neut. Martial. Nauticus clamor, is. Virgil. Fez moftra de fua, guerreira Armada, &c; & feytas as Fainas. Lemos, Cercos de Lisboa, pag.48. Commentãdo eftes verfos de Camoens, Cant.2.oit.25.
        A Celeuma medonha fe levanta
        No rude marinheiro, que trabalha Diz Manoel de Faria, En Eftilo Nautico fe llama Faena das bombas. Britto, Guerra Brafilica, 150.”
[Vocabulario Portuguez, & Latino, Vol.F-I, Bluteau, 1713]


“SALAMALE. Vid. Salema.
SALAMEAR. Termo de Marinheyro. Fazer a Saloma, ou Salema. Vid Salema. Vid. Fayna.
SALEMA. Vozaria de Marinheyros. He derivado da palavra Grego-Latina Celeuma. Vid. Fayna. (As Salemas ordinarias dos Marinheyros fe fazem com taes vozes, que não faõ ouvidas muytas vezes. Britto, Biagé do Brafil, pag.278.)
[Vocabulario Portuguez, & Latino, Vol.Q-S, Bluteau, 1720]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 02:54 AM

Foreword: Panegyric verse or chant is not work song or call-and-response &c. Included for its future linkage to French-Caribbean calypso chantwells &c.

c.1700AD, the French word griot is still defined as the Morello Cherry (Prunus cerasus.)

I've not found any earlier Portuguese, French, Latin music related etymology for the African Guiriot mentioned here. (ie: criado &c.)

“The word may derive from the French transliteration "guiriot" of the Portuguese word "criado", or the masculine singular term for "servant." Griots are more predominant in the northern portions of West Africa.” [Griot]

“Quoy qu'ils n'ayent ny efprit, ny talent, ils aiment tant les loüanges, qu'ils ont des gens appellez Guiriotz, qui n'ont d'autre métier que celuy d'en donner. Les Guiriotz portent des efpéces de tambours longs de quatre ou cinq pieds, faits d'un tronc d'arbre creufé, qu'ils battent ou de la main, ou avec des bâtons. Ils ont auffi des Tambours à la Morefque, qui reffemblent à un Corbillon d'Oublieur, traverfez par des petites cordes qu'ils touchent d'une main, pendant que de l'autre ils le frapent d'un bâton…. (p.120)

Les Guiriotz accordent ces differens inftrumens au fon de leur voix peu mélodieufe, & chantent ainfi les loüanges des perfonnes confidérables. Celles qu'ils leur donnent d'ordinaire, c'eft qu'ils font grands Seigneurs, riches, auffi puiffans que les Blancs qui font les grands efclaves du Roy, & en un mot une infinité de pareilles fottifes. (p.122)

Ceux-ci font ravis de ces éloges, & récompenfent largement le Guiriot qui aura dit quelque bon mot pour eux. Ils pouffent même fi loin la reconnoiffance à cet égard, que je leur ai vû ôter jufqu'à leurs habits pour en payer ces fades & fauffes loüanges. Quand ils manquent à récompenfer ces coquins, il les décrient, en publiant d'eux dans les Villages autant de mal qu'ils en ont dit de bien, ce qui eft le plus grand affront qu'ils puiffent recevoir. (p.122)

C'eft pour eux le comble de l'honneur quand le Guiriot du Roy chante leurs loüanges, auffi eft-il bien recompenfé: car ils lui donnent jufqu'a deux & trois bœufs, & enfin la meilleure partie de ce qu'ils ont. (p.123)

Ces Guiriotz s'avifent auffi de chanter nos loüanges, en criant que nous fommes grands, riches, & Seigneurs de la mer. Mais ils ne trouvent pas leur compte avec nous, qui n'en fommes pas fi friands que les Negres. (p.123)

Alors on promene cette paigne dans le Village accompagnée de plufieurs Guiriotz, qui chantent les loüanges de la femme & le bonheur du mary. (p.144)

...Voyant qu'il ne répond point, ils s'en vont, & font place à d'autres qui en difent autant, pendant que les Guiriots ne ceffent point de chanter fes belles qualitez. (p.146)

...Les hommes s'exercent à la luite, & font en s'approchant des poftures ridicules, & en fe montrant le doigt, le poing ou le pied. Dans cette occafion il y en a toûjours quelqu'un qui fait le Guiriot, & qui frappe fur un chaudron, ou un tambour pour les encourager. Comme ils font nuds, ils ony bien de la peine à fe terrasser. Quand un l'eft, le Guiriot vante la valeur du victorieux, il l'exhorte à faire encore mieux contre le champion qui fuit celui-là. Ils fe donnent de rudes fecouffes, & le vaincu tombe lourdement. (p.155)

Les Guiriotz avec leurs inftrumens & leurs tambours, celebrérent les loüanges du victorieux, en lui difant, Tu meritois mieux cela que l'autre, le Roy t' a fait juftice, tu es plus beau, plus riche, plus vaillant, &c. (p.169)

...Ce revers de fortune fit changer de ton aux Guiriotz, & ils loüerent celui qu'ils venoient de blâmer. Telle eft la perfidie du Prince & de fes fujets. (p.170)

...Ils marchent fans aucun ordre de bataille, même dans le païs Ennemi. Les Guiriotz les excitent au Combat par le fon de leurs inftrumens.” (p.177)
[Les Voyages du Sieur Le Maire aux Iles Canaries, Cap-Verd, Senegal et Gambie, Dancourt, 1695]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 02:55 AM

“Though they have no Wit, or any Talent of a Genius, yet they are exceffive Lovers of Praifes and Adulation; fo that there are a fort of People call'd Guiriotz, whofe bufinefs it is to perform this piece of Service. Thefe Guiriotz carry a fort of Drums near four or five Feet in length, made of a hollow Trunk of a Tree, which they Beat either with their Hands, or with fmall Sticks. There are alfo Morefque Drums, refembling Baskets, crofs'd over with little Cords, which the finger with one Hand whilft they strike with the other…. (p.82)

Thefe Guiriots Tune thefe feveral Inftruments to their Voice, which is very harfh; and they Sing Panegyricks of their Men of the beft account. The general Topicks are, that they are great Lords, Rich, and as Puiffant as the White Men, who are great Slaves of a King and, in a word, an infinite number of fuch foolifh expreffions. (p.83)

Thefe Perfons are Transported with theit Elogies, and largely recompence these Guiriots, who sing their Praifes. They make their Acknowledgements at fo great a rate, that I have seen them ftrip themfelves to reward these falfe and fulfom Flateries. When thefe Varlets mifs of their expected Fees they fall a railing, and pubifh in the Villages as many bafe things as they can rip together angainft them, contradicting whatever they had faid good of them; which is look'd upon to be the grandeft Affront imaginable. (p.83)

...'Tis efteem'd a very great Honour when the King's Guiriot Sings any ones Praifes and he never fails of a good Reward, they fometimes giving 2 or 3 Bullocks, and often the best part of their Goods. (p.83)

...These Guiriots do not omit the Singing the fame ftuff to us, crying, That we are Great, and Rich Lords of the Sea; but they fcarce find it worth their while amongft us, fince we are not fuch fenfelefs Boobies as the Negers. (p.84)

...Afterwards they walk about the Village, carrying this Cloth in Proceffion, being accompany'd with feveral of the Guiriots, who Sing the Praifes of the fair Lady, and their Wedding Joys. (p.96)

...Seeing he can get nothing in answer, he withdraws, and makes room for another, who fays as much: In the mean time the Guiriots do not fail of finging his Encomium. (p.98)

The Men Exercife themfelves in Wreftling, and approach each other in very ridiculous Poftures, holding up their Fingers, Fist, or Foot. On thefe occafions they always have one that plays the part of a Guiriot, rattling upon the bottom of a Kettle, or upon a Drum, to excite their Courage; as they are Naked, they have much ado to fling each other upon the Ground. When one is down, the Guiriot Sings and extols the Valour of the Conqueros, and exhorts the reft to play their Parts againft the Champion, better than he that engag'd last…. (p.103)

The Guiriots, with their Inftruments and the Drums, Celebrated the Priafes of the Victorious, faying to him, You Merit this Dignity far beyond the other, and the King has done you nothing but Juftice: You are by much the finer Man, more Rich, more Potent, and more Valiant, &c. (p.112)

...This Reverfe of Fortune foon chang'd the Notes of the Guiriots, and they began to Extol him they had before Decry'd. Such is the Perfidy of the Prince and the Inftability of his Subjects. (p.113)

...They march without any order of Difcipline, even in the Enemy's Country. The Guiriotz excite them to Combat by the found of their Inftruments.” (p.117)
[A Voyage of the Sieur Le Maire to the Canary Iflands, Cape-Verd, Senegal and Gamby, Dancourt, 1696]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 03:03 AM

Chantwell: Southern Antillean Chantymen

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 03:23 AM

“Celeufma, fcheepzang, fchippersdeuntje."
[Woordenschat, Meyer, 1720]

“HÓU, in Hóu, celeufma, eheus!, Hóubootsman, celeuftes' Hóulyk, Hóulyken, en Hóubaer, nubilis; zie daer van bij 't volgende HóUD, in deze Proeve.
De Wortel-en Zaek-deelen…
...Voorts Hóu! celeusma, eheus! een geroep om iemand aen- of op- te houden; waer van Hóu-bóótsman, celeuftes; als zijnde tot zulk Hou-roepen aengeftelt;..."
[Aenleiding Tot de Kennisse van het Verhevene Deel der Nederduitsche Sprake, Kate, 1723]

“Antreiben. Incitare.
Antereiber. Hortator, excitor, instigator
Reizer, Instigator, instinctor, allector, hortator, stimulator.
Schiffleuthen gefchrey. Celeufma."
[Dictionarium Latino-Germanicum, Frisius, 1723]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 03:29 AM

“Celeufma. oris, n. g. A mufica, ou alarido nautico do marinheiros; ou cantar de lagareiros; item, pê de quatro fyllabas breves. I. b. Mart. 3. 67.
Celeufmaticus a, um. Cousa de grita de marinheiros. I. 2.4.b.Græc.
Celeuftmatieus pes. Pê de quatro fyllabas breves. Cath.
Celeuftes, æ. m.g. O comitre, ou piloto, ou o que com gritos excitaos os marinheiros. I. b. Græc.
Celeustos, i, m. g. A dança I. b. Amalth.
Grita. Clamor, oris Conclamtio, onis.
Grita de Navigantes. Celeufma, atis.
Gritador. Clamator, oris.
Gritadora. Vociferans, antis.
Gritar. Clamo, as Vociferor, aris
Grito. Vociferat o onis Vociferatus, ûs.
Salamear os marinheiros. Celeufma acclamare.
[Prosodia in Vocabularium Bilingue, Latinum, et Lusitanum, Pereyra, 1723]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Feb 22 - 11:56 PM

Earlier African (Arabic?) Guiriot with French translation for Basteleur.

“...Les Guiriots, qui font comme leurs Bafteleurs, & dont ie parleray par occafion, courent par les Villages ayans ie ne fcay quels tambours pendus à leur col & frappans des mains deffius, crioyent que la femme de l'Akaire eftoit morte, adjouftans à ces advertiffements quantité de paroles de loüanges, à l'honneur de la deffuncte.” (p.71)

“…Ils eftoyent precedez des Guiriots, faifans grand bruit de leurs tambours: les Parents, Amis & Voifins fuiuent le corps, avec force cris, & tesmoignoyent de tres grands reffentiments.” (p.73)

“...A la fin de ce feftin, un chacun s'amaffa en une grande place pur dance, n'ayants autres inftruments que des tambours que leurs Guiriots touchent affez rudement, gardans pourtant quelque mefure...” (p.85-86)
[Relation du Voyage du Cap-Verd, S. Lo, 1637]

Note:
Bafteler: To iugle, or tumble; alfo, to play the buffoone, or foole; to talke verie much, and verie idly; alfo, to toffe, or wander uncertainely up and downe.
Bafteleur:A iugler, tumbler, puppet-player,; one that profeffeth any of thofe arts; also, one that leades bears, apes, baboons, or dauncing dogges about the country, and gets a fcuruie living by them.
[Cotgrave, 1611 & 1632]

Balatro

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 12:05 AM

“The two Fleets being thus prepard for Battle, they made their Addreffes to their Gods according to Cuftom, the whole Multitude repeating with a Keleufma, or general Shout, the Words of their Chiefs; thefe however feeing the Danger they were in, were in no fmall Concern for the Succefs of the Battle.”
[Antiquity Explained and Represented in Sculptures, Vol.3rd, Montfaucon, 1722]


“celeufna, vel celeumam, atis, neut. genr- L'enhortment des mariners, ou autres gens qui s'efforcent de faire quelque chofe.
celeuftes, celeuftæ, m, ge. Tel embarteur & donneur de courage.
paufarius, A Seneca vocatur qui remigibus modos dat & remigandi officium quadam quafi paufa moderatur.”
[Dictionariolum Latino Gallicum, 1602]


“opper bootfman. Celeuftes, g. ftæ, m.”
[Biglotton sive Dictionarium Teuto-Latinum Novum, Binnart, 1661]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 12:06 AM

“Es antigua coftumbre en nueftros Navios, el que fiempre que fe ofrece hacer algun trabajo, forman un cantico los Marineros que llaman Salomar; en el que dicen exquifitas cofas, que verdaderamente caufan entretenimiento; y fe ha hecho tan neceffario efte modo de cantar, y Salomar, que todos exercitan las fuerças à un mifmo tiempo en el trabajo que hacen, y es gufto oìrlos, con que ferà conveniente no dexen efta coftumbre.”
[Directorio Maritimo, Màrquez, 1728]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 12:07 AM

ҠCeleuma. Tis. n. &
* Celeufma, atis. n. Afc. Pæd. Cri des matelots qui rament, m. Pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage. Signal qu'on donne aux Matelots ou aux Rameurs, foit de vive voix, foit avec un fiflet, pour leur marquer les differentes manœuvres.
Celeuftes, æ. m. Bud. Celui qui a foin de faite faire le devoir aux Mariniers, ou autres Ouvriers; Comite, Piqueur. m.
Helciarius, ii. m. Apul. Bourrelier. m.
Helciarius, a, um. Mart. Qui tire un batteau avec une corde. ? Qui tire quelque chofe avec une corde.
*Helcium, ii. m. Apul. Colier m. de cheval où l'on attache les traits avec lefquels il tire.
Pausarius, ii. m. Sen. Comite m. de Galere, Officier qui fait voguer la chiourme.”
[Dictionarium Universale Latino-Gallicum , Boudot, 1728]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Feb 22 - 08:15 PM

“Alarido, I. Grita: A roaring, clamouring, or outcry.
Alarido de marinhéiros: A fhout or noife with Seamen when they join their forces, or an Huzza.

Rebém de comítre: The boatfwain of a fhip, or one that governs the feamen when coming to an anchor.

Salameár os marinhéiros: To make a noife, or huzza like the seamen.”
[A Compleat Account of the Portugueze Language, A.J., 1701]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Feb 22 - 08:15 PM

“Alarido, ziet, grita. Gefchreeuw, geroep, geruchtmaaking.
Alarído de marinhéiros. Scheeps gefchreeuw, waar mede 't fcheepsvolk, bootsgefellen, of, matroofen malkanderen onder 't fcheeps werk aanmoedigen.
Gríta. Geroep, gefchreeuw.
Gríta de navogántes. Het fcheepsgeroep, of gefchreeuw, 't welk 't fcheeps-volk, onder 't doen van 't fcheeps werk makt.
Gritadór. Een roeper, fchreeuwer, geraasmaaker.
Salameár, of, marinhéiros. Een gefchreeuw, of geroep, gelyk de matroofen, of 't fcheeps-volk maaken.”
[Vocabulario das duas Liguas Portugueza e Flamenga, Alewyn, 1718]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Feb 22 - 08:17 PM

“Zaloma, es la cancion, que tienen los Marineros, quando halan, y tiran de un aparejo, ò cabo, ù otra cofa, en que uno canta, ò zaloma, y los demàs refponded, y tiran à una.”
[Vocabulario Maritimo, 1722]


“opper boots-man. Celeuftes, g. ftæ, m. g”
[Novum dictionarium Belgico-Latinum, Pomey, 1725]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Feb 22 - 08:19 PM

“AY'SSA, the cry of failors when the hoife anchor, or any other great weight, that they may all pull together, Our failors cry hoife.
CALOMA'R, the fong or cry of failors when they hale at a rope all together.
Yça, a word us'd by failors, to pull together, in weighing anchor or hoifing the yards, as ours cry hoife.”
[A New Dictionary, Spanish and English, Stevens, 1726]


“CALOMAR.f.m. Cierto canto y tono que hacen los marineros, quando tiran de algun cabo ò cofa que fe requiere tirar muchos juntos à una, y con efte clamór fe aunan para el punto de aplicar la fuerza, y fe animan unos à otros. Palac. Inftr. Naut. Oy fe dice Zalomar.Lat.Celeúfma,tos.
[Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, Tom.II, Real Academia Española, 1729]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Feb 22 - 02:38 AM

“ZALAMERIA. (Zalameria) f.f. El exceffo de la adulacion en palabras, ò acciones. Viene de la voz Arábiga Zala, ù de la de Zalema. Lat. Blandiloquentia.
ZALEMA. f.f. La reverencia, ò cortefia humilde en demoftracion de fumifsion. Tómafe de la voz Arábiga Zalemaq, con que fe faludan los Moros, y los trahe Corvarr. en fu Thefóro. Lat. Summifsio humilis. Espin. Efcud. Relac.I. Defc.13. Haciendoles grandes zalemas, les dió un apofento, que tenia aderezado para los Mercaderes. Alfar. Part.2. lib.2. cap.9. Quando entró en la pieza, y vió à Dorotéa defalada, y los pechos por tierra, fe lanzó à fus pies, haciendole mil zalemas.
ZALOMA. f.f. Voz náutica efpecie de tono, con que fe llaman los Marineros, para executar juntos alguna faena. Lat. Vox ad Nautas citandos, vel vocandos. Cerv. Perfil. Lib.2 cap.21. Yá en efto, echa la zaloma, y arrojado el efquife.
ZALOMAR. v.a. Llamarfe, ò convocarfe los Marineros para alguna faena, animandofe para trabajar à un tiempo. Fórmafe de la voz Zaloma. Palac. Inftr. Naut. Lat. Nautas convocare, vel citare.”
[Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, Tom.VI, Real Academia Española, 1730]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Feb 22 - 02:40 AM

“Comito di galera. Hic Celeuftes, celeuftis.
Tirator d' alzana. Hic Helciarius, helciarij.”
[Vocabolario Italiano, e Latino, Glaribanio, 1730]


“Salêma. a gritaria dos marinheiros, melhor Celeuma. Salêma tambem he hum appellido, e nome de peixe.”
[Orthographia, ou Arte de Escrever, e Pronunciar com Acerto a Lingua Portugueza, Feijó, 1734]


“Calomar. Lûcher la gumene, ou autre cordage.
El calomar, m. Le ton que les mariniers chantent pour tirer & faire effort tout ensemble.
[Diccionario Nuevo de las Lenguas Española y Francesa, Tom.I, Sobrino, 1734]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Feb 22 - 02:42 AM

“Calomar. Il canto che fanno i marinari quando tirano d' accordo per accrefcer la forza nel tirare.
Hizar, o yzar. Vocabolo che ufano i marinari nell' accordarfi, & animarfi à levar qualche pefo, noi diremoso iffare.
Yça, Vocabolo che ufano i marinari, o forzati quando d' accordo fanno qualche forza, e noi diciamo iffa.
Yçar, Iffare vedi yça.”
[Vocabolario Español e Italiano, Franciosini, 1735]


“CELEUMA, & CELEUSMA, atis. Cri, clameur des Matelots, des rameurs.
CELEUSTES, a. Piqueur, Comite.”
[Dictionnaire Universel François et Latin, 1736]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Feb 22 - 02:43 AM

“Celeusta. Masculino. Antiguedades griega. Eel que daba las órdenes á los marineros y remeros…. Francés, céleuste.
Celéustica. Femenino. Diddáctica. Arte de transmitir las órdenes por medio de sonidos músicos.
Celéusticamente. Adverbio de modo. Por medio de la celéustica…. Francés, céleustique.”
[Primer Diccionario General Etimológico de la Lengua Española, Archdekin, 1737]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:44 PM

c.1650AD.
“...And the greateft part of thefe Sluces are pafs'd through with a great deal of eafe. But there are fome which are not to be fhot, but with a great deal of Pains and Danger. More efpecially one, which the Chinefes call Tien Fi-cha, or the Queen and Miftrefs of Heaven; thereby to exprefs in Hyperbolical Terms the extraordinary Height of it. When the Barks are row'd against the Stream, and come to the bottom of this Sluce, the Watermen faften to the Prow a great number of Cables and Cordage, which are drawn on both fides of the Canal, by four or Five Hundred Men, and fometimes more, according to the Burthen of the Veffel, and the Weight of the Lading. Others at the fame time labour at Capftanes plac'd upon the Walls of the Sluce, which are very broad and built of Free-Stone. Besides the Ropes already mention'd, there are others which are very strong, wound about great Pilars of Stone or Wood to hold the veffel if any of the other Cordage fhould chance to break. When these Cords are all faften'd, they begin to Haule by degrees, as it were keeping time to the found of a Bafon*, upon which they knock at firft but foftly, and with fome intervals between the ftroakes : but when half the Bark at leaft is rais'd to the height of the upper Channel, in regard the Current is then much ftronger, they knock upon the Bafon with thicker ftroaks; at what time the Four or Five Hundred Haule all together with loud Hey Boys, and give fuch a stretch, that the Veffel mounts up in a moment, and is fecur'd in the dead Water between the fides of the Canal and the middle of the of the Current.”
[A New History of China, Magalhaens, 1688]

* Gong.
Grand Canal (China)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:46 PM

“Boffeman, S.M. A Boatfwain of a ship.

Comite, S.M. The officer of a galley, who has particular command over the flaves.

Voix, (chanteur, chanteufe.) Voice, finger.

Voix, (en termes de mer.) The fong employed by failors, in hoifting, hauling, heaving, &c.

Donner la voix. To fing out, as in hauling , hoifting, heaving, &c.

A la voix! Mind the man that fings!”
[The Royal Dictionary Abridged, Boyer, 1738]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:47 PM

“Hou, Anglis, Gallis, & plerisque Europæis eft Vox inhibentium curfum, impetum, &c…. eft Celeufma remigan– “tium, jubems quiefcere ac renos inhibere”.

Shoute, Acclamare. shout for joy, Jubilare. shouting of mariners, Celeufma. shout before the battell, Clamor eorum, qui in hoftilem aciem irrumpere parant. Fartaffe corruptum eft verbum ex G. chathuant, Noctua; ut primò ufurpatum fit de acuto illo streperóque clamore, quem nocturno tempore edunt ululæ, poftea verò translatum quoque fit ad nauticas exhortationes ac triftem bellantium barritum five uluatum.”
[Etymologicum Anglicanum, Junius-Lye, 1743]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:48 PM

“Calomar, veafe zalomar.
Comitre de galera, arraunarizaya. Lat. Remigum hortator.
Zaloma, lo que cantan, y repiten los Marienros al hazer alguna faena, es voz Bafcongada, zaloma, zaleuma, que fignifica lo mifmo, de donde la tomó el Griego, y defpues el Latin celeufma, tis, Vox hortatoria.
Zalomar, zalomatu, zaleumatu Lat. Celeufma canere.
Zalomero, zalomaria, zaleumaria, Lat. Celeuftes, æ, hortator.”
[Diccionario Triligüe del Castellano, Bascuence y Latín, Tom.I-II, Larramendi, 1745]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:53 PM

c.1745AD
Kuchelavritham Vanchippattu
Ramapurathu Warrier (1703–1753)
Chundan vallam

“Sitting two to a row along the length of the boat, there will be 64 paddlers, representing 64 art forms (or on occasion 128 paddlers). They row in rhythm of the vanchipattu ('boat[man's] song'). There will be around 25 singers in a row at the middle between the paddlers. In the middle of the second half of the boat is a platform for eight people to stand from where the cantor will lead the song. They represent the Ashtadikpalakas (Devas or gods who guard the eight directions).” [wiki]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:54 PM

“3. K???, jubeo, to command….
† 3. alfo ti exhort, to induce… to cry out as the commanders of veffels do to failors to encourage them…. celeufma, the fhout or noife of mariners when they do any thing with joint ftrength ; voice found, exhortation, command.”
[The Primitives of the Greek Tongue, Lancelot, 1748]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Feb 22 - 03:18 AM

“VEA, VEA, VEA, [a Seaman's Cry] when they work or pull ftrongly together.”
[An Universal Etymological English Dictionary, Bailey, 1721]


“*CELEUSMA, atis. n. Bibl. Cri de joie , chanfon. Celeufma nauticum. MART. Le cri des Rameurs, le fignal qu'on leur donnoit avec des inftrumens, (… , hortor.) Hinc.
*CELEUSTES, a. m. Un Comite, celui qui a foin de faire faire le devoir aux Matelots.”
[Novitius seu Dictionarium Latini Gallicum, Paris, 1750]


“Celeufma, non celeuma, atis, pc. in obl. Es la grita de los Marineros, y de otras perfonas, quando à la voz de uno refponden los otros, lo que aquel uno manda. Hier.25.cap.48. & 51. fe toma por cantar de vindimiadores, y pifadores de lagar,... porque tambien al pifar la uba fe canta. Vide ibi Rob.”
[Lexicon Ecclesiasticum Latino Hispanicum, Arias, 1750]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Feb 22 - 03:20 AM

“Noise…
The mariners noife, *Celeufma, n.”
[Thesaurus Linguae Latineas, 3rd. ed, Ainsworth, 1751]


“CELEUMA, & CELEUSMA, atis, Cri, clameur des Matelots, des rameurs.
CELEUSTES, æ. Piqueur, Comite.”
[Dictionnaire Universel Francois et Latin, 1752]


“Gridu. grido. clamor. [per fama. grido. nomen [Gridu di marinari uniformi, o Celeufma. celeufma. V.I. celeufma, vel celeuma, atis. [Gridu di cui fi doli. guajo. ejulatio, ejulatus. [Aviri, o farfi gridu. avere o farfi grido. in omnium ore, fermone verfari, vel magnam apud homines exiftimationem fibi conciliare. [Fari grida, comu un arfu, ec. v. Gridario.
[Dizionario Siciliano Italiano Latino, Vol.II, Bono, 1752]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Feb 22 - 03:24 AM

“CELEUSMA, atis. n. Afcon. Pæd. ou Celeuma, atis. n. Mart. … Ordre ?ou fignal que les Officiers donnoient aux matelots ou aux rameurs, de vive voix ou avec un fiflet, pour faire les manœuvres differentes. [Quelques-uns difent que e'eft le cri les Rameurs font tous à la fois, pour dire qu'il font tous prêts, & pour s'exhorter à executer le commandement qu'on veut leur faire.
CELEUSTES, æ. M. Bud. Celui qui a foin de faire faire le devoir aux matelotes.
CLAMÖR, oris: m. Cri, clameur. Clamor… ?clamor nauticus Virg. Le cri des matelots.”
[Dictionarium Novum Latino-Gallicum, 1753]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Mar 22 - 02:10 PM

“Celeuma, ou
Celeufma: cri, fignal qu'un donne aux matelots.
Celeuftes: commandant des mariniers, ou d'autres ouvriers, piqueur.”
[Vocabulaire Universel Latin-François, Compré-Guerin-Delatour, 1754]


“(l) *Aug, de Cant. Novo, cap.2.tom.9. Celeufma, Grita de marineros.
Zeleufma, grita de Marineros. 489.”
[Camino Real dela Cruz, Haeften, 1755]


“Mariner,… Exortador dels mariners. Celeuftes, æ, hortator, oris. La exortaciò dell Celeuma, atis, celeufina. Maritim, ó cofa maritima. Maritimus, a, um.”
[Dictionarium, seu Thesaurus Catalano-Latinus, Torre-Pere, 1757]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Mar 22 - 02:11 PM

“ACCORDE. Commandement que l'on fait aux rameurs, pour les faire voguer enfemble.
CARACORE. Efpece de galere, en ufage aux Indes, & furtout dans l'ifle de Borneo & dans les Moluques…. C'est en chantant, en battant la caiffe, ou en jouant de quelque inftrument de mufique, qu'on commande aux rameurs ce qu'ils ont a faire, & ils fe reglent par-là pour la maniere dont ils doivent ramer.
COMITE. Bas officier de galere, qui commande la chiourme, & qui a foin de ne pas epargner les coups de gourdin aux forçats, pour les faire ramer. Il eft auffi chargé de placer autant d'hommes d'un côté, que de l'autre de la galere, afin qu'elle ne penche point; ce ;qu'on appelle Eftiver la galere. Les galériens l'appellent Notre homme, pour lui rappeller fans doute les fentimens d'humanité dont il eft important pour eux qu'il foit pénétré.
HALER. Ce terme fignifie généralement Roidir, tirer à foi, pefer fur un cable ou fur une manœuvre. Quand les matelots halent fur une manœuvre, plufeurs enfemble, le contre-maître dit à haute voix ce mot, hale, & à l'inftant tous les matelots agiffent fur le cordage. Le même homme, lorfqu'il faut haler une bouline, les avertit par ces trois mots, un, deux , trois, & au mot trois ils donnent tous d’un commun effort la fecouffe à la bouline. En manœuvrant les couets, on crie trois fois, amure; & pour l’écoute, on crie trois fois, borde; & au troifieme cri, on hale fur la manœuvre.
HINSER. Commandement de tirer en haut, ou de hiffer.
HISSE, HISSE. Commandement redoublé, qui marque qu'il faut hilfer promptement.
HISSER. C'eft hauffer ou élever quelque chofe.
HISSER EN DOCEUUR. C’e?t hiffer lentement ou doucement.
OH! DU NAVIRE! HOLA! Cri que l'on fait pour parler à l'équipage d’un vaiffeau , dont on ne fçait pas le nom. Si au contraire on le fçait, on le nomme en criant: oh d'un tel vaiffeau, comme du Foudroyant, de l'Intrépide, &c.
OH D'EN HAUT! C’eft ainfi que ceux qui font fur le pont d'un vaiffeau, crient à ceux qui font fur les mâts ou fur les vergues.
OH HISSE! OH HALE! OH SAILLE! OH RIDE! Ce font des cris que l'on fait en différens temps, pour s’accorder dans certains travaux où l’on eft plufieurs, foit qu’il faille hiffer, haler, pouffer ou rider quelque chofe.
UN, DEUX, TROIS. Ces trois mots font prononcés par celui qui fait haler la bouline, & au dernier les travailleurs agiffent en même temps.
VOIX. On fous-entend à la. Commandement aux gens de l'équipage, de travailler à la fois, lorfqu’on donner la voix.
        On appelle Donner la voix, lorfque par un cri, comme oh hiffe! &c. on avertit les gens de l'équipage, de faire leurs efforts tous à la fois.”
[Dictionnaire Historique Theorique et Pratique de Marine, Vol. I-II, Saverien, 1758]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Mar 22 - 02:12 PM

“CALOMAR, f.m. Cri, ton des matelots lorfqu'ils manœuvrent dans le vaiffeau. Lat. Celeufma, tos.
CHIRRIAR, T. de marine. Donner du fifflet, commande que le Comite d'une galere ou autres officiers de vaiffeau fout, pour faire manœuvrer la chiourme, ou les matelots.
ZALOMAR, v. a. T. de marine. Appeller les matelots à la manœuvre. Lat. Nautis fignum dare.
[Nouveau Dictionnaire François-Espagnol et Latin, Vol.I, 1759]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Mar 22 - 02:14 PM

“CELEUMA, atis. n. Afc. Ped. on Celeusma, atis. n. Mart. Cri des matelots pur s'encourager à la manœuvre. Coup de fifflet pour animer les rameurs. Cri de joye. Bibl.
CELEUSTES, ae. m. Officier qui donnoit le fignal pour animer les matelots. Eud.
HORTATIVUS, a, Um. Adj. Qui fert à exhorter, à encourager. Quint.
HORTATOR, oris. m. Qui exhorte, qui follicite, qui anime, qui ecite. Cic.
PAUSARIUS, ii. m. Comite, Officier de galére, qui fait voguer la chiourme, Senec.”
[Generalis Dictionarii Latino-Gallici, 1759]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Mar 22 - 03:32 AM

Phil - you've posted so much good stuff at Mudcat, and I've really appreciated it. There are times when I would like to contact you privately. Might you like to send me your email address, so I can contact you if I have a question.

Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor - [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Apr 22 - 03:32 AM

“Celeufma, atis, Algazara de marineros quando descubren tierra y alabanzas divinas.
Celeustes, æ, m.g. Comitre de Galera.”
[Compendium Latino-Hispanum, Salas, 1761]


“STEEV'ING, is ftowing Cotton or Wool, by forcing it with Screws.
VEA, VEA, VEA, [a Seaman's Cry] when they work or pull ftrongly together.”
[An Universal Etymological English Dictionary, 1761]


“CALOMA'R, the fong or cry of failors, when they hale at a rope altogether.
To HOUT, v.n. gritár, hacér alarídos, vocerías, ò algazáras.
To hout, filvár a uno reírse del.
A HOUTING, f. grito, voceria, algazára, alarido, algaráda.
ZALO'MA, f.f. the cry ufed by failors working on board a ship.
ZALOMA'R, v.a. to cry as failors do when they work on board.”
[A Dictionary, Spanish and English, and English and Spanish, Pino, 1763]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Apr 22 - 03:34 AM

“Alarido de marinheiros. Vide Faina. Vide Celeuma.

Celeuma, (termo nautico) vozeria dos marinheiros. Cry des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage (Celeufma, atis)

Faina, (termo nautico) a vozeria com que os marinheiros fe incitaõ a fazer o feu officio refpondendo, ou repetindo vozes a hum que as entoa fó, para final de que todos a huma maó ponhaó o hombro, ou pieto ao trabalho. Cry des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage. (Celeufma, tis: nauticus clamor, oris.)

Grita de navegantes. Vide Faina.

Gritador, homem que grita muito, que grita quando fall. Criard, qui criaille, qui fait bien du bruit. (Clamtor, oris)

Salema, vozaria de marinheiros: he derivado da palavra Grego-Latina Celeuma. Vide Fayna.

Salamear, termo de marinheiro, fazer a faloma, ou falema. Vide Salema. Vide Fayna.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire des Langues Françoise et Portugaise, Marques, 1764]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Apr 22 - 03:35 AM

“VEA, VEA, VEA, (a Seaman's Cry) when they work or pull ftrongly together. Hug, Hig, Hig, een Matroozen Woord als zy faamen hard werken of trekken.”
[A New and Complete Dictionary of Terms of Art, Buys, 1768]


“CELEUSMA, cri de plusieurs personnes,chant de réjouïffance que font les Mariniers quand ils prennent port,ou qu'ils aprochent de la Terre.Ilen eft par lé en trois endroits de la Prophetie de Jeremie,Rugiens rugiet fuper decorem fuum: Celeufma quafi calcantium concinetur, adversùs omnes habitatores terra, faisant allufion aux chanfons de ceux qui foulent les raifins, ch.25.v. 30. Dans le ch48.v.33. il dit qu'il a ôté toute la joïe du Carmel, qu'il a fait répandre le vin des preffoirs, & que celui qui foule les raifins, ne chantera plus ces cantiques acoûtumez. Nequaquam calcator uve folitum Celeufma cantabit.”
[Le Grande Dictionaire de la Bible, Vol.I, Certe, 1703, Ponthus, 1768]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Apr 22 - 03:38 AM

“CARACORO, Spezie di galera ufata dagl' Indiani, e fingolarmente nell' Ifola di Borneo, e nelle Moluche. Ella è ftretta, aguzza, e baffa dalla poppa, e dalla prua.…

...Quando vuolfi comandare alcuna cofa a quefti rematori, ciò fi fa da coloro, o cantando, o battendo il tamburo, o fuonando al cuno inftrumento; ed effi da ciò fi regolano per la maniera, colla qua le debbon vogare.”
[Dizionario Istorico Teorico E Pratico Di Marine, Saverien, 1769]

Karakoa

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Apr 22 - 10:40 AM

“ACCORD, the order to pull together on a rope or tackle; alfo to row together, or pull uniformly with the oars.
CONTRE-MAITRE, boatfwain of a fhip.
HISSE, HISSE, hoift away! hoift heartily!
HOLA-HO, a cry which anfwers to yoe-hoe.
O! d'en haul, yoa-hoa, aloft there! maft-head there! &c, the cry from the deck to thofe who are aloft, to attend to fome order,
O! hiffe, O! hale, O! faille, O! ride, the method of finging out, as a fignal to hoift, haul, or roufe together, on a tackle or rope.
SAILLE! a manner of fhouting amongft the failors, as a fignal to pull or heave all at once.
UN, deux, trois, an exclamation, or fong', ufed by feamen when hauling the bowlines, the greateft effort being made at the laft word. Englifh failors, in the fame manner, call out on this occafion —haul-in—haul-two— haul-belay!
Donner la VOIX, to fing out; as in hauling, hoifting, heaving, &c.
WINDLASS, ...As this machine is heaved about in a vertical direction, it is evident that, the effort of an equal number of men acting upon it will be much more powerful than on the capftern; becaufe their whole weight and ftrength are applied more readily to the end of the lever employed to turn it about. Whereas, in the horizontal movement of the capftern, the exertion of their force is confiderably diminifhed. It requires, however, fome dexterity and addrefs to manage the handfpec to the greateft advantage; and to perform this the failors muft all rife at once upon the windlafs, and, fixing their bars therein, give a fudden jerk at the fame inftant, in which movement they are regulated by a fort of fong or howl pronounced by one of their number.

The moft dextrous managers of the handfpec in heaving at the windlafs are generally fuppofed the colliers of Northumberland: and of all European mariners, the Dutch are certainly the moft aukward and fluggifh in this manœuvre.
[An Universal Dictionary of the Marine, Falconer, Vol.I-II, 1769]

William Falconer (1732–c.1770)

See also: Reidler.

Note: Judging from the number of Falconer citations on Mudcat, Wiki &c, the 'proto-shanty' advent horizon is somewhere along about here.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Apr 22 - 10:41 AM

“CALOMAR, f.m. Air que les mariniers chantent pour tirer & faire effort tous enfemble. Lat. Celeufma, tos.
HA, interj…. Lat. Ha! Hei! Heu!
Ha, en termes de Marine eft un cri dont on fe fert pour faire agir les matelots de concert & tous à la fois.
        O Luzbel ha! No me efcucha.
        O Soberbia ha! No me entiende.
        O Envidia ha! De oir fe ofende.
ZALOMA, f.f. Terme de Marine. Cri que font les matelots pour appeller leurs camarades lorfqu'il y a quelque manœuvrer à faire. Lat. Vox ad nautas citandos.
ZALOMAR, v.a., Appeller les matelots pour manœuvrer. Lat. Nautas convocare.”
[Sobrino Aumentado o Nuevo Diccionario de las Lenguas Española, Francesa y Latina, Vol.I-II, Corman, 1769]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Apr 22 - 10:41 AM

“O , eft fouvent une interjection, & on s'en fert pour invoquer à fon fecours, pour admirer, pour fe plaindre, pour fe moquer, invectiver, & faite toutes fortes d'exclamations. O Dieu immortel! O que cela eft beau!O qu'il eft ridicule! O que j'ai mal à la tête! &c. Omon Pere, lui dis-je tout effrayé, ces gens là étoient-ils Chrétiens! Pasc.

On fe fert fouvent de ce terme fur mer pour appeler ceux à qui on veut parler: la raifon eft que le ton de ce mot eft fort, &c f e fait entendre de loin; il rend attentifs ceux à qui on adreffe la parole. O du navire, fe dit lorfqu étant en route, on veut parler à ceux d'un navire dont on ne fair pas le nom. O du Neptune, hola, &c. pour parler à ceux du vaiffeau appelé Neptune. O d'en-haut, difent ceux qui font fur le pont; pour parler à ceux qui font fur les mats, & les vergues, &c. O hale, ô hiffe, &c. fe dit pour avertir de haler , de-hiffer, &c.”
[Dictionnaire Universel Francois et Latin, Vol.VI, Mit-Pro, 1771]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Apr 22 - 12:10 PM

“CHANTER. C'eft crier diftinctement & à pleine gorge, hiffa - ho, ha, hiffa , ho, hiffe, afin qu'au dernier mot exprimé avec plus de force que les autres, tous les gens rangés fur les manœuvres halent enfemble de toutes leurs forces. On chante de différentes manieres, felon les circonftances & l'efpèce de travail.

DONNER la voix. C'eft une maniere de crier lentement, en prononçant quelques mots, à la fin defquels tous ceux qui font rangés fur la manœuvre, tirent enfemble avec force pour faire travailler comme on le défire. Donne la voix, c'eft commander à un des Travailleurs de chanter, hiffa, ho, hi, hiffa, ho, hiffe. Voyez CHANTER.

CHANTER. Ceft crier diftinctement & à pleine gorge, hiffa – ho, ha, hiffa, ho, hiffe, afin qu'au dernier mot exprimé avec plus de force que les autres, tous les gens rangés fur les manœuvres halent enfemble de toutes leurs forces. On chante de différentes manieres, felon les circonftances & l'efpèce de travail.

O! HISSE. ô! faille. ô! hale. ô! Ride. Maniere courte de donner la voix, pour faire réunir les efforts de chaque homme dans le mème inftant, afin de produire un plus grand effet.

REPRISE de main. C'eft reprendre la Manœuvre plus haut en y portant la main; lorfqu'on hiffe main-fur-main, ou à courir; alors l'Officier qui commande crie, pour encourager les Matelots, Reprends, enfants, main-fur-main, ha! ha! ha! à courir, &c.

SAILLE.. Saille! C'eft-à-dire, Tire ou Pouff avec force & vîteffe, pour hiffer quelque chofe à courir. Lorfqu'on hiffe les Huniers, on crie Saille! & tout le monde tire en même tems, courant fur le Garan des Driffes. Saille de l'Avant, c'eft pouffer en Avant; & Sailler de l' Arriere, c'eft pouffer vers 'Arriere - c'eft un commandement. Il faut failler nos Mâts de Hunes de Rechange fur l'Avant ou fur l'Arriere... Il faut pouffer ou failler nos Bouts dehors de Bonnettes pour gréer ces Voiles.

VIRE! C'eft-à-dire, Tourne. On crie aux gens qui font rangés fur les Barres du Cabeftan, pour les animer au travail, Vire, Enfans, vire! On vire au Cabeftan pour lever fes Ancres, guinder fes Mâts de Hunes, & faire d'autres forts travaux qui ne peuvent fe faire qu'à force de Cabeftan.”
[Manuel des Marins, Vol.I, Villehuet, 1773]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Apr 22 - 12:12 PM

“ALARI'DO. f.m. a cry, clamour, or outcry, a fhout. From Alla, i.e. God, the cry de guerre among the Turks, Moors, and Arabs.
Alarido de marinheiros. See CELEUMA.

CELEUMA, ou celeufma, f.f. (a fea term) the fhout or noise which mariners make, when they do any thing with joined ftrength, at which times they cry, ho-up; or when they encourage each other. Lat. celeufma; fome fay it is of the mafculine gender.”
[A Dictionary of the Portuguese and English Languages, Vieyra, 1773]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Apr 22 - 02:16 PM

“CALOMAR, f.m. Cri, ton des matelots lorfqu'ils manœuvrent dans le vaiffeau. Lat. Celeufma, tos.
ZALOMA, f.f. T. de marine. Cri ou certain fon qui fe fait dans les vaiffeaux, pour appeller les matelots à la manœuvre, Lat. Datum nautis fignum, i.
ZALOMAR, v.a. T. de marine. Appeller les matelots à la manœuvre. Lat. Nautis fignum dare.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Espagnol-François et Latin, Séjournant, 1775]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Apr 22 - 02:17 PM

“I saw the harvest of a small field. The women reaped the corn, and the men bound up the sheaves. The strokes of the fickle were timed by the modulation of the harvest-song, in which all their voices were united. They accompany in the Highlands every action which can be done in equal time, with an appropriated strain, which has, they fay, not much meaning; but its effects are regularity and chearfulness. The ancient proceleusmatic song, by which the rowers of gallies were animated, may be supposed to have been of this kind. There is now an oar-song used by the Hebridians.”
[A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, Johnson, 1775, p.97]



“Dr. Johnfon tells us that he faw the Harveft of a fmall Field in one of the weftern Iflands:— The Strokes of the Sickle were timed by the Modulation of the Harveft Song, in which all their Voices were united:— ….. There is now an Oar Song ufed by the Hebridians —Thus far the learned Traveller. Our Sailors at Newcaftle, in heaving their Anchors, &c. ufe a Song of this Kind.”
[Observations on Popular Antiquities, Brand, 1777, p.308]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Apr 22 - 02:19 PM

“There is a species of poetry peculiar to the Gael called Iurram and Orain Luathaidh. The music of the Iurram has always that mixture of grandeur and melancholy that never fails to gain its end. They are sung on board of ships and buirlings* by the sailors, when they row or work, to deceive the time. The subject is generally the life and actions of some chief or relation. The language is such as to express the sentiments and actions described; the music, expression, and the strokes of the oars, coinciding in such exact time, both the sailor and passenger forget their hardships and fatigue, even in the most inclement seasons. The Oran luathaidh, with the same view, is sung when they work on shore, and derives its name from luthadh, milling or fulling….

...The time of this fpieces of finging** is not fo quick as that of the Reel, nor fo flow as the Iurram.”
[An analysis of the Galic Language, 2nd ed., Shaw, 1778, pp.136-37)]
*boats
**Oran luathaidh.
iomramh
Fulling songs
Origin: Skye Boat Song confusion

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Apr 22 - 03:18 PM

“Celeusma, tis, n.g. Canto, ò grita de Marineros, y, de los demás, para divertir el trabajo : quum uno aliquid jubentem omnës uniformitèr respondent, quasi sibi invicem jubentes. Martial. lib. 3. de pigris nautis.
Celeustes, tæ, m.g. El Comitre de Galera : qui à Plauto Latinè Hortator appellatur, quòd ea hortamenta faciat, quæ verbo Græco Celeusmata dicuntur etiam à Latinis. Budæus.”
[Dictionarium Redivivum, Nebrija, 1778]


“Celeufma, tis: Celeuma, tis, cri des Matelots qui rament; fignal de manœuvrer donné aux Matelots.
Celeuftes, æ le Boffeman, celui qui fait manœuvrer led Mariniers.
Pro-Celeufmaticus, i, pied de vers trèsrapide, étant compofé de quatre fyllabes bréves.”
[Dictionnaire Étymologique de la Langue Latine ,1779]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 May 22 - 02:11 PM

“They have particular laws amongft themfelves, during thofe piratical cruifes; and keep up a certain order and difcipline. In rowing, at which, from habit, they are dextrous, they have always a fong as a kind of tactic, and beat on two brafs timbrels to keep time. I have known one man on board my little veffel opportunely, with fometimes a Molucca, fometimes a Mindano Mangaio fong, revive the reft, who from fatigue, were droufing at their oars; and operate with pleafing power, what no proffered reward could effect: fo cheared, they will row a whole night.

The Moors, in what is called country fhips in Eaft India, have alfo their chearing fongs; at work in hoifting, or in their boats a rowing. The Javans and Molucca people have theirs. Thofe of the Malays are drawling and infipid. In Europe the French provençals have their fong: it is the reverfe of lively. The Mangaio is brifk, the Malabar tender. The Greeks and Romans had their Celeufma or chearing fong. Martial feems to have made one, III. 67.”
[A Voyage to New Guinea, and the Moluccas, from Balambangan, Forrest, 1779, pp.303-304)]

See: Martial, karakoa &c, above.
Lyr Add: Chanties of Capt. Tho. Forrest

See also: Caracoro/karakoa (1769, above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 May 22 - 02:14 PM

“I.
When firft we hear the boatfwain bray,
        With voice like thunder roaring,
All hands, my boys, get under way,
        Hark the fignal for unmooring;
To fave the joyous breeze
        The handfpikes then we feize,
In hopes to find the foe,
        The capstan here,
        The windlafs there,
We man to the tune of heo hea heo.

II.
Caft loofe your top-fails next, he cries,
        Top-ga'nt fails too, and courfes;
Clue lines and geer let go, my boys,
        Haul home your fheets like horfes
                The mizen loofe–be glib,
                Fore-stay-fail too and gib,
Your down hauls, boys, let go;
        We ftrait comply,
        And eager fly,
And obey to the tune of heo hea heo.

III.
The anchor's up, ho! Next they call:
        Avaft, boys! 'Vaft your heaving,
The cat and fifh we over-haul,
        The handfpikes nimbly leaving.
                And if a profp'rous gale,
                We crowd on every fail,
Whilft our fheets they fweetly flow,
        Along we fwim,
        Our braces trim,
And all to the tune of heo hea heo.

IV.
Then lovely Moll, and Sue, and Beck,
        Their eyes with grief o'er-flowing,
With heavy hearts come upon the deck,
        The rude wind on them blowing;
                One fhort embrace we take,
                Which makes our hearts to ach;
A while we join in woe,
        Nor to our grief
        Obtain relief,
Till charm'd by the fong of heo hea heo.”
[Plymouth in an Uproar: A Musical Farce, Dibdin, 1779]

Help: Dibdin's Naval Airs

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 May 22 - 02:24 PM

“BOSSEMAN, f. m. (Officier de l'équipage d'un navire.) A Boatfwain of a ship.

COMMANDE, impérat. Holloa! The, anfwer given by the failors to the mafter, boatfwain, &c. when he calls to them to give them fome order.

Voix, (chanteur, chanteufe.) Voice, finger.

Voix, (en termes de mer.) The fong employed by failors, in hoifting, hauling, heaving, &c.

Donner la voix. To fing out, as in hauling , hoifting, heaving, &c.

A la voix! Mind the man that fings!”
[Dictionnaire Royal François Anglois, 2nd ed., Boyer, 1780]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 May 22 - 02:26 PM

“Abhran. A fong. Vide Amhran.
Amhra. A dream, poem.
Amhran. A fong.
Burdan. A gibe, a fing-fong.
Eafnadh. Mufic, fong, melody.
Eafnadh. Time.
Forann. A fhort verfe, verficle, fong.
Iomramh. Iomram. } Rowing.
Iomram. Iomramham. } To row.
Iomramhaidhe. A rower.
Iuarram. Fidgeting; the oar fong, a long libel or rhime.
Oraid. An oration, prayer, declamation.
Oraideach. An orator, declaimer.
Oraidaigham. To declaim.
Oraim. To pray.
Oran. A fong.
Oranach. Full of fongs.
Oranaiche. A fong?ter.
Uran. Courtefy, affability, a fong.”
[A Galic and English Dictionary, Vol.I, Shaw, 1780]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 10:50 AM

“CHANTER, v. n. c'eft crier diftinctement & à pleine gorge; hiffa-ho, ha, hiffa, ho, hiffe, afin qu'au dernier mot, exprimé avec plus de force que les autres, tous les gens rangés fur les manœuvres halent enfemble de toutes leurs forces. On chante de différentes manières, felon les circonftances & l'efpèce de travail. ( V* B)

CHANTEUR, f. m. celui qui chante: c'est ordinairement un matelot, ouvrier ou forçat, qui a la voix forte & qui pouffe, à tue-tête, de certains fons d'ufage, pendant l'exécution d'une manœuvre, au moyen defquels les efforts des gens qui y travaillent fe'font enfemble. Voyez CHANTER. (V**)”
[Encyclopedie Methodique Marine, Vol.I, A-Des, Castries, 1783]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 10:51 AM

“We got into Rafay's carriage, which was a good ftrong open boat made in Norway. The wind had now rifen pretty high, and was againft us; but we had four ftout rowers, particularly a Macleod, a robust black-haired fellow, half naked, and bareheaded, fomething between a wild Indian and an Englifh tar. Dr. Johnfon fat high on the ftern, like a magnificent Triton. Malcolm fung an Erfe fong, the chorus of which was 'Hatyin foam foam eri,' with words of his own. The tune refembled 'Owr the muir amang the heather.' The boatmen and Mr. M'Queen chorufed, and all went well. At length Malcolm himfelf took an oar, and rowed vigoroufly. We failed along the coaft of Scalpa, a rugged ifland, about four miles in length.” [pp.184-185]

“Our boatmen fung with great fpirit. Dr. Johnfon obferved, that naval mufick was very ancient. As we came near the fhore, the finging of our rowers was fucceeded by that of reapers, who were bufy at work, and who feemed to fhout as much as to fing, while they worked with a bounding activity.” [p.187]

“Laft night Lady Rafay fhewed him the operation of wawking cloth, that is, thickening it in the fame manner as is done by a mill. Here it is performed by women, who kneel upon the ground, and rub it with both their hands, finging an Erfe fong all the time. He was afking queftions while they
were performing this operation, and, amidft their loud and wild howl, his voice was heard even in the room above.”

“Our boatmen were rude fingers, and feemed fo like wild Indians, that a very little imagination was neceffary to give one an impreffion of being upon an American river.” [p.315]
[The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides With S.Johnson, Boswell, 1785]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 11:19 AM

“Donner là voix, c'eft une manière de crier lentement, en prononçant quelques mots, à la fin defquels tous ceux qui font rangés fur la manœuvre, tirent enfemble avec force, pour faire travailler comme on le defire. Donne la voix c’eft commander à un des travailleurs de chanter, hiffa, ho, hi, hiffa, ho, hiffe. Voyez Chanter.*

HISSA, ho , ha , hiffa , ô , hiffe; cri ou chant d’un matelot, qui donne la voix pour faire réunir les forces des autres matelots dans le même inftant, afin que tous les efforts réunis faffent un plus grand effet.”
[Encyclopedie Methodique Marine, Vol.II, Des-Mur, Castries, 1786]

*Vol.II got parsed from Vol.I, above, 1783

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 11:21 AM

“CALOMAR, f.m. the fong or cry of failors when they hale a rope all together.
ZALA'MA, ZALAME'RIA, f.f. flattery, adulation.
ZALAME'RO, f.m.f, a flatterer.
ZALO'MA, f.f. the ufed by failors working on borad a ship.
ZALOMA'R, v.n. to cry as failors do wen they work on board.”
[Diccionario Español e Ingles, Tom. I, 1786]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 11:43 AM

“O! hiffe, ô! faille, ô! hale, ô! Ride; manière courte de donner la voix, pour faire réunir les efforts de chaque homme dans le même inftant, afin de produire un plus grand effet, voyez CHANTER.

OH! hiffe, oh! hale, oh! faille, oh ! ride; ce font des cris que l'on fait en différens temps, our s'accorder dans certains travaux où l'on eft plufieurs , foit qu'il faille hiffer, haler, pouffer ou rider quelque chofe. Voyez ô hiffe! au mot, Hissa.

REPRISE de main, c'e?t l'action de reprendre la manœuvre plus haut en y portant la main, lorfqu'on hiffe main fur main ou à courir; alors l'officier qui commande crie pour encourager les matelots: reprend, enfans, main fur main: ha! ha! ha! à courir.

SAILLER, v. a. faille! c'eft-à-dire, tire ou pouffe avec force & vîteffe, pour hiffer quelque chofe à courir. Lorfqu'on hiffe les huniers, on crie faille! & tout le monde tire en même temps, courant fur le garan des driffes. Sailler de l'avant, c'eft pouffer de l'avant; & failler de l'arrière, c'eft pouffer vers l'arrière: c'eft un commandement. Il faut failler nos mâts de hune de rechange fur l'avant, ou fur l'arrière.... Il faut pouffer ou failler nos bouts - dehors de bonnettes pour gréer ces voiles.”
[Encyclopedie Methodique Marine, Vol.III, Nad-Z, Castries, 1787]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 11:44 AM

“CELEUMA: Esta palabra que se lee en tres lugares de Jeremías 25.30.: 48.33. y 51.14. significa el júbilo, y algazara de los vendimiadores, y se aplica á las baladronadas de los vencedores que insultan á los vencidos. El Griego Keleusma significa literalmente los gritos de los Marineros, y el Hebreo Heldad, se dice propriamente de los vendimiadores que gritan hedad, hedad, hedad.”
[Diccionario Historico, Cronologico, Geografico y Universal de la Santa Biblia, A-F, 1788]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 May 22 - 11:47 AM

“CALOMáR, V. Zalomar.”
[Diccionario Castellano, Tom.I, Pando, 1786]


“ZALOMA, en la Marina, es la cancion que usan los Marineros cuando halan y tiran de un aparejo, cabo, ó otra cosa en que uno canta, ó zaloma, y los demas responden y tiran á una. Dicc. M. F. Ori, ou certain son, &c. Lat. Vox hortatoria. Basc. Zaloma, zaleuma. V. Lop. De Vega, vid. De San Isidr. Canto 4.
ZALOMAR, hacer zaloma. Fr. Appeller les matelots á manoeuvre. Lat. Celeuesma canere Basc. Zalomatú.”
[Diccionario Castellano: Tom.IV, Pando, 1788]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 May 22 - 09:27 PM

“Celeufma, atis, cri des matelots qui rament.
Celeuftes, æ, celui qui fait manœuvrer les matelots.”
[Dictionnaire Étymologique et Raisonné des Racines Latines, Gébelin, 1780]


“CELEUSMA, grido di molte perfone, che fi eccitano vicendevolmenteal combattimento, o alla fatica; Nequaquam (diceGeremia cap.xxxxv???.) calcator uvæ folitum celeufma cantabit. E nel cap. xxv. Celeufma quafi calcantium concinetur adverfus omnes habitatores terræ: cioè, come coloro che peftano le uve, cacciano fuori de' gridi per incoraggirfi al, travaglio, o per rallegrarfi; così i Babilo nefi s' incoraggeranno gli uni cogli altri per avventarfi contro Gerusalemme, e rallegrarfi della fua perdita.”
[Dizionario Portatile della Bibbia, Vol.1, Alletz, 1781]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 May 22 - 09:28 PM

“CELEUSTES, in the ships of the ancients, was the boatswain, or other officer appointed to give the fignal to the rowers, when to pull, and when to stop their hands. –– The strokes of the oar were directed by a fong or Formula, called Celeufma. The Celeuftes was also called Epopeus, and by the Romans, Portifculus, or fimply Hortator.–– Ovid. Met. L. 3. v. 618, &c.”
[An Archæological Dictionary: Or, Classical Antiquities of the Jews, Greeks, and Romans, Wilson, 1781]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 May 22 - 09:30 PM

“I Vafcelli del Giappone hanno comunemente 30., ovvero 50. Reinatori per tirare il Remo, allorchè il vento cade: quefti Rematori fono affifi fopra di alcuni Banchi che fono pofti dalla parte della Poppa; remano in cadenza full' aria di una canzona, o fopra il tuono di alcune parole, ovvero fopra un fuono che ferve nel medefimo tempo a regolare la loro Manoeuvre, e farli prendere coraggio, a fomiglianza degl' Antichi Greci, che venivano efortati con un grido che chiamavano Celeusma a raddoppiare i loro sforzi. Quefto grido era, fecondo Aristofane,, rhippapè ,, ovvero ,, oop ,, il Celeufma era ancora in ufo preffo i Marinari Romani, I Comandanti con i loro Celeufma, dice Arriano, ordinavano ai Rematori di cominciare, o di ceffare; ed i Rematori rifpondendo con un grido, e muovevano tutti in un medesimo tempo i loro Remi.”
[Istoria dell' Origine, e Progressi della Nautica Antica, Bechi, 1785]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 May 22 - 09:31 PM

“CALOMAR, s.m. Cri des matelots lorsqu'ils manœuvrent dans le vasisseau. Lat. Celeusma.
[Nuevo Diccionario Espanola-Francesa y Latina, 1st ed, Vol.I, Pt.I, A-E, Cormon, 1789]



“SALOMA, s.f. L'action de crier des matelots, dans leurs manœuvres. L. Nautica opera canendo acta.
SALOMAR, Crier tons ensemble. Se dit des matelots qui, dans leurs manœuvres, jettent des cris pour s'avertir de tirer ou de pousser en un même tems. Lat. Nauticam operam canendo agere.
[Nuevo Diccionario Espanola-Francesa y Latina, 1st ed, Vol.II F-Z, Cormon, 1789]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 May 22 - 09:32 PM

“CALOMAR, s.m. Cri des matelots lorsqu'ils manœuvrent dans le vasisseau. Lat. Celeusma.
Chirriar, Terme de marine. Donner du sifflet, commandement que le comitè d'une galère ou autres officiers de vaisseau font, pour faire manœuvrer la chiourme, ou les matelots.
SALOMA, s.f. L'action de crier des matelots, dans leurs manœuvres. L. Nautica opera canendo acta.
SALOMAR, Crier tous ensemble. Se dit des matelots qui, dans leurs manœuvres, jettent des cris pour s'avertir de tirer ou de pousser en un mème tems. Lat. Nauticam operam canendo agere.”
[Dictionaire Espagnol-François et François-Espagnol, Sejournant, 1789]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 May 22 - 05:39 AM

“Calomar, fubft. m. Cri des Matelos pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage. Lat. Celeufma.
Faena, subft. f. Manœuvre, fervice des matelots fur un vaiffeau; *ouvrage, travail pénible à faire dans une maifon. Opera nautica vel domeftica.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Espagñol et François, François et Espagñol, Vol.I, A-F, Gattel, 1790]


“CELEUSMA, the cry or fhout whereby feamen anciently animated each other to their work of rowing.
CELEUSMA was afso a kind of fong rehearsed or played by the mafter, or others, to direct the ftrokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to excite them to labour. It alfo denoted the joyful acclamations of vintagers, and the fhouts of the conquerors over the vanquished. In process of time the Chriftians fung hymns and pfalms in vessels, by way of celeufma, in which the words amen and hallelujah were frequently repeated.
CELEUSTES, the boatfwain or officer appointed, among the ancients, to give the rowers the fignal when they were to pull, and when to ftop. See CELEUSMA.”
[The New Royal Cyclopaedia; or Modern Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, Howard, 1790]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 May 22 - 05:41 AM

“CELEUSMA, or CELEUMA, in antiquity, the fhout or cry of the feamen, whereby they animated each other in their work of rowing. The word is formed from … to call, to give the fignal.
CELEUSMA was alfo a kind of fong or formula, rehearfed or played by the mafter, or others, to direct the ftrokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour. See CELEUSTES.
CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatfwain or officer appointed to give the rowers the fignal, when they were to pull, and when to ftop. He was alfo denominated epopeus, and by the Romans portifculus; fometimes fimply hortator.”
[Encyclopædia Britannica; Or, a Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Miscellaneous Literature, Vol.4, 1791]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 May 22 - 05:42 AM

“NOISE
The mariners' noife, * Celeufma, atis, n.”
[A New Latin-English Dictionary, Young, 1792]


“CELEUSMA, atis, n, Afc. grido, o canto di marinari, che fcambievelmensa animanfi a vogare.”
[Vocabolario Italiano-Latino, Vol.II, 1792]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 22 - 10:43 AM

“CHANTER, v. n. c'eft crier diftictement & à pleine gorge; hiffa-ho, ha, hiffa, ho, hiffe, afin qu'au denier mot, exprimé avec plus de force que les autres, tous les gens rangés fur les manœuvres halent enfemble de touts leurs forces. On chante de diffèrentes manières, felon les circonftances & l'efpèce de travail. (V*B)

CHANTEUR, f. m. celui qui chante: c'eft ordinairement un matelot, ouvrier ou forçat, qui a la voix forte & qui pouffe, à rue-têt, de certains fons d'ufage, pendant l'exécution d'une manœuvre, ua moyen defquels les efforts des gens qui y travaillent fe font enfemble. Voyez CHANTER. (V**)”

“O!, hiffe, ô!faille, ô! hale, ô! Ride; manière courte de donner la voix, pour faire réunir les efforts de chaque homme dans le même inftant, afin de produire un plus grand effet, voyez CHANTER.

REPRISE de main, c'eft l'action de reprendre la manœuvre plus haut en y portant la main, lorfqu'on hiffe main fur main ou à courir; alors l'officier qui commande crie pour encourager les matelots: reprend, enfans, main fur main: ha! ha! ha! à courir.

SAILLER, v. a. faille! c'eft-à-dire, tire ou pouffe avec force & vîteffe, pour hiffer quelque chofe à courir. Lorfqu'on hiffe les huniers, on crie faille! & tout le monde tire en même temps, courant fur le garan des drisses. Sailler de l'avant, c'eft pouffer de l'avant; & failler de l'arrière, c'eft pouffer vers l'arrière: c'eft un commandement. Il faut failler nos mâts de hune de rechange sur l'avant, ou fur l'arrière.... Il faut pouffer ou failler nos bouts - dehors de bonnettes pour gréer ces voiles.

VOIX, f. f. fon qui fort de la bouche de l'homme. La marine emploie ce mot dans ces façons de parler: être à la voix, à portée de la voix; c'eft être affez près pour fe faire enténdre en parlant avec le porte-voix ou fans porte-voix. Nous commençâmes le combat à portée de la voix, & peu après nous abordâmes. Donner la voix, voyez
DONNER LA VOIX. A la voix, c'eft commander aux gens de l'équipage de travailler au fon de la voix, afin de faire effort tous enfemble.”
[Dictionnaire Encyclopedique de Marine, Vol.I-III, Duclarebois, 1793]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 22 - 10:46 AM

“Appeller les matelots à la manouvre. Zalomar, hacer la zaloma; en la Marina es una cancion que usan los marineros cuando hacen su maniobra. V. Dice. De las quatro leng. La voz zaloma.
Celeusma, tos, m. Calomar, zalomar, voz de Marineros cuando hacen la maniobra.
Isop. Voz con que se excitan entre sí los marineros á izar las velas.”
[Diccionario Castellano, Pando, 1793]



“Appeller les matleots à la manouvre. Zalomar, hacer la zaloma; en la Marina es una cancion que usan los marineros cuando hacen su maniobra. V. Dice. de las cuatro leng. la voz zaloma.
Celeusma, tos, m. Calomar, zalomar, voz de Marineros cuando hacen la maniobra.”
[Los Tres Alfabetos Frances, Latino É Italiano, Tom.IV, Pando, 1793]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 22 - 10:47 AM

“CELEUMA, o Celeusma. In greco …. Canzone o ritmo che s'intuonava ai remiganti per incoraggiarli alla fatico, o regoiarla, o farla cessare. Marziale:

        Quem nunc rumpere nauticum celeusma.

Corisponde a quel di Virgillio: incumbite remis. Talvolta si avvisavano I remiganti con suono di pietre battute l'una contro l'altra. Senofonte. –– Talvolta con sinfonia a più strumenti. Pediano: cani remigibus celeusma è pure l' ordine del piloto. Aristofane adopra… , vogate; e o'..., cessate.
CELEUMA. E' la voce del capo che dirige i facchini nello scaricar merci, o tirar barche.
*CELEUSTES. Nome di danza ridicola delle molte presso i Greci, Ateneo *.
CELEUSTES. Direttore dei remiganti. In greco….”
[Dizionario di Antichità Sacre e Profane, Vol.III, 1794]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 22 - 10:48 AM

“ALARIDO, f..m. Gritaria, clamor, vozes juntas,…
– de marinheiro, v. Faina. Celeuma. ¶Fazer, dar grandes alaridos. Crier, exciter, faire du tumulte, du trouble; trumbler. (Tumultari. Turbas facere. Cic.)

FAINA, f.f. (T.Naut.) Celeuma, vozeria com que os marinheiros fe incitão a fazer o feu officio, quando trabalhão; &c. Cri des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouverage. (Celeuma, ou Celeufma. Tis. f.n. Afc. Pæd.)
[Diccionario Portuguez Francez e Latino, da Costa. 1794]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 22 - 10:49 AM

“Celeusma, atis, n. grido di marinari, che vicendevolmente fi animano.

Gridatore, clamatore, oris, g.m.
Gridatore, banditore, præco, onis, g.m.

Grido, alzata di voce, exclamatio, onis g.f.”
[Nuovo Vocabolario Osia Raccolta di Vocaboli Italiani, 1795]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 May 22 - 01:34 PM

“Calomar, il canto che fanno i marinari quando tirano d'accordo per accrefcer la forza nel tirare.

Hiçar, vocabolo con che i marinari fi vanno animando l' un l' altro nell' alzar qualche pefo, o far qualche forza infieme. E d' accordo.

Yça, vocabolo che ufano i marinari, o forzati quando d' accordo fanno qualche forza, e noi diciamo iffa.”
[Vocabulario Español e Italiano, Vol.II, Florentino, 1796]


“PAUSARIAS. Oder Keleuftes. f. Keleuftes.
Salomar. Auffingen.
Salomare. Auffingen.
Zalomar. f. Salomar.”
[Allgemeines Wörterbuch der Marine, Röding,1796]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 May 22 - 01:36 PM

“CELEUSMA, or Celeuma, in antiquity, the fhout or cry of the feamen, whereby they animated each other in their work of rowing. The word is formed from keleusma, to call, to give the fignal.
Celeusma was alfo a kind of fong or formula, rehearfed or played by the mafter, or others, to direct the ftrokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour. See Celeustes.
CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatfwain or officer appointed to give the rowers the fignal, when they were to pull, and when to ftop. He was alfo denominated epopeus, and by the Romans portifculus; sometimes simply hortator.
CHANT, (cantus), is ufed for the vocal mufic of churches. In church-hiftory we meet with divers kinds of chant or fong. The firft is the Ambrofian, established by St Ambrofe. The fecond, the Gregorian chant, introduced by Pope Gregory the great, who eftablifhed fchools of chantors, and corrected the church-fong. This is ftill retained in the church under the name of plainsong; at firft it was called the Roman fong. The plain or Gregorian chant, is where the choir and people Fing in unifon, or all together in the fame manner.”
CHANTOR, a finger of a choir in a cathedral, The word is almoft grown obfolete, chorifter or finging-man being commonly ufed inftead of it. All great chapters have chantors and chaplains to affift the canons, and officiate in their absence.
[Encyclopædia Britannica, Vol.IV, CAA-CHE, London, 1797]



“VOIX, fubft. fém. The fong employed by failors, in hoisting, hauling, heaving , &c.
DONNER LA VOIX. To fing out, as in hauling, hoifting, heaving, &c.”
[Vocabulaire des Termes Marine, Lescallier, 1797]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 May 22 - 01:38 PM

“Alarido, m. Geschrey, Kriegsgeschren der Barbaren; Geheul, Wehflagen.
Calomar, das Geschrey der Matrosen, wann sie im Schiffe zugleich Hand anlegen.
Calomar, o. rufen, schreyen, wie die Matrosen thun, wenn sie ein Séil, Tau anziehen; absingen.
Zaloma, f. ein gewisses Zeichen mit der Stimme auf den Schiffen, um dic Matrosen an ihre Arbeit zu rufen, das Geschren, auf welches sie alle auf an einem Taue ziehen; das Absingen. S. A.
Zalomar, o. absingen, bamit alle Matrosen auf einmal an einem Taue ziehen. S. A.”
[Nuevo Diccionario Espanol-Aleman y Aleman-Espanol, Vol.I-II, 1798]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 May 22 - 01:39 PM

“CALÓMA. (Náut) Grita de marineros. Crying out zaloma.
[Diccionario Nuevo de las dos Lenguas Española e Inglesa, Tom.I, A-E, Connelly, 1798]


“SALÓMA. s.f. La accion de salomar. A failor's fong, the act of finging out when he hauls a rope &c.
SALOMÁR. v.n. Cantar juntos los marineros para tirar ó empujar á un tiempo en las maniobras. To fing out, ufed by failors when they work, or haul a rope together.
ZALÓMA. s.f. (Náut.) Cancion que usan los marineros quando halan de un aparejo. A fong ufed by failors when they haul a rope together.
ZALOMÁR. v.a. Hacar la zaloma. To fong and haul together a rope, as failors are wont to do.”
[Diccionario Nuevo de las dos Lenguas Española e Inglesa, Tom.II, F-Z, Connelly, 1798]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 May 22 - 01:41 PM

“The keleustes or hortator remigium, is by some considered as the Boatswain; his duty was to repeat the orders to the rowers , and to distribute their allowance to the Ship's Company…. The last Officer whom we shall notice, though several other professional names occur in antient writers, was the..., or Musician, who endeavoured both by his voice and skill on whatever instrument he performed, to cheer the spirits of the Rowers:

Acclivis malo mediis intersonat Orpheus
Remigiis, tantos que jubet neocire labores.
Statius, Theb. V. v. 343

Against the mast the tuneful Orpheus stands,
Plays to the weary'd rowers, and commands
The thought of toil away.”
[Memoirs of Navigation and Commerce from the Earliest Period, The Naval Chronicle, Vol.II, 1799, pp.186-187]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 May 22 - 01:03 AM

“CELEUSMA, atis, n. I) eigenlijk het aanfpooren tot de arbeid. 2) bij zonder van vaarenegezellen, is het of het geschreeuw der bootsgezellen, om zich op te wekken, of de daad yan den officier der roejers, als hij met den hamer alz 't ware de mact floeg, opdas zij de reimen te gelijk opbiaren, en te gelijk vallen zouden laten, Marcial. III, 60, 4. Rutil. I, 370: cf. Afcon. ad Cic. in. Caecil. 17.”
[Lexicon Latino-Belgicum Auctorum Classicorum, Scheller, 1799]



“PORTUGUESE
5175. ZALOMAR, v. to sing out
SPANISH
3481. Zalomar, v. to sing out
[A Marine Pocket Dictionary of the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and German Languages, 1799,]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 May 22 - 01:05 AM

“ZALOMA, f. f. the cry ufed by sailors working on board a fhip.
ZALOMAR, v. n. to cry as failors do when they work on board.
[A Dictionary, Spanish and English, Baretti, 1800]


“Calomar, m. das Geschrey der Matrosen, wann sie im Schiffe zugleich Hand anlegen.
Calomar, o. rufen, schreyen, wie die Matrosen thun, wenn sie ein Seil, Tau anziehen; absingen.”
[Nuevo Diccionario Español-Aleman y Aleman-Español, Vol.II, Wagener, 1800]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 May 22 - 01:06 AM

“Le son des instrumens, le cliquetis de armes, les ordres donnés par les officiers, le chant cadencé des musiciens(1), les résponses (2) des matelots, le jeu des rames, et ces sons divers répercutés souvent par les montagnes qui formoient la côte et qui sembloient comme suspendues; voilà la scène majestueuse dont les historiens présentent à notre imagination le tableau, et dont les détails se ressentent évidemment de la relation laissée par des hommes qui eurent la glorie de participer à ce magnifique triomphe.

(1) Keleusma. (N. de l'A.)
(2) C'est ainsi que Gronovius rend le mot… (N. de l'A.)”
[Voyage de Nearque, Vol.I, Vincent, 1800]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 May 22 - 01:08 AM

“Celeufma, atis, n. vox & clamor, quo portisculus remigibus fignum dat, cosque ad remigandum adhortatur, v. gr. Mart. grido, o canto di marinari, che fcambievolmente animanfi a vogare mornarsko zamjenito u vozu popjevanje.”
[Lexicon Latino-Italico-Illyricum, Stulli, 1801]



“Nódítás: Celeusma. eine Vermahnung, Aufmunterung.
Nodítom: Adhortor, Impetio, is. ich ermahne, vesmahne.
Onßolás: Hortatus, Instinctus, Cohortatio clamosa, Celeusma. die Dermahnung, Unreizung, Anfrischung mit Geschren.
Onßolom: Cohortor, Clamore impetio, ich ermahne, bermahne mit Geschren.
Onßoló kiáltás: Celeusma, wenn man fich einander mit Zurufen ermahnet.”
[Dictionarium Latino-Hungaricum, Vol.2, Páriz, Bod, Molnár, Eder, 1801]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 22 - 01:10 AM

“(257) §. CXLI. Aux premiers cris… signifient proprement ce cri par lequel on anime les matelots à ramer avec vigueur. Il se dit aussi de la chanson que chantent les matelots en ramant. Les Latins disoient, à l'imitation des Grecs, Celeusma. Hygini, Fab. XIV, pag. 55, cum notis Munckeri et Van Staveren.”
[Histoire, Vol.3, Herodotus (Ctesias) 1802]



“CALO'MA, f.f. (Naút.) Singing out of failors when they haul a rope.
SALO'MA, f.f.
1. (Naút.) Singing out of failors.
2. (Ict.) Goldline. (Sparus Salpa, Linn.)
SALOMA'R v.n. (Naút.) To fing out.
ZALO'MA, f.f. (Naút.) Singing out of feamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMA'R, v.n. (Naút.) To fing out.”
[A New Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, Neuman, 1802]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 22 - 12:16 PM

“Celeuma, tis, ó Celeusma, tis. n. Canto, grita ó algazara de marineros quando descubren tierra, y para avertir el trabajo.
Celeustes, æ. m. El cómitre de galera.”
[Dictionarium Manual Latino Hispanum, 2nd ed, Ximenez, 1802]


“Calomar, s.m. the cry of sailors when they hale a rope all together.”
[Nuevo Diccionario Portatil Espanol E Ingles, Gattel, 1803]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 22 - 12:17 PM

“...and the sprightly notes of the drum and fife, by which the labour of the capstan-bars is at present so much abated, was a delightful task assigned to the Grecian Trieraules, who stood before the mast, and cheered his weary shipmates with the exhilarating music of the Canaanites.

Against the mast the tuneful Orpheus stands,
Plays to the wearied rowers, and commands
The thought of toil away :
                Statius, Theb. V. v. 343”
[The Progress of Maritime Discovery, The Naval Chronicle, Vol.X, Clarke, 1803, p.407]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 22 - 12:27 PM

“Song (mind the)?……...        attention à la voix?
        out (to)……        arranger un certain chant, pour faire agir des hommes ensemble et en mesure.”
[Dictionnaire de la Marine Anglaise, et traduction des termes de la Marine Française en Anglais, Romme, 1804]


“celeustes. v. Aguzzino, Auzzino, Comito, Lauzzino.”
[Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca, Tomo VII, V-Z, Cesari, 1804]


Note: And speaking of torture... Dibdin's Tom Tough (Yo Heave Ho) &c &c would go right about in here somewheres per the Reidler model.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 22 - 01:19 PM

“Niet slechts in den kryg maar ook in andere omstandigheden had men oudstyds zekere roep. Zo vind men in 't Hebreeuwsch het woord Hedad, als de roep der geenen die in de Wynoogst de druif in de pers treedende, elkander dus opwekten om met vrolykheid te arbeiden. Sommigen denken dat het ook de roep der Stuurlieden op een Schip was: alsdan komt het overeen met het celeusma der Grieken en Latynen. Lentos tingitis ad celeusma remos. Mart.”
[Aanmerkingen Over de Dichtkonst, Drayer, 1805]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 22 - 01:21 PM

“Absingen, v. a. cantar; absingen, als die Matrosen, bey der Arbeit, zalomar.”
[Diccionario Aleman y Español, Schmid, 1805]


“Saloma, sost.f. canto de' marinaj
Salomar, v.n. cantar manovrando”
[Dizionario Italiano-Spagnuolo e Spagnuolo-Italiano, Vol.2, Manni, 1805]


“Calomar, s.m. cri dess matelots pour s'encourager
Saloma, s.f. chant des matelots
Salomar, v.n. chanter en manœuvrant”
[Nuevo Diccionario Portatil Espanol y Frances, Vol.I, 1806]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 22 - 01:22 PM

“CANTO IV
XVI.
Com ruidosa voz de prazer cheio
Grita , e diz: Levem ancora ligeiros,
Dem-se vélas aos vencos, porque creio,
Que Aurora cedo mostra os seus Luzeiros.
Do cóncavo convéz posto no meio
Com vozes animava os marinheiros:
Ouvia-se ao mover do Cabrestante
A Nautica Celeuma dissonante….

CANTO IX
XXXI
Vendo Zargo já perto amena Praia,
Qque formava huma piacida Enseada,
Onde apenas o mar, quando se espraia,
A vaga mostra hum pouco encapellada;
E a Nautica Celeuma começacia,
Colhe-se o panno, e a ancora bidente,
Cahir da prôa sobre o mar se sente.”
[Zargueida, Descobrimento da Ilha da Madeira, Poema Heroico, Francisco de Paula Medina e Vasconcellos, 1806]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jul 22 - 05:04 PM

“Now all things ready, then without delay,
The boatswain's shrill pipe, bids them, heave away!
To fife and drum they heave the capstan round,
Weighs th’ pond’rous anchor from the oozy ground.”
[Naval Poetical Journal in Twelve Letters, Letter II, Craw, 1807, p.29]


“'Tis service now so briefly he commands,
That “to unmoor the ship be pip'd all hands:”
'Tis instant done and now with constant round
The capstan heaves, each pacing to the sound
Of fife and drum; till the expected call
Pipes shrilly for the welcome word “to pawl.”*
Now at the huge cat-fall each nerve is stretch'd,
Until the anchor to the cat-head's fetch'd;
Here they secure it, while the great fish-hook
Drags to its place the heavy crooked fluke.

*When work is done at the capstan, music is generally played to make the men step together, and do it cheerfully.—To “pawl,” is to secure the capstan—to stop.”
[The Cruise: A Poetical Sketch in Eight Cantos, A Naval Officer, 1808, p.25]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jul 22 - 05:07 PM

“Celeuma, tis. Ó Celeusma, tis. n. Canto, grito ó algarza de marineros cuando descrubren tierra, y para divertir el trabajo.
Celeustes, æ. m. El cómitre de galera.”
[Dictionarium Manuale Latino-Hispanum, Jiménez, 1808]


“* Celeusma, atis. n. Asc. Ped. El grito de los marineros ó remeros para animarse á la maniobra. ? La señal que se da á los marineros ó remeros, sea de viva voz, ó con un silbido para señalarles las diferentes maniobras. Se halla tanbien Celeuma.
* Celeustes, æ. m. Bud. El que hace hacer su deber á los marineros ó remeros, como el cómitre.”
[Diccionario Universal Latino-Español, Valbuena, 1808]


“Calomar, s.m. cri des matelots pour s'encourager.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire de Poche François-Espagnol, Vol.II, 1809]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jul 22 - 05:09 PM

“The Athenians man their gallies, according to their respective rates, with a due proportion of soldiers and sailors. The former are generally heavy-armed, for the endeavor to come to boarding as soon a s possible, and by engaging hand to hand, being it as near as practicable to a land-fight. The sailors are made up of mariners, who manage the sails and tackling, and rowers; both composed of citizens, contrary to the practice in other countries, where the latter are always slaves. Amongst the Athenians they divide them into three orders; those in the uppermost benches are called Thranitai, those in the middle Zeugitai, those in the lower Thalamitai. The first have the largest pay; since by the distance of the water, and length of their oars, they undergo more fatigue and danger than the others. The officers on board a fleet, besides the admiral and his lieutenants, are the Trierarchs or captains of ships, who have under them the master pilot, the Keleustes or boatswain, who directs and places the rowers, and the Logistes or purser, besides other subalterns.”
[Athenian Letters (Anarcharsis the Younger) , Vol.I, Hardwicke, 1810]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jul 22 - 02:51 AM

Huntington, Gale. William Litten's Fiddle Tunes: 1800 – 1802, Vineyard Haven, Mass.: Hines Point Publishers, 1977.

“"William Litton’s Fiddle Tunes 1800-1802" ~ extracts from the introduction by Gale Huntington, pages 6 & 7

This collection of fiddle tunes was made by William Litten at sea on a vessel, or on two different vessels, of the British India fleet in the years 1800, 1801, and 1802.

Everything that we know about the man is from disjointed material on the inside front and back covers of the manuscript book and from scraps of information on the pages of the book itself and from the music. The notes in the text are difficult to decipher because Litten’s handwriting and spelling are both very bad, and in places the paper has bled. On the other hand the tunes themselves were transcribed without too much difficulty, for Litten was a good musician.

The manuscript is in the library of the Dukes County Historical Society* in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Here are some of the facts that we can gather from the scattered notes. The British India fleet sailed from England May 27th, 1800, and arrived in China February 10th, 1801.

(Note: the author in correspondence with ~ John Compston, E.D., D. Litt. of Australian National University, says that the fleet visited Australia and may have made other stops during the passage.)

The fleet consisted of sixteen war vessels. The names of the vessels and of six of the captains of them are listed on the inside back cover of the book. ~ We can not be sure which ship Litten was on on the voyage out, but on the return voyage he was evidently on H.M.S. Gorgon, for he mentions a stop of that vessel at St. Helena on June 3rd, 1802. Litten’s duty was that of ship’s musician. At that time there was no chanteying on British war vessels, for chanteying was considered much too undignified for His Majesty’s service. Instead of a chanteyman all war vessels of any size carried and official fiddle player whose music helped to lighten some of the heavier work. A little after Litten’s time the cornet began to compete with the fiddle.
~
The manuscript was brought home to the Vineyard by Allen Coffin of Edgartown. His name appears on the inside cover of the book. Allen Coffin must surely have been younger than Litten. But they may have been shipmates, if not on that voyage perhaps on a later one. Coffin was born in 1788. But many boys did go to sea at twelve or thirteen in those days, and many American were serving in the British navy, usually because they had been pressed into the service.

James Coffin, Allen’s father, had been a seaman and then a shipmaster. But by 1800 he had retired from the sea and was an Edgartown merchant and a man of real wealth for the Period. He had a fleet of small merchant vessels that sailed to all parts of the world. Such men as James Coffin often did send their sons to sea at an early age to learn the business.

We cannot be sure that Allen Coffin played the fiddle but he probably did or why would he want Litten’s book? Also there were a great many more fiddle players a hundred and seventy-five years ago than there are today. (1970s) We do know that Allen’s family was a musical one, tow of his daughters played the violin and played it well. It could be just that fact that accounts for the book’s survival.

Allen Coffin is mentioned several times in Jeremiah Pease’s diary for the early years of the 19th century. Jeremiah was a singer and he and Allen were friends. They used to go fishing and eeling through the ice together. Perhaps they made music together too.

But about William Litten we do not know even whether he was English, Scottish, Irish or American. There are some very good Irish tunes in the book and some equally good Scottish and English ones. However Litten did not seem to care too much for the typically Scottish dotted eighth and sixteenth note combination. In fact, some of his Scottish tunes play like Irish versions of them. There are even some almost American tunes in the book. That "almost" is because American fiddle tunes were rare in those days and even some tunes that we think of as American had their origin in the British Isles. # Posted by ceolachan 8 years ago.”
[Boring The Leather (jig)]
*Now part of The Martha’s Vineyard Museum

On Worldcat: William Litten's Fiddle Tunes: 1800-1802
On Mudcat: RE: Tune Add: Bacon & Greens

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jul 22 - 02:53 AM

“CHANTER, pour agir ensemble = Zalomar.
Donner La Voix, chanter pour faire effort ensemble = Salomar.
SALOMAR = Donner la voix, chanter pour faire effort ensemble.
VOIX, donner la voix, agir a la voix = Salomar.
        A la voix! = Listo!
ZALOMAR (voyez salomar).
[Dictionnaire des Termes de Marine Français-Espagnols et Espagnols-Français, Petit, 1810]


“Calomar, m. the cry of the sailors when they hale a rope altogether
Saloma, f. The singing of the sailors. Salomar, n. to sing together, as sailors do.”
[The First Dictionary of Two Languages Under a Single Alphabet, English and Spanish, Feranadez, 1811]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jul 22 - 02:56 AM

North American rowing songs – lyrics &c posted here:

Lyr Req: V'la l' Bon Vent (Ian & Sylvia)
Le Canard blanc (chanson)
J'ai vu le loup

Journal of a Voyage up the River Missouri - 1811, 2nd ed, Brackenridge, 1816, pp.57-58
Travels in the Interior of America 1809-1811, Bradbury, 1817, pp.12-13

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jul 22 - 03:00 AM

“Negro Boat Song
...We started from Purrysburgh about two o;clock and were rowed by four negroes, for canoes are not paddled here as in Canada. They seemed to be jolly fellows, and rowed lustily to a boat song of their own composing. The words were given by one of them, and the rest joined the chorus at the end of every line. It began in the following manner:
                                                                        CHORUS
        We are going down to Georgia, boys,        Aye, aye,
        To see the pretty girls, boys,                Yoe, yoe.
        We'll give 'em a pint of brandy, boys,        Aye, aye.
        And a hearty kiss besides, boys.        Yoe, yoe.
                &c. &c. &c.

The tune of this ditty was rather monotonous, but had a pleasing effect, as they kept time with it, at every stroke of their oars. The words were mere nonsense; any thing, in fact, which came into their heads. I however remarked, that brandy was very frequently mentioned, and it was understood as a hint to the passengers to give them a dram*. We had supplied ourselves with tis article in Purrysburgh, and were not sparing of it to the negroes in order to encourage them to row quick.”
[Travels Through Lower Canada, and the United States of North America, in the Years 1806, 1807, and 1808, Lambert, 1810]

Origin: Johnny Come Down to Hilo
New evidence for 'shanty' origins?

*See also Smith (above) – A fresh Spell is to releeve the Rowers with another Gang, give the Boat more way for a dram of the bottell, who saies Amends, one and all, Vea, vea, vea, vea, vea, that is, they pull all strongly together.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jul 22 - 03:03 AM

“The corn of this island [Raasay] is but little. I saw the harvest of a small field. The women reaped the corn, and the men bound up the sheaves. The strokes of the sickle were timed by the modulation of the harvest song, in which all their voices were united. They accompany in the Highlands every action, which can be done in equal time, with an appropriated [sic] strain, which has, they say, not much meaning; but its effects are regularity and cheerfulness. The ancient proceleusmatic song, by which the rowers of galleys were animated, may be supposed to have been of this kind. There is now an oar-song used by the Hebridians.”
[A Journey to the Western Islands &c., The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol.VIII, 1811]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 22 - 08:55 PM

“Swift o'er the deck the busy boatswain goes,
And his shrill call at ev'ry hatchway blows :
"All hands unmoor!" aloud at each he cries,
"All hands unmoor!" each ready mate replies.
Rous'd by the sound, on deck the seamen swarm,
For music can the rudest bosom charm!
And, near the capstan, lo! a motley band
Of naval minstrels take their noisy stand!
The crew whose hands the plane and chissel guide,
Fix the huge levers in the capstan's side.
Deep in the hold, secluded far from day,
Some seamen coil the pond'rous rope away.
Hark! hark! the rugged melody I hear!
The piercing fife assails my shrinking ear;
The creaking fiddle, and the bagpipe's drone,
Which pours its sorrows in a mono-tone!
The drum crowns all; and to its leaden beat,
The crew keep time with deck-destroying feet!”

“Around the embers of the galley-fire,
For song and glee the cheerful tars retire.
There, while the cordial grog goes gaily round,
And recent trouble in the bowl is drown'd,
Again they fight their former battles o'er,
Or drink to those, belov'd, they left on shore.
Alternately the laugh and jest prevail,
And now the song is heard, and now the tale.
Hark! with a voice that stuns the deafen'd ear,
Whose rugged notes 'twere agony to hear,
Stentorophontus (best such name may suit
The man whose voice out-yells the fiercest brute)
With mouth extended, roars the rough-spun lay
That paints the perils of some fierce affray.
Rough bellowing quavers hang on ev'ry note,
As if a top-chain rattled in his throat;
Whilst in the chorus all the seamen join,
And pay the songster in his proper coin.
Anon, a tar, whose destiny severe,
For music gave him neither voice nor ear;
To furnish out his quota of delight, T
Begins some wond'rous story to recite,
Of goblins, sprites, and all the horrid crew
That ever fear conceiv'd, or terror knew;
Whilst, with attentive ear, the seamen round,
Hang on his lips in silence most profound.

So flies the time, till now th' extinguish'd fire
Warns them on other bus'ness to retire;
The warning they receive, and soon they go,
Those to their watch, and these to rest below.”

“Now swift canoes, with paddles short and strong,
To measur'd notes of music skim along,
And oft, the sable rowers, as they time
Their skilful strokes, their mellow voices chime.”
[Britain's Bulwarks or The British Seaman, Woodley, 1811, pp.57, 80-81, 129-130]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 22 - 08:56 PM

“DITHYRAMBO VI.
Assustáo-se os nautas, e a rouca celeumam
        A's estrellas vòa;
        De tristes gemidos
        O ar se povòa:…


Nos cheirosos lagares
Da Celeuma (I) o alaridosSe espalha pelos ares,
Do Eco repetido;
Enchendo de alegri
A rude companhia.

(I) Ainda que esta voz se costuma applicar á grita, que os Marinheiros fazem, excitando-se mutamente com ella ao trabalho; a sua original significaçao he exprimir a grita alegre dos Vindimadores. Isaias cap.16. v.10 Jeremias cap.48. v.33.”
[Poesias de Antonio Diniz da Cruz e Silva, 1812]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 22 - 08:57 PM

“SALOMA, s.f. Sorte de cri on de chant des matelots pendnt la manœuvre.
SALOMAR, v.n. On le dit des matelotes qui crient ou chantent tous à la fois en manœuvrant.”
[Diccionario Español Frances y Frances Español, Taboado, 1812]


“Alarido de marinheiro, cri des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage
Celeuma, s.f. (t. de mar.) cri des matelots pour s'encourager à ramer
Faina, s.f. cri des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage
Salema, s.f. stokfiche; chant des matelots en ramant”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire de Poche Francais-Portugais, Sociedade de Literator, 1812]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 22 - 08:59 PM

“CELEUMA, or CELEUSMA, [from… to call] in antiquity; 1. The shout or cry of the seamen, whereby they animated each other in the work of rowing. 2. A kind of song or formula, rehearsed or played by the master, or others, to direct the strokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour. See next article.
CELEUSTES, in ancient naivgation, the boatswain or officer appointed to give the rowers the signal, when they were to pull, and when to stop.”
[The Imperial Encyclopaedia; Or, Dictionary of the Sciences and Arts, Vol.I, Johnson, Exley, 1812]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 22 - 09:00 PM

“Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That the crews of each of the said ships of seventy-four guns, shall consist of two hundred able seamen, three hundred ordinary seamen and boys, three serjeants, three corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and sixty marines.”
[An Act: To increase the Navy of the United States, Naval Chronicle, Vol.XXIX, 1813, p.238]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 01:59 AM

“CHANTER. v. n. To song. Cest faire- certains cris de convention, pour donner le sigual de l'instant où plusieurs hommes, employés à une même opération, doivent réunir leurs efforts et agir tous ensemble. — La manière de chanter ou le cri de convention est variable suivant les chanteurs.

CHANTEUR. S. m. Ouvrier qui, agissant concurremment avec d'autrès, leur donne le signal, par un cri de convention, du moment où ils doivent déployer ensemble toutes leurs forces, pour produire par leur réunion, mi effet déterminé, qui exige non seulement toutes ces puissances, mais aussi leur concours simultané.

DONNER la voix, c'est marquer par un cri de de convention, le moment où plusieurs hommes rassemblés doivent agir ou réunir leurs erforts pour produire un effet quelconque.

O! INTERJECTION employée par les marins pour donner le signal à des hommes rassemblés pour une même opération, de réunir leurs efforts au même instant, afin de produire tout l'effet dont ils sont capables par le concours de leurs forces; c'est ainsi qu'ils disent à haute voix: ô hisse? ô hale? ô saille? ô saque? ô ride? pour annoncer le moment où ils doivent tous ensemble, ou hisser, ou haler, ou saillir, ou saquer, ou rider (Voy. ces mots).

REPRISE. s. f. C'est l'action de reprendre; voy. ce mot, et toutes les diverses acceptions dans lesquelles il est employé.

SAILLER. v. a. C'est ponsser une pièce de bois par une de ses extrèmités pour la faire glisser sur un plan, dans le sens de longueur, et lorsque plusieurs hommes rassemblés doivent concourir ensemble pour produire cet effet, l'un d'eux crie à haute-voix le mot Saille? Rousse? pour annoncer le moment où ils doivent réunir leurs efforts et agir en même temps avec la force dont ils sont capables.”
[Dictionnaire de la Marine Francoise, Romme, 1813]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 02:01 AM

“Vintage. This season was accompanied with feasts and great rejoicings. Isaiah says. xxv. 6. In this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people, a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees, well refined. Literally, a feast of fatness, a feast of lees, of marrowy fatnesses, of clarified lees. And, Isai. xvi. 10. Gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting; the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease. Hebrew, out of Carmel. Carmel signifies an excellent vineyard And Jeremiah says, xlviii. 33. Joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field (from the Carmel) and from the land of Moab, (which was fruitful in vines) and I hate caused wine to fail from the winepresses, none shall tread with shouting. their shouting shall be no shouting; Hebrew, literally, they shall no longer tread the grape, and he that cries hedad, shall no more cry hedad, hedad. This last term is the cry of the vintagers, from whence is formed heth, and de heth, [Huzza! Bravo!] with vigour, with courage, cheerfully.”
[Calmet's Great Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Vol.II, 1813]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 02:02 AM

“Alarido: celeuma nautica. § Clamor de quem bulha com outrem.
CELÈUMA, s.f. A vozeria, que faz a gente do mar, quando trabalha. Cam. Lus. II. 25. A celeuma medonha se levanta No rudo marinheiro, que trabalha.
CELEUMEÁR, v.n. Levantar celeuma: outros dizem Salamear.”
[Diccionario da Lingua Portugueza, Silva, 1813]



“CELEUMA, atis, n. Asc, Oed. et CELEUSMA, atis, n. (…exhorter). Cri par lequel les rameurs s'encouragent. ? Signal qui indique aux matelots les différentes manœuvres.
CELEUSTES. æ, m. Bud. Celui qui veille sur les matelots ou autres ouviers, comite, piqueur.”
[Dictionarium Latino-Gallicum, Noel, Facciolati, 1813]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 09:18 PM

“Accorde! zieht alle zugleich das Ruder an! (ist ein Commando an die Matrosen un Ruderknechte).
Accorder, v.a. (tirer ou haler d'accord) bei dem Rojen oder einem Tau alle zugleich anholen, welche letztere Arbeit gewöholich unter Auffangen geschieht, zugleich rudern.
Hissa, ho ha, hissa, ô, hisse! das Aufsingen beim Hissen.
Voix, s.f., das Aufsingrn, Wort.
        Donner la voix, aufsingen.
        A la voix! gebt aufs Aufsingen oder aufs Wort Acht.
        Saluer de la voix, (s Saluer).
[Dictionnaire de Commerce, de Marine et de Droit, François-Allemand, Lemmens, 1811]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 09:20 PM

“The command to heave round the capstern was given; some music, which we had on board, struck up a lively tune, and in less than twenty minutes the small bower anchor was secured to the larboard bow of the ship…”
[The Log-Book, No.VI, The Calcutta Magazine and Monthly Register, No.XXXII, By B (anon.), August, 1832]
Note: Royal Navy c.1814.



“Behold! At thy return, commerce unfurls her lightly flowing sails; and the busy mariner again in prospect beholds a return of that source of industry of which plenty was the reward; and while the gentle gales swell the canvas, the song of yo heave ho resounds along the river's banks, and the busy hum of men enlivens that scene which erst has seemed a dreary leafless forest.”
[Intellectual Regale; Or, Ladies Tea Tray, Volume 1, 1814]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 09:22 PM

“HAUL,
Haul at the song. Alzate al segno de richietto. Halez a la voix. Halez au chant.
To haul cheerily. Alare con forza, allegramente. Pesare sulia corda. Pesen.”
[Vocabolario di Marina in Tre Lingue, Vol.3, Stratico, 1814]



“Gally-slave, s. Tràill-iomramh
Iomram, Iomramh, s. Rowing
Iurram, s, An oar song, &c.”
[A New and Copious Vocabulay in Two Parts, Macfarlane, 1815]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 03:44 AM

“MUSCULAR STRENGTH COMPARED WITH THE POWERS OF THE MIND.
'Twere well if thoughts were like mechanic powers,
And double mind made double knowledge ours.
Two men at levers placed of equal length,
Their equal efforts joined, have double strength;
And two to these we gain the strength of four,
So in proportion with a thousand more;
As here combined, their pressure gives of course,
At one fixed point, one time, their whole united force.
'Tis thus their sinewy strength the sailors show,
Who gain an extra power with “Yoe, heave ho.”
But 'tis not so with MINDS,– these stand alone;
And two, though joined, have but the strength of one,
No “Yoe heave” here can help the other on!...”
[Poetic Flowers, Sandham, 1815]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 03:45 AM

“Un, deux, trois! (t. de Marine), Haul-in– haul to– haul belay! Song used by seamen when hauling the bowlines.

Voix [t. de Marine] The song (employed by sailors, in hoisting, heaving, &c.) Donner la voix, To sing out (as in hauling, hoisting, heaving, &c.) A la voix, Mind the man that sings! Saleur de la voix. V. Saleur.”
[Dictionnaire François-Anglois et Anglois-François, Tom.I, Pt.II., Chambaud, 1815]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 03:46 AM

“We proceeded in a piade along the northern shore of the sea of Marmara, to the city of Constantine: eight Turks formed our crew, who rowed with the greatest velocity for six or seven hours at a time; while the songs with which they enlivened their exertions; the beautiful scenery along which we passed; and weather so fine, that our night was spent upon the water, though the day had been far from sultry, heightened the pleasure of approaching Constantinople.”
[Douglas on the Ancient and Modern Greeks, The Analectic Magazine, Vol.VI, 1815]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 04:09 PM

“Sæ-leoð, celeusma.”
[Vocabularium Anglo-Saxonicum, Lexico Gul. Somneri magna parte auctius, Benson, Somner, 1701]

More than you might ever want to know about Somner:
“...Nevertheless, a handful of entries from the Historical Thesaurus sample do contain something more than the minimum amount of detail. Of these, the entry for leoð is perhaps most interesting in the context of the current study. Somner’s definition runs as follows:

Carmen, pœan, oda, celeasma. a verse, a song, a song of rejoycing, an ode or psalm, the shout or noise which mariners make when they doe any thing together, or when the Master doth call and encourage them.

The first three definitions supplied in the Latin, and the first four in English, are relatively typical for Somner’s entries. They briefly identify a basic meaning for the Old English term, but do not indicate in detail either the character of an Old English leoð or the contexts in which one might be encountered or composed. In contrast, the last definition is surprisingly specific; it is the only part of the entry to follow the traditional model of defining by means of a genus that identifies the category to which the definiendum belongs (here, a leoð is said to be a type of ‘shout or noise’) and the differentiæ that distinguish it from other members of that category (unlike other shouts or noises, a leoð is made by a specific group of people, mariners, in specific circumstances).[105] What is more, it is unlike the other definitions given for this headword in that it does not indicate that a leoð is a musical or poetic form. The increased specificity and (in Early Modern English) length of this definition might lead readers to interpret this sense as having particular significance. In fact, the definition appears to be derived from a single glossary entry in London, British Library Cotton Cleopatra A.III, which reads, ‘Celeumatis sæleoþes’. The Dictionarium also contains an entry for sæleoð, defined as follows:

Celeusma. the mariners shout, noise, or cry in hoisting anchor or sail.

It seems natural to conclude that Somner was influenced in both cases by the glossary entry for sæleoð. This implies that he recognised the element -leoð as being common to both and so had successfully analysed the compound into its constituent parts. Interestingly, however, he still carried the maritime sense from sæleoð into his definition for leoð (though it lacks the element sæ-, ‘sea’). What is more, despite recognising a leoð as being a kind of song, or having musical associations, he does not apply this knowledge to his definition of sæleoð as a ‘shout, noise, or cry’.

The Cleopatra glossary supplied Somner with the Latin equivalent for sæleoð (and hence for leoð); the lengthiness of the Early Modern English, however, is evidently due to the fact that Somner was working closely from a Latin-English dictionary. It is hard to be certain which of the many such dictionaries in circulation, which often had considerable overlaps in content, Somner would have worked from, but a clearly related entry can be found s.v. celeusma in a Latin-English dictionary from the sixteenth century:

Celeusma, or Celeuma, atis, n.g. Mart. The showt or noise that mariners make, when they doe anie thing togeather with ioyned strength, as in drawing the anchor, &c. or when the Master doth call and encourage them (Thomas, 1587).

Another source that presumably helped Somner define these headwords is Canterbury, Cathedral Archives LitMS/D/2, a fifteenth-century manuscript of the Latin dictionary (with sporadic Middle English glosses) known as the Medulla Grammatice. This particular copy was well used by Somner, who added copious glosses providing the Old English equivalents of the Latin headwords, as well as inserting additional Latin headwords when he wished to provide an Old English word that did not already have a Latin equivalent in the Medulla. [106] It appears that that Somner did not prepare this material for publication, and therefore that his additions probably represent his private work in studying Old English and preparing the Dictionarium. In the Canterbury Medulla, we find the following entry:

Celeuma. tis id est clamor nauticus et cantus (McCleary, 1958:169)

This is annotated by Somner with the Old English sæleoþ, suggesting that the Medulla’s definition of the Latin celeu(s)ma may have been another influence on Somner in writing his Dictionarium definitions….

[105] On this approach to definition, see Atkins & Rundell (2008:414).
[106] A diplomatic edition of LitMS D2, including Somner’s additions, has been produced by J. Marie van Zandt McCleary (1958).
[108] Hetherington (1980:148-9) notes a single explicit reference made to the Medulla in the Dictionarium, s.v. niþing. However, as has been seen elsewhere, Somner is not exhaustive in his citation of such sources, so this observation does not rule out his having drawn silently on the Medulla in other entries.”

[Master's Thesis, William Somner’s Dictionarium Saxonico-Latino-Anglicum: Method, Function and Legacy, Fletcher, U. of Glasgow, 2017]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 03 Aug 22 - 09:28 PM

1804 - Origins: Canadian Boat Song (Thomas Moore)

"Based on" J'ai Trop Grand Peur des Loups or Dans mon chemin j'ai rencontré.
French Canadian songs

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'conch
Date: 03 Aug 22 - 09:39 PM

“ATTENTI, al comando, alla voce, A la voix. Silence, or Mind the Song. Avverimeato che ai da a' marinaj che manovrano, di far attenzione al comiando e di operare d' accordo.

SALOMARE, v.a. Dare la voce. Donner la voix. To sing out. Salomare è preso dallo spagnoolo.

VOIX, s.f. Voce. Song.
        Donner la voix Dare La Voce. To sing out. E il gridare che si fa di tempo io tempo dagli uomioi che lavorano all siessa manovra.
        Donne la voix quelqu'un. Da la Voce. Sing out there a hand.
        A la voix Attente Alla Voce. Mind the song. E un comando di star attente al grido che si darà per far forsa dd' accordo su d' una manovra.”
[1813 - Vocabulaire de Marine en Trois Langues, Vol.I-II, 1813]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 02:08 AM

“The canoes, when they take their departure from La Chine, are loaded to within about six inches of the gunwales, or edge of the canoe. Instead of oars, they use paddles, which they handle with great dexterity. They strike off, singing a song peculiar to themselves, called the Voyaguer Song: one man takes the lead, and all the others join in a chorus. It is extremely pleasing to see people who are toiling hard, display such marks of good humour and contentment, although they know, that for a space of more than 2000 miles their exertions must be unremitting, and their living very poor; for, in the little space allowed in the canoe for provisions, you find none of the luxuries, and a very scanty supply of the necessaries of life. The song is of great use: they keep time with their paddles to its measured cadence, and, by uniting their force, increase its effect considerably.”
[Letters from Canada Written During a Residece in the Years 1806, 1807, and 1809, Gray, 1809]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 02:10 AM

“VOCABULARY OF THE LOO-CHOO
English                                Loo-Choo
Song                                        Oóta*

*Words of Loo-Choo songs:
“Sas sangcoomeh sangcoomeah kadee yooshee daw, tantoong tantoong tang.”
A boat song: “Whee-yo ee.–Whee yo ee.” The steersman gave “Whee,” and was followed by the other men with a repitition of “Whee yo ee.”
Another boat song: “Quee yay hanno ha.–Quee yay hanno ha.” To both these airs the rowers kept very good time.”

“The words of the dance song were “ Sasa sangcoomah, sangcoomee ah! sangcoomee ah! kadee yooshee daw;" when they came to the last word they all joined in the chorus and clapped their hands.”
[Account of a Voyage of Discovery to the West Coast of Corea (1816-1817,) Clifford, 1818]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 02:15 AM

“They continued their usual supplies, bringing us even fresh water on board in their boats; and, understanding we required some wood for spars, they felled fir trees, floated them down the river, and towed them alongside, singing their usual boat song, which had a very plaintive and pleasing effect.”
[McLeod, Narrative of a Voyage in his Majesty's late ship Alceste to the Yellow Sea, The Literary Panorama, and National Register, Vol.7, 1818]

HMS Alceste (1806)
Basil Hall (1788 – 1844)
Sir Murray Maxwell (1775 – 1831)

“On the return journey, she struck a reef in the Java Sea; her wreck was subsequently plundered and burned by Malayan pirates.” [wiki]

Note: The rescue of HMS Alceste's survivors is a true-to-life pirate tale.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 02:18 AM

“Calomar, s.m. cri des matelots pour s'encourager
Saloma, s.f. chant des matelots
Salomar. v. n. chanter en manœuvrant”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire de Poche François-Espagnol et Español-Francés, 1816]


“Calomar, m. the cry of sailors when they hale a rope all together.
Saloma, f. The singing of the sailors. Salomar, n. To sing together, as sailors do”
[A dictionary of the Spanish and English languages, Fernandez, 1817]


“Alarido, f.m. Vozeria dos que entraõ em combate. Celeuma da gente do mar. Clamor dos que brigaõ.
Celêufma, ou Celêuma, f.f. Gritaria de gente do mar, quando trabalha.
Celêufmear, ou Celêmear, v.n. Fazer celêfma.”
[Novo Diccionario da Lingua Portugueza, 1817]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 05:07 AM

“La condition des rameurs étoit la plus pénible et la plus dure. J'ai déjà observé que les rameurs , aussi-bien que les matelots, étoient tous citoyens et libres, et non esclaves ou étrangers comme aujourd'hui. Les rameurs étoient distingués par degrés. Ceux du plus bas s'appeloient thalamites, ceux du milieu zugites, ceux d'en haut thranites. Thucydide remarque qu'on donnoit à ces derniers une plus forte paie, parce qu'ils manioient des rames plus longues et plus pesantes que celles des degrés inférieurs. Il paroît que la chiourme, pour se mouvoir avec plus de justesse et de concert, étoit quelquefois conduite par le chant d'une voix, ou par le son de quelque instrument; et cette douce harmonie servoit non seulement à régler leurs mouvemens, mais encore à diminuer et à charmer leurs peines….

Plus de deux 296. cents galères , ornées de dépouilles ennemies, s'avançoient avec une contenance majestueuse, la chiourme faisant une espèce de concert par l'ordre uniforme et réglé avec lequel les rames étoient mises en mouvement. Elles étoient suivies d'un nombre infini de petits batimens; de sorte que le port, quelque vaste qu'il fût, pouvoit à peine les contenir, et que toute la mer étoit couverte de voiles.”
[Œuvres Complètes de Ch. Rollin: Histoire Ancienne, Rollin, 1817]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 05:11 AM

“I know not that these poor souls are worse treated in Carolina and Georgia, nor have I any reason to believe so; certain it is, however, that they discover an unwillingness amounting almost to horror, at the idea of being sold there; and have a simple song which they sometimes, as I am told, sing with a mournful melancholy cadence, as they row along the rivers, in remembrance of home. It is merely the language of nature:

        Going- away to Georgia, ho, heave, O!
        Massa sell poor negro, ho, heave, O!
        Leave poor wife and children, ho, heave, O! &c. &c.”
[Letters from the South*, Vol.I, 1817]
*
1817: By The author of John Bull and Brother Jonathan, &c. &c.
1835: By A Northern Man
2022: James Kirke Paulding (1778 – 1860.)

“Among Paulding's government positions were those of secretary to the Board of Navy Commissioners in 1815–23 and Naval Agent in New York in 1824–38. President Martin Van Buren appointed him Secretary of the Navy in June 1838. As Secretary, he was a conservative figure, whose extensive knowledge of naval affairs was balanced by notable lack of enthusiasm for new technology. He opposed the introduction of steam propelled warships declaring that he would "never consent to let our old ships perish, and transform our Navy into a fleet of (steam) sea monsters." Nevertheless, his tenure was marked by advances in steam engineering, wide-ranging exploration efforts, enlargement of the fleet and an expansion of the Navy's apprenticeship program.” [wiki]
Cousin: Hiram Paulding (1797 – 1878) retired a Rear Admiral, USN.

Origins: Run, Nigger, Run & Lambert (above,), the Advent thread, &c &c.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 05:14 AM

“Cheer Up! pull away.
A Boat-Song From Forrest's Travels
Composed and Dedicated to William B. Finch Esq. of the United States Navy
By T.V. Wiesenthal

2x
Cheer up! pull a-way,
Cheer up! pull a-way,
We'll gain the ocean far away,


Be-hold yon is land a far,
What fishes a-bound in its main.
Be-hold yon cloud a-far,
Haste, haste let's the fishes obtain.

2x
Cheer up! pull a-way,
Cheer up! pull a-way,
We'll gain the ocean far away,

Fast by the Capezine land,
Castilian dances you will find,
My lads to gain the Capezine land,
Pull pull with the whole of you mind.

2x
Cheer up! pull a-way,
Cheer up! pull a-way,
We'll gain the ocean far away,
[Sheet Music, Wiesenthal, Thomas, 1818, 4 pages]
See Forrest, 1779 (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 05:18 AM

“IX. Vult Proceleusmaticus brevibus constare quaternis.
Proceleulsmaticus derives its name from keleusma, clamor adhortatorius nautarum. It is contracted by the poets into three syllables; as, abiete, abjete, áriete, arjete, pituita, pitvita, tenuia, tenvia. Virg.”
        Quadribrevis Proceleusmaticus de murmure nautae. Busbey.”
[A Latin Grammar, 6th ed., Ross, 1818, p.155]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 01:48 AM

“While the crews of both ships were on the ice to-day, tracking the Isabella along between two floes, one of the most ludicrous scenes occurred that I have witnessed for some time past. It may be, perhaps, considered too frivolous to mention; but from the laughter it excited at the time, I cannot refrain from introducing it. One of the men belonging to the Isabella, who plays the violin, was, as usual, giving the men a tune on that instrument, to cheer them along in their laborious task, when all of a sudden, in the middle of a lively air, both the fiddler and the fiddle disappeared, he having dropped through a hole in the ice. The consternation of all hands, at the first moment, on finding the music so suddenly stopped, and the burst of laughter which ensued on discovering the cause, may be more readily conceived than described. The poor fellow got up again without sustaining any other damage beside a cold ducking and a wet fiddle.”
[Journal of a Voyage of Discovery to the Arctic Regions, 1818, Greely, 1818]

William Edward Parry (1790 – 1855)
Isabella (1813 ship)
Discovery expedition (1818-1819): The LR data does not recognize that the Admiralty hired Isabella in 1817 for a discovery expedition in 1818. She sailed with another hired vessel, Alexander, and the whole expedition was under the command of Commander John Ross, who was sailing in Isabella. Of Isabella's crew of 54 men, four officers were clearly from the navy, as were her six marines. The other officers and men were probably civilians, as were Benjamin Lewis (the master and Greenland pilot), and Thomas Wilcox (the mate and also a Greenland pilot). (Generally when the navy hired a vessel, it would put a naval officer in command, but keep on the master and crew.) There were also three supernumeraries — Captain Sabine and a sergeant from the Royal Artillery (Sabine being the scientific observer), and the Eskimo Sacheous, who was being repatriated.” [wiki]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 01:50 AM

“The night was so exquisitely beautiful, that Jeanie, instead of immediately directing her course towards the Lodge, stood looking after the boat as it again put off from the side, and rowed out into the little bay, the dark figures of her companions growing less and less distinct as they diminished in the distance, and the jorram, or boat-song of the rowers, coming on the ear with the softened and sweeter sound, until the boat rounded the headland, and was lost to her observation.”
[The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Tales of My Landlord, Second Series, Vols.1-4, Scott, 1818]

Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) (Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the Lake &c.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 01:51 AM

“BOULENA, A sea cheer, signifying, Hale up the bowlings. Complaynt S.
BUFF NOR STYE. He cou'd neither say buff nor stye, S. i.e. “He could neither say one thing nor another.” It is also used, but I suspect, improperly, in regard to one who has no activity; He has neither buff nor stye with him S.B.
Teut. bof, celeusma, a cheer made by mariners. Stye might be viewed as referring to the act of mounting the shrouds, from Su. G. stig-a, to ascend.
CAUPONA, “a sailor's cheer in heaving the anchor.”                Complaynt S.
CHYRE, Cheer, entertainment.        Dunbar.
Heys and How, A sea cheer.        Douglas.
HOW, HOU, s.l. The sound made by owl. Fr. hu-er to hoot.        Doug.
2. A sea cheer.        Complaynt S..
OURWORD, OWERWORD, s. 1. Any word frequenty repeated, S.        Burns.
2. The burden of a song.        Dunbar.”
[An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language, Jamieson, 1818]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 01:56 AM

“Celeusma: grido con cui su esortavano i naviganti - … (celeuo) commando. V. Proceleusmatico p.65.
Proceleusmatico: piè metrico di quattro brevi – . (proceleusmaticos), … (celeusma) esortazione nautica; perchè i versi fatti con questi piedi a cagione della loro speditezza si usavano per animare i marinai.”
[Almanacco Etimologico Scientifico per l'anno 1819, 1818]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 02:01 AM

“It was about the close of day we prepared to cross the river St. John's, at a part about five miles above the bar. The sun lingered upon the extensive forests of its banks, and undulated upon the trembling surface of its waters; the evening was pure and serene, and presented every object in the most alluring character. The noise of the oars, as they cut their liquid way, rousing the echoes of its banks, were answered by the noisy cadence of the negroes' boat-song, amusing and beguiling our way. As we entered upon the waters of the St. John's, we saw several canoes returning from fishing, their rovers were also chaunting the canoe-song, emulating at the same time the rapidity of our progress; we really flew along the glassy surface, such was the celerity of our movements.”
[Narrative of a Voyage to the Spanish Main In the Ship "Two Friends”, 1819]

Amelia Island affair

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 02:03 AM

“365. Is trom an ioram, is an t-iomram.
366.[sic] Heavy [sad] is the sea-song and the rowing. (p)

(p) The iorum, or boat-song, here alluded to, must be of a wailing cast, corresponding to the double stroke of the oar, when, most likely, the corpse of a Chief was conveyed to Iona, (the ancient place of internment on that sacred island), whence the Gaël and Scandanavians, Scoto and Anglo Saxons, received the light of the Gospel.– Vide Bedes Eccl. Hist.”
[Collection of Gaelic proverbs and familiar phrases ... To which is added, 'The way to wealth' by Benjamin Franklin, Mackintosh, 1819]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Aug 22 - 01:02 AM

“Le chef de nos rameurs entonne un chant nautique, et la mer retentit de nos voix réunies qui le répètent.”
[Héléne, Tragédies d'Euripid Traduites du Grec, Vol.2, Euripedes, 1848]
Euripides (480 – 406BC)


“CELEUSMA, or Celeuma, in Antiquity, the fhout or cry of the feamen, whereby they animated each other in their work of rowing.
        The word is formed from …, to call, to give the fignal.
        Celeusma was alfo a kind of fong or formula rhearfed or played by the master or others, to direct the ftrokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to kabour. See Celeustes.
        Aquinus, without much foundation, extends the celeufma to the military fhouts in land armies.
        When Chriftianity got footing, hymns and pfalms were fung in veffels by way of celeufma, in which the words amen and hallelujah were frequently repeated.
CELEUSTES,in Ancient Navigation, the boatfwain or officer appointed to give the orwers the fignal when they were to pull, and when to ftop. See Celeusma.
        He was alfo denominated epopeus, and by the Romans portifculus; fometimes fimply hortator.
CELEUSUS, in Ancient Geography, a place in Germany between Gemanicus and Arufena, at the mouth of a fmall river which runs into the Danube.”
[The Cyclopædia; Or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Vol 7, Rees, 1819]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Aug 22 - 01:04 AM

1819:
“We took in a cargo of hemp at Cronstadt, the stowing of which by means of jackscrews was the work of the Russian serfs, whose brawny limbs were fed on nothing better than black bread of a very sour flavour and garlic. But they were kept in heart by glasses of fiery "bottery," which it was my office to give them at stated hours; and they lightened their heavy labour by improvised chants sung in untiring chorus, under a leader, who gave the improvisations.”
[Autobiography of Archbishop Ullathorne, 1892, p.26]
Note: Reprinted as – From cabin-boy to Archbishop: Autobiography of…
William Bernard Ullathorne (1806–1889)

Cotton screwing songs

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Aug 22 - 01:06 AM

1819:
“...The wind was generally against us, so that after reaching the point where the river spreads into Lake St. Francis, we were obliged to rely wholly on rowing. Fortunately our crew were fine singers, and amused us with several little French ballads, though I could not find that they knew any thing of the Canadian Boat Song.”
[Travels, The Club-Room, Issues 1-4, 1820]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Aug 22 - 01:07 AM

“BOULINA-HA-HA! Arrache! Boulina-ha-ha, déralingue! Etc. Ancien chant des matelots français pendant qu’ils hâlent sur les ‘quatre principales boulines , notamment celle du grand et du petit hunier. Ce chant est si ridicule que plusieurs capitaines militaires le défendent.

BOULINER, v. a. Action de haler la bouline. Des matelots français ont encore la mauvaise habitude de chanter: boulina-ha-ha! arrache! eu palanquant sur les quatre principales boulines.

CHANTER, v. n. Vieil usage de faire crier quelques hommes qu’on nommait chanteurs, pour donner le signal de réunion d’efforts à faire par plusieurs sur une bouline, ou pour toute autre opération qu’on exécute dans les ports et sur les grands bâtimens. Dans un bâtiment de guerre bien ordonné, on ne permet plus de chanter ainsi. Voy. Boulina.

HALE , imper. Hàle à courir! hále ensemble! hále main sur main! avec force et vivement, c'est faire háler, tirer à la main sur un cordage qui appel horizontalement.

HISSA, O, HA, HISSE: chant de l’homme qui donne la voix pour réunir les efforts de plusieurs autres sur un même cordage afin de produire un plus grand effet. Ce chant ou cri n'a plus guère lieu que dans quelques ports.

Ô! interj. Les marins l’emploient comme signal, à plusieurs hommes réunis, de faire effort ensemble: ils crient: ô! saille! — Ô! hisse! — Ô! ride! — Ô! hale!

SAILLE! adv. Réponse que font les matelots du gaillard d'avant au commandement du maître d’équipage, pour faire haler sur une des principales boulines. Oh! saille! sorte de cri en chantant, qui est aujourd’hui moins permis; ils terminent parle mot blaye.

VOIX , s.f. On dit qu’on est à portée de la voix d’un bâtiment quand on peut s’en faire entendre au moyen d’un porte-voix; on commande à la voix, on salue de la voix; on donne la voix, on fait passer la voix.”
[Dictionnaire de Marine, 1st ed., Willaumez, 1820]
Jean-Baptiste Philibert Willaumez (1763–1845)

Note: 1825ed. of the above also covered in the Advent & Development thread.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Aug 22 - 07:24 PM

“Deffeando la feñal de fu partida:
Pues no le fue mas tiempo diferida,
Que con zaloma el ancora levada,
Y repitiendo el nombre de Cañete,
Largò la Capitana fu trinquete.”
[Arauco Domado, de Oña, 1605]
Pedro de Oña (1570 – 1643)
Arauco War


“el calomar, le ton que les mariniers chantent tout d'un temps pour tirer de faire effort tous ensemble, il suono, che i marinari cantano ad un tempo tutti insieme per tirare piu forte.”
[Tesoro de las Tres Lenguas Francesa, Italiana, y Española, Victor-Rovière-Crespin, 1606]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Aug 22 - 07:29 PM

“...The oar of the boatman measures each stroke by the heart-enlivening iram,* as he cuts the rippling wave, bringing to shore a load of fush for the bridal banquet, now in preparation throughout all the vaults of the castle,…

*Iram, the Gaelic name for a boatman's song.”
[La Belle Assemblée, Vol.13, 1816]



“Calomar, fm. Cri des matelots pour s'encourager,m.
Saloma, s.f. chant des matelots, m.
Salomar, vn. Chanter en manœuvrantâ
[Nouveau Dictionnaire de Poche François-Espagnol et Espagnol-François, Hamonière, 1820]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Aug 22 - 07:33 PM

“En boo lé ma lo di
ce o boon co lom ba si ba do*

The second is a Serere air, a boat song, sung by the crew whilst rowing. It is more simple and more common than the above, and seems to appertain almost entirely to what the Greeks termed the Phrygian mode. According to our system of harmony we should refer it to the key of D minor, although it deviates in some respects from our manner of modulating. The letters R above the stave shew the moment when the oars are raised, and the letters L denote their being lowered into the water. This air, therefore, is most strictly regular as to rhythm. Whatever may be the interior changes from triple to common measure, the time which the respective changes consume must be equal; for what can be more isochronous than the movement of the oars of a well trained boat's-crew ? Simple, however, as this composition may appear, its execution in strict time is likely to put our best timeists to a severe trial; and were Mr. Braham himself with the paper in his hand to direct the strokes of a six-oared wherry, the jolly watermen, in all probability, would not form a very exalted opinion of his steadiness in musical measure. Our Serere songsters, we entertain no doubt, would obtain the prize in a trial of skill with the first vocalist in Europe.”
[Africa: Containing a Description of the Manners and Customs, with Some Historical Particulars of the Moors of the Zahara, and of the Negro Nations Between the Rivers Senegal and Gambia, 1821]
*Music included.

Serer people

Note: There are chapters on the guiriot class but nothing related to work song.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Aug 22 - 07:36 PM

“Celeusma, heave ho, in pulling together”
[A Vocabulary of Latin Nouns and Adnouns, Atkinson, 1822]


“SALOMA. He a cantiga, ou gritaria, que fazem os marinheiros , quando alão algum cabo, cujo salomear he prohibido nos nossos Navios de Guerra.”
[Vocabulario Marujo, Campos, 1823]

Note: Closest thing so far to a “ban” on work song in any State navy.
Chanteys in Royal Navy?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Aug 22 - 07:38 PM

“The boat was like one before described, but much larger, as we were now certainly not less than fifty passengers;… The sailors accompany their exertions in rowing by a short lively song, which had only one variation and tone, and is always sung with great spirit; it is one of the many in use in Egypt,* and the only one here….

*The favourite song with Reiss Bedoui, the captain of our cangee, and that which seemed most effectual in stimulating his sailors, was nearly as follows:– Reiss Bedoui. “Sailors, pull at your oars.” Chorus of sailors. “God and Mahommed.” Reis. “May God bless and assist you.” Cho. “God,” &c. Reis. “You are men, not children.” Cho. “God,” &c. Reiss. “My boys, you shall ride in chariots.” Cho. “God,” &c. Reis. “The sheep is killed.” Cho. “God,” &c. Reis. “May your wives be beautiful and fruitful.” Cho. “God,” &c. Reis. “The wind and the current are against us, but God is with us.” Cho. “God,” &c.– The verse is given out in a kind of hoarse recitative by the captain, but the effect of the whole is peculiarly animating and agreeable, and productive of sensations known only to those who have glided down between the palmy shores of the Nile on a calm moonlight evening.”
[Waddington's Travels in Ethopia, The Literary Gazette, Vol.6, 1823]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Sep 22 - 07:35 PM

“I LEFT Charleston in the afternoon of the 28th of August, and proceeded in a pilot boat to the corvette John Adams, then lying at single anchor outside of the bar. We reached the ship a little after sunset; I was received kindly and hospitably by Captain R., who introduced me to my fellow-passengers and to the officers of the ship. Orders were immediately given to weigh anchor, and the men ran round the capstern cheerily, to the sound of the drum and fife. The anchor was soon a-trip; the sails filled with a favourable breeze, and the ship under way.”
[Notes on Mexico made in the Autumn of 1822, Poinsett, 1825]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Sep 22 - 07:39 PM

“SALOMA. He a cantiga, ou gritaria, que fazem os marinheiros , quando alão algum cabo, cujo salomear he prohibido nos nossos Navios de Guerra.”
[Vocabulario Marujo, Campos, 1823]
Note: Banned in Brazil.

“Mar.
O! CAZZA; O! hisse
O! SAGLIA; O! Saille
Voci che son date da un marinajo in certi travagli, sia per tesare un cavo, che per alare, o tirar sopra qualunque altra cosa, onde far forza tutti in un punto, e di concerto: Delle volte quando si pronunzia O! a voce lenta, allora tutti i travagliatori si preparano per lo sforzo che devono impiegarvi, ed alla voce cazza, eseguono il resto del movimento; quasi che la prima voce è di prevenzione, e la seconda è di esecuzione.”
[Dizionario Italiano-Scientifico-Militare, Ballerini, 1824]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Sep 22 - 07:44 PM

“...and the cry of the itinerant vender of sherbert and iced orgeats on the shore blended with the capstern song of the British sailor in the offing, or the ballad of the merry Greek, as he gaily trilled in his caique the deeds of Boukovallos and his Kleftis.

...The day was closing, and as we sat in the little cabin, the sailors came down one by one to cross themselves and repeat a prayer before the image of the Virgin; on their returning upon deck, we heard them singing their vesper hymn as they slowly hove up the anchor, shook out the sails, and prepared to bear away.”
[Letters From the Ægean, Vol.I, Emerson, 1825; Supplement to the Connecticut Courant, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 04:18 AM

“Bring to,” cried the first Lieutenant. “All ready, Sir.’—“Heave round at the capstan, and run the anchor up to the bows.” Away danced the men to the tune of “Off she goes.”
[The Greenwich Hospital, The Literary Gazette, 1824]
Origins: Off She Goes

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 04:19 AM

IURRAM. aim, s.m. (Ir. id.) An oar-song; a boat song; tedious rhyme; a song sung during any kind of work, by way of lightening its burden; a fidgetting. Iurram a dh?isgeas an spiorad, a spirit-stirring boat-song.—Macfar. Iurram, fidgetting.—Shaw.

The iurram, or boat-song, seems to have been intended to regulate the strokes of the oars; so also, in ancient times,
                stat margine puppis
Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
Et remis dictet sonitum pariterque relatis,
Ad numerum plaudat resonantia caerula tonsis.

IURRAMACH, a. Like an oar-song.
[A Gaelic Dictionary, 1825]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 04:28 AM

“On n'entendait que le chant des matelots (1) et le bruit léger de la vague, qui battoit doucement le flanc du vaisseau.

(1) Qui chantoient “Yo heave yo.””
[À La Riviére Démérary, Bibliothèque Britannique, ou Recueil Extrait des Ouvrages Anglais Périodiques et Autres, Vol.40, 1809]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 04:30 AM

1825
“Saturday, 8th July—Mr. G—— who had lately come down from Leeds, having consented to return there with me, he and I embarked on board a batteau, for St. Nicholas's Mills. While sailing up the river, we were entertained with the simple melody of the Canadian boat song : the men sang a verse, or part of a verse, and were then followed by the females, who took up their part very readily; and their fine clear voices, keeping time with the motion of the oars, had a pleasing effect...

No cheering sounds disturbed the silent air.—The boatman's ballad, wild, such as, while rowing down the tide in day's delightful dawn, assists his " labouring oar," no more was heard: the seaman's cheerful song while hoisting in the freight, which, all day long, amused the passing ear, had long since ceased ; the birds, in downy nests retired, and wrapt in sleep, relieved their warbling throats... The zephyr's gentle breath, expanding wide our sail, impelled us slowly on; but even this, as if at length fatigued with long-protracted toil, and prone to join the universal rest, died soft away.—Our oars came next in use: these, gently splashing in the quiet flood, urged on our sluggish bark; and music's powerful aid increased our speed apace—the Canadian boatman's song now sounded with effect: it first disturbed the peace that reigned around ; and, mildly falling on the stilly air, proclaimed our dark approach….

Man your topsail sheets, and overhaul your clue-lines and buntlines !" cried the mate; the seamen sprang to their places with the greatest alacrity, and the command was soon executed. The topsail haliards, or rope by which the topsail is hoisted, was next ordered to be manned, and the hoisting was accompanied by a lively song, the words of which, being the extemporary
composition of the seaman who led, afforded me a good deal of amusement.— One man sung, and the rest joined lustily in the chorus. The following is a specimen :—

Oh rouse him up,
Chorus—Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Now for Warrenpoint,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Oh-mast-head him,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Cheerly men,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Newry girls,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Rouse him up cheerly,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Oh, with a will,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily;
Oh, oh, yeo,
        Oh, yeo, cheerily.

From some of these few simple words, the effusions of the heart, at the moment, no doubt, an important inference is plain.
[A Journal of a Voyage to Quebec in 1825, Finan, 1828, pp.138, 167-168, 328-329]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Sep 22 - 11:40 PM

“As a plain sailor with his boisterous chime.

The present Manager of the Chatham Garden Theatre, was formerly a Lieutenant in the British Navy. He was afterwards on the boards of the Norwich Company in England. He was principally applauded for singing a common sailor's chant in character – having a sort of “Sally Brown, oh, ho,” chorus; and requiring the action of pulling a rope, spitting upon the hand, and the accompaniment of a horrid yell….”
[Horace in New York, Campbell, 1826]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Sep 22 - 11:41 PM

“MORNING
In the Isle of Wight.
...Then, the landsman 'gins to mow
The perfumed crop on grounds above,
And sailors chant the “yeo, heave, yeo.”
Then young hearts wake to life and love.”
[The English Spy, v.II, Blackmantle, 1826]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Sep 22 - 11:42 PM

“CELESTIS, era presso gli antichi Greci una melodia per i Flauti di una danza de'barcajuoli.

PARAKELEUSTICON. Canzone degli antichi barcajuoli greci.

PARAKOUTAKION. Nome d'un canto alternativo nella Chiesa greca.”
[Dizionario e Bibliografia della Musica, Vol.I, Lichtenthal, 1826]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Sep 22 - 11:43 PM

“CALOMAR, s.m. Cri des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage.
SALOMA s.f. Chant des matelots pendant la manœuvre.
SALOMAR, v/n/ Se dit des matelots qui chantent tous à la fois en manœuvrant.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Français-Espagnol et Espagnol-Français, Vol.2, Trapani, 1826]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 10:57 PM

Backtracking a bit:

“ALARIDO, f..m. Gritaria, clamor, vozes juntas,…
– de marinheiro, v. Faina. Celeuma. ¶ Fazer, dar grandes alaridos. Crier, exciter, faire du tumulte, du trouble; troubler. (Tumultuari. Turbas facere. Cic.)
CELEUMA, f.f. (T. Marit.) Vozeria dos marinheiros. Cri des matelots qui rament, pour s'encourager à l'ouverage. (Celeufma. tis. f. n. Afc. Pæd.)
FAINA, f.f. (T.Naut.) Celeuma, vozeria com que os marinheiros fe incitão a fazer o feu officio, quando trabalhão; &c. Cri des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouverage. (Celeuma, ou Celeufma. Tis. f.n. Afc. Pæd.)
SALEMA, … §Fayna. Vozeria dos marinheiros. Cri des matelots qui rament, pour s'encourager à l'ouverage. (Celeufma. tis. f. n. Afc. Pæd.)
SALAMEAR, v.n. (T. de Marineheiro.) Fazer a faloma, ou a falema. Donner des cris en ramant, pour s'encourager à l'ouverage: (On ledit des matelots.)(Celeufma edere, ou facere.)”
[Diccionario Portuguez Francez e Latino, da Costa. 1794]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 10:59 PM

“CALÓMA. (Naut.) Grita de marineros. Crying out zaloma.
SALÓMA. s.f. La accion de salomar. A failor's fong, the act of finging out whe nhe hauls a rope &c.
SALOMÁR. v.n. Cantar juntos los marineros para tirar ó empujar á un tiempo en las maniobras. To fing out, ufed by failors when they work together.
ZALÓMA. s.f. (náut.) Cancion que usan los marineros quando halan de un aparejo. A fong ufed by failors when they haul a rope together.
ZALOMÁR. v.a. Hacer la zaloma. To fing and haul together a rope, as failors are wont to do.”
[Diccionario Nuevo de las Dos Lenguas Española e Inglesa, Tom.I-II, Conelly-Higgins, 1798]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 11:02 PM

“Calomar, m. das Geschrey der Matrosen, wann sie im Schiffe zugleich hand anlegen.
Calomar, o. rufen, schreyen, wie die Matrosen thun, wenn sie ein Seil, Tau anziehen; absingen.”
[Nuevo Diccionario Espanol-Aleman y Aleman-Espanol, 1798]


“*Celeusma, atis, n. the mufical cry, by which feamen incited one another to ply their oars.
[A Compendious Dictionary of the Latin Tongue: For the Use of Public Seminaries and Private Students, Adam, 1805]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Sep 22 - 10:19 PM

“RIME, f.f. On écrivoit autrefois Rhyme, du mot grec, qui fignifie tout ce qui fe fait d'une maniere égale.
        Donner longue rime eft un terme de Mer, qui fignifie predre beaucoup d'eau avec la rame ou la pelle des avirons, & tirer longement deffus.”
[Manuel Lexique, Ou Dictionnaire Portatif Des Mots François, Vol.L-Z, Du Boille, 1788]


“Saloma. s.f. Chant des matelots pendant la manœuvre.
Salomar, v.n. Se dit des matelots qui chantent tous à la fois en manœuvrant.”
[Diccionario Portátil y de Pronunciacion, Español-Frances y Frances-Español, Cormon, 1800]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Sep 22 - 10:22 PM

“...and the cry of the itinerant vender of sherbert and iced orgeats on the shore blended with the capstan song of the British sailor in the offing, or the ballad of the merry Greek, as he gaily trilled in his caique the deeds of Boukovallos and his Kleftis.”
[Letters from the Levant (From the London Magazine.) Meyer's British Chronicle, No.I, Vol.II, 1827]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Sep 22 - 10:23 PM

“We transcribe his account of the following incident. It relates to his voyage down the Volga, from Tchebocsar to Kazan:–
        “At one in the afternoon we commenced our voyage, having a very fine day, and a fresh breeze, which towards evening sunk into a calm, so that we were obliged to take to our oars, with which we proceeded merrily enough, the crew singing their national airs in concert, so as to remind me forcibly of the Canadian boat-song. Our harmony was at length interrupted by an occurrence,…

...When it concluded, the parties betook themselves to rowing and singing, as before.”
[Holman's Travels Through Russia, Meyer's British Chronicle, No.XXII, Vol.II, 1827]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Sep 22 - 07:09 AM

These 1820s anecdotes are very tantalising. It is not easy to relate them to what was happening in the 1840s or to the embryonic chanties of the rowing slaves. Some titles or hints of what they were singing would be useful and more conclusive. The fact that there was a Sally Brown song being sung on stage is also intriguing but without further details again we can't draw any other conclusions.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 22 - 06:49 PM

Steve, if you are so inclined, start here: Origins: Faithless Sally Brown

I believe it was Alcibiades who drafted Chrysogonus' tragic actor brother as his boatswain upon the former's return from exile c.408 BC. Show biz... the more it changes.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Sep 22 - 04:52 AM

“The customary hour for exertion had now arrived, and the sounds of labour were beginning to be heard from every quarter of the place. The songs of the mariners were rising on the calm of the morning, with their peculiar, long-drawn intonations.”
[The Red Rover, Vol. I, Cooper, 1827]

“By this time, the crew, under the orders of the pilot, were assembled at the windlass, and had commenced heaving-in upon the cable. The labour was of a nature to exhibit their individual powers, as well as their collective force, to the greatest advantage. Their motion was simultaneous, quick, and full of muscle. The cry was clear and cheerful. As if to feel his influence, our adventurer lifted his own voice, amid the song of the mariners, in one of those sudden and inspiriting calls with which a sea officer is wont to encourage his people….

Man the windlass there! We will try the breeze again, and work the ship into the offing while there is light….

The clattering of the handspikes preceded the mariners' song. Then the heavy labour, by which the ponderous iron was lifted from the bottom, was again resumed, and in a few more minutes, the ship was once more released from her hold upon the land.”
[The Red Rover, Vol. II, Cooper, 1827]
The Red Rover

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Sep 22 - 04:53 AM

“I had often before seen small canoes paddled by a couple of Indians, but it was a very different thing to feel oneself flying along in this grand barge, as it might be called, nearly forty feet long, by upwards of five in width. She was urged forward at the rate of nearly six miles an hour, by fourteen first-rate and well-practised Canadian Voyageurs….

Each Voyageur wields a short, light paddle, with which he strikes the water about once in a second, keeping strict time with a song from one of the crew, in which all the others join in chorus. At every stroke of the fourteen paddles, which in fact resemble one blow, such is the correctness of their ear, the canoe is thrown or jerked forward so sharply, that it is by no means easy to sit upright on the cloaks and cushions spread nearly in its centre.”
[Travels in North America in the Years 1827 and 1828, Hall, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Sep 22 - 04:54 AM

“The Burmese Empire.
The Burmahs, generally speaking, are fond of singing, and, in some instances, I have heard many very good songs. The war-boat song, for example, is remarkably striking. The recitative of the leading songster, and then the swell of voices when the boatmen join in chorus, keeping time with their oars, seemed very beautiful when wafted down the Irrawaddy by the breeze; and the approach of a war-boat might always be known by the sound of the well-known air."
[Journal of an Embassy from the Governor General of India to the Court of Ava, in the year 1827, Crawford, American Quarterly Review, Issues 13-14, 1830]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Oct 22 - 07:07 PM

“CELEUMA, CELEUMA, CÉLEUME, Filol., da ?e?e?? (celeuò), ordinare. Canto o grido nautico, composto, secondo Igino, dall'argonauta Orfeo nella spedizione del Vello d'oro: intonato dai naviganti o per esortarsi a remigare, o per addoleir le noje della navigazione, o per esprimere l'allegrezza d'esser giunti al sospirato porto. Virg. Aen. lib. III, v. 129.
CELEUSMA, CELEUSMA, CÉLEUSME, Filol., da ?e?e?? (celeuò), comandare, ordinare. Specie di cantilena usata dal Capitano di una nave. E sinonimo di Celeuma. V. CELEUSTE.
CELEUSTE, CELEUSTES, CÉLEUSTE, Filol., da ?e?e?? (celeuò), comandare. Capitano della nave o moderatore della navigazione, da Plauto chiamato hortator, che or colla semplice voce, or con una specie di cantilena detta Celeusma, ed ora col suon ella tromba, esortava i remiganti ad ammainare, spiegare, alzare od abbassar le vele, a menar con forza i remi o rallentar la voga. Steph. Doletus, de re naval, apud Gron. Tom. XI. V. CELEUSMA.”
[Dizionario Tecnico Etimologico Filologico, Tom.I, Marchi, 1828]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Oct 22 - 07:09 PM

“The shrill notes of the boatswains' pipes were now heard, a contagious bustle spread along the line, and soon distant music was heard through the fleet, as the men hove round the clattering capstans. Loud voices soon proclaimed, "Short,"—and "Loose sails," was the word.”
[The Night Watch, Vol.I, 1828]



“The bell had just gone one in the first watch, and it was dark. The lobster fifer turned up his whistle, and up we were lugging it, stamp and go, when, by the Lord Harry! I run foul of the Samson's port, and was all but jammed in the snatch-block….”
[The Night Watch, Vol.II, 1828]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Oct 22 - 07:15 PM

“At six o'clock on the morning of the tenth, the sound went forth, all hands up, anchor ho o o ey. Ship the capstain bars there, carpenters, bring too forward, jump down there, tier men, and coil away the cable. Aye, aye, Sir. Are you ready there forward ? All ready Sir. Heave away. What kind of a drawling tune is that you Fifer? Strike up, "Off she goes,” or “drops of brandy.” Aye, that is the tune. Keep step there, all of ye, and stamp and go. Light round the messenger there, aft, hand forward the nippers, you boys. The anchor is a-peak, Sir. Very well. Thick and dry for weighing there below.”
[Sam Spritsail, Chap. IV., The Paisley Magazine, Vol.1, 1828]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 05 Oct 22 - 07:18 PM

“The following morning we had enough to do to replace crippled yards, repair broken rigging, and to get underweigh; for our modest north-easter was peeping out again, and, seeing nothing of the boisterous south, whispered to us that we might lift our anchor; and that was soon done, you may be sure, with a few hearty yeo, heave ho's! The same cheering song, was issuing from about fifty sail of vessels, of all sizes, from a Scotch smack to a seventy-four, the harbour, at the same time, thickly studded with pilot- boats, bomb-boats, and boats of all descriptions.”
[No,XI, Letter of a Traveller, The British Channel – Outward Board, The Kaleidoscope: or, Literary and Scientific Mirror, Vol.9, No,438, 1828]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:45 AM

“1827
...The Laguna Indians were fond of singing, although they knew less about it than even myself. Towards sunset, I used occasionally to sing them the Canadian boat-song, when they would give way, keeping time with their paddles; and Mr. Hinde and his canoe would soon be out of sight, if I did not stop singing, to heave the lead. These people appeared infected with some sullen contagion, that it was not easy to overcome.”
[Maw, Journal of a Passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic, The Eclectic Review, Vol.1, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:49 AM

“Salomáre. T. di mar. Dare la voce.”
[Dizionario Portatile della Lingua Italiana, Vol.2, Cardinali, 1828]


“The Proceleusmatic, is composed of two pyrrhics, ? ? ? ? hominibus. (celeusma) is the word of command given to sailors or soldiers; probably in double quick time.”
[The Art of Latin Poetry, By and Fellow of a college in Cambridge Master of Arts, 1828]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:50 AM

“The “capstan was manned” in a moment by above fifty of the crew….

..."Now," continued he, addressing the people employed at the capstan, "now, recollect, my lads, I want no more than the "double-quick" step, for I always suspect there's a good deal of "heaving thro' all," when there's any fast running round; so now––

"Left foot––
"Double-quick––
"Heave."

The capstan was instantly set in motion, the seamen marking their quick-measured step to the mellifluous strains of a woolly headed African cat-gut scraper, who, as occasion required, catered for the carnal appetites of the crew below in the galley as cook's-mate, or restrained their brute force like Orpheus of old, by measured modulation.

In consequence of the steady step preserved by the men at the capstan in their circumambulatory march, the cabal was not only hove in with great celerity, but with an equable motion that permitted the people below leisurely to bend and coil it away, without any of those interruptions or stoppages at the capstan, common on such occasions to most ships in the service. A few minutes served to bring the brig near enough to her anchor to render it necessary the circumstance should be announced by Burton, who exclaimed––
"Hove short, Sir."
[Sailors and Saints Or Matrimonial Manœvres, Glascock, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:52 AM

“...The wind was favourable, and we had a large sail to assist us; so that we very soon had an opportunity of hearing a genuine Canadian boat-song. In it there was a vast deal more noise than music, nor of all the others that I heard these men sing during the voyage, did the melodies bear the slightest resemblance to any I had heard before. The refrein of one of these songs I happen to recollect, and it is as follows*:

        Sommes nous au mi – lieu du bois,
        Sommes nous au ri – vage – – e.

This, they roared out without mercy, in full chorus, and one at a time sang the song itself, which treated of the hardihood of the Voyageurs, the troubles and difficulties they encounter, not forgetting their skill and bravery in surmounting them.”
[Forest Scenes and Incidents, in the Wilds of North America, Head, 1829]

* Includes music.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:53 AM

“*PROCELEUMATICO e PROCELEUSMATICO. Add. ed anche sust, al masc. Term. de' Poeti greci e latini. Piede di verso cosi detto, perchè lunghissimo e velocissimo, per essere di quattro sillabe brevi composto; ed è anche metro, nel quale entrano piedi proceleumatici. Distico fatto in quel metro e misura di verso che chiamasi proceleumatica (ossia da vogatori) ec. Salvin. Diog. e Cas. (A)”
[Dizionario della Lingua Italiana, Vol.5, M-Q, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:56 AM

“*SALOMARE. Dare la voce. Termine de Marineria. Salomare è preso dallo Spagnuolo. (S)
[Dizionario della Lingua Italiana, Vol.6, Volumes 1-7, Federici, 1829]


“Consonar, v.a. V. Salomar.
Saloma, f. der Gesang der Matrosen, beim Manöuvriren ze.
Salomar, (beim Manövriren; indem die Matrosen die Taue, Segel ze. regieren) singen ze.”
[Nuevo Diccionario Portátil Español-Aleman, Vol.1, Franceson, 1829]


Just fwiw:
“P. Y en el catalan cuándo usaremos la idzeta?
R. En el catalan apenas tiene uso, pues en su lugar se escriben dos eses asi ss., esceptuando estas palabras zalamar, zarpar, zel, zelós, zisanya., su pronunciacion es mas suave que el de la ese.”
[Elementos de Gramática Castellana-Catalana, Circuns, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 04:58 AM

“salomar.                donner la voix.

VOIX. s. f.
angl. voice. –– esp. voz. –– all. laut. –– it. voce. –– prol. voz.

V. porte-voix. Saluer de la voix, passer à portée de voix pour hêler. V. hêler et arraisonner.

La voix est un son formé dans la gorge et dans la bouche, par la glotte. La voix est un instrument fragile, et pour ne pas l'endommager, il faut qu'elle soit habituée à servir. Un officier qui n'a pas l'habitude de commander, 's'enroue dans un moment. Se faire entendre dans une tempête, quand la rapidité du vent ne permet pas à l'air de vibrer au loin sous l'action de la voix, est une chose souvent impossible. Souvent celui qui commande crie, on l'entend moins, et il s'enroue plus vite. On a remarqué que les sons des notes médiantes, et les sons aigus ne sont pas ceux q?i s'entendent le mieus. La voix rauque est la meilleure; elle gêne beaucoup quand on n'y est pas accoutumé, mais quand la glotte y est habituée, on ne s'enroue plus, on commande sans crier, et l'on se fait beaucoup mieux entendre.

        Donner la voix, V. chanter et donner.
        Faire courir la voix, c'est répéter le commandement.

zalomar. Donner la voix en halant.”
[Répertoire Polyglotte de la Marine, à l'usage des Navigateurs et des Armateurs, Louis Marie Joseph O'hier de Grandpré, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Oct 22 - 12:30 AM

“Liberia, February 15, 1829

I have at length gotten through with this much-talked-off African fever; and, after all, do not think it any great thing. A Carolina or Georgia fever is just as bad, and as for an Alabama fever, it would be worth two of it. I continued to use precautions and take medicines for six weeks after my arrival, and enjoyed perfect health; but I at length became tired and careless, and the consequence was—the fever. I was well taken care of, and had every attention that could be afforded; and since I am through with it, I am glad I have had it, as it will exempt me entirely from it hereafter*….

...The river from its mouth is most beautiful: its banks are high and broken, and covered with the most dense and variegated verdure. Along the banks here and there, we observed an African town, with the thatched huts intermingled with the broad green leaf of the plantain, of which the beautiful pea-green colour distinguishes it from all surrounding verdure. On our approach to one of those villages, which is always announced by our boatmen with their African Boat Song, we generally found all the inhabitants, men, women, and children, assembled on the beach to see and receive us.”
[Randall, Expedition up the St. Paul's, The African Repository and Colonial Journal, Vol.5, 1830]
Richard Randall (1796–1829)

*“Shortly before his death, he was conducting important negotiations with King Boatswain… Randall died of fever in Liberia on April 19, 1829” [wiki]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Oct 22 - 12:34 AM

“NORTH: By the bye, I have a letter this morning from a friend of mine now in Upper Canada. He was rowed down the St Lawrence lately, for several days on end, by a set of strapping fellows, all born in that country, and yet hardly one of whom could speak a word of any tongue but the Gaelic. They sung heaps of our old Highland oar-songs, he says, and capitally well, in the true Hea bridean fashion ; and they had others of their own, Gaelic too, some of which my friend noted down, both words and music. He has sent me a translation of one of their ditties-shall I try how it will croon?

OMNES: O, by all means-by all means.

NORTH: Very well, ye'll easily catch the air, and be sure you tip me vigour at the chorus. [Chants,

CANADIAN BOAT-SONG –– (from the Gaelic.)

Listen to me, as when ye heard our father
        Sing long ago the song of other shores ––
Listen to me, and then in chorus gather
        All your deep voices, as ye pull your oars:

CHORUS.
Fair these broad meads — these hoary woods are grand;
But we are exiles from our fathers' land.

From the lone shieling of the misty island
        Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas ––
Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland,
        And we in dreams behold the Hebrides:
Fair these broad meads — these hoary woods are grand;
But we are exiles from our fathers' land.

We ne'er shall tread the fancy-haunted valley,
        Where 'tween the dark hills creeps the small clear stream,
In arms around the patriarch banner rally,
        Nor see the moon on royal tombstones gleam:
Fair these broad meads — these hoary woods are grand;
But we are exiles from our fathers' land.

When the bold kindred, in the time long-vanish’d,
        Conquer'd the soil and fortified the keep, —
No seer foretold the children would be banish’d,
        That a degenerate Lord might boast his sheep:
Fair these broad meads — these hoary woods are grand;
But we are exiles from our fathers' land.

Come foreign rage-let Discord burst in slaughter!
        O then for clansman true, and stern claymore —
The hearts that would have given their blood like water,
        Beat heavily beyond the Atlantic roar:
Fair these broad meads — these hoary woods are grand;
But we are exiles from our fathers' land.

SHEPHERD. Hech me! that's really a very affectin' thing, now.— Weel, Doctor, what say you? Another bowl?”
[Noctes Ambrosianæ, No. XLVI., Blackwood's Magazine, Vol.26, 1829]
John Wilson of Elleray (1785–1854)
Noctes Ambrosianae

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Oct 22 - 12:35 AM

“The Hallelujah was principally used during the interval between Easter and Whitsuntide. Augustine informs us that, “Alleluja etiam in aliis diebus cantatur alibi atque alibi, ipsis autem Quinquaginta diebus ubique” –– “the Hallelujah was also sung here and there on other days, but during the fifty days every where.” The word is thus illustrated by the same distinguished father: “Our praises are a Hallelujah. But what is a Hallelujah? It is a Hebrew word: Hallelujah, praise the Lord: Hallelujah, praise God. Let us sing it, and mutually excite each other to praise God; and thus while we speak with the heart better than with the harp, let us sing Hallelujah, praise to God; and when we have sung, we retire on account of infirmity to refresh our bodies.” Some of the celebrated theologians of the middle ages, as Anselm, Durandus, Alcuin, and others, finding the word but once in the New-Testament, and nowhere in the Latin or Greek authors, and unacquainted with its Hebrew origin, supposed it to be immediately revealed from heaven as a peculiar gift to the New Testament Church. “From Rev. 19. we know,” says Bona, “that this canticum Hallelujah has descended from heaven into the new Church of Christ.” Isidore of Spain deemed it too sacred to be translated into any other language. It was not always however deemed too sacred for secular purposes. It was taught and sung as a lullaby to infants in the cradle, used as a watchword in the camp and a war cry on the field of battle, and employed by the Romans in their formula of their judicial oath: “Truly as I hope to hear and to sing the Hallelujah.” More appropriate was the use of it made by the inhabitants of Bethlehem, according to Jerome's charming description. “In the village of Christ all is rural, (rusticitas.) Silence reigns throughout, except the singing of psalms. Wherever you turn, the ploughman at his work chants a Hallelujah. The sweating reaper alleviates his toil with psalms; and the keeper of the vineyard, pruning his vines, sings some of David's notes –– aliquid Davidicum. These are the hymns — these are what are called the amatory songs used in this region.” Even the sailor introduced the sacred word into his boat song, and chanted Hallelujah while tugging at the oar.

Curvorum binc chorus helciariorum,
Responsantibus Hallelujah ripis,
Ad Christum levat amnicum celeusma,
Sic, sic psallite nauta et viator.*

The chorus hence of bending oarsmen,
The shores re-echoing Hallelujah,
To Christ address the mariner's song.
Thus sing, O sailor, thus, O traveller!
* Sidonius Appollinaris, Ep. Lib. II. ep.10

Among the authorities consulted, we find no notice of any thing like a Psalm-book, or collection of Church poetry, earlier than the council of Laodicea, (An. 370,) at which the following Canon was enacted: “The Canonical Cantors, or choristers alone, who stand on an elevated place in the Church, shall sing the psalms, from the parchments lying before them." The precise meaning and object of this Canon are not obvious; and it has accordingly been variously interpreted. Whether the Choristers, in their elevated desks, were required to perform the entire musical service of the Church to the exclusion of the congregation, to avoid the discord often heard in a promiscuous assembly, as is sometimes done by the choirs in modern days; or whether they were merely to select the tunes and lead the music, the congregation accompanying as well as they could, according to the general practice of our own times, seems undecided by the ambiguous expression of the Canon. The latter however is most probable, as the universal practice of the primitive Church made it the duty and the privilege of the whole Church, and not merely of a few select artists, to sing the praises of God their Saviour in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. The choristers were required to occupy a conspicuous station, and sing, … — from the parchments — then the common material of books. Hence the order was equivalent to requiring them to sing the words from the book lying before them, and not from memory, as they would be liable to errors and inaccuracies. But no description of the book or parchment however is furnished, and we are left to form our opinions from conjecture, or content ourselves without an opinion on the subject. An obscure expression of Socrates, an early historian of the Church, has been thought to refer to this subject….”
[The New Princeton Review, Vol.1, 1829]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Oct 22 - 12:38 AM

“...then the rattling of the ropes on the deck, the heavy tread of the sailors, the singing noise they made in hoisting,...”
[The Children's Robinson Crusoe, Defoe, Farrar, 1830]


“Chanter, v. a. Cantar: dícese de la voz humana, y de algunos pájaros....= Cantar: celebrar en verso las acciones heróicas. = (náut.) Zalomar….”
[Diccionario Francés-Español y Español-Francés, Tomo.I, Taboada, 1830]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Oct 22 - 12:39 AM

“The smooth bosom of the St. Lawrence teemed with life and gaiety; ships, schooners, and brigs passed the shores of the island in rapid succession, while several large canoes traversed the river in all directions, filled with Canadians of both sexes, clad in their holiday clothes, and cheerfully keeping time with their paddles to the boat song; the whole being highly calculated to produce a striking and novel effect on the eye and ear of a European….

...We knocked out the stern-port; several rafts of fine oak were brought alongside, and a stevedore, with a gang of thirteen Canadians, came on board, who commenced stowing the timber in the hold, while our own crew was employed hoisting it in. I was and still am highly amused by the lively strains of the different crews, while at their work; the whole port seems a scene of bustle and cheerfulness: the sounds of 'Haul, boys, haul!'   'Pull away, my jolly boys!'   'Haul, Nancy, O!' 'Hurra, for pretty Nancy, O!' resound from thousands of voices.

...The ships decked with their gayest colours; while the Canadian boat-song floated harmoniously over the bosom of the glassy stream. Expressing my admiration of its melody, Mr. C. politely sang it, his son and daughter adding a cheerful chorus. 'Twas thus we spent the happy moments, until 2½ P.M., when we landed on the island.

...But, hark! I hear the pleasing sound of the boat-song, and the regular splashing of, the paddles. With such a prospect, and music too, one might almost fancy one's self in the poets' famed Elysium; every thing around me, but the troublesome flies, invites to soothing melancholy and pensive contemplation.”
[The Fugitives; Or, a Trip to Canada, Chiefly Founded on Facts, Lane, 1830]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 10 Oct 22 - 12:41 AM

“SAILOR'S SONG.
By Dick Wills, the Poet of Greenwich Hospital.

When the topsails are set, and the bars are all shipp'd,
And the drums and fifes merrily play,
Round the capstan we dance, till our anchor is tripp'd,
When the boatswain bawls “Heave and away:”
        To the fife's shrill sound,
        While the joke goes round,
We step with a pleasing delight;
        Dry nippers clapp'd on,
        We soon here the song,
“Heave, heave, my brave boys, and in sight." Then the sails are all trimm'd, and the anchor we stow,
Britain's white cliffs recede from our view,
Boundto sea on a cruise, we look out for the foe––
As one man is the whole of our crew:
        From mast-head they hail,
        “I see a strange sail,”
We obey (hope gladdening each face);
        The boatswain's shrill call,
        And the mate's hoarse bawl,
“All hands to make sail in the chase.”

Old Albion's proud flag at our peak we display,
And the tri-colour plainly discern:
“Cock your locks," cries the captain, now keep her way––
Steady! Point your guns right at her stern,
“Fire! fire! and rake her,
Now the shots shake her,
See, see, how her masts rattle down;
        The helm hard a-lee,
        Bold lads follow me!”
We board, and the frigate's our own
Then our ensign, so brave, o'er the tri-colour flies,
        Back to England our course we pursue;
The breezes are fair-moor'd in port with our prize––
And the king gives poor sailors their due;
        Rigg'd out so fine, oh,
        Plenty of rhino,
Grog, fiddles, and lasses so gay;
        We spend it on shore,
        Till duty once more
Cries “Heave! And the anchor's away.”



“...D'ye see, every order was exposed publicly for the ship's company to read, so that every man fore and aft knew what he had to do. This was his plan; 'Do your duty, and no one shall wrong you; neglect it and I'll punish.' Among other orders, there was one, that no man should sing out either in pulling a rope or any other duty, but all were to be silent as death. One day we we mooring ship, when some one sung out at the capstan, 'Hurrah, my boys, heave!' The captain heard it, 'Send that man on deck, directly.” The officer immediately pick'd him out, and, he was ordered aft under the sentry's charge.”
[Greenwich Hospital, The Log Book, Or, Nautical Miscellany, 1830]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 05:17 AM

XLong post and then some:
“...»Mais à l'époque déjà fort reculée, où l'on avait en marine l'usage bruyant et pittoresque de commander et d'exécuter la manoeuvre, par versets et répons en quelque sorte, selon un rituel nautique assez compliqué, –– au coup de sifflet suivi d'un commandement du maître d'équipage, les gens de quart répondaient: –– A la bonne heure! –– Les manœuvres manquant alors de la précision qu'elles ont acquise depuis, s'exécutaient en effet au petit bonheur; on a vu la même idée se traduire dans le vieux commandement: A Dieu vat!

Au cri à la bonne heure, succéda le répons commande qui paraît s'être perpétué jusqu'au commencement de ce siècle, car l'amiral Willaumez le mentionne en ajoutant: –– Ce cri n'est plus guère permis.–– (Dict. de mar., art: Commande.)

On rencontre dans Rabelais plusieurs exemples des ripostes collectives des gens de l'équipage aux commandements du pilot (sic).

–– Vien du lo. Pres et plain. Hault la barre!
–– Haulte est, respondoyent les matelotz.
–– Haye, haye, dist le pilot, double le cap et les basses.
–– Doublé est, respondoyent les matelotz.

Au nombre des licencieuses coutumes de l'ancienne marine se trouvait le charivari, burlesque clameur usitée en virant au cabestan. Un loustic criait gaiement: — « Charivari! » les camarades demandaient en masse: « Et pour qui? » à quoi le premier ripostait par quelque grossière pasquinade rimant en i, généralement caustique, souvent brutale, et n'épargnant personne, sous-officiers, officiers, capitaine, ni amiral.

–– « Pour qui? –– Pour le capitaine d'armes, un pousse-caillou fini. –– Pour qui? –– Pour le lieutenant, un vieil abruti!..» Tous les maris étaient affublés de l'épithète si fréquemment employée par Molière et que M. Paul de Cock arbora un beau jour sur la couverture d'un roman in-8º, aussi, marri, couci-couci venant parfaire l'indispensable rime. On se demande comment la discipline put jamais tolérer ainsi jusqu'à l'insulte publique? –– Nous douterions des excès du charivari, si, depuis 1830, nous ne l'avions entendu chanter à bord d'un navire de guerre mal tenu, –– sur une barque du bon Dieu où naviguaient de pair la faiblesse et tous les désordres.

A propos des cris de veille: Bon quart! –– et ouvre l'eil aux bossoirs! on a vu que chanter fut le verbe propre pour tous les cris qui, généralement, tiennent du chant et sont encore usités sur les bâtiments de pêche, de cabotage ou de long cours. –– On fit le commandement: chante! qui obligeait quelques hommes, proprement dits chanteurs, à psalmodier un certain refrain pour donner la mesure quand on exécutait une manœuvre de force.

Le voyageur qui, pour la première fois, visite un port de commerce, est frappé tout d'abord par les cris cadencés, sortes de mélodies sauvages ou au moins bizarres, qui se font entendre à bord des navires où travaillent les matelots. Suivant leur nation, suivant les travaux qu'ils exécutent, ils varient leurs chants de manœuvre.

Parfois, sur les bâtiments hanovriens, prussiens et hambourgeois, ou encore sur quelques navires de l'Adriatique, on entend des chœurs qui ne sont pas dépourvus des charmes de l'harmonie. Certaines notes gutturales, fréquemment répétées, étonnent et plaisent à la fois. Mais, en général, c'est à l'unisson , sans le moindre sentiment autre que celui de l'ensemble, que les cris de hâlage ou de guindage sont poussés par les marins.

Ainsi, les Anglais, les Américains du nord, les Français se bornent à marier leurs efforts à l'aide d'un motif de la plus monotone simplicité: un éternel refrain « la-houra, cheerly-men, hálihaló, hissâ-hissoué », à peine interrompu par le soliste qui donne la mesure , reviendra sans cesse.

Tel est le chant maritime proprement dit.

Il remonte à la plus haute antiquité; on le retrouve chez tous les peuples.

Les Grecs donnaient le nom de ... au cri d'ensemble des rameurs et des marins à l'ouvrage. On a déjà vu que le ...; le Céleuste, était le chanteur qui donnait le signal; mais il n'est pas sans intérêt de faire remarquer combien la racine de ces mots, c'est-à-dire le verbe ..., ordonner, exhorter, d'où ..., encourager les matelots et les rameurs par des cris , chanter le ..., se rapproche d'un troisième verbe ... que Planche traduit aborder, arriver au port, démarrer, courir vite, sens techniquement trop divers pour être des traductions exactes. ... signifie généralement manœuvrer, et manœuvrer à l'aviron, soit pour aborder, soit pour démarrer ou déborder, pour entrer dans le port comme pour en sortir, pour naviguer, ramer en souquant.

Les matelots grecs qui lèvent l'ancre, chantent: ... ou ... suivant que le mouvement se précipite ou se ralentit. –– « Cette cantilène, dit M. Fauriel, est d'un grand effet en mer, et surtout dans le voisinage des côtes , quand elle est répétée et prolongée par les échos. Elle exerce sur les marins Grecs le même empire que le Ranz des vaches sur les pâtres suisses, et, selon toute apparence, elle est aussi ancienne que la navigation. Déjà vieille lors de la guerre de Troie, elle aurait présidé aux manœuvres des Argonautes. »

Les Chinois , les Hurons, les Polynésiens ont des cris d'ensemble pour ramer, guinder et touer.

Les nègres, libres ou esclaves, affectionnent ces mélodies sans fin qui retentissent incessamment dans leurs pirogues.

Les chants des pirates scandinaves sont demeurés célèbres; ils avaient pour refrains des cris analogues à notre La-houra et à l’... des Grecs.

Sévèrement bannis des navires de guerre, où les remplacent le sifflet du contre-maître, le fifre ou même le clairon, les chants de manœuvre sont, en résumé, peu nombreux. Chaque nation en compte deux ou trois au plus; et encore le matelot, cosmopolite par métier, adopte-t-il fort souvent la mélodie de la nation voisine, au détriment de la sienne qui tombe en désuétude; en sorte que le nombre des refrains usités tend plutôt à diminuer qu'à s'accroître.

C'est ainsi que le cri anglais Cheerly men! (gaiement les hommes) a été emprunté depuis vingt ans au plus, par nos matelots aux marins des États-Unis. Il s'est propagé ensuite sur nos bâtiments de long cours, nos navires de guerre et notre littoral, où il a subi les plus étranges métamorphoses. On chante, par exemple, chélimen! Célimène ou sel hymen, chérie mène, etc..., etc... Sans attacher à ces mots plus de sens qu'à tous les houra, la houra, hissa-hó! hissoué ! charivari ! Boulinâ-ha, et autres cris successivement usités, puis tombant en désuétude, puis redevenant en vogue.

« Boulina-ha-ha! –– Arrache! –– Boulina-ha-ha! Déralingue! –– dit l'amiral Willaumez, est l'ancien chant des matelots français, pendant qu'ils hâlent les boulines. Il est si ridicule que plusieurs capitaines militaires le défendent. » (Dict. de mar.) –– Ridicule est une épithète singulièrement adoucie; car obscène ou ignoble ne diraient rien de trop, attendu tout ce que les hâle-bouline se permettaient d'arracher, déralinguer ou casser en paroles.

Au commandement du maître pour faire hâler les boulines, les matelois criaient en chantant: –– Oh! Saille! — et au moment où le sifflet leur ordonnait de tenir bon pour amarrer, ils terminaient par Blaie ou belay en allongeant sur la dernière syllabe. –– Nous avons connu plusieurs officiers qui affectaient de commander à l'anglaise Belay (de to Belay, amarrer) au lieu de se servir du commandement français, cent fois plus sonore: Amarre!

Pour prouver qu'il a bien entendu les commandements de l'officier de service, le timonnier ou l'homme de barre qui gouverne , doit les répéter textuellement à haute voix:

–– Loffe!... Arrive!... Pas au vent!... Près et plein!... Plein la voile!... Comme ça!

Comme cà, le seul de ces commandements qui n'ait pas encore été expliqué porte son explication avec lui. — Lorsque le navire qui loffe ou qui arrive en vient à avoir le cap dans la direction voulue ,l'officier dit: Comme cà! –– ni en decà, ni au delà, ne loffez plus! n'arrivez plus, assez, bien, gouvernez droit comme nous voici maintenant, –– comme cà!

Si simple que soit ce commandement, il effarouche toujours les passagers, qui le trouvent barbare.”
[Le Langage des Marins, Landelle, 1830]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 05:20 AM

““Man the capstan! Jump cheerily, my lads. “Look out there, forward! Down there, tierers! Are you ready below?”– “All ready, sir.”-“Yo, ho! where the devil has all our hands 'got to? Fore-top there! main-top there! Come down here, all of you! kick every soul of them out of the tops—a parcel of skulking lubbers!”—“Ay, ay, sir," cried the young gentlemen; and the capstan was speedily crowded, “Look out there, forward!” again bawled the first lieutenant; “Come, my lads, pluck up spirit, and “off she goes—play up fifer;" and round went the capstan to a good smart step, and the men beating excellent time on the hollow sounding deck with their feet, amid the accumulated vociferations of officers of all ranks, who, with their potent commander in presence, vied with each other in the notes of alternate encouragement and ridicule.”
[Three Weeks in the Downs, Or, Helen and Edmund: A Sea Tale, Comprehending a View of Naval Society and Manners, Founded on Fact by an Officer's Widow, Vol.2, 1830]
The Downs (ship anchorage)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 05:27 AM

RE: J'ai Trop Grand Peur Des Loups (above) and another Mudcat thread –

“Edward Ermatinger, fur trader with the Hudson's Bay Company, heard and took down this song c.1830, while traveling with voyageurs, along with ten other songs. These were the first folk songs recorded from Canada.

Marius Barbeau, 1954, The Ermatinger Collection of Voyageur Songs, JAFL, vol. 67, no. 264, 1954. Also p. 159, En Roulant Ma Boule.”
French Canadian songs

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 05:27 AM

“ALARIDO, s.m. vozeria (dos que rompem a batalla) celeuma; gritos (de quem bulha com o:i-trem).
CELEUMA, ou CELEUSMA, s.f. vozeria dos maritmos.
CELEUMEAR, v.n. levantar celeuma.
SALAMEAR, v.n. naut. cantar alternadamente.”
[Novo Diccionario da Lingua Portugueza, Fonseca, 1831]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 05:29 AM

“CACHUCHA. s.f. A.N. Segun algunos de los diccionarios que se han tenido á la vista, es una embarcacion de remos que se usa en los puertos y rios de América; y tan pequeña, que no caben en ella arriba de tres personas.

CACHUCHO. s.m. fig. A.N. y Nav. Apodo que se da á un barco muy pequeño, que tambien se dice cachumbo, cachumbillo, asi como cachumbon por buque malo ó marchante estrafalario.

Chanter. Salomar.
Chanteur. Salomador.

CONSONA R. v. a. ant. Man. V. Salomar.

Salma. Carga, Saloma.
Salmastra. Mogel.
Salmastrare. Amogelar.
Salomare. Salomar.

SALOMA. s.f. Man. Especie de grito ó canto de los marineros al trabajar en alguna faena ó maniobra.

SALOMADOR. s.m. Man. El que saloma; y el que lleva la voz en la saloma.

SALOMAR. v.a. Man. Animar el que manda á los marineros, y llevar estos unidos sus movimientos ó esfuerzos en una faena, con el canto llamado saloma. En lo antiguo se decia consonar, segun alguno de los diccionarios consultados”
[Diccionario Marítimo Español, 1831]

Folklore: The Cachucha (song & dance)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 05:33 AM

“After his emigration to the borders of the Mississippi, his chief occupation became that of a boatman, and none pulled a better oar, or sung with truer cadence the animating notes of the boat song, than Michel de Coucy. The Canadian boatmen are the hardiest and merriest of men; if their boat is stranded, they plunge into the water, in all weathers, diving and swimming about as if in their native element; if it storms, they sleep or revel, under the protection of a high bank; and when pulling down the stream, or pushing laboriously against it, the shores ring with their voices. One will recount his adventures, another will imitate the Indian yell, the roar of the aligator, the hissing of the snake, or the chattering of the paroquet, and anon the whole will chant their rude ditties concerning the dangers of rapids, snags, and sawyers, or the pleasures of home, the vintage, and the dance. Michel was an adept at all these things, and he loved them, as a Cossack loves plunder, or Dutchman hard work and money. He was the darling of the crew; for he could skin a deer, cook a fish, scrape a chin or a fiddle, with equal adroitness; and always performed such offices so good humouredly, that his companions in compliment to his universal genius, kept it in continual employment. When the boat was in motion he was always tugging at the oar, or the fiddle-bow; when it landed, and the crew sat round their camp fire, he cooked, sung, and told merry stories; on Sunday he shaved the whole company, even at the risk of neglecting his own visage, and was after all the merriest and most respectable man in the boat."
[Michel de Coucy, Illinois Monthly Magazine, Vol.1, 1831]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 06:29 PM

“Facevano que'marinari quello, che sogliono tutti gli altri, quando vogliono alleggerirsi dalla fatica del vogare. Uno di loro capo degli altri intuonava certe canzoni marinaresche; al quale tutti gli altri, a guisa di coro, con gran concordia di voci rispondevano a tempo. La qual cosa quando essi facevano in aperto mare, la voce. dispersa ió quell'immenso spazio d'aria svaniva: ma quando peryennero a passare una certa punta di scoglio, ed entrarono in una insenata a mezza luna, concava, e larga, udivasi lo strepitare de' femi più forte, e giungeva a testa benissimo scolpita l'intonazione e la risposta del coro. Imperocchè il terreno in quel luogo al mare vicino, era una vota vallata sotto ad una costa di monte, la quale ricevendo in sè, come canna d'organo, ogni voce, fatta imitatrice di tutt’i suoni, quelli puntualmente ripeteva, facendo sentire a parte le percosse de' remi in acqua, e a parte il canto de marinari, una consolazione ad udire.”
[Opere in Versi e in Prosa del Contr Gasparo Gozzi Viniziano, Vol.11, 1794]
Gasparo, count Gozzi (1713–1786)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 06:49 PM

Another Canadian Boat Song. This from the Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser, 16 January, 1822. Posted in: Lyr ADD: A La Claire Fontaine

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 06:58 AM

“LUFF'S LAY.
Mr. Editor, Having these several days past swept the “Political Horizon” with my Dollond's day and night telescope, I have, in common no doubt with many of my old shipmates, been highly elated with the idea of once more getting our corns soaked in salt-water; musing by the space of a dog-watch over my nuts and swizzle, I yesterday spun the following yarn, which is at your service.         Luff!

Air—“A reg'lar capstan, stamp and go.”

BRING to, clap on, both thick and dry,
Heave round, my lads, so cheerly;
Once more “Blue Peter” bids good b'ye
To the land we love so dearly.
The sheets are home, the haulyards man,
Our ship she casts to sea, boys,
Up-cheer the man who leads the van,
Our King! with three times three, boys.

Come clear the decks, in order place
The bottles and the glasses;
All hands a-hoy! splice the main-brace,
And toast our favourite lasses:
Now fill a bumper, all prepare,
So hearty and so free, boys;
Up—cheer the fairest of the fair,
Our Queen! with three times three, boys.

Britannia's made of good old stuff,
And trimly put together;
She’ll wear and stay, in smooth and rough,
In calm or stormy weather:
No vessel boasts a stauncher crew,
Her officers ne'er fail her,
Commanded by a Captain too,
Who's every inch a sailor.

Close-hauled, and free, and all aback,
Strange sails strange courses steer now;
Britons! keep on your good old tack,
With “very well, thus”—“no near” now:-
But should they dare to cross our hawse,
And brave our flag so free, boys,
Up-cheer the tar who'll lead our cause—
The King! with three times three, boys.

Huzza! huzza! huzza! &c.
Our King! with three times three, boys.”
[Luff's Lay, The United Service Journal, Pt.I, 1831, p.356]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 06:59 AM

“IORRAM. A boat song; a rowing song.
IURRAM. -AIM, -AN, s.f. See Iorram.
[A Dictionary of the Gaelic Language, Macleod, Dewar, 1831]



“†CELEUSME. s.m. Cri des matelots qui rament pour s'encourager les uns les autres.– Signal qu'on donne aux matelots et aux rameurs, soit de vive voix, soit avec un sifflet, pour leur marquer les differentes manœuvres.
†CELEUSTE. s.m. Celui qui a soin de faire ou preserire le devoir aux matelots, aux rameurs, et aux autres ouvriers d'un bàtiment.
HOURA*. s.m. Cri de guerre des Cosaques, des troupes russes, etc.– † mar. mot répété à haute voix par les matelots lorsqu'ils hàleut ensemble un cordage”
[Dictionnaire Général de la Langue Française, Raymond, 1832]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 07:00 AM

“Nódítás. Celeusma. M.A.

ONSZOL, onszolja. Cohortatur, clamore, impellit. M.A.L. Unszol.
ONSZOLÁS. Hortatus, instinctus, cohortatio clamosa, celeusma. M.A.
ONSZOLÓ. Instigator. vide Onzoló. M.A.
        Onszoló kiáltás. Celeusma. M.A.

ONZOL. Lásd Onszol, Unszol.
ONZOLÁS. Instigatio, instinctus, cohortatio. M.A.
        Onzolásnak kiáltása. Celeusma. M.A.
ONZOLÓ. Instigator. M.A.

UNSZOL, unszolja, Instigat, instimulat. it. Invitat. M.A.
Unszolás, Instigatio, abhortatio, instimulatio. M.A. A' gyakor unszolás indítja a' gyermeket. km.
Unszolat. Celeusma, stimulus, incitamentum. S.I.”
[Magyar Szotar Gyökerrenddel es Deakozattal, Vol.II, L-Z, Kresznerics, 1832]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 07:03 AM

“Vogue á la calmie! (commandement aux rameurs.) Pull away now the wind lulls!”
[Le Nouveau Dictionnaire Universel, Garner, Boyer, 1832]



“Celeusma, âtis, g.m. Algazara de marineros cuando descubren tierra y alabanzas divinas.
Celeustes, æ, g m. Cómitre de galera.
[Compendium Latino-Hispanum, Salas, 1832]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 03:02 PM

Hi Phil,
Can you please explain the relevance of the Dibdinesque piece by Luff?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 08:07 PM

Steve: In this thread only, relevance = search term = stamp and go = Air—“A reg'lar capstan, stamp and go.

Been on the list here since year one but no hits until just lately. So far, so few, it's all capstan work. Obviously, something will have to give before the expression makes it to the Sea Shanty wiki style “stamp & go.”

And one suspects “Sam Spritsail” and “Landsman Hay” might share a branch somewhere on the old family tree.

Small world: Lay's new King here is William IV, aka: The Sailor King. We've chatted about the HRH's mistress Dorothea Jordan 's stage work here: Lyr Add: I Am a Brisk and Sprightly Lad. Jordan & Latour co-published at least one piece as well.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:13 AM

Just a quick reminder on the thread title: However, in recent, popular usage, the scope of its definition is sometimes expanded to admit a wider range of repertoire and characteristics, or to refer to a "maritime work song" in general. [Sea Shanty wiki]

This one's on the wiki proper. The East India Fleet crew is singing to a fiddle and working a capstan. The wiki authors themselves can't really relate it to shanties or shantying and 1832 is a long ways from “recent” ––


“Always giving a fillip to conversation by some anecdote or enlivening jest:–– the capstan bars move at the word heave, when accompanied by his usual exclamation of “cheerly, my lads! Cheerly!…”

HEAVING AT THE CAPSTAN.
All who have been on board ship must recollect heaving at the capstan. It is one of the many soul-stirring scenes that occur on board when all hands are turned up; the motley group that man the bars, the fiddler stuck in a corner, the captain on the poop encouraging the men to those desperate efforts that seem, to the novice, an attempt at pulling up the rocks by the root. It's a time of equality; idlers, stewards and servants, barbers and sweepers, cooks' mates and cooks-mate's ministers, doctors' mates, and loblolly boys; every man runs the same road, and hard and impenetrable is that soul that does not chime in with the old ditties, "Pull away now, my Nancy, O!" and the long" Oh!" that precedes the more musical strain of

"Oh her love is a sailor,
His name is Jemmy Taylor,
He's gone in a whaler,
To the Greenland sea:"

or

"Oh ! if I had her,
Eh then if I had her,
Oh! how I could love her,
Black although she be."
[The Quid or Tales of my Messmates, anon, 1832]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:15 AM

“CRÓCCHIA. Sust. f. Canzone rozza. (Dal verbo Crocchiare in senso di quel cantare che fa la chioccia quando ha i polcini.) Come sogliono i marinari per alleggiamento della lor fatica, vogando e cantando, n'andavano; e nel cantare avevano tra loro un commandatore che a guisa di papasso stando in prua, e dando il tempo del remo, era il primo ad imporre certe crocchie marinaresche; ed imposto ch'egli avéa, tutti li altri, al calar della sua voce, come un coro a voce pari con la battuta de'remi rispondevano. Car. Daf. rag. 3, p. 118. (Nel test. gr. a crocchie marinaresche corrisponde nauticas odas. Il Gozzi tradusse semplicemente canzoni marinaresche. V. anche CELEUSMA nel Forcellini.)
[Supplimento a' Vocabolarj Italiani: C-E, Gherardini, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:16 AM

“CELEUS'MA (Ant.) ..., a shout of encouragement, which mariners make to one another whilst they are engaged in any work, similar to “Ho up,” and such like words, used among sailors in modern times.
Mart. 1.4, ep.64, v.21.

Quem nec rumpere nauticum celeusma.

Serv. in Æn.1. 8; Gloss. Cyrill.; Gyrald. de Navig. c.16; Bud. in Pandect. p. 106; Scheff. de Mil. Nav. l.3, c.1.

CELE'USTES (Ant.) he who shouted the celeusma to the mariners. [vide Celeusma]”
[Universal Technological Dictionary, Vol.1, Crabb, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:22 AM

“...and when it is recollected, that the “best bower,” of ninety hundred weight, has often to be dragged out of a muddy anchorage, some idea may be formed of the immense power demanded; it accordingly requires the simultaneous effort of sixty or eighty men, who “man the capstan,” to effect it: a drum and fife play a lively air to encourage them in their exertions, and to time their efforts.”
[Some Account of a Ship, The Saturday Magazine, Vol. III, July Supplement, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:26 AM

“I wrote the foregoing a day or two since, and have now to address you on the part of O'Doggrell, who having insisted on going aloft to hand the gaff topsails, when he was " three sheets in the wind," slipped the sixth or seventh ratline, and though he fortunately fell inboard, yet has he received an ugly "confusion" on his skull, besides spraining his right hand. The effect of said "confusion" has been to make him thrice more poetical than ever, and he has "bothered" the ship's company ever since, with alternate poetical effusions, on all subjects, and nautical imprecations in good prose on his accident. In order to quiet him I have volunteered to be his amanuensis, and present you with a song of his on the "Revenge," which he intends should send both Dibdin and Campbell "hull down to leewards."

It blows a merry breeze— Ho, boys, cheerily.
We can work her as we please— Ho, boys, cheerily.
Her sails are fast asleep,
And fast a-head we creep.
Along the slumbering deep,
                Ho, boys, cheerily.

But let it blow a gale— Ho, boys, cheerily,
With a double-reefed main sail—Ho, boys, cheerily.
'Tis then that shell make way,
Heeding neither wind nor sea;—
Give the old Revenge fair play.
                Ho, boys, cheerily.

As for your Sunday craft—Ho, cheerily,
Square rigged—or fore and aft— Ho, cheerily.
'Tis now as 'twas of yore,
We're at sea, when they're on shore;
While the stormy winds do roar,
                Ho, boys, cheerily.

In a calm they make some play—Ho, cheerily,
And will boast for many a day—Ho, cheerily.
But let them but be seen,
Where the tempest's path has been,
And they'll own her for their queen.
                Ho, boys, cheerily.

Still ready shall we be—Ho, cheerily,
To meet friend or enemy—Ho, cheerily.
With a friend our all to share,
We both hands and hearts prepare,—
But let a foe beware,
                Ho, boys, cheerily.

Then here's to the ship and crew—Ho, cheerily,
Both are staunch, and brave, and true—Ho, cheerily.
And while they can stretch a sail,
Be it calm, or breeze, or gale,
Neither ship nor crew will fail,
                Ho, boys, cheerily.”

PATRICK O'DOQGRELL.

Thus you have my trusty and well beloved cousin's production.
P.O.T.
[Irish Monthly Magazine, Vol.I, May'32-Apr.33, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:28 AM

“Athenæus has preserved the Greek names of different songs as sung by various trades, but unfortunately none of the songs themselves. There was a song for the corn-grinders; another for the workers in wool; another for the weavers. The reapers had their carol; the herdsmen had a song which an oxdriver of Sicily had composed; the kneaders, and the bathers, and the galley-rowers, were not without their chant. We have ourselves a song of the weavers, which Ritson has preserved in his 'Ancient Songs' and it may be found in the popular chap-book of 'The Life of Jack of Newbury;' and the songs of anglers, of old Isaac Walton, and Charles Cotton, still retain their freshness.

Mr Heber has beautifully observed, in his Bampton Lectures, that among the Greeks the hymn which placed Harmodius in the green and flowery island of the Blessed was chanted by the potter to his wheel, and enlivened the labours of the Piræn mariner.

Dr Johnson is the only writer I recollect who has noticed something of this nature which he observed in the Highlands. 'The strokes of the sickle were
timed by the modulation of the harvest song, in which all their voices were united. They accompany every action which can be done in equal time with an appropriate strain, which has, they say, not much meaning, but its effects are regularity and cheerfulness. There is an oar song used by the Hebrideans.'

But if these chants 'have not much meaning,' they will not produce the desired effect of touching the heart, as well as giving vigour to the arm of the labourer. The gondoliers of Venice while away their long midnight hours on the water with the stanzas of Tasso. Fragments of Homer are sung by the Greek sailors of the Archipelago ; the severe labour of the trackers, in China, is accompanied with a song which encourages their exertions, and renders these simultaneous. Mr Ellis mentions, that the sight of the lofty pagoda of Tong-chow served as a great topic of incitement in the song of the trackers toiling against the stream, to their place of rest. The canoe-men, on the Gold Coast, in a very dangerous passage, 'on the back of a high-curling wave, paddling with all their might, singing or rather shouting their wild song, follow it up,' says M'Leod, who was a lively witness of this happy combination of song, of labour, and of peril, which he acknowledges was ' a very terrific process.' Our sailors at Newcastle, in heaving their anchors, have their ' Heave, and ho ! rum-below !' but the Sicilian mariners must be more deeply affected by their beautiful hymn to the Virgin! A society instituted in Holland for general good do not consider among their least useful projects that of having printed at a low price a collection of songs for sailors.

It is extremely pleasing, as it is true, to notice the honest exultation of an excellent ballad-writer, C. Dibdin, who in his Professional Life, p. 8, writes — 'I have learnt my songs have been considered as an object of national consequence; that they have been the solace of sailors and long voyagers, in storms, in battle ; and that they have been quoted in mutinies, to the restoration of order and discipline.' It is recorded of the Portuguese soldiery in Ceylon, at the siege of Colombo, when pressed with misery and the pangs of hunger, that they derived, during their marches, not only consolation, but also encouragement, by rehearsing the stanzas of the Lusiad.”
[Songs of Trades, or Songs for the People, Vol.III, D'Israeli, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 07:33 AM

“Ô!...
Ô! hisse. ô! Hale, ô! Saille, ô! Saque, ô! Ride, (method of singing out as a signal to hoist, haul or rouse together, on a tackle or rope, or to push a beam.)
VOIX [terme de marine] The song (employed by sailors in hoisting, heaving, &c.) Donner la voix. To sing out (as in hauling, hoisting, heaving, &c.) A la voix! Mind the man that sings! Saleur de la voix. V. Saleur.”
[A French and English Dictionary, Vol.1, Wilson, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 11:05 AM

Some really interesting and intriguing stuff coming out in the 1830s.

The air "A reg'lar capstan, stamp and go." The way that is set out suggests that the title of the air is the title of a song rather than a description if you see what I mean.

Just a little query re work aboard the RN vessels. Okay the capstan was spun to the accompaniment of an instrument, but work aloft couldn't have been co-ordinated in this way. Would for instance reefing a sail have involved the short 'sing out'?

Despite his frequent use of 'Yeo ye' I'm not aware of any Dibdin material ever being used in a chanty, although some of the words of Upton's 'Outward Bound' c1800 did for a while later on, no doubt helped by the popularity of the song in all circles.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 03:39 PM

Another from the wiki. There are several snippets in the Advent thread but nothing with the notes to the lyrics and the usual nauticus clamour for ambiance:

“Send the hands aft, Mr. Spunyarn, to loose the mainsail.” The tyers were speedily cast off, and the sail adrift.

“Man the main and peak haulyards;–– away aloft, and ride them down."

In an instant a dozen of the men and boys were at the mast-head, catching hold of the running part of the haulyards, hanging by their hands, descending by their weight, and hoisting the sail much quicker than by any other means.

“Belay that,” said the mate, when the sail was properly set. “Heave short, Mr. Spunyarn,––keep a range of the cable on deck. Here, you cook! where's Scaldings, the cook? let him take down the chain. How does the cable grow, Mr. Spunyarn?"
        “Two points on the starboard bow, Sir.”
        “Port your helm, Mr. Blowhard."
        “Hard-a-port, Sir,” exclaimed the gunner, who was at the helm.
        “Heave away, lads !"
        “She's short, Sir,” bawled the boatswain.
        “Very well, Mr. Spunyarn; man the jib and fore haulyards––hoist away––keep the starboard fore-sheet to windward.”

The handspikes were again manned, and in a few minutes the anchor was at the bows, catted and fished.

“Heave diwn the bob-stay––there, belay that––all hands sweat up the jib.”

On board a well-disciplined man-of-war, no person except the officers is allowed to speak during the performance of the various evolutions. When a great many men are employed together, a fifer or fiddler usually plays some of their favourite tunes; and it is quite delightful to see the glee with which Jack will “stamp and go,” keeping exact time to “Jack's the lad,” or the “College Hornpipe.” On board a revenue cruiser for want of music, it is customary for one of the men to give them a song, which makes the crew unite their strength, and pull together. The following is a specimen of this species of composition:

O, haul pulley, yoe.
[Chorus, piano.]
Cheerly men,
O long and strong, yoe, O.
Cheerly men,
O, yoe, and with a will,
Cheerly men,

        [Grand Chorus, forte.]
        Cheerly, cheerly, cheerly, O.

A long haul for widow Skinner,
Cheerly men,
Kiss her well before dinner,
Cheerly men,
At her, boys, and win her,
Cheerly men,
Cheerly, cheerly, cheerly, O.

A strong pull for Mrs. Bell,
Cheerly men,
Who likes a lark right well,
Cheerly men,
And, what's more, will never tell,
Cheerly men,
Cheerly, cheerly, cheerly, O.

O haul and split the blocks,
Cheerly men,
O haul and stretch her luff,
Cheerly men
Young Lovelies, sweat her up,
Cheerly men,
Cheerly, cheerly, cheerly, O.

For time out of mind this song has been attached to revenue cutters, and sometimes the burden is not celebrated for its decency.”
[R.B., A Cruise of a Revenue Cutter, The United Service Journal and Naval and Military Magazine, Pt.I, 1834]

Instrumental = Sailor's Hornpipe
Accompanied, chanted, sung, &c = Jack's the Lad
Lyr Req: Sailor's Hornpipe

Fwiw: I would mark Spunyard, Blowhard &Co. as copper-bottom hokum, but that's just me.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 03:43 PM

Steve: If the evolution were performed in proper “...away aloft, and ride them down" United Service Spunyard & Blowhard fashion, I would think no music, singing or chanting would be effective. Splints & bandages oth… The Bricklayer's Song .

Fwiw: Fife and drum had the most range but any audible method was impractical over any considerable distance, vertical or horizontal, ambient noise only made things worse. In real world rowing, the interaction is just with the aft-most benches (strokesmen.) Everybody else guides on sight.

On more than one Caribbean island guidon oarsmen were “Bonnie Boys,” and very well paid crew but darned if I can find any sources as yet.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 05:26 PM

Ah, that's THE quotation. Nice to see it in full here. I like to think of that as the earliest English chanty as opposed to the Gulf chanties.
And we know this is real stuff because there are plenty of later versions and quotes.

Spunyard and Blowhard, yes hokum, but definitely a solid part of writers about maritime as used extensively by Dibdin and his contemporaries and imitated later. it has the dual purpose here of using expected generic names and keeping the real participants anonymous.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 10:00 AM

“Acclamatio, onis. f. verb. A calling alound, Col. a shouting in applause, a huzza, Cic. Sometimes, a crying against, an exploding, Id.
Acclamo, as. (1) To shout, to huzza by way of honor, or rejoicing. (2) Sometimes, to cry out against. (1) Populus cum acclamavit ita esse, Cic. (2) Hostis omnibus qui acclamássent, Id..
Charge [burden] Onus. ¶ Ease me of this charge, Leva me hoc onere.
The charge [of a bishop, or judge, &c.] Hortatio, adhortatio, cohortatio, exhortatio.
*Evax. Interj. Exsultantis, A voice of joy, a huzza, Plaut.
Hip [interj.] Eho, heus.
Ho! Hem! heus! eho!
Holla! Heus! Hem!
A huzza, Clamor, lætus clamor, vociferatio.
To huzza, Vociferor.
Nauticus cantus, The seamen's holloa or huzza, Cic.

NOISE,…
The mariner's noise, * Celeusma.
[Latin Dictionary: Morell's Abridgment, Ainsworth, Jamieson, 1828]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 10:02 AM

“The vast expanse of water undulating onward, until it softened into the distant line of the horizon; the gentle curling of the crisp blue waves, as they were agitated by the passing breeze; the hoarse scream of the sea mew, as it blended with the lulling cadence of the billows; the occasional dash of distant oars, as the pleasure-boat or fishing smack glided gaily past upon the glassy surface before them; the cheerful note of the rower, as he timed the stroke of his oar to the rough measure of his song; the distant shouts of yo heave ho from the small trading vessels, as they were unlading or taking in their cargoes on the opposite shore,–– all imparted a variety and picturesque harmony to the scene, producing those lively emotions, which make us forget for a while the progress of time, when the objects that surround us are such as to entrance our attention and to elate our feelings.”
[The Sand Bank, The Athenæum Journal of English Literature and the Fine Arts, Vol.IV, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 10:03 AM

“BOULINE. s.j. … Bouline, ha! Ha! Ancien cri des marins halant sur les Boulines, pour s'encourager et pour agir ensemble; il vaut mieux réunir ses efforts au coup du sifflet….
CHANTER, v.n. To sing out. (zalomar) Ancien usage des matelots quic onsiste à manœuvrer et à agir ensemble à la voix d'un d'entre eux; aujourd'hui, à bord bâtimens de guerre, le chant est interdit; le sifflet peut indiquer l'elan; et s'il faut un effort soutenu, on enploie le fifre et le tambour.
COMMANDE!, Cri des matelots en réponse au comp du sifflet d'attention du maitre; ce cri n'est plus permis.
DONNER, v.a. et n. To order, to get, to spare, to run, to shape, to run right. (dar, dirigir). Donner la voix: marquer un effort simultané à faire, par un cri convenu….
VOIX (DONNER LA). To sing out. (salomar), Pour l'exp. Voy. au mot Donner.”
[Dictionnaire Abrégé de Marine, Bonnefoux, 1834]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 10:04 AM

“Celeuma, tis. ó Celeusma, tis. n. Canto, grita ó algazara de marineros cuando descubren tierra, y para divertir el trabajo.
Celeustes, æ. m. El cómitre de galera.”
[Diccionario Manual Latino-Español, Gimenez, 1834]


“...The axe of the woodman still is heard in the distant forest, the splash of the water fall keeps music with the wheel of the manufacturer, the "yeo heave
ho” of the sailor enlivens the wharves of our cities, and the sound of the hammer is cheering our country with the honest and useful labours of the mechanic.”
[The Gleaner (Boston) 24 May, 1834]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 08:17 PM

““Let fall—sheet home and hoist away the topsails—cheerly with the main, cheerly.” At the word, all the canvass, which heretofore had been concealed by being neatly folded on the yards, fell at the same instant into beautiful festoons, and the men briskly descended to the deck. The next moment the topsails were hoisting, and the fifes playing “The girls we left behind us," as the crew marched along the deck with the haulyards, keeping time to the music.

“Tramp the deck boys, tramp the deck," cried the second lieutenant in an encouraging tone, and the time was marked louder than ever.

“High enough with the mizen—belay the mizen topsail haulyards,” cried the fifth lieutenant. “Belay the mizen topsail haulyards,” echoed a midshipman in a youthful key, and the boatswain's mate piped, belay!

“Belay the fore-topsail haulyards—high enough with the main-belay the main topsail haulyards," succeeded pretty rapidly, attended by the same echoing and piping as before.

Again the capstan bars were placed, or rather "shipped,” and the order given to “heave round." The next moment, the “second” cried, “high enough.”

“Pall the capstan—unship the bars—forward to the cat—move, lads, move—” replied the “first” in the full tone of a manly voice, unaided by his trumpet. A few seconds only passed, and the anchor rested on the bows.”
[Three Years in the Pacific: Including Notices of Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, Ruschenberger, 1834]
William Ruschenberger (1807–1895)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 08:19 PM

“† SALOMARE, v.a. Dare la voce T. di mar. Donner la voix.”
[Dictionnaire Francais-Italien et Italien-Francais, Vol.II, Alberti di Villanuova, 1834]


“VOCE...
19. Dare la voce. dicesi quando con un grido come o issa ec. Si avverte l' equipagio a fare I suoi sforzi di conserva, Id.”
[Dizionario Enciclopedico delle Scienze, Vol.8, T-Z, Bazzarini, 1835]


“SALOMÁRE, att. (Marin.), v. spagnuola che significa dare la voce. Str.”
[Ortografia Enciclopedica Universale Della Lingua Italiana, Vol.VII, S, Bazzarini, 1835]


“Saloma, sf. Chant des matelots m.
Salemar, va. Chanter en manœuvrant.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire de Poche Français—Espagnol et Espagnol—Français, Berbrugger, 1835]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 08:21 PM

“And now, let us leap over those jealous bulwarks which hide the interior operations of a man-of-war, and stand on the deck of the United States' frigate C— .

In that motley throng of officers and men on the quarter-deck, — in that hubbub of voices, in which are distinguishable only the hoarse growl of a boatswain's mate, or the shrill command of a junior midshipman, — a landsman perceives nothing but confusion — a man-of-war's man, the most perfect order. Just abaft the main-mast, the deck resounds heavily to the tramp of the crew, as they slowly, but steadily, heave round the capstern. With a measured tread, which keeps time with the animating music of the fife, they struggle with cheerful ardor against the formidable force of the rocks beneath, though there is yet no sign that their labor will be rewarded by success. In every part of the quarter-deck, at the different sheets and halyards, are groups of seamen, waiting but the signal to 'hoist away!' while officers are seen scattered in every direction, — here a lieutenant, there a midshipman, — who repeat, at short intervals, the inspiriting order of 'Heave cheerly, my lads, — heave cheerly!' Every man is at his station. The captain, mounted on the lee horse-block, looks with cool collectedness, now toward the quarter from whence the gale comes rushing on, then at the reef of rocks to leeward; and the first lieutenant, now the ostensible commander, at a few paces from him on the deck, from time to time makes the hoarse tones of the trumpet distinctly heard, amid the discordant din of creaking masts, — the heavy tramp of the crew heaving round the capstern, — the shrill whistling of the boatswain and his mates, — and the fearful roaring of the wind through the rigging.”
[Breakers, The Knickerbocker Monthly, Vol.VI, No.6, December, 1835]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 08:22 PM

“At a signal from the judges, the oarsmen stopped, and the usual signal of victory—the hoisting of oars—announced to Harby his discomfiture. Both boats wheeled for the shore, one with a quick stroke, the other with a measured sweep, keeping time to the gay song her oarsmen were echoing over the flowing waters. The songs of the southern boatmen are at all times imposing. Nothing can be more like martial music than the songs in which the whole crew repeat with their leader. On a stilly night their songs are rich with melody. It is really astonishing to hear a full chorus at midnight—all nature seems hushed, save the wild notes gladdening along the moon-lit waters.”
[Cassimer Saral: A Tale, Reyonds, 1835]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 08:27 PM

Earliest New Orleans ref. so far (I think) –

“We are hourly expecting our tow-boat the Whale. When she arrives we shall immediately, in the company of some other ships, move up for New-Orleans. The morning is delightful, and we have the prospect of a pleasant sail, or rather tow, up the river. A hundred snow-white sails are reflecting the rays of the morning sun, while the rapid dashing of the swift pilot-boats about us, and the slower movements of ships getting under weigh to cross the bar, and work their own way up to the city-together with the mingling sounds of stern commands, and the sonorous "heave-ho-yeo!" of the labouring seamen, borne upon the breeze, give an almost unparalleled charm and novelty to the scene….


...If the market at New Orleans represents that city, so truly does New-Orleans represent every other city and nation upon earth. I know of none where is congregated so great a variety of the human species, of every language and colour. Not only natives of the well known European and Asiatic countries are here to be met with, but occasionally Persians, Turks, Lascars, Maltese, Indian sailors from South America and the Islands of the sea, Hottentots, Laplanders, and, for aught I know to the contrary, Symmezonians.

Black women, with huge baskets of rusks, rolls and other appurtenances of the breakfast table, were crying, in loud shrill French, their “stock in trade,” followed by milk-criers, and butter-criers and criers of every thing but tears: for they all seemed as merry as the morning, saluting each other gayly as they met, “Bo'shoo Mumdsal”––“Moshoo! adieu," &c. &c., and shooting their rude shafts of African wit at each other with much vivacity and humor.


...After the grinding is finished, the negroes have several holidays, when they are quite at liberty to dance and frolic as much as they please; and the cane-song––which is improvised by one of the gang, the rest all joining in a prolonged and unintelligible chorus—now breaks night and day upon the ear, in notes “most musical, most melancholy." This over, planting recommences, and the same routine of labour is continued, with an intermission except during the boiling season, as above stated upon most, if not all plantations, of twelve hours in twenty-four, and of one day in seven throughout the year.”
[The South-West, Vol.1, A Yankee*, 1835]
* Penciled in underneath: Joseph Holt Ingraham (1809–1860).

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Pl d'Conch
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 05:41 AM

Long winded one for the “Bo'shoo Mumdsal”––“Moshoo! adieu" cohort (Bonjour mademoiselle –– Monsieur adieu) –

“ACCORDER (s'). v.a. Agir simultanément, ensemble; cette expression s'emploie pour exprimer l'action de plusieurs hommes ou de plusieurs forces agissant dans un même but, et sur un même objet. Dans une embarcation, il est de rigueur que les rameurs s'accordent, qu'ils impriment parfaitement ensemble la force que leurs rames transmettent au canot pour lui donner de l'impulsion. Les rames devant être tour à tour dans l'eau et hors de l'eau, il faut, pour que cela soit, accorder les rames.

Lorsque les matelots abraquent et tirent sur un cordage pour que la force des actions réunies soit plus complète ils s'accordent; c'est en chantant qu'ils obtiennent de résultat. Il est pen de personnes qui, étant allées dans un port de mer, ne se souviennent d'avoir entendu, le long des quais, les marins s'aidant dans leur travail par ces chants pleins d'harmonie, et dans lesquels l'entente des parties musicales, les rapports des tierces, des toniques, des faussets et des basses sont admirablement combinés. Il y a de ces chants dont les motifs hardis et riches en accords fourniraient des thêmes fort brillans à une imagination d'artiste; ce qu'il y a de plus étonnant dans cette aptitude qu'ont la plupart des marins à chauter avec leur voix puissante, âpre, sauvage et mélancolique à la fois, c'est la facilité avec laquelle ils passent aisément dans ces chants, dans ces chorus, d'un mode musical à l'autre. Ainsi, presque tous les chants de corde ont un premier motif majeur et une reprise en ton mineur; le couplet est chanté par celui des matelots qui possède la voix la plus timbrée; celui-là, comme on dit, donne la voix; le mineur, qui est presque toujours une sorte de ritournelle, est chanté en chorus par les autres matelots; la reprise est en majeur. Tous n'ont pas de voix, mais au moins fort peu d'entre eux ne sont-ils pas capables de se joindre au chorus, et l'oreille ne leur manquera pas. C'est des Américains que sont venus ces chants matelotesques qui appartiennent à la poétique de la marine. Cela est quelquefois d'un saisissant effet. Je me souviens de ces nuits d'orage, où les voix du vent jettent de lugubres menaces dans l'air, ou d'ironiques sifflemens dans les cordages. Les lames roulent de graves mélodies, les mâts et la charpente crient et gémissent sous les efforts de la voilure; parfois on entend sur sa tête des bruits sinistres qui flottent dans le vent, sans qu'on puisse les attacher à quelques idées: on dirait des cris de naufragés en détresse; quelquefois ce sont de pauvres oiseaux qui se plaignent en rasant le contour des lames; cette grande nature s'envoloppe d'un sombre manteau que traversent parfois de curieux éclairs, les cordages chantent des notes graves aux vibrations que leur imprime la brise, et à tout cela les matelots viennent mêler leurs chants! Le vent les emporte ou les mêle à ses voix aiguës, le matelot n'en tient pas compte, il chante, parce qu'il faut s'accorder; la voile obéit à la transmission de la force qu'on lui imprime, la voix du matelot domine à l'accalmie; quand il s'entend au milieu de cette atmosphère menaçante, il est heureux.

Les paroles des chants du marin ne sont pas une poesie spéciale. Il y a bien dans les travaux des ports, au débarquement des marchandises, quelques couplets dont le sens a pour but d'inviter au travail; les promesses du délassement au cabaret sont les refrains obligés de ces strophes libres, souvent improvisées sur in air adopté. Mais le plus souvent les paroles ne sont que des monosyllabes, dont les consonnes trainantes se fondent dans les notes du chant. Beaucoup de mots de la langue maritime anglaise sont à la mode dans les chants de mer. Le mot hourra, qui est un synonyme de courage, y est souvent répété.

Dans les colonies françaises, les nègres ont une merveilleuse facilité d'improvisation pour s'accorder par ces sortes de chants. L'accident le plus futile, l'impression la plus passagère va leur inspirer une douzaine de couplets, pauvres de rhythme et misérablement rimés sans doute, mais empreints d'une certaine causticité d'un instinct d'observation remarquable. En revanche, leur mélodie est moins riche, elle roule sur des tierces seulement; mais cela lui donne une allure plus hardie, plus guerrière peut-être. Dans l'inde seulement, les chants des noirs sont plus riches de combinaisons musicales, et présentent plus motifs.

A bord des bâtimens de l'Etat les marins ne chantent guère, et c'est au son du sifflet du maitre d'équipage qu'ils s'accordent. Ce commandement musical sera expliqué au mot Sifflet.”
[Dictionnaire Pittoresque de Marine, Lecomte, 1835]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 05:43 AM

“The moment the steamer reached the ship's side, she was there stoutly secured by hawsers. The bars which had been lying against the windlass were shipped, and a dozen or more jolly tars, headed by a stout, boatswain-looking second mate, rose upon them with the energy of strong bodies and stout hearts, making the palls of the windlass rattle as they hove round, and the whole harbour resound with the long-drawn and monotonous, yet not unpleasing song with which they accompanied and gave concert to their labour.

Our anchor was soon apeak; the steamer started her engine, and we moved boldly ahead, despite the flood tide which was still running….


...The handspike was heard striking three times on the forecastle; “All hands ahoy!" was the cry that followed. Our topsails were close reefed, with many a plaintive “ho, heave ho!" as they tugged at the struggling canvass; the mainsail too was furled;...”
[The American in England, Vol.1-2, Mackenzie, 1835]
Alexander Slidell Mackenzie (1803–1848)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:21 AM

“...He informed us that he had despatched a two-oared boat to meet us with bait on the river; and while he was yet speaking, Mr. Dalton's splendid eight oared canoe Devilfish, which had been launched from her hiding place in the swamp, was rowed gallantly up to the landing in sight, her oarsmen, with their shirt sleeves rolled up to the shoulders, exhibiting the powerful muscular development of their black arms, as they made the tough ash of their oars buckle, and buried the prow in foam, keeping time the while to a merry boat-song, in which was extemporized a welcome, general and particular, to the party on shore.”
[Captain Willick's Times, Southern Literary Journal and Monthly Magazine, Vol.1, Nov., 1835]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:49 AM

Wiki on Dana in 70 words or less: Such simple or brief chants survived into the 19th century. First-hand observers such as Frederick Pease Harlow, a sailor of the 1870s, attested to their ubiquity, saying that they were brought into use whenever a brief task required one.[29] In historical hindsight these items have come to be generically called "sing-outs"; yet even before the known advent of the term shanty, Richard Henry Dana referred to "singing out".

The Advent thread has quite a lot on the author as well but only as it relates to the shanty that is still yet to come. Neither source addresses the Italians &c on their own terms.

Granted, the term is relatively new here as compared to the practice done under other names but more than one dictionary above literally defines zalomar (&c.) as a “sing out.”

So, maritime work song in general on Dana is going to be more like +1500 words. I was tempted to open a dedicated thread but, here it is in multiple posts.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:50 AM

“The wind was whistling through the rigging, loose ropes flying about; loud and, to me, unintelligible orders constantly given and rapidly executed, and the sailors "singing out" at the ropes in their hoarse and peculiar strains.” [p.8]

Hugill/Dana's missing shanties

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:52 AM

“In no operation can the disposition of a crew be discovered better than in getting under weigh. Where things are done "with a will," every one is like a cat aloft: sails are loosed in an instant; each one lays out his strength on his handspike, and the windlass goes briskly round with the loud cry of "Yo heave ho! Heave and pawl! Heave hearty ho! " But with us, at this time, it was all dragging work. No one went aloft beyond his ordinary gait, and the chain came slowly in over the windlass. The mate, between the knight-heads, exhausted all his official rhetoric in calls of "Heave with a will!" — "Heave hearty, men! — heave hearty!" — "Heave and raise the dead! — Heave, and away!" etc.; but it would not do. Nobody broke his back or his handspike by his efforts. And when the cat-tackle-fall was strung along, and all hands — cook, steward, and all — laid hold, to cat the anchor, instead of the lively song of "Cheerily, men! " in which all hands join in the chorus, we pulled a long, heavy, silent pull, and — as sailors say a song is as good as ten men — the anchor came to the cat- head pretty slowly. "Give us ' Cheerily!' " said the mate; but there was no "cheerily " for us, and we did without it. The captain walked the quarter-deck, and said not a word. He must have seen the change, but there was nothing which he could notice officially.” [pp.117-18]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:52 AM

“At twelve o'clock the Ayacucho dropped her fore topsail, which was a signal for her sailing. She unmoored and warped down into the bight, from which she got under weigh. During this operation, her crew were a long time heaving at the windlass, and I listened for nearly an hour to the musical notes of a Sandwich Islander, called Mahannah, who 'sang out" for them. Sailors, when heaving at a windlass, in order that they may heave together, always have one to sing out; which is done in a peculiar, high and long-drawn note, varying with the motion of the windlass. This requires a high voice, strong lungs, and much practice, to be done well. This fellow had a very peculiar, wild sort of note, breaking occasionally into a falsetto. The sailors thought that it was too high, and not enough of the boatswain hoarseness about it; but to me it had a great charm. The harbor was perfectly still, and his voice rang among the hills, as though it could have been heard for miles.” [pp.134-35]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:54 AM

“Soon after breakfast, a large boat, filled with men in blue jackets, scarlet caps, and various colored under-clothes, bound ashore on liberty, left the Italian ship, and passed under our stern ; the men singing beautiful Italian boat-songs, all the way, in fine, full chorus. Among the songs I recognised the favorite "O Pescator dell' onda.” [p.160]

“After breakfast, we had the satisfaction of seeing the Italian ship's boat go ashore, filled with men, gaily dressed, as on the day before, and singing their barcarollas.” [p.167]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:56 AM

“There was only one point in which they had the advantage over us, and that was in lightening their labors in the boats by their songs. The Americans are a time and money saving people, but have not yet, as a nation, learned that music maybe "turned to account." We pulled the long distances to and from the shore, with our loaded boats, without a word spoken, and with discontented looks, while they not only lightened the labor of rowing, but actually made it pleasant and cheerful, by their music; So true is it, that—

        "For the tired slave, song lifts the languid oar,
                And bids it aptly fall, with chime
        That beautifies the fairest shore,
                And mitigates the harshest clime.” [p.169]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:56 AM

“The yards were then trimmed, the anchor weighed, the cat-block hooked on, the fall stretched out, manned by "all hands and the cook," and the anchor brought to the head with "cheerily men!" in full chorus.” [p.197]

“The great sail bellied out horizontally as though it would lift up the main stay; the blocks rattled and flew about; but the force of machinery was too much for her. "Heave ho! Heave and pawl! Yo, heave, hearty, ho!" and, in time with the song, by the force of twenty strong arms, the windlass came slowly round, pawl after pawl, and the weather clue of the sail was brought down to the water-ways.” [pp.219-20]

“The watch, too, seemed very busy trampling about decks, and singing out at the ropes.” [p.235]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:57 AM

The sailors' songs for captains and falls are of a peculiar kind, having a chorus at the end of each line. The burden is usually sung by one alone, and, at the chorus, all hands join in, — and the louder the noise, the better. With us, the chorus seemed almost to raise the decks of the ship, and might be heard at a great distance, ashore. A song is as necessary to sailors as the drum and fife to a soldier. They can't pull in time, or pull with a will, without it. Many a time, when a thing goes heavy, with one fellow yo-ho-ing, a lively song, like 'Heave, to the girls!" "Nancy oh!" "Jack Cross-tree," etc., has put life and strength into every arm. We often found a great difference in the effect of the different songs in driving in the hides. Two or three songs would be tried, one after the other, with no effect; — not an inch could be got upon the tackles — when a new song, struck up, seemed to hit the humor of the moment, and drove the tackles "two blocks" at once. "Heave round hearty!" "Captain gone ashore!" and the like, might do for common pulls, but on an emergency, when we wanted a heavy, "raise- the-dead" pull, which should start the beams of the ship, there was nothing like "Time for us to go!" "Round the corner," or "Hurrah hurrah! my hearty bullies!"

This was the most lively part of our work. A little boating and beach work in the morning; then twenty or thirty men down in a close hold, where we were obliged to sit down and slide about, passing hides, and rowsing about the great steeves, tackles, and dogs, singing out at the falls, and seeing the ship filling up every day.” [p.286]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:58 AM

“Among her crew were two English man-of-war's-men, so that, of course, we soon had music. They sang in the true sailor's style, and the rest of the crew, which was a remarkably musical one, joined in the choruses. They had many of the latest sailor songs, which had not yet got about among our merchantmen, and which they were very choice of. They began soon after we came on board, and kept it up until after two bells, when the second mate came forward and called “the Alerts away!” Battle-songs, drinking-songs, boat-songs, love-songs, and everything else, they seemed to have a complete assortment of, and I was glad find that “All in the downs,” “Poor Tom Bowline,” “The Bay of Biscay,” “List, ye landsmen!” and all those classical songs of the sea, still held their places. In addition to these, they had picked up at the theatres and other places a few songs of a little more genteel cast, which they were very proud of; and I shall never forget hearing an old salt, who had broken his voice by hard drinking on shore, and bellowing from the mast-head in an hundred north-westers, with all manner of ungovernable trills and quavers – in the high notes, breaking into a rough falsetto – and in the low ones, growling along like the dying away of the boatswain's “all hands ahoy!” down the hatchway singing, “Oh no, we never mention him.”...

The next day, the California commenced unloading her cargo; and her boats' crews, in coming and going, sang their boat-songs, keeping in time with their oars. This they did all day long for several days, until their hides were all discharged, when a gang of them were sent on board the Alert, to help us steeve our hides. This was a windfall for us, for they had a set of new songs for the capstan and fall, and ours had got nearly worn our by six-weeks' constant use. I have no doubt this timely reinforcement of songs hastened our work several days.” [pp.290-91]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:59 AM

“For a few minutes, all was uproar and apparent confusion: men flying about like monkeys in the rigging; ropes and blocks flying; orders given and answered, and the confused noises of men singing out at the ropes.” [p.301]

“Our spirits returned with having something to do; and when the tackle was manned to bowse the anchor home, notwithstanding the desolation of the scene, we struck up "Cheerily ho" in full chorus. This pleased the mate, who rubbed his hands and cried out — "That's right, my boys; never say die! That sounds like the old crew!" and the captain came up, on hearing the song, and said to the passenger, within hearing of the man at the wheel, — "That sounds like a lively crew. They'll have their song so long as there're enough left for a chorus!" [p.341]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 03:01 AM

“When we came to mast-head the topsail yards, with all hands at the halyards, we struck up "Cheerily, men," with a chorus which might have been heard half way to Staten Land.” [p.356]

“Sail after sail, for the hundredth time, in fair weather and in foul, we furled now for the last time together, and came down and took the warp ashore, manned the capstan, and with a chorus which waked up half the North End, and rang among the buildings in the dock, we hauled her in to the wharf.” [p.459]
[Two Years Before the Mast, Dana, c.1835]

Note: The page numbers above are from the 1911ed.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 02:13 PM

Interesting that 'Cheerily Men' gets by far the most mentions. We have had this before in the British revenue cutters.

Do we have some text to 'Captain gone ashore'? I seem to remember Gibb has several early references to this one. The others are probably just mentions of shore songs being tried out and then discarded.

Also interesting that some of the mentions of worksong use refer to steeving hides, quite similar to screwing cotton.

Also of note is the reference to Americans (likely African Americans) using the songs to greater effect. A lot of Gibb's early references to the earlier songs are of African American rowers, in e.g., the Georgia Sea islands.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 03:47 AM

“They are dextrous boatmen, vigorous and adroit with the oar and paddle, and will row from morning unto night without a murmur. The steersman often sings an old traditionary French song, with some regular burden in which they all join, keeping time with their oars; if at any time they flag in spirits or relax in exertion, it is but necessary to strike up a song of the kind to put them all in fresh spirits and activity. The Canadian waters are vocal with these little French chansons, that have been echoed from mouth to mouth and transmitted from father to son, from the earliest days of the colony; and it has a pleasing effect, in a still, golden summer evening, to see a batteau gliding across the bosom of a lake and dipping its oars to the cadence of these quaint old ditties, or sweeping along, in full chorus, on a bright sunny morning, down the transparent current of one of the Canadian rivers.”
[Irving, Astoria; or Enterprise beyond the Rocky Mountains, Museum of Foreign Literature & Science, Vol.II, 1836]
Washington Irving (1783–1859)

Rip Van Winkle (1819) & The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820) &c.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 03:48 AM

“All except the top and forecastle men walked in well trained tactics to the music of the drum and fife around the capstan; and while the boatswain's mates piped loudly the signal to unfurl the sails, the top men scaled the shrouds and laid out upon the yards—loosed the main sails, the quartermaster stood prepared to cun*, and in five minutes the anchor was catted—the canvass sheeted home, and the gallant ship under a press of sail.”
[The Voyages and Five Years Captivity in Algiers, Pfeiffer, Rupp, 1836]

*The interweb/wiki dictionary universe is conflicted on this word but one route is: Alternative form of conn (“direct or steer a ship”.) From the obsolete spelling cond.

Fwiw: It's some type of pilot's task and the old world instrument and symbol of office was the sounding pole or contus.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 03:51 AM

“The navigation of the Nile employs a great number of the native of Egypt. The boatmen of the Nile are mostly strong, muscular men. They undergo severe labour in rowing, poling, and towing; but are very cheerful; and often, the most so when they are most occupied; for when they frequently amuse themselves by singing….

The boatmen of the Nile very often use an earthen dar'abook'keh; but of a larger size than that used in hharee'ms: generally from a foot and a half to two feet in length. This is also used by some low storytellers, and others. The boatmen employ, as an accompaniment to their earthen drum, a double reed pipe, called zoomma'rah. There is also another kind of double reed pipe, called arghoo'l; of which one of the reeds is much longer than the other, and serves as a drone, or continuous base. This, likewise, is used by boatmen; and sometimes it is employed, instead of the na'y, at zikrs….”

The natural liking of the Egyptians for music is shown by their habit of regulating their motions, and relieving the dulness of their occupations, in various labours, by songs or chants. Thus do the boatmen, in rowing, &c.; the peasants raising water; the porters in carrying heavy weights with poles; men, boys, and girls, in assisting builders, by bringing bricks. Stones, and mortar, and removing rubbish: so also, the sawyers, reapers, and many other labourers….

In many boats, the crews amuse themselves and their passengers by singing, often accompanied by the darabook'keh and zooma'rah; and some private parites hire professional musicians to add to their diversion on the river.”
[An account of the manners and customs of the modern Egyptians, Vol.2, Lane, 1836]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 03:54 AM

“...No language can convey an idea of the dexterity exhibited by the Canadian boatmen, who pass safely through rapids, whirlpools, and narrow channels, where by the strength of such an immense body of water forcing its way, the stream, as in the present instance, is lifted in the middle, to a perfect convexity. In such places, where you think the next moment must dash the frail skiff and its burden of human beings to destruction among the steep rocks, these fellows approach and pass over with astonishing coolness and skill, encouraging themselves and one another with a lively and exulting boat-song. We reached the junction of the Spokan River the same afternoon, having in the short space of eight hours accomplished a distance of ninety miles, which will give some idea of the rapidity of the current; ...”
[Companion to the Botanical Magazine, Vol.2, Hooker, 1836]
William Jackson Hooker (1785–1865)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 07:00 PM

Thought there was a dedicated Captain Gone Ashore/Grog Time thread but can't find it now. The Advent thread has quite a bit on it:

“...Messieurs the people have no mercy for their servants, but goad them on, beyond their strength––and hunt them for cowards, whenever they show any signs of fatigue, or love of life. Every body can remember when it was preferred as a serious charge against a naval officer, that he stooped to dodge a chainshot!

“Hello!” continued the steward, "where dat blood for, on dog's nose? Guess you Bill British been 'noculate him for coward."

“Get out, you Hethiopian, or I'll shoot you!”

“Oh don't, now; who sarve a de grog, nigger gone to he wooden jacket?

        'When de cap’un go ashore,
        An de mate he hab de key,
        You want a nigger steward
        When it's grog time o' day.
                Grog time o' day!'”

A sharp, angry bark from the dog, and he had the soldier by the neck. He had watched him, till he saw him off his guard, and then pounced on him, like a Tiger, as he was. Immediate interference was necessary, to save the soldier's life, for the dog would most assuredly have finished him, had he been let alone. The steward was in the very ecstacy of delight—he hugged Tiger, and jumped round the forecastle, like a baboon. “Hee! choke a dam Cholo nigger! Top his weason, a brack sojer—good feller, Tiger !” The gambols of the dog and his friend had become too annoying—it was evident that it had been grog time with the steward. His eyes protruded from his head, and were, at the same time, dim with the mist with which alcohol smothers the vision.

“I tell ye, you Hethiopian, I'll shoot you, if you don't quit your monkey shines!”

        “'When a buckra man come,
        Hol ’um gun up higher,
        Tell a nigger shoot him,
        Nigger he tan fire!'

’pecially when a gun hab no powder in him! Hee!" And Ebony turned a somerset over the heel of the bowsprit.

        “'Possum up a gum tree,
        Racoon in de holler,'—….”
[Tar Brush Sketches, At Sea, by Benjamin Fiferail, Corrected Proofs, Weld, 1836]
Horatio Hastings Weld (1811–1888)


Lyr Req: Old Zip Coon
rabbit up a gummy stump poem or song?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 07:03 PM

“He heard the merry notes of the fife as the men worked at the capstan to the stamp and go, keeping time with the music on board the Glasgow; and when the 'Away aloft!' was shouted, away went the hands scudding up the rigging to obey the orders….”
[Ben Brace, the Last of Nelson's Agamemnons, Vol.1, Chamier, 1836]


“Neadling a slave, mariner, v. nydling.
Nydling, nedling, nidling, neadling, es; m. [nyd, neod need, ling a condition, state] One who serves of necessity, a slave, bondman, servant, mariner; qui ex necessitate servit, nauta, Bd. 3, 15.
Sæ-leoð a sea song, a sailor's shout in hoisting an anchor or sail; marina cantilena: nautica hortatio. Keleusma, Cot. 53.”
[A Dictionary of the Anglo Saxon Language, Bosworth, 1837]

See also: Vocabularium Anglo-Saxonicum, 1701 (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Oct 22 - 07:11 AM

c.1794
“...On board the yachts constant mirth and good humour prevailed among the seamen. When the weather was calm, the vessels were generally pushed on by means of two large sculls or oars turning upon pivots that were placed in projecting pieces of wood near the bow of the vessel, and not the stern, as is the practice of most other nations. From six to ten men are required to work one of these oars, which, instead of being taken out of the water, as in the act of rowing, are moved backwards and forwards under the surface, in a similar manner to what in England is understood by sculling. To lighten their labour, and assist in keeping time with the strokes, the following rude air was generally sung by the master, which the whole crew used to join in chorus:

[Note: Hai-yo hai-yau –– Master and crew call and reply w/sheet music included.]

On many a calm still evening, when a dead silence reigned upon the water, have we listened with pleasure to this artless and unpolished air, which was sung, with little alteration through the whole fleet. Extraordinary exertions of bodily strength, depending, in a certain degree, on the willingness of the mind, are frequently accompanied with exhilarating exclamations among the most savage people; but the Chinese song could not be considered in this point of view; like the exclamations of our seamen in hauling the ropes, or the oar song of the Hebridians, which, as Doctor Johnson has observed, resembled the proceleusmatick verse by which the rowers of Grecian galleys were animated, the chief object of the Chinese chorus seemed to be that of combining chearfulness with regularity.

“Verse sweetens toil, however rude the sound.”

Of their honesty, sobriety, and carefulness, we had already received convincing proofs. Of the number of packages, amounting to more than six hundred, of various sizes and descriptions, not a single article was missing nor injured, on their arrival at the capital, notwithstanding they had been moved about, and carried by land, and transhipped several times.”
[Travels in China, Barrow, 1804]
Sir John Barrow, 1st Baronet (1764–1848)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Oct 22 - 07:14 AM

“Venetianischer Schiffergesang (Salve Regina). XXIX. 500”
[Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung, Vol.1-50, 1798]


“schëf?LIET g. liedes n. schiffergesang.
schëf?SANC g. -nges n. Schiffergesang; celeuma Sum. 24.”
[Mittelhochdeutsches Wörterbuch zum Handgebrauch, Ziemann, 1837]


“CELEUMA, sf. (t. De mar.) cris des matelotes.
SALEMA, sf. stokfiche. V. Celeuma.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Portatif des Langues Française et Portugaise, Constâncio, 1837]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Oct 22 - 05:13 PM

“* CELEUMA, atis, n, Asc. Ped. et CELESMA, atis, n. (…., exhorter). Cri par lequel les rameurs s'encouragent. ? Signal qui indique aux matelots les differentes manœuvres.
CELEUSTES, æ, m. Bud. Celui qui veille sur des matelots ou des ouvriers comite, inspecteur de travaux.”
[Dictionnaire Latin-Français, Noël, Forcellini, 1837]


“leis] Celeuma est canticum nautarum vel messorum, een schippers of maijers leis G. leyssen. Un lay ou chanson qu'on chante à Noel. Cantio natalitia P. Cantio natalitia, sic dicta quod eleison et kyrie - elei - son saepius in ea repetatur K.”
[Horae Belgicae, Studio Atque Opera Henrici Hoffman Fallerslebensis, Vol.2, 1837]


“A cet encombrement se joignait encore un tapage assourdissant: c'était le bruit aigu des sifflets des contre-maitres, le cri des matelots qui halaient à bord le chevaux et les bœufs, le retentissement du marteau des sculpteurs et des calfats, les reprises bruyantes des trompettes et des hautbois qui s'exerçaient à l'avant;...”
[Jean Bart et Louis XIV Drames Maritimes du XVII Siecle, Beauce, 1837]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Oct 22 - 05:15 PM

“CONSONAR. a. ant. SALOMAR. || n. Sonar un cuerpo sonoro, instrumento musico ó bélico, dando el mismo tono ó la tercera, quinta y octava del que da otro con quien está acorde. Musicè consonare. || met. Tener algunas cosas igualdad, conformidad ó relación entre sí. Convenire, congruere. || Poet. Tener dos voces las mismas letras desde la vocal en que carga el acento hasta el fin. Voces similiter desinere, cadere.
CONTRAMAESTRE. m. Náut. Oficial de mar que manda las inaniobras del navio, y cuida de la marinería bajo las órdenes del oficial de guerra. Navis, nautarumque subpræfectus. || En algunas fábricas de seda y de lana cierto veedor que hay sobre los maestros de tejidos. Textrina subpræfectus.
SALOMA. F. La accion de salomar. Nautica opera canendo acta.
SALOMAR. n. Náut Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian diciendo varias retahilas para que al responder a ellas tiren todos á un tiempo del cabo que tienen en la mano.”
[Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, Real Academia Española, 1837]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Oct 22 - 05:17 PM

“The talent of one of the itinerant musicians was put in requisition; seated upon the capstan head, with a shrill fife he struck up a lively air, and away we gyrated with the capstan bars spinning round and round with a “stamp and go,” keeping time to the measure: the anchor was aweigh, the wind fair, and I soon took my farewell gaze at Britain.”

“Accordingly nineteen canoes, each containing, on average, fifteen persons, set off one afternoon, and a very animating spectacle it was. The air resounded with their different songs and energetic shouts, the paddles keeping time to the measure; each canoe had a singer; but the one in ours was the most famous on the river: the refrain was joined in by all hands, and the canoe would seem to be ploughing through the water.”

“A - - - way!
Away! Away! The white man's here,
The morn shines bright, the stream runs clear;
Row, brothers, row! Cheer, brothers, cheer!
        Te - - - na!”
Refrain of a New Zealander's Boat-song.”
[Rovings in the Pacific, 1837-1849, Vol.I, anon, 1851, pp. 16, 91, 124]

“It is a great treat on moonlight nights to listen to them chanting beneath the umbrageous grove; the women taking the first part, the men the second… I was desirous of procuring the original and took a person well skilled in the language to write them down for me; when, to my great surprise, I discovered that both the words and the air we a beautiful modulation of our sailors' capstan song of “Round the corner, Sally!”
[Rovings in the Pacific, 1837-1849, Vol.II, anon, 1851, p. 82]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 09:03 AM

“As Lodewyk assured him, with not a few oaths in his peculiar dialect, that there was nothing else of value in the vessel, he again shook hands, and stepping into his boat, ordered her to be shoved off. The pirates pulled merrily for their schooner, singing in chorus the well-known West Indian canoe song;––

        “The captain's gone ashore;
        “The mate has got the key;
        “Hurrah! my jolly boys,—
        “'Tis grog time o’day.”

The boat was cleared and hoisted up, and the schooner filled her sails and stood away for the Westward, before Sluiker recovered from his astonishment at this unwelcome visit….”
[Tales of Venezuela, Pt.I, The Earthquake of Caraccas, Vol.II, Vowell, 1831]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 09:04 AM

“Bolívar then invited him to attend a review of the army, which was about to take place; but Päez declined it, being determined to retire immediately to Cunavíchi. A flechéra, or long light canoe, carrying twelve paddles, was in readiness at the landing place, to convey the chief of the savannas and his lance-bearer over the river. As they paddled across, so rapidly as scarcely to deviate from a straight course, the Indians sung the Marri-Marri, or Orinoco canoe-song, which is generally an extemporaneous effusion, prompted by any existing circumstances that may strike their imagination.

[13] "Marrimarri! Pachócos hermanos
        "Rompen canalétes con brío;—
"Pues llevamos el flor de los Llanos,
        "Päez, el guapo invencído Caudillo.

"Sus lancéros le estan atizbando
        "En la playa dedonde saliò;
"Pues, al llegar el Xefe a su mando,
        "Los llenara de gloria ý valòr.

"No desmayen al soplar el viento!—
        "Los chuvascos no hay que temer!—
Voguémos, llenos de contento,
        "Desde el Alva hasta al anochecer."

“Note 13, p. 155.
The following is an imitation of the Marri-Marri, or Orinoco canoe song.

"Márrimárri! why so slow,
"Brethren of the lance and bow?
"Let each Indian strain his oar;––
"The Chieftain seeks Varínas' shore.

"On the bank his lancers stand,
"Waiting Päez's lov'd command:
"He shall lead them on to fame;
"Ever honour'd be his name.

"Márrimárri! brothers row;
"Fear not tho' chuvascos blow:
"Through mid-day heat and ev'ning dew,
"Brothers! speed the light canoe."
[Tales of Venezuela, Pt. 2: The Savannas of Varinas, Vowell, 1831]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 09:06 AM

“CELEUSMA, grido di molte persone, che si eccitano vicendevolmente al combattimento, alla fatica: Nequaquam (dice Geremia cap. XXXXVIII.) calcator uvce solitum celeusma cantabit. E nel cap. xxv. Celeusma quasi calcantium concinetur adversus onnes habitalores terræ; cioè, come coloro, che pestano le uve, cacciano fuori dei gridi bia per incoraggirsi al travaglio, o per rallegrarsi; così i Babilonesi s'incoraggiranno gli uni cogli altri per aventarsi contro Gerusalemme, e rallegrarsi della sua perdita.”
[Dizionario Portatile della Bibbia, Vol.1, Aquila, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 09:08 AM

“As I proceeded to the house, I saw two negroes and a peon making a kind of basket for catching fish; they had just returned from town with Senor Josef, and were singing a canoe song, very common among the Spanish boatmen of the Gulf of Paria, the chorus of which was “Sopla, Sopla, Sopla, San Antonio,” a favourite saint to invoke when a wind is required, though sometimes so unreasonably deaf is the saint to their entreaties that I have heard him cursed heartily by Spanish mariners.”
[Going to Bed Without Your Dinner, From Leaves From a Log. A West India Story. Atkinson's Casket, 1835]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 09:14 AM

“SALOMARE. (Marin.) Sa-lo-mà-re. N. ass. V.Spagn. Dare la voce. (Salomar presso gli Spagnuoli è cantare, come fanno i marinai, nell' atto della manovra. In ebr. tsahal alzar la voce, mandar fuori la voce profe lieta, e jam mare.) (S)”
[Vocabolario Universale Italiano, Vol.6, Società Tipografica Tramater, Naples, 1838]


Can't transcribe it here, just surprised there were 1838 Ch? Nôm translations from the Latin celeusma (as heus or hò.)
[Dictionarium Anamitico-Latinum, Taberd, Béhaine, 1838]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 09:28 AM

Method to use paddlewheel without a head of steam up. See also: Bonwicke's rowing engine, 1705, above –

“This hawser is rove as follows:––one end is first passed through the after-hole, then through the foremost fair-leader over the iron lugs alternately, then through the aftermost fair-leader, (crossing the feeding part between the fair- leaders,) and brought out through the foremost hole, where it is lashed with small line to the other end, which in the mean time has been rove through the after and foremost leading blocks, and brought to the foremost hole in readiness. When the lashing is secured, the after leading block is braced taught with a jigger—the larboard and starboard watches man their respective messengers, the band strikes up, and off she goes."...

...Thus the Medea was occasionally moved, when the shortness of the distance, or other circumstances rendered it inconvenient to use steam, and in one instance proceeded through the entrance of Malta harbour against a light breeze, at the rate of two knots an hour.”
[Baldock, Memoir of Her Majesty's Steam Ship Medea, On the Steam Engine, Vol.2, Tredgold, 1838]
Thomas Tredgold (1788–1829)
“HMS Medea (1833) was one of the initial steam-powered vessels built for the Royal Navy.” [wiki]

PS: "Knots an hour" is like "ATM machine." Just had to get that out of my pedantic system.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:15 AM

“† CÉLEUSME. s.m. (cé-leusm) […, encourager]. … Cri des matelots qui rament pour s'encourager les uns les autres. – Signal aux matelots et aux rameurs, pour marquer les différentes manœuvres.
† CÉLEUSTE. s.m. (cé-leust). … Celui qui a soin de prescrire le devoir aux matelots, aux rameurs, et aux autres ouvriers d'un bátiment.”
[Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française, Tom.I, Académie Française, 1838]


“The morning was bright and beautiful; the sun, just risen, had shed his early radiance on the wooded summits of Elephantia; the fishermen were returning with their spoils; the merry capstan songs resounded from the decks of the English merchantmen; and, far as the eye could gaze, it rested on a scene teeming with interest and animation.”
[Cutch: Or, Random Sketches of Western India, Postans, 1838]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:18 AM

oops.

“Jerry Jones, when fidler in, (I think,) H.M.S. Isis, touched at that port; and being in very good circumstances, with the advantage of youth on his side, he “wooed and won the fair Kathleen.” She gave him her hand, (“bad luck to the day,” she was sometimes heard in her moments of irritation to confess;) and soon afterwards Jerry Jones was seated on the capstan of the ship, playing “Off she goes," as it was heaving up the anchor, which was to release the Isis from the shores of Erin.”
[The Greenwich Pensioners, Vol.I, By Hatchway (lieut, R.N., pseud.) 1838]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:20 AM

As forebitters, which also have not been invented yet(??) --

“Between seven in the evening and nine at night was the only interval during the twenty-four hours in which, after the dreary and monotonous duties of the day, relaxation on board the Nonsuch was ever allowed.

At this,––
                “The witching time of night,"

the belles aboard (who, to their credit be it said, ever exerted their best endeavours to convert moping into merry men), were to be seen attired in their always becoming, and often captivating “shorts,”* dancing away in the waist; and despite of the rolling, lurching, and pitching of the ship, reeling with Bob and Bill, “setting” to Sam, and “footing it fine” to some such favourite lilt as “Off-she-goes,” “Jack's Delight,” “Nancy Dawson,” “Morgan Rattler,” or any other rattler, which “Black Pompey,” “Marc Antony,” or “Julius Cæsar," (for Nero never fiddled afloat) was able to “scrape-up, or knock-off,” in the way of a rattling reel.”
[Land Sharks and Sea Gulls, Vol.2, Glascock, 1838]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:22 AM

“The boatswain's pipe was heard, but it was in this instance mere matter of form, for the men had quietly shipped and swifted the capstan bars; the nippers were already passed, and as soon as the summons had been given, almost the same breath piped “Heave away." Round went the lads at the capstan, at first “stamp and go;" but when they had once started the ship on end, they danced merrily to the shrill sound of the fifes as they played up “Off she goes,” and in a few minutes the Master's commands were heard, “Thick and dry for weighing.” This checked them in their speed, but the tune changed to “Come cheer up my lads, 'tis to glory we steer!" and steadily did the noble fellows walk the anchor up to the bows. “Loose sails,” shouted the first Lieutenant, as the gallant vessel no longer held to the ground was obedient to her helm, and in three minutes and a half she was clothed in canvas, from her deck to her trucks; the anchor was stowed; the studden-sails set; and onward she went”
[Leaves From My Log-Book, by Flexible Grummet, P.M., Third Series, No.II, United Service Journal and Naval and Military Magazine, Pt. I, Vol.29, 1839]

Heart of Oak

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:24 AM

“The Chang wang has charge of the king's boats. The forecastle is commanded by a P,han hoa, the stem by a P,han Thaai. The rowers or Seep,hai, are seated on benches, their feet reaching the hold or lower deck. They sing the He roo-a, or boat song, keeping time with their oars.

Boat Song.––Air Phleng rúa
        rai ue! rai chang
        cha rop kun tai sia leo doei rai rúa úe, &c, &c.
        yo tha phi-doei yo tha pi-doei

O beloved! a hundred catties of gold would not weigh against you. I use all my efforts and beat my boatmen to reach you—but still you fly my presence.

The King's Bargemen's Song.––Air Hè rú-a.

        hem ú-e kang kan um heo ka kee
        Su yang chim pha li pli-rom som Saman

The mighty bird Garudá––fled to Limphalee––with the Princess Karf, supporting her all unwilling close to his heart, under his umbrageous wings.”
[On the Government, the Literature, and Mythology, of the Siamese, Low, 1839]
James Low (1791–1852)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:27 AM

“...The New Zealanders are decidedly a maritime people. They are fond of the sea, and make excellent sailors, and they only require virtuous and industrious Europeans to reside among them to render their services in this way most advantageous to themselves and to the British empire.*

* I was much gratified at hearing the New Zealand coxswain of an English boat; in which two of my fellow-passengers per the Roslyn Castle and myself were rowed across the Bay of Islands on a beautiful moonlight night, by four of his countrymen, calling out to them in good English, and scarcely with a foreign accent, "Pull away, my lads," “Stand to it, my boys." The New Zealanders, in reply, struck up their native boat-song in a sort of recitative, of which the chorus, like that of the Canadian boat song, is “Tohi, Tohi,” or Row, brothers, row.”
[New Zealand in 1839, Lang, 1839]
John Dunmore Lang (1799–1878)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 08:30 AM

“La música del baile habia cesado en aquel momento, y solo alteraban el silencio los marineros de la flota con su melancólica saloma a llevar las anclas, para ponerse en franquía antes de amanecer, y los gritos agudos de una ave marina, que desvelada ó hambrienta, volaba inquieta por aquellos alrededores.”
[La Cartera Cubana, Vol.2, Vicente Antonio de Castro, 1839]



“It comes––the blue ripple curls––a narrow dark line stretches across the horizon in the offing––a slight rushing sound strikes the ear––the sails flap––and now they shake, loudly proclaiming the crisis arrived––they are filled––huzza! “Cast off the tow rope" "up boats” “brace forward the yards” “band strike up, off she goes” “huzza––Richard's himself again! Heaven be praised.”
[Nautical Rambles, The Nautical Magazine and Naval Chronicle for 1839]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 02:27 AM

“BOAT SONG.
BY CHARLES F. HOFFMAN, ESQ.

The songs written for rowers being rarely composed by practical craftsmen, are generally useless, save in the drawing-room; because the measure of the music is not timed to the stroke of oars. Placide's drinking song as the gardener in "The Marriage of Figaro,” has always been a favourite with the Boat Clubs, when rowing with a quick stroke; as “Long time ago" is, when pulling with a slow one. The following, evidently written to the air of "In early life I took a wife" substitutes some more appropriate words for those of Placide's popular favourite.

We court no gale with wooing sail,
        We fear no squall a-brewing;
Seas smooth or rough, skies fair or bluff,
        Alike our course pursuing.
For what to us are winds, when thus
        Our merry boat is flying,
While bold and free, with jocund glee,
        Stout hearts her oars are plying!

At twilight dun, when red the sun
        Far o'er the water flashes,
With buoyant song our barque along
        His crimson pathway dashes.
And when the night devours the light,
        And shadows thicken o'er us,
The stars steal out, the skies about,
        To dance to our bold chorus.

Sometimes near shore we ease our oar,
        While beauty's sleep invading,
To watch the beam through her casement gleam,
        As she wakes to our serenading;
Then with the tide we floating glide,
        To music soft receding,
Or drain one cup, to her filled up
        For whom those notes are pleading.

Thus on and on, till the night is gone,
        And the garish day is breaking,
While landsmen sleep, we boatmen keep
        The soul of frolic waking.
And though cheerless then our craft looks, when
        To her moorings day has brought her,
By the moon amain she is launched again,
        To dance o'er the gleesome water.”
[Hoffman, Boat Song, American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine, Vol.10, 1839]

Note: The c.1817 English version of The Marriage of Figaro was by Henry Bishop (composer)(1787-1855.) No sources as yet.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 02:29 AM

“After a bit the savages sits down in the circle, all of us mortally afeard, while poor young madam begins crying bitterly. We were all of us, ye see, as we expected soon to be with the can'bals––down in the mouth. After a bit in comes Mattee Waboo, the chief as saved us from being killed on the raft, along with a boy carrying Jack's fiddle-case, which he puts on the ground, when the Mattee pointed to it and wanted us to tell him the use on't––for fortinately, as we larnt afterwards, it had been shoved aside as being of no valey, until the chief had overhauled it again, and now brought it afore us.

Honest Jack's face brightened up a bit as he laid hold on his old friend, and as the savages had carried off his keys, why he breaks open the case, and takes out his wi-o-lin, as fresh as when he'd last put it by, with a long store o' fiddle-strings. When Jack, after ros'ning his bow, began to tune a bit, it would have done your hearts good jist to see how the Indees jumped up and got round him. But when Jack struck up the “Sailors' Hornpipe," the savages began shouting with pleasure, and dancing like mad. Well, the news flew like wildfire, as we a'terwards larnt, that among the strangers there was a mighty geolee waukum, or “great spirit.” Well, Jack seeing how the wind lay, and knowing the ways o' the Indees, wouldn't play without they gave him plenty o' sea room, as they got crowding too close agin him. The chiefs soon kept the others off, and Jack began a sort o' die away, “Wapping Old Stairs,” if I 'member rightly, as made the savages as soft as child's milk, until all o' a sudden he strikes up “Off she goes.” Talk of that chap Off-horse, as our booklarned bow'son's mate talks o', as made every body follow his music!––why three years pay to a glass o' grog, it warnt any thing like Jack's power over the savages with his wi-o-lin!”
[The Magic Fiddle, The Gentleman's Magazine, Vol.5, 1839]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 02:32 AM

“By Jove you'd better skip for it, or you'll have what Captain M—— says. He's hailing your station,” said Courtenay, laughing—a piece of advice immediately acted upon by Price, who was up the ladder and on the forecastle in a few seconds.— “And I must go up too. How cursed annoying to be stationed in the waste! Nothing to do, except to stop my ears against the infernal stamp-and-go of the marines and after-guards, over my head; sweet music to a first-lieutenant, but to me discord most horrible. I could stamp with vexation.”

“Had you not better go first, and stamp afterwards?” observed the surgeon, drily.”
[The King's Own, Vol.I, Marryat, 1839]



“Saloma, sf. Sorte de cri ou de chant des matelots pendant la manœuvre
Salomar, vn * ado. mar. On le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous à la fois en manœuvrant”
[Dictionnaire Français-Espagnol, Espagnol-Français, Vol.2, López, 1839]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 02:34 AM

“Ahissa. f. Náut. saloma.
Ahissar. a. Náut. izar, salomar.
––als gossos. azuzar, zuzar.
––en la cassa. jalear.”
[Diccionario Manual Castellano-Catalan, F.M.F. P. y M.M., 1839]



“AH. Int. de dolor equivalent á AY. Ah. Ah, hem, vah. ? Denotant alegría. Ah, oh, bueno. Evax. ? Denotant indignacío. Com AH murri. Ah, oh. Oh, hem. ? De animar ó cridar, com AH minyons. Ah, hea. Heus, hau, ah.
AHISSA. Naut. Crit que serveix per avisar als que alsan algun pes peraque tiren tots á un temps. Saloma. Nautica opera canendi acta.
AHISSAR. v.a. Titar ó pujar algun pes. Izar. Solvo, is, levo, as. ? Incitar, provocar, instigar, induhir á algú á que fassa alguna cosa. Instigar, incitar, provocar. Stimulo, as, moveo, es, impello, is. ? Abordar al gos.”
[Diccionari de la Llengua Catalana, Labernia, Pere, 1839]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 02:35 AM

“MÉMOIRE N° 9.
Sur Les Navigations de Pantagruel, un Passage Maritime de la Complaynt of Scotland, et une Chanson Matelote Anglaise du Quator Zième Siècle. [p.496-554]

Voilà frère Jean en belle humeur; il chante un refrain de Noël: « Gestuy céleume, dist Épistemon, n'est hors de proposer et me plaist. » Tous les travaux de peine , toutes les manœuvres de force étaient faites à bord, — et cette habitude se conserva en France sur les bâtiments de guerre jusqu'à 1820 environ, — au bruit d'un chant rhythmé, ou d'un cri cadencé, auquel l'excitation du sifflet a fini par succéder. C'est un chant que Rabelais , avec ses habitudes grecques, appelle le celeume ou mieux celeusme, du grec celeusma. Le chanteur s'appelait celeustes(*): « Celeusma est clamor nauticus ad hortandum; ut: Nunc, nunc incumbite remis! » Servius, Æneid. , lib. viii.

Après avoir doublé le cap qui défend l'entrée du port, et les basses, ou battures, roches à la surface de la mer et bas-fonds, la nauf et son convoi entrent dans le havre (haven (angl.)). A leur arrivée , les gens de l'ile envoient, pour aider nos navigateurs à réparer leurs avaries: « deux luts (voir Mémoire n° 6 , p. 162);

(*) « On entendait le bruit monotone et mesuré de cette multitude de
« rames qui, s'élevant, ou s'arrétant, à la voix du celeuste, semblaient
« frapper toutes à la fois , et en cadence , le fleuve qui retentissait des
« cris des matelots. » Arrien, Expéditions d'Alexandre, liv. vi, chap. I

                Lentos tingitis ad celeusma remos.
                        Martial, épig. LXVII, liv. iii.

                                .... Sonmo
                Quem nec rumpere naulicus celeusma
                Nec clamor...
                        Id., épig. LXIV, liv. iv.

CÉLEUSME, chant dont les matelots grecs suivaient le rhythme, soit qu'ils halassent sur les manœuvres, soit qu'ils fissent mouvoir les rames. II, 522.

CÉLEUSTE, le chanteur, le hortator. II , 522. [p.594]
[Archeologie Navale, Vol.II, Jal, 1840, pp.496, 594]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 02:38 AM

“Professor Orpheus (before mentioned) when belonging to the good ship Argo, under Captain Jason, was of course the originator of heaving up the anchor to a lively tune-more classic of course than our modern means of inspiration, “Off she goes,” and “Nancy Dawson,” “played up” by a fifer, and followed up by a quick step….”
[Naval Sketches, Moore, 1840]



Walker Pits to the tune of Off She Goes: Byker Hill: background info anyone?
[The Tyne Songster, 1840]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:07 PM

“Or cette époque était celle où les Bretons insulaires émigraient en masse en Armorique. Le premier passage avait eu lieu sous les ordres du tyran Maxime vers 390, du plein consentement des habitants de l'ile; les autres furent forcés : les Bretons fuyaient la domination saxonne.

En allant par-delà les mers chercher leur nouvelle patrie, dit un auteur contemporain, ils chantaient sous leurs voiles, au lieu de la chanson des rameurs : « Vous nous avez livrés, Seigneur, comme des brebis pour un festin, et vous nous avez dispersés parmi les nations*. »

*Celeusmatis vice sub velorum finibus cantantes (Gildas, De excidio Bilanniæ).”
[Barzas-Breiz Chants Populaires de la Bretagne, Théodore Hersart Vicomte de La Villemarqué, 1840]

See also: Camden, 1637 (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:09 PM

“It seems that the crew, in order to pull in concert, and with greater regularity, were sometimes guided by the singing of a man, and sometimes by the sound of an instrument; and this grateful harmony served not only to regulate the motion of their oars, but to diminish and sooth their toil. This practice was anciently directed by a person called Celeustes, who gave the signal for the rowers to strike, and encouraged them by his song or cry. The song, called the celeusma, was either sung by the rowers, or played upon instruments, or effected by a symphony of many or striking sonorous tones. The commander of the rowers carried a staff, with which he gave the signal, when his voice could not be heard….”
[A Classifical and Archaeological Dictionary of the Manners, Customs, Laws, Institutions, Arts, Etc. of the Celebrated Nations of Antiquity, and of the Middle Ages, Nuttall, 1840]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:12 PM

“Calomar, v.n. Mar. Zalomar, cantar un marinero con cierta montonia y compás, para que todos los que estan halando de algun cabo, izando alguna vela, etc., trabajen á una. V. ZALOMAR.”
[Diccionario Nacional, ó, Gran Diccionario Clásico de la Lengua Española, Vol.1, Dominguez, 1840]


A bit over one page of Latin and Greek on Aeschylus and the celeuma.
[Aischylou Persai: Aeschyli Persae, Blomfield ed., 1840]
Aeschylus (c. 525/524 – c. 456/455 BC)


“CELEUSMA, in antiquity, a naval shout serving as a signal for the mariners to ply their oars, or to cease from rowing. It was also also made use of to signify the joyful acclamation of vintagers, and the shouts of the conquerors over the vanquished.”
[The Scientific and Literary Treasury: A New and Popular Encyclopaedia of the Belles Lettres, Maunder, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:17 PM

“'Man the capstan! Jump cheerily, my lads. Look out there, forward! Down there, tierers! Are you ready below?'—'All ready, sir.'––'Yo, ho! where the devil has all our hands got to? Fore-top there! main-top there ! Come down here, all of you! Master Ettercap and Master Pinafore, kick every soul of them out of the tops—a parcel skulking lubbers!'––'Ay, ay, sir,' cried the young gentlemen ; and the capstan was speedily crowded. 'Look out there, forward!' again bawled the first Lieutenant; 'Come, my lads, pluck up a spirit, and off she goes—play up fifer; and round went the capstan to a good smart step, the men beating excellent time on the hollow, sounding deck with their feet, amid the accumulated vociferations of officers of ranks, who, with their potent commander in presence, vied with each other in the notes of alternate encouragement and ridicule.”
[Sketches of Society –– Sailing of a Man-of-War, The Atheneum, Vol.11, 1822]

See also: Life in a Man-of-war: Or Scenes in "Old Ironsides" During Her Cruise in the Pacific, Mercier, Gallop, 1841 (following.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:23 PM

Correction it's: The Man-o'-war's-man,Stewart, 1843.

“...Then, coming aft to the capstan, he said, Now, my lads, I expect to see you walk away with her with life and spirit. Not in the dead-and-alive way, mind me, you've lately been accustomed to see on board of a guard-ship, but smart and bravely, like the active service you now belong to. Come, serjeant, where's your fifer? Oh, I see the fellow. Come this way, my little man; stick your body up there, on the back of that carronade, and let's have something lively from you.”—“All ready in the tier, sir,” bawled the master.—“Very well, Stowage,” answered the lieutenant: “Look out there, forward!—Go round; play up fifer,” and away they all stamped, to the favourite air of the fleet, Shove her up! amid the cries of, “Well behaved, my lads; that's it, stick to her: keep it up, fifer!—Surge there, surge; gunner's-mates, look to your nippers!—Pay down, my hearties, pay down! Are you all asleep in the tier there? Light out the small bower, will you?—Come, another rally, my hearts, and away she goes!” &c. &c. until the anchor was right under; which, after a few cheering and desperate rallies, at length gave way, and was speedily at the bows….”

“...Fore-top there, main-top there!” bawled the first lieutenant, are you ready aloft ?" which being answered in the affirmative, he immediately sung out, Let fall-Sheet home! and away scampered the deck bands with the sheets until the blocks smacked together. “Belay, belay, men!” cried the officer. "Man the capstan!—Jump cheerily, my lads. Look out there, forward! Down there, tierers! Are you ready below?"- All ready, sir."—" Yo, ho! where the devil have all our hands got to? Fore-top there, main-top there! come down here all of you. Masters Ettercap and Pinafore, kick every soul of them out of the tops-a parcel of skulking lubbers!"—"Ay, ay, sir," cried the young gentlemen; and the capstan was speedily crowded. "Look out there, forward!" again bawled the first lieutenant: "Come, my lads, pluck up a spirit, and off she goes. Play up, fifer!"—And round went the capstan to a good smart step, the men beating excellent time on the hollow-sounding deck with their feet, amid the aceumulated vociferations of officers of all ranks, who, with their potent commander in presence, vied with each other in the notes of alternate encouragement and sarcasm….”
[The Man-o'-war's-man,Stewart, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Oct 22 - 11:25 PM

““Man the bars,” now sonorously resounded from the speaking trumpet of our first lieutenant. The word was electric. Each one was at his station in a moment; the fifer thrilled off two or three notes to show that his instrument was in complete order for the occasion––the after-guard stationed at the capstan bars, took up their positions with distended arms, to give the greater force to their first movement––the mizen-topmen seated themselves comfortably upon deck close to the messenger, blessing their stars for having such a sinecure, and every one was awaiting as impatiently for a commencement of the busy scene, as an audience at the Bowery or Park before the rising of the curtain ever waited for the appearance of the inimitable Forrest, when anticipating his entré in one of his favourite characters. The order to "heave round" was now given; the fifer made the gun deck re-echo with the lively and applicable tune of "off she goes," the men at the bars kept unerring time with their feet, as they made the capstan obey the impulse of their vigorous nerves, the incessant clink of the chain was heard, as it flew through the hawsehole with a quickness scarcely to be equalled, and in as short a time as can well be imagined our ponderous anchor was short apeak.

"All hands make sail," was now thrillingly proclaimed by the boatswain and his mates, and a scene rife with bustle and liveliness immediately took place; the several sail-loosers were already in the rigging, panting with eagerness for a display of their agility; the topmen watching each other with jealous eyes, to see that no advantage was taken on either side: at the next order all were in motion, scrambling aloft with the dexterity and nimbleness of monkeys, and spreading themselves along the several yards at the word "lay out," with exact regularity, forming altogether a pleasing and imposing picture. The topsail-sheets and halliards were stretched along and manned, and the first lieutenant enquired if they were all ready aloft? "all ready, sir," was the response from half-a-dozen eager voices: "stand by; let fall." The heavy sails, as if by magic, now burst from the gaskets that had held them in such secure and graceful folds, and as the merry notes of the shrill fife re-echoed amongst the adjacent hills, sail after sail was made, the anchor was catted and fished, the yards were trimmed to the wind; our old frigate began to feel its influence—and she was soon "walking the waters like a thing of life," leaving the happy shores of Columbia in the distance.”
[Life in a Man-of-war: Or Scenes in "Old Ironsides" During Her Cruise in the Pacific. Mercier, Gallop, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:07 PM

“Having filled the ship up, in this way, to within four feet of her beams, the process of steeving commenced, by which an hundred hides are got into a place where one could not be forced by hand, and which presses the hides to the utmost, sometimes starting the beams of the ship, resembling in its effects the jack-screws which are used in stowing cotton.” [Two Years Before the Mast]


“JACK-SCREW. A purchase, used for stowing cotton.

...In well-disciplined vessels, no conversation is allowed among the men when they are employed at their work; that is to say, it is not allowed in the presence of an officer or of the master; and although, when two or more men are together aloft, or by themselves on deck, a little low conversation might not be noticed, yet if it seemed to take off their attention, or to attract the attention of others, it would be considered a misdemeanour. In this respect the practice is different in different vessels. Coasters, fishermen, or small vessels on short voyages, do not preserve the same rule; but no seaman who has been accustomed to first-class ships will object to a strictness as to conversations and laughing, while at day's work, very nearly as great as is observed in a school. While the crew are below in the forecastle, great license is given them; and the severest officer will never interfere with the noise and sport of the forecastle, unless it is a serious inconvenience to those who are on deck. In working ship, when the men are at their stations, the same silence and decorum are observed. But during the dog-watches, and when the men are together on the forecastle at night, and no work is going forward, smoking, singing, telling yarns, &c., are allowed; and, in fact, a considerable degree of noise and skylarking is permitted, unless it amounts to positive disorder and disturbance.”
[The Seaman's Manual, Dana, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:09 PM

“Celeuma, a vozeria ou cantiga da gente do mar quando trabalha – celeumear.
Celeumear, v. celeuma.
Saloma, v. celeuma.
Salomear, v. celeumear.
[Diccionario de Marinha, Amorim, 1841]


“SALÉMA, s.f. rèvérence, salut respectueux, salamalec. Fazer a ––, faire un salamalec. (t. de mar.) V. Celeuma. (t. d'hist. nat.) Saupe: poisson du genre du spare.
†ZALUMÁR, v.n. (t. de mar.) donner la voix, chanter. V. Celeuma.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Portugais-Francais, Roquete, 1841]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:12 PM

“Suivez du regard, si vous pouvez, ces petites embarcations qui vont et viennent dans tous les sens; voyez arriver ou partir les gros navires, les uns laissant tomber l'ancre avec un bruit retentissant, les autres retirant péniblement de l'eau cette lourde masse de fer. Quel mouvement, quelle vie, quelle variété sur cette scène mobile!... Mais que signifie ce concert joyeux? C'est le chant des matelots, qui se confond avec la voix des pilotes; singulière musique, mais si bien d'accord avec tout le reste! car ce cantilène caractéristique, ou, si mieux aimez, ce bruit cadencé des matelots, n'est pas sans intérêt. Voyez-les pendant qu'ils parcourent le port, armés de leurs aussières, qu'ils attachent et détachent de navire en navire avec une adresse qui étonne les ignorants et charme les gens du métier...”
[Un Port De L'Ocean, Revue Britannique, Vol.100, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:15 PM

“CELEUSMA, or CELEUMA, in Antiquity, the shout or cry of the seamen, by which they animated each other in their work of rowing. The word is formed from [...], to call, or give the signal.
CELEUSMA was also a kind of song or formula, rehearsed or played by the master or others, to direct the strokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour.
CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatswain or officer appointed to give the rowers the signal when they were to pull, and when to stop, He is also denominated epopius, and by the Romans portisculus, sometimes simply hortator.”
[The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol.6, Issue 1, 1842]


“...or the more distant sounds from the ships in the harbour getting under weigh to the cheerful accompaniment of the sailors' chorused chaunt….”
[The Young Officer's Death-Bed, The N.Carolina Standard, Raleigh, 1 June 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:16 PM

“CELEUMA, Gr. [...], vóz nautica de exercitar a maruja aos trabalhos, grita confuza dos marinheiros. Pronuncía-se com o som de (s), e se escreve com hum (c) por cauza da ethym. s. f. (Vej. Saléma, com que de algum modo se confunde.)
SALAMALE. (Vej. Salema.)
SALEMA, t. Naut. por celeuma, vozaría da gente do mar a bórdo. t. Turco, cortezía, salamalé, comprimento pondo a mão no turbante, reverencia profunda com submissão, e isto misturado de palavras; peixe vulgar da feição de fanéca; pedra com este nome (mármore) it. appellído. (Vej. Celeuma.)
[Diccionário da Maior Parte dos Termos Homónymos, e Equívocos da Lingua Portugueza, Antonio Maria do Couto, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Nov 22 - 06:18 PM

“CÉLEUSME ou KÉLEUSME. s. m. (ant. gr) L'air que l'on jonait ou que l'on chantait sur les vaisseaux, pour encourager les rameurs. || Kéleusme se disait aussi Des commandiements du pilote.
CÉLEUSTE. s. m. (ant. gr) Il se disait de Ceux qui chantaient dans les navires pour encourager les rameurs.
CÉLEUSTIQUE, adj. et, s.f. (art. Milit.). Il se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
CÉLEUSTIQUEMENT, adv. (art milit.) Par le moyen de la celeustique.

NIGLAROS. s.m. (ant. gr.) Chant des matelots, sur la mesure duquel on réglaot le mouvement des rames. ? Petite flûte sur laquelle on jonait det air.”
[Dictionnaire de l'Academie Francaise, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 09:57 AM

Hi Phil,
Does that Dana Seaman's Manual have any useful info on chanties?

Regarding the discipline and lack of verbal communication on the stricter merchant ships, this was very likely because many of the men and officers would have been ex RN and old habits die hard.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:04 PM

The last of Reidler's three: The sound of the crew’s sea shanties echoing off the cliffs as the Thetis sailed through a fjord along the southern coast of Norway struck Wagner as “an omen of good fortune,” and became the inspiration behind the theme of the Sailors’ Chorus in Act I of his opera, Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman). [Reidler]


“Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), WWV 63, is a German-language opera, with libretto and music by Richard Wagner. The central theme is redemption through love. Wagner conducted the premiere at the Königliches Hoftheater Dresden in 1843.

Wagner claimed in his 1870 autobiography Mein Leben that he had been inspired to write the opera following a stormy sea crossing he made from Riga to London in July and August 1839. In his 1843 Autobiographic Sketch, Wagner acknowledged he had taken the story from Heinrich Heine's retelling of the legend in his 1833 satirical novel The Memoirs of Mister von Schnabelewopski (Aus den Memoiren des Herrn von Schnabelewopski).” [wiki]
Der fliegende Holländer

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:05 PM

c.1870
“Ein unsägliches Wohlgefühl erfasste mich, als das Echo der ungeheuren Granitwände den Schiffsruf der Mannschaft zurückgab, unter welchem diese den Anker warf und die Segel aufhisste. Der kurze Rythmus dieses Rufes haftete in mir wie eine kräftig tröstende Vorbedeutung, und gestaltete sich bald zu dem Thema des Matrosen-Liedes in meinem «fliegenden Holländer», dessen Idee ich damals schon mit mir herumtrug und nun unter den soeben gewonnenen Eindrücken eine bestimmte poetisch-musikalische Farbe gewann.”
[Mein Leben, Wagner, 1911]


“A feeling of indescribable content came over me when the enormous granite walls echoed the hail of the crew as they cast anchor and furled the sails. The sharp rhythm of this call clung to me like an omen of good cheer, and shaped itself presently into the theme of the seamen's song in my Fliegender Holländer. The idea of this opera was, even at that time, ever present in my mind, and it now took on a definite poetic and musical colour under the influence of my recent impressions.”
[My Life, Wagner, Gray trans., 1985]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:07 PM

A Lexicon of Wagnerian Gibberish
or
Non-lexical vocables in music

eg:
Heia
Interjection
1. aha! come now! come on! (expressing delight, playful remonstrance, encouragement)
2. you don't say?

Heu
Interjection
    oh! alas! ah!, ay! (expressing dismay, grief, pain, indignation)

Wagnerian:
Opzanger Brünnhilde's heiarop ––
Hojotoho! Hojotoho!
Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho! Heiaha!

See also: Columbanus & Heia Viri (above.)

PS: The Latin word for “work” is: opera.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:16 PM

“HALER, v. a. C'est tirer un cordage, et faire force dessus, pour le bander ou raidir. Plusieurs matelots se mettent ensemble le long d'une manœuvre pour la hâler, et l'un d'eux, chante à haute voix de temps en temps, quelque refrain pour leur donner le signal, afin qu'ils tirent tous ensemble, et qu'ils donnent une forte secousseau cordage. Ils ont d'autres cris pour hâler différentes manœuvres; par exemple: OH! BORDE! pour aller ou border l'écoute; OH! SAILLE! etc. C'est ce qu'on appelle donner la voix. Se hâler dans le vent. C'est la même chose que s'élever dans le vent. Voy. au mot ÉLEVER.

VOIX, s. f. Donner la voix se dit d'un certain cri fait de temps en temps par un des hommes qui travaillent à une manœuvre, comme: Ho! Hisse! – Oh borde! Oh hâle! – Oh saille! – Bouline, oh! pour avertir et donner le signal ensemble, à tous les matelots qui bâlent sur un cordage, de tirer tous à la fois, et en mê. me temps, pour faire un plus grand effet.

A LA VOIX! C'est un avertissement donné aux matelots qui travaillert, de faire attention à ce cri, et de faire effort sur le cordage, etc, tous ensemble.”
[Dictionnaire Moderne des Termes de Marine et de la Navigation à Vapeur, Leméthéyer, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:18 PM

“Celeusma et Celeuma, atis. n. Cri qui sert à régler les mouvemens des rameurs. Quem nec rumpere nauticum celeusma. (Phal.) M. PHR. Nauticus exoritur clamor. V.
V. Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
Et remis dictet sonitum, pariterque relatis
Ad numerum plaudat resonantia cærula tonsis. Sil.
Nauticus implebal resonantiá littorá clamor,
Et simul adductis percussa ad pectorá tonsis,
Centeno fractus spumabat verbere pontus. Sil.
[Gradus ad Parnassum, ou Nouveau Dictionnaire Poétique Latin-Français, Noël, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 22 - 05:19 PM

“Quant au triplici versu, il exprime, à mon avis, un chant trois fois répété, un cri, un hourra! une espèce de celeusma dont la tradition est vivante encore dans les bâtiments où, pour tous les travaux de force, et, par exemple, quand on hale les boulines, un matelot, le véritable hortator des anciens navires, chante: Ouane, tou, tri! Hourra! (one, two, three! hourra!— angl.). La tradition antique était pleine de force au moyen âge, à Venise, où la chiourme du Bucentaure, toutes les fois que le navire ducal passait devant la chapelle de la Vierge, construite à l'entrée de l'Arsenal, criait trois fois: Ah! Ah! Ah! donnant un coup de rame après chacune de ces acclamations. Virgile prétendit consacrer par deux vers le souvenir d'une coutume observée sans doute de son temps par les rameurs, dans de certaines occasions: et voilà tout ce qu'il voulut.”
[Annales Maritimes et Coloniales, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:29 PM

From the Advent thread: "Corn-shucking in South Carolina--From the Letters of a Traveller" - William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:31 PM

“†Celeusma, atis, n. El grito de los marineros para animarse á la maniobra.
Celeustes, æ, m. El còmitre de galera.”
[Diccionario Latino Español, Losada, 1843]


“CÉLE-UMA, s.m.. (Dal. gr. Celeome io comando, io esorto.) Questa voce significava quel grido col quale esortavansi presso i Greci i rematori ed i cocchieri, accio raddoppiassero i loro sforzi - Sin. Celeusma.
CÉLEU-SMA (Lett.), s.f. Lo stesso che Celeuma. Voce grecca.
CÉLEUSTA-NORÉ, n.pr.m. (Dal gr. Celeustes esortatore, e da Henorea fortezza: Esortator di fortezza.)
CÉLE-USTÉ, s.m. (Dal gr. Celero io comando.) Cosi chiamavano i Greci il capitan della nave o moderator della navigazione, il quale, or con la semplice voce, or con una specie di cantilena, ed or col suon della tromba, regolava il naviglio.”
[Dizionario Universale Portatile di Lingua Italiana, Nicola De Jacobis, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:31 PM

“C'est sur un navire ainsi encombré, repeint à neuf, goudronné du matin, au bruit du chant des matelots, que les passagers s'entassent, s'apprêtant à souffrir et résignés à la mort; car, une fois l'ancre arrachée à la vase et le vent dans la voile, vous seul, ô mon Dieu! savez où vont ces hommes, suspendus sur l'abîme, et séparés de l'éternité par une planche fixée avec un clou!”
[Voyage aux Antilles, Cassagnac, 1843]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:33 PM

“BOULINA-HA-HA! int. Mar. (Chant des matelots français pendant qu'ils halent sur les quatre principales boulines). Boulina-ha-ha!
CÊLEUSTE, m. (anc.) Mar. (Se disait de ceux qui chantaient dans les navires pour encourager les rameurs). Celeuste, voorzanger, opzinger, m.
CÊLEUSTIQUE, f. et adj. Mil. (Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique). Celeustiek, toonseinkunst, f.; daartoe, behoorende.
CHANTER, v.n. Mar. (Faire certains cris de convention, pour donner le signal de l'instant où plusiers hommes, employés à une même opération, doivent réunir leurs efforts et agir tous ensemble). Opzingen.
CHANTEUR, m. Mar. (Ouvrier ou matelot qui a la voix forte, et qui par un cri de convention, donne le signal du moment où les gens qui travaillent à une même manœuvre, doivent réunir leurs efforts). Opzinger, opzanger, m.
CHANTEUR MILITAIRE, m. (anc.) Hist. Mil. (Se disait des musiciens qui chantaient à la tête des troupes, comme les musiciens actuels y jouent de leurs instruments). Krijgszanger, m.
DONNER LA VOIX, v.a. Mar. (Marquer par un cri de convention le moment où plusiers hommes doivent agir ou réunir leurs efforts pour produire un effet quelconque). Opsingen, fluiten.
HELCIAIRE, m. (anc.) Mar. (Matelot employé à haler des cordages). Helciarius, matroos, m. Le chant des ––s, Het opzingen der helciarii.
HISSA, HO, HA, HISSE! Int. Mar. (Cri ou chant d'un matelot, qui donne la voix pour faire réunir les forces des autres metelots dans le même instant, afin que tous les efforts réunis fassent un plus grand effet). Hijschen! Ho! Ha! Halen! Halen er aan!
NIGLAROS, m. (anc.) Mar. (Chant de matelots, sur la mesure duquel on réglait le mouvement des rames). Roeizang, riemzang, m.
SAILLER, v.a. (Chanter, donner la voix à des hommes qui travaillent ensemble). Opsingen bij het hijschen en halen.”
[Dictionnaire Universel, Historique et Raisonné, Français-Hollandais, Gocvic, Jansen, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:34 PM

“CELEUSMA. Jest wyraz, znaczacy krzyk wielu osób, zachecajacych sie na wzajem do bitwy albo pracy. Nequaquam Calcator Uvae.... Celeusma cantabit. Jerem. Cap. 48. Celeusma quasi Calcantium concinetur adversus omnes habitatores terrae. Jerem. Cap. 25. To jest jako ci, co wyciskaja winne jagody, czynia okrzyki zachecajac sie do pracy, tak Babilonczykowie dodawac sobie na wzajem beda serea, do wywarcia sil swych przeciw Jeruzalem i ucieszenia sie ze zguby jego.”
[Dykcyonarz Biblijny z Ksiag Pisma Swietego Starego i Nowego Testamentu, Vol.1, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Nov 22 - 06:35 PM

“CELEUSMA, Atis. n. (…) The cry of the … or person placed over the rowers, and the action with which he beat time as it were to them, in order that they might raise and drop their oars together; Mart.”
[A Complete Latin-English Dictionary for the Use of Colleges and Schools: Chiefly from the German, 1844]


“Il se trouvait en rade un brick vénitien prêt à mettre à la voile. Tandis que je réfléchissais à tous mes sujets de plainte, la brise du soir se leva , et le chant des matelots qui étaient à bord m'annonça qu'on levait l'ancre.”
[Anastase ou Mémoires d'un Grec Écrits à la fin du XVIIIe Siècle, Hope, Defauconpret, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 05:35 PM

Also well covered in the Advent thread: Twenty Years at Sea; or, Leaves from My old Log Book," a story for boys, Hill, Frederic Stanhope, 1898.

“The cotton had already been subjected to a very great compression at the steam cotton presses in Mobile, which reduced the size of the bales as they had come from the plantations. fully one half. It was now to be forced into the ship, in the process of stowing by the stevedores, with very powerful jackscrews, each operated by a gang of four men, one of them. the "shantier," as he was called, from the French word chanteur, a vocalist. This man's sole duty was to lead in the rude songs, largely improvised, to the music of which his companions screwed the bales into their places. The pressure exerted in this process was often sufficient to lift the planking of the deck, and the beams of ships were at times actually sprung.

A really good shantier received larger pay than the other men in the gang, although his work was much less laborious. Their songs, which always had a lively refrain or chorus, were largely what are now called topical, and often not particularly chaste. Little incidents occurring on board ship that attracted the shantier's attention were very apt to be woven into his song, and sometimes these were of a character to cause much annoyance to the officers, whose little idiosyncrasies were thus made public.

One of their songs, I remember, ran something like this: —”
Note: Lyrics to Hie Bonnie Laddie follow.

Caveat: Twenty Years... is typically cited as 1840s nonfiction. It is 1890s young adult fiction. Hill is coming from the same side of the pirate opera hokum aisle as Martial, Wallack & Wagner. Based on a true story, but not the truth.

More than a few of the previously posted chanteur references above also appear in the Advent thread. However, none linking to the older salomare, celéustes &c (Landelle, Lorenzo et al.)

The one other Hie Bonnie Laddie return from a Mudcat search, also from the American Gulf Coast as it happens, there may well be others: Lyr Req: Let the Bulgine Run - New York fire?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 05:37 PM

More on the author:
“Frederic Stanhope Hill.
Frederic Stanhope Hill, author and publisher, and who formerly had served in public office, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Lake View avenue, in his 84th year. He was born In Boston on August 4, 1829, the son of Frederic Stanhope and Mary Welland (Blake) Hill. He received an academic education in Brattleboro, Vt., and the Friends' Academy in Providence, R.I. He went early in life to sea. Mr. Hill went to California in 1849 and remained there for two years. From 1852 until 1856 he was employed in the Boston post-office and in the United States custom house in Boston from 1856 until 1860. During those years he was a correspondent for the Boston Post and The New Yorker. He entered the United States navy and was an officer in service from 1861 till 1865 and was with Admiral Farragut at the capture of New Orleans and was at Vicksburg. He also served in command on the coast of Texas and in the Mississippi squadron , where he was on the "Benton" and "Tyler ."

In 1886 he bought the Cambridge Chronicle and in the early '90's Mr. Hill became editor of The Cambridge Tribune, continuing as such until January 1, 1902. He served as secretary of the Massachusetts Nautical Training School Commission from 1892 until 1908 and it was while he was acting in that capacity that the famous investigation of the conditions of the training ship "Enterprise" took place in Boston, lasting for several weeks. At that time the commander of the schoolship was the late Hear Admiral Joseph Giles Eaton, who was then a lieutenant-commander in rank.
Mr. Hill was treasurer of Christ Church for many years. He married on September 3, 186", Caroline M. Tyson, of Philadelphia, who survives him. His daughter, Gertrude Blake, married Dr. Lawrence M. Stanton, of New York City.

As a writer. Mr. Hill was the author of "Twenty Years at Sea; or, Leaves from My old Log Book," a story for boys; "The Story of the Lucky Little Enterprise," "The Continuity of the Anglican Church," "Twenty-Six Historic Ships" and "The Romance of the American Navy."

Mr. Hill was a member of the Loyal Legion, the Naval order of the United States, American Historical Association and other organizations,

The funeral will be held today at 11 o'clock at Christ Church.”
[The Cambridge Tribune, Volume XXXVI, Number 31, 27 September 1913, p.8]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 02:40 PM

“CELEUSME ou KÉLEUSME. s. m. (du gr…., ordre; ce qu'on dit pour exhorter). Mar. anc. Air que l'on jonait ou que l'on chantuit sur les vaisseaux, pour encourager les rameurs à l'ouvrage. || Signal que le pilote donnait aux matelots pour passer d'une manœuvre à une autre.
CÉLEUSTE. s. m. (du gr…., celui qui donne le signal aux matelots.) Mar. Celui qui donnait les ordres aux matelots, aux rameurs et aux autres employés d'un bâtiment, au moyen d'un instrument.
- Celui qui chantait dans les navires pour encourager les rameurs.
CÉLEUSTIQUE, adj. (ét, V. CELEUSTE). Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
CÉLEUSTIQUEMENT, adj. (ét, V. CELEUSTE). Art milit. Par le moyen de la celeustique.”
[Dictionnaire National ou Grand Dictionnaire Classique de la Langue Française, Bescherelle, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 02:41 PM

“CELEUMA, or CELEUSMA, from..., to call; in antiquity, 1. The shout or cry of the seamen, whereby they animated each other in their work of rowing. 2. A kind of song or formula, rehearsed or played by the master or others, to direct the strokes and movement of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labor.
CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatswain or officer appointed to give the rowers the signal, when they were to pull, and when to stop.”
[London Encyclopædia, Or, Universal Dictionary of Science, Art, Literature, and Practical Mechanics, Vol.5, 1845]



“Calomar, sm. Cri des matleots pour s'encourager.
Saloma, sf. Chant des matelots m.
Salomar, va. Chanter en manœuvrant.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Portatif Français-Espagnol et Espagnol-Français, Berbrugger, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 02:45 PM

“HISSER, hi-sa, v. a. v. 3, (mar.) to hoist, to sway, to heave up, to haul up, to pull up any thing by a tackle. — promptement, to trice. Hisse, hisse! hoist away!, hoist heartily. Hisse à courir, a run, a run!

?, s. m. an o; (interj.) O! ho!C'est un o en chiffr?. he is a mere cipher. (Prov.) Les ? de Noël, Christmas anthems beginning with ?. ? çà, now. O! Du navire, hola! hoa, the ship ahoy! O!’ d'en haut! yoa hoa, aloft there! man head there! O! hisse, ô! hale, ô! saille, ô! saque, ô! ride, (method of singing out as a signal to hoist! haul or rouse together on a tackle, or to push a beam.

SAILLE! Oh, saille! Interj. (mar.) rouse together!

UN deux, trois! (mar.) haul-in, haul-to, haul belay! (song used by seamen when hauling the bowlines.)

VOIX, V. Port. —, (mar.) the song (of sailors in hoisting, etc.) Donner la —, to sing out. A la —! mind the man that sings!”
[A New and Complete French and English and English and French Dictionary, Fleming-Tibbins, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Dec 22 - 05:50 PM

More Ben Brace & Scrapewell:

“You must n't sit on the roof' said the coachman to me and Bill and Scrapehard, who had got on the quarter-deck of the coach, the old fiddler playing 'Moll in the Wad,' and slewing round on his stern like a fifer in the capstan when it's 'up anchor!'”
[Ben Brace, the Last of Nelson's Agamemnons, Chamier, 1836]



“...It has been the practice, time out of mind, in getting the anchor up on board ship, to have the marine drum and fife play those beautiful airs, “Moll in the Wad,” and “Off she goes,” while the sailors heave round the capstan. This noise serves merely to give a cadence of step to the men, but has small power as an excitement. Give them, in place of this monotonous rattle, a couple of good warlike musical instruments, well played on, and there could be little doubt that the messenger would travel faster.”
[Wilkie, On Military Music, Colburn's United Service Magazine and Naval and Military Journal, Pt.II, Vol.48, 1845]
Note: Lieut.-Colonel David Wilkie was the nephew of Scottish painter Sir David Wilkie.

Lyr Add: Moll in the Wad
Moll in the Wad (2) - Traditional Tune Archive

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 03:08 PM

“At this instant the topsails of the brig began to rattle; a fresh of wind had come down upon us, circling in eddies round the Sugarloaf. Bang! went a gun, and away aloft went “66” again from the Admiral “Up anchor,” shouted Fabian; the bars were shiped in the capstan, and the messenger brought to before the call of the Boatswain's Mate was heard “Heave round,” roared MacCreery, and the men danced off as if they were mad, the fiddlers struck “Off she goes;” but, though they played in quick time, the men got far a head of them in the step. In an almost incredible short period, not only was the anchor at her bows, but a cloud of canvas spread upon the masts––the jib-boom rigged out, and the jib set.”
[Oldjunk, My Own Recollections of the River Plate, The Anglo American, Vol.6, March, 1845]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 03:11 PM

“Chanter, v.n. chan-té. Cantar; mover la voz con inflexiones ordenadas segun las reglas musicales…. || Mar. Zalomar; voces que se daban por los marineros para uniformar la fuerza y que están absolutamente prohibidas en los buques de guerra.”
[Diccionario Universal Francés-Español, Vol.I, Dominguez, 1845]


“Next morning the hallooing of the sailors weighing the anchor, gave him to understand that the Sphinx was about to sail; he saw her spread her snow-white canvass, and with three cheers from her British tars stand from the bay.”
[The Irish Legend, M'Sparran, 1846, p.28]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:37 PM

“This is commonly called the dull season of the year but really, in a walk made along the Delaware front of the city, from the navy yard to the upper part of Kensington, we cannot find the epithet dull at all applicable to the various occupations carried on. At every boat yard, there were several boats being built: every anvil resound-ed to the blow of the smith; every steam engine, whether driving saw mills or machine shops, are puffing away as if in earnest. Drays were busy carrying away the large amount of products, with which our wharves are loaded; and the loud "yo heave ho" of the arriving mariner, spoke of foreign lands. Indeed, it was a scene full of pleasurable emotion to a citizen of Philadelphia-it spoke of better days to come….”
[Trade and Commerce, from the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Niles' National Register, Vol.66, 1844]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:39 PM

“LXIV.
When the bright morning streaked the east with red,
“All hands unmoor!” passed hoarsely through the ship;
Manned was the capstan, and the steady tread,
With the loud “Yo, heave, ho,” from many a lip
Soon brought the word “the anchor is atrip.”
The loosened sails in fluttering festoons hung,
The stripes and stars at the topgallant's tip
Their beauties to the early zephyrs flung––
“Heave in!” “Sheet home!” “Ay! ay!” now through the vessel rung….”
[Fitz Clarence: A Poem, French, 1844]
Benjamin Brown French (1800–1870)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:41 PM

“...The steamer moves––the paddles plash––
And soon upon their way they dash.
As is the custom of the crew,
When they approach, or bid adieu,
To large town or to city,
O’er wave and wood––o'er glade and glen,
Rung forth a merry ditty;
And Joe, caught quick, with flying pen,
This song of western steamboat men.

                SONG.
                1.
Ye mariners, who sail the seas,
I'm told you've made the boast,
Of all who go upon the waves,
You hold yourselves the toast;
But list to me, ye mariners,
As bounding on ye go,
A-cracking up your merry ship,
With your wild yo! heave ho!

                2.
I'll not deny, ye mariners,
It is a joyous thing,
To see ye dashing on your way,
Like bird upon the wing;
Ye wave a farewell hand to home,
And then away ye sweep,
To where the blue sky rests upon
The bosom of the deep.

                3.
But mariners—but mariners
When loud the storm doth blow,
Ye have a toilsome time, my boys,
With your wild yo! heave ho!
And when at last the calm comes on,
And ye swing upon the sea,
How sad are then your thoughts of home,
And sadder they must be.

                4.
Oh, how ye at the sweepers tug,
And how ye have to tow,
And faint and weary comes the cry
Then of your yo! heave ho!
Ye say ye hate to hear our noise,
Our puffing, and our buzz;
But don't forget, ye mariners,
That 'pretty is that does!'...”
[The Beechen Tree: A Tale: Told in Rhyme, Thomas, 1844]
Frederick William Thomas (1806–1866)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 06:47 PM

“The chief mate gave his orders in a voice which made itself heard in the most distant portion of the ship. The boatswain and his mates were summoned; the crew gathered round the mainmast; a long shrill note from the boatswain's whistle sounded through the air.

“All hands up anchor, ahoy!” shouted the chief mate.

The handspikes were in the capstan as instantaneously as if they had been conveyed thither by an electric shock. The silence of the grave succeeded. “Heave round!––Heave round, my lads!––Heave round !” rung from the lips of the mate. Instantly a dozen throats cheerily sent forth the song of “Yo, heave ho!” with other merry sounds, and the anchor was slowly raised above the blue water; while several hands aloft were already freeing the sails from the yards and opening them to the wind. The topsails were sheeted home in a trice; down fell the courses and top-gallant sails. The staysails were run up; the royals set; foresail, jib, and spanker spread their bosoms to the breeze, the mainsail curved and tightened as if about to burst, and our gallant bark, yielding gracefully to the light gale, swept past the vessels at anchor, and held her way towards the great German Ocean.”
[The Quarter Deck, Cook, 1844]

Note: Author - C.J.R. Cook, M.R.C.S., L.A.C., &c. &c. &c. and the fictional vessel the Earl Moira an East Indiaman of eight hundred tons.

There was a Charles John Robert Cook, Surgeon Supt., on the barque Mary Anne, 600 tons, New Zealand Company, c.1841-2.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 10:55 PM

RE: Illinois Monthly Magazine, Vol.1, 1831 & Michel de Coucy (above) –– The real world author was: Judge James Hall (1793–1868,) also the source of:
Origin: Way Down in Shawneetown lyric and
much of the Americana/folklore behind: Mike Fink.


Unrelated: The Dictionary of High and Colloquial Malayalim and English dedicated by permission to His Highness the Rajah of Travancore by Benjamin Bailey in 1846 has an entry for “boat song.”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 10:56 PM

“The deck tackle was then stretched fore and aft, the fore-topsail was sheeted home, and hoisted to the mast head, the yards were braced so as to cant the Cruiser to port, and the anchor was hove up to the bow in great spirit, inspired by laughing Jimmy's fife with the national air of “Yankee Doodle.” The Cruiser was now under way, and the numerous spectators on the Battery returned three times three to the hearty cheers given by the crew, and soon, very soon, the sound was lost by the increased distance of the Cruiser.”
[The American Cruiser's Own Book, Little, 1846]
[The American Cruiser; or The Two Messmates. A Tale of the Last War, Little, 1846]
[The American Cruiser; A Tale of the Last War, Little, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 10:58 PM

“Celéustica, s.f. Mil. Arte de trosmitir las órdenes por medio de sonidos marcialmente músicus.
Celéusticamente, adv. De mod. Por medio de la celéustica.
Guiriote, s.m. Especie de tambor que úsan los negros.”
[Diccionario Nacional ó Gran Diccionario Clásico de la Lengua Española, Tom.I, Domínguez, 1846]


“...the ships's fiddler therefore mounted the capstan and scraped away, while the anchor was getting up, and in a little time we were again out to sea.”
[Camp and Barrack-room, Or, The British Army as it is, McMullen, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:04 PM

“EERAM, s. A boat-song; a rowing song; apparently the same with Joram. Saxon and Gael.

JORRAM, Joram, Jorum, s. 1. Properly a boat-song, slow and melancholy. Heart of Mid-Lothian. 2. Sometimes used with greater latitude, though with less propriety, to denote a song in chorus, although not a boat-song. Saxon and Gael. 3. Improperly used to denote a drinking-vessel, or the liquor it contained in it, S. Hence, Push about the Jorum is the name of an old Scottish Reel, or tune adapted to it.”
[A Dictionary of the Scottish Language, Jamieson, Johnstone, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:06 PM

“*CONSONAR, a. ant. SALOMAR. || n. Sonar un cuerpo sonoro, instrumento músico ó bélico, dando el mismo tono á la tercera, quinta y octava del [octava que el] que da otro con quien esta acorde.
CONTRAMAESTRE. m. Náut. Oficial de mar que manda las maniobras del navío, y cuida de la marinería bajo las órdenes del oficial de guerra. Navis, nautarumque subpraefectus. || En algunas fábricas de seda y de lana cierto veedor que hay sobre los maestros de tejidos. Textrinae subpraefectus.
SALOMA. f. La accion de salomar. Nautica opera canendo acta.
*SALOMAR. n. [a.] Náut, Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian diciendo varias retahilas, para que al responder á ellas, tiren todos á un tiempo del cabo que tienen en la mano. Operam canendo praescribere in navibus.
XINGLAR. n. p. Ar. Gritar, pronunciando ó sin pronunciar voz alguna, en demostracion de regocijo. Clamare, vociferare.
† ZALOMA. f. SALOMA.
† ZALOMAR. a. SALOMAR.”
[Nuevo Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, Salvá y Pérez, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:08 PM

“...I stopped for a minute to take another look at the lovely picture: beautiful lights and shades lay on the soft landscape; and now, scarcely audible in the distance, the song of “La Claire Fontaine,” came still from the little canoes. The gentle scene fixed itself on my mind, and remains stored up in the treasury of pleasant memories.

A couple of little canoes, two women in one, and a man in the other, lay on the calm lake under the shadow of a rocky knoll covered with firs and cedars, the occupants leisurely employed in setting fishing lines. They were at the far side from us, and soft and faint over the smooth surface of the ater, came their song,––“La Claire Fontaine,” the national air of the Canadian French.”
[Hochelaga: Or, England in the New World, Vol.1, Warburton, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jan 23 - 11:10 PM

“Voyage up the Nile, From Alexandria to Cairo
Monday, November 3d, 1838.––
...At night the wind failed, and the germ was alternately dragged along by a rope, or wafted by a breeze in the sudden turns and angles of the river. The moon shone magnificently on the low banks of the Delta: we seemed to glide within an arm's length of the shore, while a fountain of silvery light fell upon the rich carpet of green, the tufted palms, and other trees of less height, but more graceful outline. The occasional note of the Arab pipe sounded from the village solitudes; the plaintive boat-song just roused from deep repose a bevy of aquatic birds that squatted on the newly deposited mud; our mariners in their national costume, with their turbans of red and white, all fierce and bustling in their aspect, as they ran along by the water's edge, pulling the boat, and joining in one full, vigorous burst of song; all these novelties blended wildness with beauty, and gave a scene bordering on romance.”
[Sketches by a Resident in Cairo, The Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 23 - 04:21 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OZUce-E-U It works quite well as a work song. i sang it yesterday while harvesting seaweed

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 12:04 AM

“SCOTLAND
...Entering a boat at the end of Loch Katrine, we were soon joined by four stout rowers, who started off in fine style, singing with tolerable melody the well-known boat-song, and “Hail to the Chief.”
[Summer's Jaunt Across the Water, Smith, 1846]

Advent of steam trivia, same volume: "The attempt to establish a steamboat on Loch Katrine, in 1843, frustrated by the boatmen's sinking it, to prevent interference with their trade, is about to be renewed; but the rowers seemed to think the effort would be attended with like success."

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 12:06 AM

Note: Greek text omitted. Entries for keleusma, keleustes &c. ––
“–– a command, order; cheering cry, shout of encouragement, exhortation to sailors, soldiers, charioteers; … at a signal.

–– a commander, one who exhorts; particularly, he who raises the [keleusma], or animating shout or cry; the signal officer, who, by signs or voice, gives the time to the rowers; the boatswain,… Thucyd. vii, 70; compare Silicus Italicus, vi, 360; pointed out by Bloomfield in his Gloss, in Pers. 403; he sung a tune, or boat-song to the rowers, to make them keep time with their oars. See Arnold's Thucyd. I. 365...”
[A Comprehensive Lexicon of the Greek Language, adapted to the use of colleges and schools in the United States, Pickering, 1846]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 05:07 PM

See also: James William Wallack (above) ––

“NAUTICAL LECTURES.
THE union of amusement with instruction has become such a very popular notion that the Admiralty has, we understand, determined on adopting it. In order to introduce among the junior members of the Naval service a knowledge of their profession, an arrangement has, we believe, been entered into with MR. T. P. COOKE*, to give some of those faithful representations of the character and habits of the British Seaman for which he has long been eminent. It is in contemplation to obtain his attendance at the various sea-ports in succession, for the purpose of going through a series of semi-dramatic lectures, in the presence of the officers and crews of the ships at the different stations. The following is a slight sketch of the programme of the first of these performances, which will take place at Portsmouth, as soon as the necessary arrangements are completed:

PART I
Introduction to Naval Life––The deck of the Daisy––Anecdote of a Thames Stoker––Young BEN, the pride of Putney––Song: “I'm Afloat”––Yeo heo-heo!––Abaft the binnacle once more––Life in a paddle-box––Hip, hip, hip, hurrah!––“Jack's the boy”––Naval hornpipe, and Off she goes.

Between the Parts, a Naval Hornpipe.

PART II
“The Sea, the Sea––Epsom salts and salt water––Neptune out of tune––Rigs in the rigging––Anecdote of GEORGE ROBINS––A Sail! A Sail!––A Dance on deck––“To the Pumps, to the Pumps”––A Quadrille in the Channel––Channel sole Shoes––Who's for the Shore “The Shark and the Shrimp”––The Learned Pig and the Sow Wester––A Sea Fight––Hornpipe in character––concluding with RULE BRITANNIA.

It is intended that the lectures shall be varied as the marine pupils advance, and the whole science of navigation, illustrated by songs, anecdotes, and hornpipes, will be laid open to the student. It is confidently anticipated that a perfect British Seaman may be turned out in half-a-dozen lectures. The room will be fitted up with a mast and rope ladder, so that the illusion in office,-though we do not mean to say they will be as complete as possible.”
[Punch, Or, The London Charivari, Vol.10, 1846]

*see following for bio.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 05:10 PM

*Thomas Potter Cooke (1786–1864)
Mr. T. P. Cooke as Ben Backstay

“He was born on 23 April 1786, in Titchfield Street, Marylebone, London; his father was a surgeon, who died when he was six years old. He sailed, under age, on board the sloop HMS Raven to Toulon, and was present at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797. After escaping drowning off Cuxhaven, where Raven was lost and the crew had to take refuge in the rigging, he reached England. He sailed again on board HMS Prince of Wales, carrying Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Calder, to the blockade of Brest. The Peace of Amiens of 1802 deprived Cooke of his naval occupation.” [wiki]

...'the best sailor out of all sight and hearing that ever trod the stage,' praise in which all authorities have concurred.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 10:40 AM

Hi Phil.
Can you relate anything here or by Cooke that relates to Mwsig?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 12:54 PM

Steve: "Yeo heo-heo!"

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 04:40 PM

In keeping with the rest of the piece it would be more likely a quote from one of Dibdin's songs, thus not a work song. 'I'm Afloat' by Eliza Cook of course.

Cooke's set up reminds one more of Paddy West's methods of making a seaman, but much more upmarket. No doubt the same effect obtained though.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:43 PM

Steve: Yup, see 1779, above. And Dibdin's inspiration was? And Aristophanes? &c &c.

Also in 1846, The Ohio Boatman's Song which I'll be posting here until we learn more: River Songs

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:45 PM

“We were steering for the Jetty, and the junk having way enough on her, had lowered our huge mat-sail, when a chop-boat ran foul of us, and we were constrained to hoist it again.

This was done by us Europeans; and the task which would have taken the Chinese crew some time to perform, we dispatched in a few minutes.

The young American sailor brought the clumsy halyards to the windlass, and manning a handspike, gave the cheering song to Mr. Dobbs and us Middies, of –

“Heave-ho-ye-o!”

Into which he threw a falsetto, with a voice of such force, fervour, and beauty, that it suspended the performance of a band of music in a pleasure-boat floating at a distance in the moon-light, who were working their bugles at the vulgar tune of Paddy O'Carrol.

It was really glorious to behold the sail go up the junk's mast, as it were by the transporting magic of the young sailor's chant.

“Heave and paul,” [sic] cried Mr. Dobbs; “we have got a taut leech on the sail–if a mat deserves the name….”
[Jack Ariel or Life on Board an Indiaman, v.III, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:46 PM

“» British sailors have a Knack
        »Haul away! Yeo, ho, boys!
» Of pulling down a Franchman's lack
        » Gainst any odds, you know boys.

» I marinari Ingelsi hanno un'arte. Oh, Eh, Ih, oh ragazzi! D'abbattere un marinaro francese, qualunque sia la disparità. Voi lo sapete ragazzi! »

È questa la canzone che cantano, allorchè a bordo fanno qualche fatica che richiegga la simultanea convergenza ed applicazione delle forze di tutti allo scopo medesimo. La qual terminata, intuonarono l'altra.”
[I Marinari Inglesi, Poliorama Pittoresco, Lauria, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 06:50 PM

“Chanter, va. cantar † (náut.) zalomar † fam. charlar † vulg. (pain à) hostia, oblea † pouille, decir ó tirar pullas, dicterios † la palinodie, cantar la palinodia, llamarse antana.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Français-Espagnol, Blanc,1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Jan 23 - 08:00 PM

“The wind being fair, in a few minutes the well-known song at the windlass was heard, and then the hoarse voice of the first officer calling out, “The anchor is short apeak, sir; lay aloft fore and aft, and loose the topsails and top-gallant sails.” These orders were quickly obeyed. The sails were sheeted home, and hoisted to the mast-head, and the yards were braced so as to cant the ship's head to starboard. And again the long-drawn song was heard at the windlass, the anchor was rapidly hove up to the bows, and in a few minutes our gallant ship was standing down the river under a press of canvass.”
[Life on the Ocean; or, Twenty Years at Sea, Little, 1843]
George Little (1791-1849)

Note: Same author as The American Cruiser (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Jan 23 - 08:02 PM

“After remaining a very short time at Lisbon, we one morning fired a gun to give notice to our convoy to get under weigh. Immediately the harbor was alive with noise and activity. The song of the sailors weighing anchor, the creaking of pulleys, the flapping of the sails, the loud, gruff voices of the officers, and the splashing of the waters, created what was to us, now that we were “homeward bound,” a sweet harmony of sounds. Amid all this animation, our own stately frigate spread her bellying sails to a light but favoring breeze; with colors flying, our band playing lively airs, and the captain with his speaking trumpet urging the lagging merchant-ships to more activity, we passed gaily through the large fleet consigned to our care….”

“Our preparations all completed, the hoarse voice of the boatswain rang through the ship, crying, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” in a trice, the capstan bars were shipped, the fifer was at his station playing a lively tune, the boys were on the main deck holding on to the “nippers,” ready to pass them to the men, who put them round the “messenger” and cable; then, amid the cries of “Walk round! heave away, my lads!” accompanied by the shrill music of the fife, the anchor rose from its bed, and was soon dangling under our bows. The sails were then shaken out, the ship brought before the wind, and we were once more on our way to sea….”
[Thirty Years from Home, Or A Voice from the Main Deck, Leech, 1843]
Samuel Leech (1798–1848)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Jan 23 - 08:13 PM

“Shooting the rapids.––When a boat enters the rapids of the Columbia, the bowman and the steersman quickly resign their oars, and grasp short canoe paddles, which they hold down edge-wise, by the boat's sides, propping themselves, at the same time, against her gunwale, to steady her; while the rowers, in the middle, ply their oars most vigourously and then the boat sweeps onward––rising, or ducking, or spinning about, according as she is borne by the current or the eddies; to the great terror of those who, for the first time, are thus whirled along. The success of such a perilous adventure mainly depends on the steadiness and skill of the two guides, at the stem and stern––the efforts of the middle men* being, mainly, to keep the boat buoyant. The contrast between the Canadian voyageurs and the Indians, in performing this feat, is remarkable and characteristic those merrily chaunt their boat-song; but these are as silent and stern as death.”
[History of the Oregon Territory and British North-American Fur Trade, Dunn, 1844]

*ie: milieu.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Jan 23 - 08:17 PM

“The day before my departure, with a view to keeping my people as sober as I could during our stay, I directed Beau Pré to have the canoe put in order for the voyage, and to be ready with the men to take me over to the fort, where I was engaged to dine with General Brooke. I was glad to see them all at the appointed time tolerably sober, and after making a grand flourish along the river side with their paddles, they worked the canoe across to the fort in admirable style, to the very popular air of “Et en revenant du boulanger,” from which Mr. Moore took the idea of his Canadian boat-song of “Faintly as tolls the evening chime,” After passing the day very agreeably at the fort, and taking leave of the officers, I returned in the evening to Navarino, giving orders for the canoe and men to be all in readiness the next morning to receive the lading and take our departure.”
[A Canoe Voyage Up the Minnay Sotor, Featherstonhaugh, 1847]
George William Featherstonhaugh, FRS (1780–1866)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 19 Jan 23 - 08:21 PM

“The approach to Montreal, in one of the Laprarie ferry-boats, allows you to contemplate it at leisure. The distance is nine miles: the river, which is three miles broad, being crossed transversely. You are excited by the rapidity of th the powerful steamboat, and of the current, bearing you like a bird over a ragged channel, which often is visible, covered with crags, apparently ready to tear the bottom of the vessel. French, of a harsh and uncouth dialect, is dinned in your ears by market-men and women, watching their baskets of roots, herbs, &c., gathered it scanty harvest from some part of the rich but abused plain, which extends from the river's bank to the horizon, except where it is bounded by a few distant and imposing isolated mountains. If you cross in a batteau, you hear the boat song of your rowers, in which there is little sweetness or poetry. The city, spreading along the low shore of the river, shoots up the spires of five or six churches, with the domes of two convents, and the towers of the new cathedral, against the Mountain of Montreal, which alone rescues the scene from utter tameness. Those who wish to contemplate the largest specimen of barbarous architecture in North America (saving Mexico), may visit the cathedral.”
[Summer Tours; Or, Notes of a Traveler Through Some of the Middle and Northern States, Dwight, 1847]
Theodore Dwight (1796–1866)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jan 23 - 01:52 AM

“A simple “all ready, sir,” uttered by the first to the captain, in a common tone of voice, was answered by a “very well, sir, get your anchor,” in the same tone, set every thing in motion. “Stamp and go,” soon followed, and taking the whole scene together, Rose felt a strange excitement come over her. There were the shrill, animating music of the fife; the stamping time of the men at the bars; the perceptible motion of the ship, as she drew ahead to her anchor,…”
[The Islets of the Gulf; or Rose Budd, Graham's American Monthly, Cooper, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jan 23 - 01:54 AM

“The canoes are elegantly shaped, and elaborately ornamented with grotesque carvings, painted red with kokowai; they have elevated stern-posts, and carry low triangular sails made of raupo (a species of rush), and look remarkably picturesque. A fleet of canoes, adorned, as they often are, with the snow-white feathers of the albatross or the gull, and each manned by a numerous band of paddlers, presents a singular and beautiful appearance; gliding swiftly over the blue and crisp waves, and lowering their mat-sails as they dart into the bay, and run up on the beach, shooting like arrows through the white breakers. Many of the canoes that arrive at Waitemata from the Thames, will carry from fifty to sixty men, who all paddle together, singing in unison some Maori boat-song: their strokes and voices are timed by an individual who stands erect in the centre of the canoe, performing the twofold duty of conductor and prompter; beating each stroke with a staff, which he holds in his hand, and prompting the words of the song. The voices of the crew, shouting in measured strain, may frequently be heard when the canoe itself is but a speck on the waves, and the distant sound falls on the ear with a wild and savage effect.”
[Savage Life and Scenes in Australia and New Zealand, Angas, 1847]
George French Angas (1822–1886)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jan 23 - 01:57 AM

“CELEUMA. (Lelt.) Ce-lè-u-ma. Sm. V. G. Lat. celeuma. (Da celeome io comando, io esorto.) Nome del grido col quale si esortavano presso i Greci i rematori ed i cocchieri, acciò raddoppiassero i loro sforzi. –– Celeusma, sin. Tesauro, lett. Mis. 5. 113. Berg. (Aq) (0)
CELEUSMA. (Lelt.) Ce-lè-u-sma. Sf. V. G. Lat. celeusma. Lo stesso che Celeuma. V. (Aq) (0)
CELEUSTANORE, Ce-leu-stà-no-re. N. pr. M. (Dal gr. celeustes esortatore, e da henorea fortezza: Esortatore di fortezza.) –– Figliuolo Ercole e di Laotoe. (Mit)
CELEUSTE. (Lelt.) Ce-lè-u-ste: Sm. V. G. Lat. celeustes. Gr. … (Da celevo io comando.) Cosi chiamavano i Greci il capitano della nave o moderatore della navigazione, il quale or con la semplice voce, or con una specie di cantilena, ed or col suon della tromba regolava il naviglio. (Aq)”
[Vocabolario Universale della Lingua Italiana, Vol.II, Mortara, Bellini, Codogni, Mainardi, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 23 - 04:27 PM

I've lost count on the number of 'boat songs' passed over to date; Fhir a Bhata / Fear a Bhata / The boatman was one of many.

However, Logan's The Scottish Gaël has come up again and the author does label the two lines of Fhír a Bhata's music as an iorram. Also, at least one later source (Peacock) links it to Fulling songs.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 23 - 04:31 PM

“Beannachadh luige marrai Prosnachadh fairge, 18th century.

There is no title, author, or date. It has been noted in previous historical records by the first line of the text, which reads Beannachadh luinge marrai Prosnachadh fairge, which translates as 'Blessing a sea ship and sea-cheering'. It appears to be poem, religious in tone, blessing a ship and the sailors who will sail in it.
The University of Edinburgh, Archives Online

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 23 - 04:33 PM

“*The Gaëlic liturgy, composed by John Kerswell, afterwards Bishop of Argyle, 1566, contains the form of blessing a ship when going to sea. The steersman says, “Let us bless our ship,” the crew responding “God, the Father, bless her!” Repeating his request they rejoin, “Jesus Christ bless her!” and, to the same observation, the third time, “The Holy Ghost bless her!” The steersman then asks them what they fear, if God, the Father, be with them, &c.; to which they reply, “We do not fear any thing.” They did not, however, altogether rely on the assistance of the Trinity, for they were careful to suspend a hegoat from the mast to insure a favourable wind.” [p.184, footnote]

“Address to the Rowers, or the Prosnachadh Uimrai: “That you may urge on the long, dark, brown vessel, man the tough, long, polished oars; keep time, strike quick, and deeply wound the heaving billows, and make the surges fly like sparkling showers of living flame. Send her, swift as an eagle, o'er the deep vales and mountains of the sea. O, stretch, bend, and pull the straight sons of the forest! And see how the stout conquerors of the ocean bend their muscular forms like one man! Behold their hairy, sinewy arms! See how they twist their oars in the bosom of the deep! Now the pilot's song inspires them with fresh vigour –– see how they urge the swift courser of the ocean, snorting o'er the fluid plain. Lo! how her prow cuts the roaring waves! Her strong sides creak amidst the dark heaving deep, while the sons of the forest, wielded by the strong arms of the crew, impel her against the storm. These are the fearless, unwearied, unbending rowers, whose oars can shut the very throat of the whirlpool.”

As soon as the sixteen rowers were seated at their oars, and ready to row the vessel into the fair wind, Callum Garbh, Mac Ronald of the ocean, the fore oar's-man, sung the Ioram, which consists of fifteen stanzas.” [p.185]

“Fhir a bhata or the boatmen, the music of which is annexed, is sung in the above manner, by the Highlanders with much effect. It is the song of a girl whose lover is at sea, whose safety she prays for, and whose return she anxiously expects.” [p.253]

Fhir a bhata (Iorram) music. [p.260]
[The Scottish Gaël; Or, Celtic Manners, as Preserved Among the Highlanders, Logan, 1831]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 May 23 - 08:24 PM

c.1812
“Then he turned. His tone was almost gay now.

“Here, Johnny Bow,” he cried, “up with you!” A little sailor with a fiddle tucked under his chin mounted the capstan. The men with half a cheer set the bars into place, and Johnny Bow, with one foot stamping out the time, struck up “The girl I left behind me,” and the lively rattle of capstan joined in an accompaniment.”
[Midshipman Farragut, Barnes, 1896]
David Glasgow Farragut (1801–1870) - Went to sea at age 11 years. Flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War.

David Porter (1780–1843) - Farragut's foster father, mentor and Capt. of the USS Essex (1799) c.1812-1814.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 May 23 - 08:26 PM

“The day had hardly yet begun to dawn, the stars shone with unclouded brilliance, and the breeze was fresh off the land. The capstan was soon manned, the messenger brought-to, and all fair for heaving, when the sound of the mirth-inspiring fiddle operated like magic on the sailors' heels, and made them move with life and uniformity to its hornpipe measure.”
[Excursion to Vourla and Clazomene, The Literary Gazette, Vol.8, 1824]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 May 23 - 08:28 PM

“PROCELEUSMÁTICO, PROCELEUSMATICUS, PROCÉLEUSMATIQUE, Bersglied, Poes., da... (pro), avanti, e da... (celeuò), comandare, esortare. Verso, il cui primo piede consta di quattro sillabe brevi, e che è l'opposto del Dispondeo: tali sono i citati da Giovanni Argoli (in Not. ad lib. I. cap. 2. Panvin. de lud. Circens.):
= Pecora rapida caper agitat =.
= Humi caput inanime tepet, avida neque manu =.
= Memor eris, Asine, moreris , Asine, vapulans =.
Fu così esso denominato, quasi primus jussus, perchè ne' sacrificj di Minerva sembra pronunciarsi il primo piede di questo verso, o perchè per la sua celerità è, ne' casi urgenti della Milizia o della Nautica, acconcio ad esortare ed incoraggiare i Soldati od i Marinari.”
[Dizionario Tecnico Etimologico Filologico, Tom.II, Marchi, 1829]

Note: See vol.I, above and Bardin on celeustique (to follow.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 May 23 - 08:30 PM

“On arriving off the island of Poros, instead of continuing our course towards Athens, we turned aside, and ran in to communicate with H.M.S. Cymbrian; we did not anchor, but the captain repaired on board, and in ten minutes we held the pipe, “All hands up anchor,” and the capstan moving round to the air of that most approved and fashionable bravura, “Fiddle dum dee.””
[Cavendish; or, the Patrician at Sea, Vol.2, Neale, 1831]
William Johnson Neale (1812–1893) –– English barrister and novelist.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 May 23 - 07:52 PM

“Perhaps my reader, who has never been at sea, may picture the delight with which the officers, rising from their heated cabins, would behold such a scene as the one I have attempted to describe; the men with their breasts applied to the capstan-bar, heaving up the anchor to the mirth-inspiring sounds of the merry flute and fiddle; their hearts bounding wildly in their bosoms with all the pride and joyousness of a sailor, as they turned their eyes aloft, to behold spar above spar distend its bleached canvass freely to the breeze, with many an indignant flutter, like a young blood-horse champing at the bit.”
[The Port Admiral: A Tale of the War, Vol.1, Neale, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 May 23 - 07:54 PM

“The next was the kuberneter,—the master or pilot, who had charge of the navigation of the ship, and sat at the stern to steer. He was expected to be well versed in the kubernetike techne, or art of navigation, such as it was then practised. It consisted, first, in the management of the rudder, the sails, and the engines, then in use,—second, in the knowledge of the winds, the stars-their motions-and their supposed influences on man,—and third, in the knowledge of the best harbours, the rocks, quicksands, and other hydrographical particulars. As may be supposed, the navigators of those times, kept to sea only during the day— commencing the voyage at sun-rise, and anchoring at sunset. The master had his proreus,, or mate, under him, whose station was on the forecastle.—to his care the tackling was assigned, and the placing of the rowers. The duty of the keleustes, or boatswain, was to repeat the orders, and to distribute the allowances to the ship's company. The purser was styled the grammateus,. Nor was the trieraudes,, or musician, forgotten; whose duty, like the modern fifer on the capstan, was to cheer and inspirit the rowers, and to keep them in time.”
[Navigation in Ancient Greece, The Pilot, or Sailors' Magazine. [Continued as] Sailors' Magazine, Vol.2, anon RN officer, 1840]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 May 23 - 07:58 PM

“PROCELEUSMATIC, adj. (applied to verses), procéleusmatique.
[Dictionnaire Phraséologique Royal Anglaise-Francais, Francaise-Anglaise, Tarver, 1845]


“As for divine songs, however, they can easily, even while working with their hands, say them, and like as rowers with a boat-song[1], so with godly melody cheer up their very toil. Or are we ignorant how it is with all workmen, to what vanities, and for the most part filthiness, of theatrical fables they give their hearts and tongues, while their hands recede not from their work?
[1] celeumate.”
[Seventeen Short Treatises of S. Augustine, Cornish, Browne, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 23 - 01:44 PM

“Slow to the sun-shine beach they now draw near,
To sounding oars the choral iurrum swells, (13)
While echoes join from out their secret cells.
        “Ho roe i loe! Come poise the sweeping oar!
        Thus braved our sires the deep, in days of yore!…”

“13 To sounding oars the choral iurram swells. –– P. 138.
We learn from ancient history that, among the Greeks, the oar-song, called, …. was sung to the lyre by a musician, whose duty it was to cheer the rowers by his powers of song, when by reason of long continued exertion their spirits flagged, and their bodies became weary and faint with labour, and also to direct the rowers to keep the rythmus or time exactly, to which custom the Roman poet thus alludes.

“ ––––––Mediæ stat margine puppis,
“ Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
“ Et remis dictet sonitum, pariterque relatis
“ Ad numerum plaudat resonantia cærula tonsis.
                                        SILIUS ITALICUS, Lib. vi.

The iurrams or oar-songs of our Hebridian mariners, however, are always sung by one, who is joined by the rest of the rowers in chorus. In general, when the Gael are weary, or begin to flag at any sort of labour, a lunneag or song and chorus is called for, and it is truly surprising with what animation they renew their employment when the lunneag strikes up.
[The Grampians Desolate A Poem, Campbell, 1804]
Alexander Campbell (1764-1824) –– musician and writer)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 23 - 01:47 PM

“...Staffa ordered his barge to be manned; and thinking, according to the Scottish adage, “Bode a gown if gowd, and ye'll aye get the slieve of it,” that is, “Try, and you will get something of what you try for,” and that, if we could not reach the islands both of Staffa and Iona, we might reach one of them, we embarked with the piper, who sat at the head of the boat, and played some merry and mournful tunes, but which I could not ascertain, as we committed ourselves to the ocean; when he ceased, the strokesman of our rowers commenced a spirited Gaelic song, the chorus of which ended with “Hatyin, foam! foam, Hatyin, foam! foam, foam, Hatyin, foam! foam, eri!”* in which the principal singer introduced some peculiarly shrill notes, beating time very smartly with his hand upon the oar, and producing a brisk and agreeable effect; this had such influence upon his comrades, that, to borrow a marine expression “we flew through the water,” and with great velocity passed Inchkenneth, which I shall mention hereafter, the black basaltic rocks of Ulva, and the Cave of Mackinnow, which time and the weather would not admit of our reaching. After between three and four hours of hard and incessant rowing, we reached one of the great objects of our voyage, and landed on Staffa.”
[Caledonian Sketches, Or, A Tour Through Scotland in 1807, Carr, 1809]
Sir John Carr (1772–1832) –– English barrister and (travel) writer.

* See also: The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides With S. Johnson, Boswell, 1785 (above)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 23 - 01:52 PM

“With HEAVE AND HOW seems to mean, with interest or perhaps, with force implying such an exertion as makes a preson cry ho! for ho it seems to have been pronounced, by the rhyme:
        The silent soule yet cries for vengeance just
                Unto the mighty God and to his saints,
        Who though they seem in punishing slow,
        Yet pay they home at last with heave and how.
                        Harr. Ariost. xxxvii. 89.”
[A Glossary: Or, Collection of Words, Phrases, Names, and Allusions to Customs, Proverbs, &c., which Have Been Thought to Require Illustration, in the Works of English Authors, Particularly Shakespeare, and His Contemporaries …, Nares, 1822]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 23 - 01:54 PM

“Salóma, sf. singing out of sailors, goldline.
Salomár, vn. to sing out
Zalóma, sf. singing out of seamen when they pull with a rope.
Zalomár, vn. to sing out
[A Pocket Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, Neuman-Baretti, 1823]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 May 23 - 01:54 PM

“Rowing. This practice was anciently directed by a person called Celeustes, who gave the signal for the rowers to strike, and encouraged them by his song or cry. This song, called the celeusma, was either sung by the rowers, or played upon instruments, or effected by a symphony of many, or striking sonorous tones. The commander of the rowers, called Hortator Remigum, Pausarius, and Portisculus, was placed in the middle of them. He carried a staff, with which he gave the signal, when his voice could not be heard. The Corinthians first introduced the use of many ranks of oars. The method consisted in the rowers sitting obliquely one above another in this fashion….

They did not sit, but stood inclined. Ossian mentions the rowing song; and the Anglo-Saxon, batswan, or boatswain, as they called him, had also a staff to direct the rowers ; nor is one man, rowing with sculls, one in each hand, modern, the Greeks having boats on purpose, called ampheres, long and narrow. Mention is made of rowing with the face to the prow, as usual with our ancestors, but it must be pushing not drawing the oar. The oar upon the Etruscan vases is of the form of a very narrow pyramid from top to bottom. Evelyn says, that Andrew Baldarius was the inventor of oars, applied to large vessels for fighting.”
[Encyclopedia of Antiquities; and elements of Archaeology, Classical and Mediæval, Vol.1, Fosbroke, 1825]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jun 23 - 02:20 AM

“Celéufma, celéufmatis, vel Celêuma, celeumatis, n.g. L'enhortement des mariniers, ou autres gens, qui s'efforcent de faire quelque befongne. Martial.
Celéuftes, celéuftæ, m.g. Tel enhorteur, & donneur de courage. Bud.”
[Dictionarium Puerorum, Stephanus, 1586]

“IOMRAM, IOMRAMH, em'-ram, n.m. rowing.
IORRAM, eúrr'-am, n.f. an oar-song; boat-song.”
[A Pronouncing Gaelic Dictionary, MacAlpine, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jun 23 - 02:21 AM

““That will do, Johncrow––forward with you now, and lend a hand to cat the anchor.––All hands up anchor!” The boatswain's hoarse voice repeated the command, and he in turn was re-echoed by his mates; the capstan was manned, and the crew stamped round to a point of war most villanously performed by a bad drummer and a worse fifer, in as high glee as if those who were killed had been snug and well in their hammocks on the berthdeck, in place of at the bottom of the sea, with each a shot at his feet.”
[Tom Cringle's Log, Second Series, Vol.I, Scott, 1833]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jun 23 - 02:25 AM

“CELÊUMA, s.f. sorte de cri ou de chant des matelots pendant la manœuvre.
CELEUMÁR, v.n. faire Celeuma. V. ce mot.
FÁINA, s.f. (t. d'mar.) manœuvre à bord d'un vaisseau; cri de matelots en travaillant. *Ouvrage, travail, besogne. Courtoisie maritime.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Portugais-Francais, Roquette, 1841]


“...A capstan is a strong machine, working on pivots, in an upright position. In the holes around the top, called the drumhead, strong bars are inserted, and several men are placed at each, who keep walking round, pushing the bars to the sound of the drum and fife. In large merchant-ships, a fiddler is placed near the capstan, who plays a song tune, the men joining in chorus….”
[The History of a Ship, from her Cradle to her Grave, Grandpa Ben*, 1843]
*James Lukin (1828-1917)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jun 23 - 02:27 AM

“CÉLEUSME. et mieux KÉLEUSME. s. m. (ant. gr.) L'air que l'on jonait ou que l'on chantait sur les vaisseaux, pour encourager les rameurs. § Kèleusme se disait aussi Des commandements du pilote.

CÉLEUSTIQUE. adj. et s. f. (art milit.) Il se dit de L'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
CÉLEUSTIQUEMENT. adv. (art milit.) Par le moyen de la céleustique.

*CHANTEUR. s. m. Chanteur militaire (art milit.), s'est dit Des musiciens qui chantaient à la tête des troupes, comme les musiciens actuels y jouent de leurs instruments. ? Chanteurs. s. m. pl. (zool.) Famille d'oiseaux.

PROCELEUSMATIQUE. adj. et s.m. (littér. anc.) Il se dit Du pied de vers grec on latin plus connu sous le nom de dipyrrhique, et composé de quatre brèves, comme hominibus.§ Il se dit aussi d'Un mètre composé de trois pieds procéleusmatiques et d'un tribraque ou anapeste.”
[Complément du Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française, Barré, 1842]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jun 23 - 02:30 AM

“CXLI. 209. … At the first cry*. ???e?sµa or ... strictly signifies the cry used to animate the sailors to row vigorously. It is also applied to the song which they sing whilst rowing. The Latins, in imitation of the Greeks, said, 'Celeusma.' [Hygini Fab. XIV. p.55. cum notis Munckeri et Van Staveren.]
[Larcher's Notes on Herodotus, Vol.2, Larcher, 1844]

*Aux premiers cris (1802 above)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 23 - 10:34 PM

“LVI.
Llegan à bordo, y à las Naos faltando,
divididos en Tropas los Inglefes,
fuben por uno, y otro cavo halando,
à òcupar Corredores, y, Combefes:
con Zaloma callada vàn levando
las Anclas, à befar en los Bauprefes:
y el General en fu Marina Roca,
fe empieza à deslizar con Vela poca.
[Vida de la Esclarecida Virgen Santa Rosa de Santa Maria, Natural de Lima, y Patrona de el Peru poema heroyco, Oviedo y Herrera, 1729]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 23 - 10:37 PM

“Footnote: 'We heard the women singing as they waulked the cloth, by rubbing it with their hands and feet, and screaming all the while in a sort of chorus. At a distance the sound was wild and sweet enough, but rather discordant when you approached too near the performers.'
Lockhart's Scott, iv. 307.” [p.203]

I could now sing a verse of the song* Hatyin foani eri made in honour of Allan, the famous Captain of Clanranald, who fell at Sherrif-muir; whose servant, who lay on the field watching his master's dead body, being asked next day who that was, answered, 'He was a man yesterday.'” [p.330]
[Boswell's Life of Johnson, Vol.V, 3rd ed., 1786]

*Rowing song.

Lyr Req: (waulking) tweed making music

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 23 - 10:40 PM

“As the captain said this, the first lieutenant approached and reported, (a bustle had been for some time going on on deck), that “they were all ready for unmooring;” to which, having received for answer, “As soon as you please, Mr. Shroud!” a harmony struck up — the peculiar production of the seas. This was the united efforts of two fiddlers, drummer and fifer, and the whole crew in a sort of regular tramping in time (as bass) not unlike certain stampings of troops of the Red Indians in their war dance; all this mixed up with an unusual quivering and shaking of two pair of indefatigable pipes of the boatswain and mates, which seemed to curvet through more modulations than ever did the pipe of Catalani, Sontag, or Malibran—or the fingers and bow of the far famed Paganini. That there was more of dissonance cannot, we fear, be denied; but it blended on the whole, as we have observed, into a sort of sea harmony, admirably well suited to the auditors; —in short they were unmooring, and Jack was dancing round the capstan bars with an alacrity commensurate with his wish for a change at any rate. Thoughts of prize money; fatigue of Poll, whose amiability never failed to be in the exact ratio with the state of Jack's finances—that is to say, decreasing in exact proportion; and the fatigue of small beer or swipes, so small, that the diurnal fag of getting through sundry gallons (wherein his body became a sort of alembic) for the extraction of a very small quantity of the desired spirit, might indeed be said to fatigue, though certainly followed up with surprising patience, round the galley fire, and over many a tough yarn, or long story of a cock and a bull. Thus then, in addition to the said noise or harmony, every now and then a hurrah royal bespoke their joy—a never failing token of a “pull together, boys!””
[The Navy at Home, 1831]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 23 - 10:43 PM

“...You will set me down as a great egotist, which is one of Jack's characteristics, as he mostly makes himself the hero of his narration, and from the Admiral down to the Mid, we all have a forebitter to veer away upon.”
[The Cabin Boy, Pitt, 1840]

Note: Earliest(?) mention of the “forebitter” so far.

Help: What is a 'forebitter'?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Jun 23 - 10:48 PM

“The Edeeyah mode of dancing is both strange and uncouth. On festive occasions they fasten dry palm-leaves, &c. all over their persons;––these, tossed about in their frantic evolutions, cause a rustling noise, which, with a sort of pavior's grunt, eh! eh eh eh eh! eh! is the only accompanying music, if the word can be so employed…. One peculiarity in the Edeeyah is the inclination they feel to work, hunt, or amusement in unison. Thus, whenever it is necessary to employ them on any work, a whole village or town must be employed; in this way, in a few days an immense deal is cleared away, when they can be persuaded to come together.

Mr Scott, a respectable coloured man, who usually superintended their labours for the West African Company at Fernando Po, informed me that trees of the largest size were easily transported by them to the beach, merely by the habit they have of employing their force simultaneously. Even in the vocal exertions they observe this, and when they chant their incantations to Rupi, either at a feast or hunt, or before working, they use their voices in such exact unison, that it sounds like one stentorian effort, and produces an extraordinary effect on the ear. The first time we heard them thus occupied, it struck us as the most singular unison of vocal power we ever listened to. On such occasions the Buyehrupi uses a sort of wooden rattle, with which he keeps up a noise during the intervals of the performance. The only other instrument of a musical character used by the Edeeyah is a sort of small gourd compressed in the centre, and open at both ends. By blowing more or less forcibly into this, and regulating the fingers or hand at the bottom, such a variety of tones is produced as to enable them to communicate with each other at a distance, and even to hold musical dialogues.

In the still woods of Fernando Po, they are said to be able to communicate with each other at the distance of two or three miles. Having been a witness to some of these attempts, we can quite credit the statement.”
[The Bubis, or Edeeyah of Fernando Po, The Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, Vol. 44, Thomson, 1848]
Read before the Ethnological Society of London, Dec., 1847

Bubi people

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 23 Jun 23 - 08:41 AM

The name of this thread should be 'The GUEST Phil d'Conch thread'

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jun 23 - 10:43 AM

“CHANTEUR MILITAIRE (F). Mot LATIN et GREC, cantator, qui s'appliquait à des MUSICIENS et HÉRAUTS qui, chez les BYSANTINS, transmettaient, sur le champ de bataille, les COMMANDEMENTS aux TROUPES, et excitaient au combat les guerriers, par des hymnes analogues aux CHANTS militaires de l'OCCIDENT et du NORD. Ne négligez pas, dit LÉON (900 A), d'avoir des Chanteurs (cantatores); il conviendrait que ce fussent même des préfets, ou des officiers éloquents, etc., etc. –– Ce passage prouve qu'on appelait également Chanteurs, des orateurs stimulant les courages par des harangues. –– Les TROUBADOURS de la Provence ont, en maintes occasions, été, dans les COMBATS du MOYEN AGE, les Chanteurs chargés d'animer les troupes.
–– La MILICE BYSANTINE a légué aux MILICES TURQUE et RUSSE leurs Chanteurs d'ARMÉE; dans cette dernière, tels Chanteurs sont des instruments à un seul ton, des gosiers à une scule note; tel homme est Sol ou Fa toute sa vie. –– Au camp de Kalish, le 27 août 1835, à cinq heures du soir, les Chanteurs de l'armée exécutaient un hymne en l'honneur du roi de Prusse; l'artillerie en marquait la mesure; cet orage musical est sérieusement raconté par les feuilles publiques, et par le Spectateur militaire (t. 20, p. 580). –– La MILICE AUTRICHIENNE a aussi des chœurs de Chanteurs. –– En 1837, quelque chose de semblable s'essayait en FRANCE, pays où l'harmonie n'est rien moins que populaire; aussi étaient-ce, non des Français, parlant français, mais des Français alsaciens servant au sixième régiment d'infanterie légère, qui, au nombre de vingt-quatre concertants, saluaient de leur mélodie, au camp de FONTAINEBLEAU, le deux juin, l'avènement de la duchesse d'Orléans. En cette même année étaient publiés les Scolies ou CHANTS MILITAIRES du capitaine de cavalerie Merson.

CÉLEUSTIQUE, adj. v. alarme c....... v. APPEL C... V. assemblée G... V. BAN c... v. BATTEMENT G... V. BATTERIE C... V. CAISSE C... V. CHARGE C... V. COMMANDEMENT G... V. CORVÉE C... V. DESSUS C... V. DRAGONNE C... V. GARDE G... V. grenadière c... v. GUERRE G...
V. HALTE C... V. MARCHE C... V. MESSE C... V. MESURE C... V. ORDONNANCE C... V. ORDRE G... V. PREMIER G... V. PRIÈRE c... v. Rappel G... V. RETRAITE C... V. ROULEMENT C... V. SECOND
C... V. SIGNAL C...

CÉLEUSTIQUE, subs. fém. (G, 6), ou céleusmatique. Mot qui dérive du GREG keleusma, qui signifiait ORDRE donné au moyen d'un SIGNAL ou d'un INSTRUMENT; ainsi il y avait des moyens Céleustiques propres aux manœuvres de mer; telle était l'espèce de cadence vocale ou de chant, par lequel les rameurs réglaient le mouvement de leurs En appliquant à l'armée de terre le mot Céleustique, on peut dire que le MÉTROBATE produit, relativement à la MARCHE MILITAIRE, un effet Céleustique analogue à celui que produisait, pour les manœuvres des GALÈRES, le eri concerté des matelots.
––En considérant la Céleustique comme une branche de la TACTIQUE, c'est la science qui applique aux maniements d'armes, aux manœuvres, à l'excitation des guerriers, le CRI, le son instrumental, les vibrations modulées; elle combine et règle l'exécution des SIGNAUX bruyants ou vocaux, et des BRUITS MILITAIRES, etc.; c'est le clangor belli des LATINS, et le klange des GRECS; mais avec cette différence que les MILICES GRECQUE et ROMAINE ne connaissaient pas l'usage de la CAISSE, et que le verbe clangere signifiait à la fois, appeler aux armes et sonner de la TROMPETTE; il eût signifié faire résonner le tambour, si le tambour eût été un instrument du temps. –– La Céleustique comprend BATTERIES DE CAISSE, SONNERIES et MUSIQUE; et elle est ainsi l'ensemble des BRUITS CADENCÉS soit de MELODIE, soit d'HARMONIE; et, par catachrèse, l'ensemble des INSTRUMENTS propres à ces AIRS OU BRUITS, jouant ou de concert, ou séparément, ou alternativement; c'est l'association du CORNET OU CLAIRON, du TAMBOUR, de la TROMPETTE, etc., etc.; c'est l'art de se servir de ces INSTRUMENTS en conformité des lois harmoniques et militaires qui en réglent l'usage; c'est enfin, et surtout, la MUSIQUE DE HAUT BRUIT, représentée par un genre de NOTES particulières. La Céleustique a quelquefois pour auxiliaire la SÉMENTIQUE, qui en diffère parce que cette dernière est télégraphique.

CELEUSTIQUEMENT, adv. v. Appeler c...”
[Dictionnaire de l'Armée de Terre, Vol.2, Bardin, 1848]

Étienne Alexandre Bardin (1774-1840)

Note: Also two full pages on “chant.”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jun 23 - 10:44 AM

“CALOMAR, esp. v. a. a Lascher la gumène ou autre cordage, filer. » Oudin, Thrés, des deux lang. esp. et fr. (1660).
El Calomar: « Le ton que les mariniers chantent pour tirer et faire effort tous ensemble. » Cette dernière acception du mot se trouve dans le Dict. de Sobrino; ni l'une ni l'autre ne se lit dans Röding, ou dans Neuman. – Calomar, avec le sens de: chant nautique, parait être une transformation grossière de Celeuma (V.), quelquefois employé pour Celeusma; l'Académie espagnole dans son Diccion, exprime cette opinion, qui nous semble très-fondée. Avec le sens de: lâcher, filer à Calomar est peut-ètre une contraction de Calar a mar, filer à la mer, qui aurait fait Calamar et Calomar. – L'ital. Dit Calomare. – V. Calumare.”
[Glossaire Nautique: Répertoire Polyglotte de Termes de Marine Anciens et Modernes, Vol.1, Jal, 1848]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jun 23 - 10:46 AM

“When the morning's dew was shaken off, our coffee enjoyed?our light bark again launched upon the water, and the chill of the morning banished by the quick stroke of the paddle, and the busy chaunt of the corporal's boat-song, our ears and our eyes were open to the rude scenes of romance that were about us?our light boat ran to every ledge?dodged into every slough or cut-off” to be seen?every mineral was examined?every cave explored?and almost every bluff of grandeur ascended to the top.”
[Illustrations of the Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians, Vol.II, Catlin, 1848]
George Catlin (1796–1872)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:41 PM

“DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENTS.
...A very interesting moving panorama of the NILE, and its surrounding scenery, embracing everything that is interesting in the land of the Pharaohs, has been exhibited at the Egyptian Hall. The prestige of such names as Warren, Fahey, John Martin, and Edward Corbold, highly-accomplished English artists, is a sufficient guarantee that the painting, as a work of art, is of first-rate excellence. The views are taken from the drawings of Mr. Bonomi, an Egyptian traveller of note, and as the painting progresses, each subject is explained in a very interesting and familiar manner. The magnificent architectural remains, which form such a delightful theme for the antiquary, are admirably realized by the artist; while the living creatures, birds, beasts, and reptiles, incidental to each locality, are faithfully introduced. In the room there are several drawings and a great number of curiosities. The muezzin and an Arab boat song, with some favourite music, is introduced on the melodium, we believe.”
[The Dramatic and Musical Review, 1848]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:42 PM

“Asi la zuiza militar en tierra,
Y á bordo la marítima zaloma
Se escucha con motiu y civil guerra,
Y oculta rebelion el rostro asoma.
Cortés, en cuyo corazon se encierra
Valor, a quien ningun peligro doma,
Las filas corre, y lleno de osadia:
Compañeros heróicos, les decia,”
[Obras de D. Nicolás y D. Leandro Fernández de Moratín, 1848]


“Ocho dias bastaron para cargar el bergantin, y al último por la noche quedó todo preparado para dar la vela al amanecer. Nunca se oyó zaloma mas viva ni estrepitosa; tal era el estruendo que la corbeta de estacion navegó dos dias con cuidado, creyendo haber oido cañonazos de socorro.”
[El Remolque del Diablo, Periódico Universal, Vol.4, 1848]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:44 PM

“Calóma, sf. Singing out of sailors.
Salóma, sf. Singing out of sailors.
Salomár, vn. To sing out.
Zalóma, sf. Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
Zalomár, vn. To sing out.”
[Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, Saint-Hilaire Blanc, 1848]


“Saloma sf. Canto de'marinaj
Salomar, vn. Cantar manovrando.”
[Diccionario Italiano-Espanol y Espanol-Italiano, Cormon, Manni, 1848

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:48 PM

“Cantar la sonda. To sing the soundings.
Zaloma. The act of singing-out.
Zalomar. To sing-out.”
[Diccionario Marino Español-Inglés para uso del Colegio Naval, Martínez de Espinosa, 1849]


“CELÊUMA, s.f. gritos, vozeria que levantan os marinheiros quando trabalham, para se animarem mutuamente.
CELEUMEAR, v.n. (p. us.) levantar celeuma.”
[Novo Diccionario da Lingua Portugueza, Vol.I, Faria, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:48 PM

“...The shouts of their war-songs were to be heard in chorus with many an old English ballad from the soldiers, as well as the “fore-bitter” (Jack's song) of our own people.”
[Reminiscences of Twelve Month's Service in New Zealand, McKillop, 1849]
Henry Frederick McKillop R.N. (1822-1879)
HMS Calliope (1837)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:50 PM

“MADEIRA
...The manner of expressing the juice I have no where seen particularly described; and although a description of it may not add a relish to the cup, yet it will show the manufacture as conducted according to the old custom, at the present day. A friend of our consul was obliging enough to show us his works, and the machinery for expressing the juice from the grape. It was in a rude sort of shed. On our approach we heard a sort of song, with a continued thumping, and on entering saw six men stamping violently in a vat of six feet square by two feet deep, three on each side of a huge lever beam, their legs bare up to the thighs. On our entrance they redoubled their exertions till the perspiration fairly poured from them; the vat had been filled with grapes, and by their exertions we were enabled to see the whole process….

SYDNEY
...Sydney contains about 24,000 inhabitants, which is about one-fifth part of the whole population (120,000) of the colony; and about one fourth of this number are convicts. In truth, the fact that it is a convict settlement may be at once inferred from the number of police officers and soldiers that are everywhere seen, and is rendered certain by the appearance of “chain-gangs.” The latter reminded us, except in the color of those who composed them, of the coffee-carrying slaves at Rio; but the want of the cheerful song, and the apparent merriment which the Brazilian slaves exhibit in the execution of their tasks, was apparent….

TONGA
...After being three hours on board, hearing that the provisions for the feast had been sent go shore, , they desired to depart, and were again landed. The Tongese sang their boat-song as they sculled his canoe, but this custom, according to Whippy, is not practised by the Feejees.”
[Voyage Round the World, Wilkes, 1849]
Charles Wilkes (1798–1877)
United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 25 Jun 23 - 12:52 PM

“90-92. Rumore secundo. “With joyous shouts,” i.e., on the part of the rowers, encouraging one another at the oar. We have adopted the punctuation of Wagner, who connects these words with what precedes, but refers them to the naval “celeusma,” which regulated the movements of the men at the oars. Heyne, on the other hand, connects the words in question with labitur uncta, &c., placing a semicolon after celerant; a punctuation preferred also by Burgess (ad Dawes. Misc. Crit., p. 446) and Wakefield. The reference will then be to the gurgling noise of the water under the prow, “with a pleasant gurgling sound.” But, as Wagner remarks, since there is nothing very forcible in these words, they give a heavy air, if joined with it, to the line that comes after. The true mode of ap pending them would have been, “Labitur uneta vadis abies rumore secundo.

107-114. Atque inter opacum, &c. “And that they were gliding towards them amid the shady grove, and that (the crews) were bending to the silent oars,” i.e., were rowing silently, but steadily. The expression tacitis remis may refer either to the absence of all shouting on the part of the mariners, or to the cessation of the naval “celeusma.””
[The Aeneïd of Virgil: With English Notes, Critical and Explanatory, a Metrical Clavis, and an Historical, Geographical, and Mythological Index, Virgil, Anthon, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jun 23 - 08:25 PM

“As it is often inconvenient, and sometimes dangerous, to ship and unship the handspikes in a ship's windlass, besides causing much loss of time, and as by it the united strength of many men cannot be employed, the capstern or capstan is used instead of it, in large vessels, to weigh the anchor, and in ships of war, when despatch is needful, a large body of men act together, walking round the capstan, their efforts being rendered simultaneous and uniform by the sound of music, and the cable of the gallant ship, on her return home from a foreign station, is merrily rounded in.
                “A fair wind, and off she goes.”…”

“Referring to the practice of heaving at the capstan on board of ship to the sound of music, it may be remarked that, by this means, a number of those machines, actuated by large bodies of men, may be made to exert their force at once upon the same object; and that the Russians of the present day employ them in moving those immense blocks of stone, of which their public buildings display so many examples; and, also, that they are employed in moving their line-of-battle ships, often built on shallow water at a distance from the sea, until they are fairly floated upon the caissons or “camels,” which are used to buoy them up and enable them to come down the Neva to the Gulf of Finland, towed by a flotilla of row-boats.

The rock on which stands the colossal statue of Peter the Great, was moved from Lachta, in Finland, to the Russian capital by the aid of many capstans worked at the same time by a large body of soldiers, who kept step to the sound of the drum. The impression which the sight of this immense monument made on the author's memory, many years ago, is still fresh and vivid.

The rock, when brought to St. Petersburgh, is said to have weighed 1100 tons, which corresponds with the original dimensions of the stone. These were 42 ft. long at the base, 36 ft. at the top; 21 ft. thick, and 17 ft. high.”
[Rudimentary Treatise on the Construction of Cranes and Machinery for Raising Heavy Bodies, Glynn, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jun 23 - 08:27 PM

“The oars of our voyageurs, keeping time to their cheerful boat song, sent us rapidly over its swelling waves into another pretty watery ganglion called Lake Winnebigoshish; and thence with all possible speed we descended the river to Sandy lake, at the outlet of which the Mississippi is three hundred and thirty-one feet wide.”
[Doc,1, Alex Ramsey, Report of the Secretary of the Interior, 1849]



“Cantar la sonda. To sing the soundings.
Zaloma. The act of singing-out.
Zalomar. To sing-out.”
[Diccionario Marino Ingles-Español, Martínez, 1849]



“The Oregons are a jolly crew… &c.
[Sights of the Gold Region, Johnson, 1849]
Covered in the Advent & Development thread.

Note: The U.S.M. Oregon (1250 tons), was an auxilliary (a sailing steamship) built for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jun 23 - 08:33 PM

“CELEUS'MA (?e?e?e??). The chaunt or cry given out by the cockswain (hortator, pausarius, ?e?e?st??) to the rowers of the Greek and Roman vessels, in order to aid them in keeping the stroke, and encourage them at their work. (Mart. Ep. iii. 67. Rutil. i. 370.) The chaunt was sometimes taken up, and sung in chorus by the rowers, and sometimes played upon musical instruments. Auson. in Div. Verr. 17.
ER'GATA (????t??). A capstan or windlass, for drawing up vessels on to the shore, and for moving heavy weights generally. Vitruv. x. 4.
HORTATOR (?e?e?st??). On board ship, the officer who gave out the chaunt (celeusma), which was sung or played to make the rowers keep the stroke, and, as it were, encourage them at their work (Ovid. Met. iii. 619. Compare Virg. Æn. v. 177. Serv. ad /.), whence the name (solet hortator remiges hortarier, Plaut. Merc. iv. 2. 5.). He sat on the stern of the vessel, with a truncheon in his hand, which he used to heat the time, as represented in the annexed engraving, from the Vatican Virgil.
GUBERNA'TOR (????e???t??). A helmsman or pilot, who sat at the stern to steer the vessel (Cic. Sen. 9.), gave orders to the rowers, and directed the management of the sails. (Virg. Æn. x. 218. Lucan. Viii. 193.) He was next in command to the magister, and immediately above the proreta. (Scheffer, Mil. Nav. p. 302.) The illustration is from a bas-relief found at Pozzuoli.
PAUSA'RIUS. (Senec. Ep. 56.) The officer who gave out the chaunt (celeusmna), and beat the time, by which the rowers kept their stroke; also styled HORTATOR, where an illustration is given.
PRORE'TA (p???at??). A man who stood upon the forecastle at the ship's head (prora to keep a look ut, and make signs to the helmsman how to steer, as in the annexed illustration from a medal. He was second in command to the gubenator, and had every thing belonging to the ship's gear under his care and orders. Plaut. Rud. iv. 3. 86. Rutil. Itin. 1. 455. Schæffer, Mil. Nav. iv. 6.”
[Illustrated Companion to the Latin & Greek Lexicon, Rich, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jun 23 - 08:36 PM

“Their uneasiness evidently increased, as our remaining time diminished; till at length, as the town clock struck twelve, the capstan was manned. The anchor was then hove to the tune of “Off she goes,” performed on a single fife in admirable time, marked by the tread of many feet.”
[My Peninsular Medal, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol.66, Nov., 1849]
Thomas Boys (1792–1880)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jun 23 - 08:37 PM

“CELÉUSTICA, s.f. Arte trasmitir las órdenes por medio de sonidos músicos.
CELÉUSTICAMENTE, adv. m. Por medio de la celéustica.
SALOMA, s.f. Accion ó efecto de salomar.
SALOMAR, v.n. Mar. Gritar el contramestre ó guardian diciendo varias retahilas para que al responder á ellas tiren todos á un tiempo del cabo que tienen en la mano.
ZALOMA, s.f. Cancion usada por los marinos para unir sus esfuerzos cuando tiran de un cabo.
ZALOMAR, v.a. Cantar la zaloma.”
[Diccionario General de la Lengua Castellana, Tom.I-II, Caballero, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jun 23 - 10:35 PM

“...fiddler and fifer all ready to strike up any favorite tune amongst the ship's company. The moment the end of each hawser enters the hawse-hole, away with it, strike up fiddler or fifer, and make a clear run fore and aft the deck until you get in the slack...” [p.65]

“By having the fiddler to play to the men while stoning the decks, I have invariably found that they have rubbed harder, and kept time to the music; this method will prevent that chit chat which you so often hear between the men while stoning the decks, their attention being quite taken up with their work and the music. It always struck me that the decks were better and sooner done in this manner, and the men in much better spirits.” [pp.74-75]

“Ships are frequently deficient of the music which Jack likes best—his favorite fiddle. We have often heard the sailors say, that it was no dance without a little cat-gut. If the seamen have such a liking for this instrument, would it not be desirable to have a rating for a fiddler on board of each of Her Majesty's ships having any stated number of men, with an allowance for a fiddle, and strings. This expense, a few years ago (I believe still) falls upon the senior lieutenant, or by subscription amongst the crew, therefore fiddle or no fiddle, according to fancy. The want of a good fiddler to a ship is a very great loss. A good fifer may do well, but the fife is not the favorite instrument with sailors ; neither can the fifer play so long ; and has many more excuses for not being able to play, such as sore lips, cold, weak chest, with many other et ceteras, which all those who have had these things to contend with, will know too well about. Look at the heavy work of catting and fishing anchors, hoisting topsails, &c. You could far better spare ten men in a full-manned large vessel, while doing this work, than the fiddler or fifer. Every one who has attended to the catting and fishing of an anchor, with or without music, must have remarked the spirited way in which an anchor is walked up with music, the men's feet keeping time beautifully to the tune. You have only to see the same anchor catted without music, to know the effect of the combination of force when applied, by keeping time to music.” [p.302-303]
[Professional Recollections on Points of Seamanship, Liarden, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jun 23 - 10:37 PM

“CALÓMA, s.f. (Naút.) Singing out of sailors when they haul a rope.
SALÓMA, s.f. 1. (Naút.) Singing out of sailors. 2. (Ict.) Goldline, gilt-head.
SALOMÁR, vn. (Naút.) To sing out.
ZALÓMA, s.f. (Naút.) Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMÁR, vn. (Naút.) To sing out.”
[Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, Neuman-Baretti, 1849]


“SALOMA. f. Accion de salomar.
SALOMAR. n. Náut. Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian diciendo varias retahilas para que al responder á ellas tiren todos á un tiempo del cabo que tienen en la mano.”
[Panlexico, Diccionario Universal de la Lengua Castellana, Peñalver, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 27 Jun 23 - 10:42 PM

c.1850
“...whose intercourse with the Muses is confined to such painting as emanates from the non-æsthetical brain of a first-lieutenant, and to the music of the fiddle and pipe, which stimulates Jack to exert himself in heaving round the capstan.”
[Macgillivray, Science at Sea, The Living Age, Vol.41, 1854] (typical several places)
John MacGillivray (1821–1867) –– Scottish naturalist, active in Australia between 1842 and 1867.
HMS Rattlesnake (1822)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jun 23 - 11:37 PM

“...Various vessels of a larger description were at anchor, all bright in the peaceful flush of golden fire-all steeped in the spirit of deep repose. Among them, and not far from the shore, was a magnificent ship of war, getting ready to weigh anchor, from whose decks came, faintly and musically, the voices of the seamen, as they cheered their labour with a sailor's song.”
[Double Duel or Hoboken, Vol.2, Fay, 1843
Theodore Sedgwick Fay (1807–1898)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jun 23 - 11:41 PM

“Now crossing the stream are numerous ferryboats, with passengers fresh from the rest of sleep, buoyant and braced for the day's trials and duties. Now comes ringing upon the ear the merry sound of the sailor's song as the anchor is weighed, the sail spread to the breeze and the vessel's head pointed to the outward passage.”
[The Sailor's Magazine, and Naval Journal, September 1849]


“ –– Du monde au cabestan! s'écria Wilder; il faut profiter de la brise et gagner le large pendant qu'il fait jour.
        Le retentissement des anspects précéda le chant des matelots, et l'ancre pesante fut remontée. Bientôt le vent fraîchit au large, et arriva chargé d'humidité saline.”
[Le Corsaire Rouge, Oeuvres Complètes de Fenimore Cooper, 1850]
Note: Red Rover in French.



“Celeuma, für celeusma, der Freudengefang der Schiffer, Act. SS. Bened. Saec. 4. P. I. p.684.”
[Glossarium Diplomaticum, Brinckmeier, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jun 23 - 11:42 PM

“Denn so wie es von jeher bei den Galeeren der Alten einen eigenen Zurufer, der den Ruderern den Tact zum Rudern gab, und bei den Treckschuyten oder Schleppkähnen auf dem Wasser für die Zugknechte stromaufwärts ein eigenes, den tactmässigen Fortschritt regierendes Taktwort gab **), so wird hier vom Colofs aus commandirt ***)….

** In dem einzigen Vers Martials IV., 64.: nauticum celeusma –– clamor helciariorum, ist Alles zusammengefasst. Der Aegyptier auf dem Kniee des Colossus ist der celeustes, pausarius, hortator (s. Gronov zu Seneca's Agam. 428.). Die ziehenden Aegyptier sind die helciarii. Denn helcion heifst das Zugseil.”
[Kleine Schriften Archäologischen und Antiquarischen Inhalts, Vol.2, Böttiger, Sillig, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jun 23 - 11:43 PM

“YE FISHERMEN OF BRITAIN.

…Let 'Harbours deep, and Beacons clear!'
        Be the burden of your song;+...

+ While straining at the oar, the Greek mariners had their celeusma to give them heart (as the word imports), and enable them to keep time with their stroke. So it is with our modern crews. One of the rude rhyming couplets, used by the 'Buckiemen,' which we have heard in our boyish days, we still remember:
        'It's you the day, and me the morn;
        Johnnie Hunter, blow your horn.'”
[Hogg's Weekly Instructor, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jun 23 - 11:44 PM

“ « Ils se rendaient (nous dit Gildas) aux contrées d'outre-mer,
» poussant un long gémissement, et sous leurs voiles gonflées,
» en place de la chanson des rameurs, psalmodiant ces paroles
» de David: Vous nous avez livrés, Seigneur, comme des agneaux
» à la boucherie; vous nous avez dispersés parmi les nations! (1) »

(1) « Alii transmarinas petebant regiones cum ululatu magno, ceu celeusmatis vice hoc modo sub velorum sinibus cantantes: Dedisti nos tanquam oves escarum, et in gentibus dispersisti nos. » Gild., De Excid., C. Il faut renoncer à rendre l'harmonie lamentable de l'ululatu magno.”
[Bulletin Archéologique de l'Association Bretonne, Vol.2, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jun 23 - 05:15 PM

“Just after sundown that evening, while we were lying to, and the try-works were blazing, there was seen going slowly by the ship, a rod or two off, a large sun-fish. The captain cautiously lowered his boat, and, paddling lightly, was up with him, and had effectually darted his cruel iron before danger was suspected. Finding it impossible to hoist him into the boat or warp him along, they made fast another iron, and came to the ship with the tow-line, which the men at once reeved round a block, and soon merrily hauled him in, singing the while a sailor's song."
[The Whale and His Captors, Cheever, 1850]


“Ships are here from all ports. In view are vessels just arrived, others just departing. Hark! you can hear the sailor's song and the rattling of the cordage. Up, up go the sails, one toss of the sailor's hat, one adieu to the landsmen and they are off….”
[The Life, Letters and Speeches of Kah-ge-ga-gah-bowh, Copway, 1850*]
*First published in 1847.
George Copway (1818–1869)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jun 23 - 05:16 PM

“SOUNDS ON SHIPBOARD.–'Tis pleasant to sit down on one of the little hillocks near the harbor, watch the flock of immense birds, those eagles of commerce, the ships, as they sit like gorged birds of prey mill expand their white wings to the morning sun and drying breeze, and listen to the songs of the seamen as they hoist the rich wares and goods from the teeming hatches, or let down into their enormous depositories loads for other markets, or heave away at the handspike, while the pall beats its echoing tattoo to their "heave ho," and the crooked anchor comes grudgingly up from the holding ground, with its flukes full of mud, to tell them that it has been faithful and two to its trust.

Those are sounds akin to them which the old tars of the Mediterranean sang at Tyre before the days of Alexander; which the crews of the felluccas used to give in chorus while gliding over the bay of Syracuse, ere Dyonisius suspended the sword by the horse hair over the head of his guest, or Archimides lost his sense of danger and his life in his abstraction in the pursuit of science. Millions on the shores and decks of the Levant have listened to such sounds, and cities once great and wealthy, now almost or quite sunk into nothingness, have listened to those rude yet pleasant cadences and heard in them the proclamation of their greatness, wealth, and glory, or in their gradual decrease, the decay of their prosperity.

Like the light, the centre of such tokens of grandeur—and they are such, although they come from the lungs of simple tars, these unhonored heralds of the prince merchants of the world—they have passed westward from Tyre to Rome; from Alexandria to Venice; thence to Lisbon and London, Boston and New York, and now in this young city of the west, the youth of commerce and trade, once in its flush in those now old places has found voice and utterance, and the vigor which has passed away from the limbs of some of them, begins to show signs of manhood in this the Tyre of the nineteenth century. The Pacific is our Mediterranean, and it will be the fault of our own people if San Francisco is not to this great ocean what the island city was to that intercontinental sea.”
[Daily Alta California, Vol.2, 25 Dec 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jun 23 - 05:19 PM

“Auffingen.
E. To sing out. –– F. Donner la voix. –– Sp. Zalomar. –– P. Zalomar. –– I. Salomare –– Sch. Sjunga up. –– D. Opsynge. –– H. Opzingen.
Wenn der Bootsmann oder auch einer der Matrosen durch einen gesangartigen Ausruf das Zeichen giebt, wonach, alle an einem Tau ziehenden Leute zugleich anzichen, oder beim Winden namentlich am Bratspill zugleich an den Spaafen ziehen müssen.”
[Allgemeines Nautisches Wörterbuch mit Sacherklärungen, Bobrik, 1850]


“Pendant la belle saison, des centaines de navires s'y rassemblent; le chant des matelots retentit tout le jour au fond de cet hémicycle creusé, comme un entonnoir, dans le roc vif, et monte vers la haute ville en joyeuse clameur.”
[L'Amérique Anglaise, Revue des Deux Mondes, Vol.8, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jun 23 - 05:20 PM

“The capstans are turned, by means of long bars, inserted horizontally into the holes of its upper part; several men push against these, and so turn the capstan round; and a cable being thus wound round it, the length of the capstan bars, on the principle of the lever, enables the men to raise the enormous anchors of nearly ninety hundred weight. It is a pretty sight to see sixty or eighty men “manning the capstan,” as it is called, and, while they work, the drummer and fifer stand by and play a merry tune, to which the men keep time; and up goes the anchor, quite joyfully.”
[Something About Ships, Peter Parley's Magazine, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jun 23 - 05:23 PM

“The rope fastened to the anchor happened to be far from sound, and as the three or four sailors went on pulling lustily, to the music of Jack's melodious “Yo-heave-ho-heave-ho-o-yo-ho,” it broke with a tremendous splash. There were running to and fro, and hurried exclamations and commands from two or three men who were directing our movements from the pier; and then the rope was spliced, and the operation of weighing went on more cautiously. Meanwhile further help had been obtained in the shape of the fiddler belonging to the vessel, one of the most comic-looking fellows ever seen, and who threw my friend R––– into roars of laughter. But this man deserves a paragraph to himself.”
[Eliza Cook's Journal, Vols.3-4, 1850]
Eliza Cook (1818–1889)


“Particularly, I remembered standing with my father on the wharf when a large ship was getting under way, and rounding the head of the pier. I remembered the yoe heave ho! of the sailors, as they just showed their woolen caps above the high bulwarks….”
[Redburn, Melville, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 30 Jun 23 - 05:26 PM

““Up anchor,” exclaimed Herbert; and the Boatswain's call resounded shrilly through the decks.

“Up anchor, a-hoy,” growled a peculiarly rough voice, echoed by the Boatswain's mates, and in an instant the capstan was running round cheerily.

“We must run it right up to the bows without a stop, lads,” said Herbert.

A slight hurrah replied.

“Boys and idlers to the stern warp,” said Herbert; “boats a-head.”

“Heave and aweigh,” shouted the Boatswain from forward, piping the appropriate call, the drummer and fifer struck up a lively air, there was, as Herbert had required, no stop, no stay.

“Heave and awash,” was heard in that same cast-iron voice.

“Paul, ho!” followed; the capstan was pauled, the capstan bars were unshipped,...”
[The Petrel, Vol.3, Fisher, 1850]
William Fisher (1780–1852)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Jul 23 - 08:36 PM

“Ships' Capstans.––There were exhibited two specimens of Ships' Capstans, worked like fire-engines, with a pump handle motion, instead of the old capstan worked by handspikes, which the men pushed against while they ran round to a lively tune of the ship's fifer, with great exertion, tremendous stamping noise, and occasionally serious accidents, from the weight of the cable overpowering the men, and flinging the handspikes in all directions. This old-fashioned capstan has been superseded in the Navy by some one or other of several patent machines. The full-sized one exhibited by a London house seemed very good; the turning power, obtained by simple friction-bands, making no noise on the return stroke, worked by two arms that require no shipping and unshipping, which is always so dangerous on a dark night: it has the great advantage of simplicity––there is nothing to clog.”
[The Great Exhibition, Year-Book of Facts in Science and the Arts, 1851]
Great Exhibition (1851)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Jul 23 - 08:38 PM

“*CËLEUMA, atis, n. Asc. Ped. et
CËLEUSMA, atis, n. (…, exhorter). Cri par lequel les rameurs s'encouragent. || Signal qui indique aux matelots les différentes manœuvres.
CËLEUSTES, æ, m. Bud. Celui qui veille sur des matelots ou des ouvriers, comite, inspecteur de travaux.
[Dictionarium Latino-Gallicum, Noël, 1851]


“SALOMARE. Sa-lo-mà-re. N. ass. V. Spagn. Marin. Dare la voce. [Salomar presso gli Spagnuoli è cantare, come fanno i marinai, nell'atto della manovra. In ebr. tsahal alzar la voce, mandar fuori la voce lieta, e jam mare.]”
[Dizionario della Lingua Italiana, Vol.3, Cardinali, 1851]


“Consonar, consono, as, concino, is || tener conformidad ó relacion, congruo, is, convenio, is || ser consonantes las dicciones, voces similiter desinere, cadere || v. salomar.
“Saloma, nautica opera canendo acta.
Salomar operani canendo facere.
Zaloma etc., v. saloma.”
[Diccionario Español-Latino, Francisco de Paula Mas y Artigas, 1851]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Jul 23 - 08:41 PM

“There was a pause: the mate having done his duty by finding the parochial dignitary's protégées, had slipped away to more important business; a chorus of sailors "yo heave ho-ing" at a chain cable had ceased, and for a few moments, by common consent, silence seemed to have taken possession of the long dark gallery of the hold.”
[Two Scenes in the Life of John Bodger, Household Words, Vol.6, Dickens, 1851]


“A countryman was standing on the wharf in the city, the other day, watching the process of hoisting the anchor of a ship which was getting under weigh, and as he saw the huge iron rise from the water to the “yo heave ho!” of the sailors, he exclaimed: “You may heave high and heave low, but you'll never get that great crooked thing through that little hole––I know better.””
[Carpet-bag: A Literary Journal, Vol.1, 1851]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Jul 23 - 08:43 PM

“The noise, the bustle, the agitation, increases every moment. Soon the shrill cheering of the boys is joined by the deep voices of the "seiners." There they stand, six or eight stalwart, sunburnt fellows, ranged in a row in the "seine" boat, hauling with all their might at the "tuck" net, and roaring the regular nautical "Yo-heave-ho!" in chorus! Higher and higher rises the net, louder and louder shout the boys and the idlers. The merchant forgets his dignity, and joins them; the "huer," so calm and collected hitherto, loses his self-possession and waves his cap triumphantly-even you and I, reader, uninitiated spectators though we are, catch the infection, and cheer away with the rest, as if our bread depended on the event of the next few minutes. Hooray! hooray! Yo-hoy, hoy, hoy! Pull away, boys! Up she comes! Here they are! Here they are!" The water boils and eddies; the "tuck" net rises to the surface, and one teeming, convulsed mass of shining, glancing, silvery scales; one compact crowd of thousands of fish, each one of which is madly endeavouring to escape, appears in an instant!
[The Pilchard Fishery, Rambles Beyond Railways Or, Notes in Cornwall Taken A-foot, Collins, 1851]
William Wilkie Collins (1824–1889)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Jul 23 - 08:45 PM

“CELÊUMA, s.f.. (do Lat, celeusma ou seleuma, do Gr. keleusma, de keleu?, bradar; grítar, exhortar, chamar.) gritos, vozeria que levantam os marinheiros quando trabalham, para se animarem mutuamente.

                A celeuma medonha se lévanta,
                No rudo marinheiro que trabalhas:
                                        CAMÕES, Lus., 11, 25:

Tambem se diz dos vindimadores e de outros trabalhadores, que se espertam a trabalhar com vozerias mais ou menos desentoadas.

CELEUMEÁR, v.n. (celeuma, ar des. inf.) (p. us.) levantar celeuma.”
[Novo Diccionario de Lingua Portugueza, Vol.2, Faria, 1851]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 01 Jul 23 - 08:46 PM

“AOYT. Salomar, ó cantar.
GANDANG. Tocar campana bisaya alternando con otro instrumento, para dar y hacer compás á los remadores, á los que bailan, &c. * Tambor.
HIA. Expresion que dicen regularmente los remadores cuando van remando, para animarse mútuamente al trabajo. * Unas veces la dicen alternando, pricipiando uno y repitiéndola los demás; otras veces la cantan todos á un tiempo.
HILO HINLI. Salomar, cantar los grumetes, marineros y remadores.
HOLÓ. Modo de cantar, y cancion de que usan los que arrastran maderas y otras cosas pesadas, para animarse mútuamente al trabajo * Cantar para entretener y hacer dormir á los niños. * Cantar los grumetes y remadores. * Cuando cantan principia uno repiten los demas, en el mismo tono, lo que aquel dijo.
“LOÁG LOÁG. Expresion con que se anima á lps remadores para que boguen bien y canten....”
[Diccionario Bisaya-Espanol (y Espanol-Bisaya,) Juan Felis de la Encarnación, 1851]
Visayans

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Jul 23 - 11:34 PM

“«Heave round, sir,» was the calm reply.
«Heave round!» repeated Griffith, aloud.
«Heave round!» echoed a dozen eager voices at once, and the lively strains of a fife struck up a brisk air, to enliven the gloomy scene. The capstan was instantly set in motion, and the measured tread of the seamen was heard, as they stamped the deck in the circle of their march. For a few minutes no other sounds were heard, if we except the voice of an officer, occasionally cheering the sailors, when it was announced that they were «short,» or, in other words, that the ship was nearly over her anchor.

«Heave and pall!» cried Griffith; when the quavering notes of the whistle were again succeeded by a general stillness in the vessel.”
[The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea, Cooper, 1824]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Jul 23 - 11:38 PM

“Harry conducted Rose to the poop of the Poughkeepsie, where she might enjoy the best view of the operation of getting so large a craft under way, man-of-war fashion. The details were mysteries, of course, and Rose knew no more of the process by which the chain was brought to the capstan, by the intervention of what is called a messenger, than if she had not been present. She saw two hundred men distributed about the vessel, some at the capstan, some on the forecastle, some in the tops, and others in the waist, and she heard the order to “heave round.” Then the shrill fife commenced the lively air of “the girl I left behind me,” rather more from a habit in the fifer, than from any great regrets for the girls left at the Dry Tortugas, as was betrayed to Mulford by the smiles of the officers, and the glances they cast at Rose.” [p.143]

The process of making sail succeeded. There was no “letting fall” a fore-topsail here, as on board a merchantman, but all the canvas dropped from the yards, into festoons, at the same instant. Then the three topsails were sheeted home and hoisted, all at once, and all in a single minute of time; the yards were counter-braced, and the capstan-bars were again manned. In two more minutes it was “heave and she's up and down.” Then “heave and in sight,” and “heave and pull again.” The cat-fall was ready, and it was “hook on,” when the fife seemed to turn its attention to another subject as the men catted the anchor. Literally, all this was done in less time than we have taken to write it down in, and in very little more time than the reader has wasted in perusing what we have here written.” [p.144]
[Jack Tier or The Florida Reef, Cooper, 1852]
aka Rose Budd &c &c.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Jul 23 - 11:40 PM

1804
“...The oxen were transported from our schooner to the Blenheim with great rapidity; a strap was fastened round the horns of the animal, which was then thrown overboard, and with a line attached, hauled alongside, and hoisted on board by the head with the capstan, with the cheering music of the shrill fife, to keep time, and give life and animation to the novelty of the scene….”
[Second Series of Voyages to Various Parts of the World, Made Between the Years 1802 and 1841, Coggeshall, 1852]

HMS Blenheim (1761)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Jul 23 - 11:42 PM

“A black line of demarcation points out accurately the extent to which, in this tideless sea, the nuisance of the city sewerage proceeds; that, however, passed, all nuisances are at an end; and by the time the boat has advanced through a host of brownbacked divers, rising thick round its course, and snorting like a company of seals, the complexion of the water has cleared; the babel of city sounds, and the nearer nauticum keleusma of the shipping, have blended their jarring elements, reconciled by distance into a monotonous and not unpleasing hum, scarcely heard amidst the flapping of the breeze-tossed canvas, and the water tapping the tarry sides of the boat; while a-head the sea is traversed in all directions by zebecs and feluccas.”
[Panorama of Naples and its Vicinity, Fraser's Magazine for Town and Country, Vol.44, 1851]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Jul 23 - 11:44 PM

“Arigot, m. kind of fife, employed in martial music.
Un, Deux, Trois! interj. exclamation, or song, used by French seamen when hauling the bowlines; in like manner English sailors call out, haul-in! haul-to! haul-belay!
Voix, f. voice; vote; song used by sailors when heaving, hoisting or hauling; donner la —, to sing out; porte —, speaking trumpet; à la portée de —, within hail, call; vive —, parole; à la — !mind the song!
Shanty, s. hutte, cabane, baraque, f.
Song, s. (used when heaving, hoisting, &c.), voix, f.; mind the — ! à la voix!”
[A Naval and Military Technical Dictionary of the French, 2nd, ed., Burn, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 02 Jul 23 - 11:45 PM

“The Zinc Mines in the State of of New Jersey are also yielding largely and profitably. An English paper, speaking of the unloading of the Frigate St. Lawrence at Southampten, says: The greatest curiosity was a monster block of Zinc ore, weighing about eight tons; about seventy men were employed half an hour in raising it from the hold of the vessel and landing it on the quay. It was lifted by means of the capstan, which was manned by fifty-two men, who were working it in measured step to the music of a fife. The zinc ore came from New Jersey, and is cubical in its form, and measured about four feet in height.”
[Mining in North America, The Western Literary Messenger, Vol.16, No.1, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Jul 23 - 11:54 PM

“In Quebec where so many proud English ships lie––proud, because their sailors mix with the "yo-heave-o," the song "Britannia rules the main," –– our ship has arrested the attention of British subjects;...” [pp.94-95]

“Others remain upon the decks to ply the braces, and as they hasten over the sounding decks, or loudly sing their nautical songs, with the merry chorus of "Yo, heave O!" it is impossible to sleep or converse in the cabins below….” [p.115]

“And now you hear the boatswain's whistle again, and the "Yo! heave O!" of the young sailors, as they spring at the capstain and weigh anchor….” [p.384]
[Glimpses and Gatherings During a Voyage and Visit to London and the Great Exhibition in the Summer of 1851, Drew, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Jul 23 - 11:55 PM

“...The seamen, partly 'proletarians, or citizens of the poorest class, partly Etruscans or Greeks from the maritime states of Italy, were all unaccustomed to row in the quinqueremes, and the Romans, perhaps, had never handled an oar of any sort. While the ships were building, therefore, to lose no time, the future crew of each quinquereme, were ranged upon benches ashore, in the same order, that to us undiscoverable problem, in which they were hereafter to sit on board; the keleustes, whose voice or call regulated the stroke in the ancient galleys, stood in the midst of them, and at his signal they went through their movements, and learned to keep time together, as if they had been actually afloat.” [p.134]

“...Fourscore light galleys and brigantines, of fifty and thirty oars, were disembarked on the Bosphorus shore; arranged successively on rollers; and drawn forwards by the power of men and pulleys. Two guides or pilots were stationed at the helm, and the prow of each vessel: the sails were unfurled to the winds; and the labor was cheered by song and acclamation...” [p.203]

“...The cries of fear and of pain were drowned in the martial music of drums, trumpets, and attaballs; and experience has proved, that the mechanical operation of sounds, by quickening the circulation of the blood and spirits, will act on the human machine more forcibly than the eloquence of reason and honor.” [p.205]
[Universal Naval History, Frost, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Jul 23 - 11:57 PM

“No sooner were the vessels in sight of each other, than a beating of drums from on board the frigate, startled the ears of our Yankee prize crew, and summoned to quarters the crews of the enemy. Soon the cries of "Yo, heave oh!" and the rapid fall of the palls of the windlass, announced to those on board the ship that one or both of the vessels was getting underweigh, and that they might expect another chase….”
[Yankee Jack, Or, The Perils of a Privateersman, Hazel, 1852]


“Keleusma (Gr.), a command, encouragement; proceleusmatic.”
[A Dictionary of the English Language, Reid, 1852]


“Sailors when they pull at a rope accompany their work with a not unmusical “Yo-heave-ho!” which, they say, helps them considerably; but the coalwhipper works in silence. His labour is severe, and he goes at it as if he meant it.”
[The Coalwhipper, The Working Man's Friend, and Family Instructor, Vol.I, No.25, 20 March 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Jul 23 - 11:58 PM

“Suppose, most courteous reader, that you have courage to accompany us on shore at this "Botany Bay" town, what do we encounter? Stepping into a skiff alongside the vessel, about ten in the morning, we thread our way amongst a busy mass of shipping, from the small coasting cutter to the square-rigged vessel, of a thousand tons, all employed lading and unlading, with ever and anon the cheerful "yeo heave, Oh!" of the sailors.” [p.18]

“The cheerful sound of the sailors with their “yeo, heave oh!” awakens us from our reverie, bringing to recollection the months we spent at sea on the passage out, and we become once more interested in the working of a ship.” [p.78]
[The Gold Regions of Australia, Mossman, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Jul 23 - 11:27 PM

“Somewhere about a mile out of Naples, on the Baian side of the bay, half-way up that broiling and dusty, but beautiful and quite descriptionless road, the Strada Nuova; above where the last faint fremitus of sound rises from the guggling rocks; where the nauticum keleusma of the port, and the deafening discords of the Chiaja, harmonized by distance, and blended by gentle zephyrs, fall in soft symphony on the lulled listening ear, peacefully and unjarringly as the wave-borne whisper, or the buzz from a reposing hive––...”
[The Gurnard Group, Fraser's Magazine for Town and Country, October, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Jul 23 - 11:28 PM

““Cheerly, cheerly, men !” was the animating cry of the officer in command, as the massive links of the chain-cable came slowly, as if with obstinate reluctance, through the hawse-hole.

“Up with the anchor, lads; toss him up to the bow!” vociferated the officer.

Merrily revolved the capstan-wheel, while muscles and sinews were energetically strained to keep time to a lively tune from the fife. A hundred men concentrated their powers to weigh the anchor. Gay was their measured tramp, and irresistible appeared their strength as they rapidly circumambulated the great mechanical purchase….” [p.204]

“After disemboweling our prey, we attached a strong line to his horns, and, with a sailor-song from thirty hoarse throats, dragged him down to water's edge, towed him off, and hoisted him in with a runner and tackle, not liking to trust his great weight to the yard.” [p.275]
[Atlantic and Transatlantic: Sketches Afloat and Ashore, Mackinnon, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Jul 23 - 11:30 PM

“*CÉLEUSME, subst. mas. (céleucsme), t. de mar., cri des rameurs pour s'encourager mutuellement. –– Signal qu'on donne aux matelots pour passer d'une manœuvre à une autre.
*CÉLEUSTE, subst. mas. (celleucste), t. de mar., celui qui donne des ordres aux matelots, aux rameurs et aux autres employés d'un bâtiment.”
[Dictionnaire Général et Grammatical des Dictionnaires Français, Landais, 1852]


“Fifty of May.––“Rolling down to St. Helena,”* as the sailors' song has it….”
[Kathay: A Cruise in the China Seas, Macaulay, 1852]

*c.1836 Homeward Bound (S.C.C.?)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Jul 23 - 11:32 PM

“Si à ce mouvement perpétuel on ajoute les cris des bateliers turcs qui s'avertissent réciproquement pour éviter les chocs dangereux, le chant des matelots européens, enfin toutes les scènes de la vie qui se succèdent dans ces lieux où une population venue de tous les points du globe se donne rendez-vous, on aura une idée à peu près de l'activité qui règne dans le port de Constantinople.”
[Voyaga à Constantinople et en Égypte,Vimercati, 1852]


“When he stepped on board, the hearty “yo, heave yo!” of the sailors at the windlass greeted his ears, and, ere many minutes, the good ship was dashing swiftly through the waves, under a cloud of canvass….”
[Darby, E.A., The Union Story, Waverley Magazine, Vol.4, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 08 Jul 23 - 11:33 PM

“Vingt-huit personnes étaient à bord du bâtiment; tout semblait leur promettre une traversée heureuse : l'air était balsamique et pur; le chant des matelots se mariait doucement au bruit des vagues; et le capitaine Hodoul, tranquillement assis auprès de madame Malfit, une des passagères du bâtiment, devisait du pays natal.”
[5 Avril, Trait de Devouement (de la part de deux negres,) Une Lecture pour Chaque Jour de l'année,1852]


“The brig, Nicoll saw, was afloat; and he thought he heard the yo––heave––yo––of the sailors hoisting the anchors or sails….”
[Time and Tide; Or, Strive and Win, Roe, 1852]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 23 - 11:03 PM

“Sur les bâtiments à rames de l'antiquité, un officier, du nom de proreta, se tenait à la proue, chargé de veiller devant, d'avertir quand il apercevait quelque chose à éviter, quelque écueil à tourner, de suivre le vent dans ses variations, de diriger la route lorsqu'il y avait quelque danger que le timonier ne pouvait pas voir: ce qui le fait nommer élégamment par Övide prore tutela, la sauve-garde de la proue, Si l'homme du gouvernail (le pilote, patron ou capitaine) devait quitter le timon (clavus), le proreta le remplaçait, On voit que le brigadier dans nos chaloupes ou nos canots, et l'officier en second de tout bâtiment, ont aujourd'hui les devoirs du prorète, qui était charge aussi de placer les rameurs à leurs avirons, de soigner tous les ustensiles, instruments, agrès nécessaires au navire, et de veiller au maintien de l'ordre. Après le proreta était le hortator ou portisculus. Cet officier, armé d'une baguette (portisculus) qui avait nommé sa fonction, était charge d'exciter, par ses exhortations (hortationes), le mouvement des rameurs, à qui il battait la mesure avec son portiscule comme un chef d'orchestre avec son bâton. Sa place était à la proue; mais il se promenait souvent entre les bancs, marquant quelquefois sans doute, sur les épaules des rameurs inattentifs ou paresseux, le mouvement qu'ils avaient manqué. Le comito des galères du moyen âge, les comite, come et souscome des galères des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles, ont continué l'hortator. On étonnerait bien sans doute un argousin, un de ces soldats des bagnes qui veillent sur les forçats dans les embarcations et sur les chantiers, si on leur disait que leur office date de quelque deux mille années, et que leur bâton n'est autre chose que le portiscule dont parlent Ennius et Plaute.

Il est vrai qu'on ne surprendrait pas moins le maitre d'équipage armé du sifflet, si on lui disait: Maître, vous avez à la main un petit tube d'argent qui fut le signe de commandement d'Annebaut, l'amiral de François Ier. Ce signe, il le tenait des successeurs d'un esclave, d'un histrion qui, au temps des Grecs, chantait sur la flute des airs cadencés pour occuper les rameurs, les faire nager ensemble, et pour donner l'élan aux matelots quand ils avaient quelques manœuvres de force à faire. Chaque vaisseau avait son jussor, avertisseur, qu'on appelait aussi le musicien (symphoniacus); il excitait les marins par le rhythme musical, comme le portiscule par sa voix, qui marquait le temps fort de la mesure jouée par la flute. Le cri du portiscule, c'est le celeusme religieusement conservé par Rabelais; c'est le: « une, deux, trois, hourra! », des matelots du commerce et des forçats, quand ils hissent quelque lourd fardeau; c'est le cri mesuré, le chant (à quatre temps en général) qu'un matelot, l'hortator moderne, proférait encore, il y a quinze ans, dans tous les hissements de huniers, de barriques, de canons, et dans tous les bordements de voiles un peu pénibles. Personne ne crie plus, ne chante plus aujourd'hui sur les vaisseaux de guerre français; le sifflet et le fifre renouvellent ou, pour mieux dire, perpétuent la tradition du symphoniaque.”
[La France Maritime, Vol.3, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 23 - 11:05 PM

“Business of the Day was done; my Father was goffiping with Hugh Braidfoot next Door; there was a pleafing Confufion of distant Sounds from the City and along the Water; Boatmen calling "Yo, heave ho," and finging Snatches of Boatfongs;...”
[Cherry & Violet, Manning, 1853]
Anne Manning (1807–1879)


“From the beach at Küssnacht darting, sped our boat along the tide,
Clear the rowers' song of parting echoed from the steep lake-side;
Fitfully the light breeze creeping, scarcely stirred the sleeping bay;
O'er its crystal bosom sweeping, joyously we held our way!”
[Morland, William Wallace, Rigi-Culm, The Knickerbocker, Vol.41, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 23 - 11:07 PM

“The sun had scarce appeared, when, as if to greet him, a swarm of seamen sprang aloft, the sails dropped from the yards, and soon the ship was clothed in a cloud of canvass, a shrill pipe then woke the stillness of the deep and a voice, that for harshness might have aroused all the fair sleepers on the island, dismally proclaimed in the hoarse “Up anchor” that our holiday at Honolulu was at an end. The capstan was manned and we began to weigh our ponderous anchor, but how dismally it came up, clank, clank, clank went the cable slowly and cheerlessly, in vain, the fiddler played and scraped until he was nearly black in the face, vain were his merriest tunes, at last he began to get savage and struck up “the girls we left behind us,” catgut and fiddle string! it was all to no purpose, nothing could rouse us. “Our hearts were sad, our thoughts were far away,” even the impetuous little fiddle began to look plaintiff….”
[Life on Board a Man-of-War, No.1, The Friend, November, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 23 - 11:08 PM

“Calomar: véase zalomar.
Comitre de galera, arraunarizaya. Lat. Remigum hortator.”
Zaloma, lo que cantan y repiten los marineros al hacer alguna faena, es voz bascongada, zaloma, zaleuma que significa lo mismo, de donde la tomó el griego, y despues el latin celeusma, tis vox hortatoria.
Zalemar, zalomatu, zaleumatu. Lat. Celeusma canere.
Zaomero, zalomaria, zaleumaria. Lat. Celeustes, æ, hortator.”
[Diccionario Trilingue del Castellano, Bascuence y Latin, Tom.I-II, Larramendi, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Jul 23 - 11:10 PM

“CHANTER, v.a. ? To sing, To sing out.
DONNER la voix. ? To sing out.
[Dictionnaire de la Terminologie et des Locutions de la Marine à Voile et à Vapeur, Fr., Eng., and Russ, Shul'ts, 1853]
Note: With translations in Cyrillic script.


“To Sing out, v.a. (in hoisting heavy weights, to give by the voice the sign for drawing the rope by the workmen)(Mar.) *Aufsingen * Donner la voix.”
[Dictionnaire Technologique, Franke, 1853]


“So farewell, California! The rough singing of the sailors sounded in my ears like the chimes of home!”
[Narrative of a Journey Round the World, Gerstäcker, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 23 - 08:39 PM

“...As a proof of the sustaining power of a tune, we might point out many instances. Look at those young ladies-pale, delicate-looking creatures, with weak, nervous constitutions! How would they endure the toil of dancing through a whole night did not the cadence of the music come to their aid. A regiment of soldiers, tired with a long march, can start afresh and feel no more fatigue, when they hear the drum and fife. A sailor sings as he works at the capstan, or hauls in a rope. Scores of other instances might be given of this effect of music, or, rather, of rhythm in sustaining the regular action of the muscles.”
[Physical Education, No.II, The Popular Educator, Vol.3, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 23 - 08:42 PM

“...“Man the topsail halyards,” “Hoist away the topsails,” “Stamp, and go.” The first lieutenant carrying on the duty, not a whisper being even audible in any other part of the ship. Up flew the topsail yards all nearly together in about one-quarter of the time that in the old Albion transport, with the “Yo, yo, yo, oh yo,” one could have been got up;…

...“Belay, and belay again,” as the marks were in; “Ship the capstan bars,” were the next orders they having been temporarily unshipped to make room for setting the topsails. “Stand by your nippers below; heave round,” which to the tune of a well-played fife, away walked the men at the capstan. “Short-stay a pique,” piped and said the boatswain. “Go on,” ordered the first, but it was no go; from quadrically less and less speed, still beautifully less, the fife easing off to no note at all, the capstan came to a stand still….”
[Earnest Atherley; or, Scenes at Home and Abroad, The Sporting Review, Vol.29, Craven ed., 1853]
Lord William Pitt Lennox (1799–1881)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 23 - 08:45 PM

“According to their custom when engaged in hard and heavy work, they kept singing a sort of rude song or chorus, in their own language, to encourage one another, just as our sailors sing out 'Heave ho!' when pulling together at a rope.”
[The Mangaia Bibles, Christian missions, The Child's Companion, 1853]
Mangaia



“Post-Revolution:
The East India, West India, and Russia trade, were prosecuted with vigor, and the docks and wharves indicated a degree of commercial prosperity highly gratifying to the inhabitants. Now was again heard the music of the “ye-heave-ho,” from the active tars who were loading and unloading the numerous vessels at the wharves.”
[History of Rhode Island, Peterson, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 23 - 08:46 PM

“The Swedish brig, “Nordstjernan,” displayed, on the morning of the opening day, her yellow and blue flag, as the signal of her approaching departure. The crew was busied in that “regular confusion” which always characterizes the deck of a merchant ship, when about to sail. Here and there sounded the “yo heave ho,” of some of the sailors, who, with one accord, hung the whole weight of their bodies upon a rope, to bring the tackle into the right position and order, the deficiencies of which would only strike the practised eye of a seaman.”
[Dolores, A Historical Novel, Harring, 1853]
Harro Paul Harring (1798–1870)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Jul 23 - 08:47 PM

“Let any one fancy an excursion amidst 900 ships, great and small, which lined both shores of the Elbe in tiers of three deep or more; the passing to and fro of countless boats busily employed in loading or unloading these vessels; these things, together with the shouting and singing of the sailors, the rattling of anchors which are being weighed, and the rush and swell of passing steamers, combine to constitute a picture not to be surpassed in any city except in that metropolis of the world, London.”
[Visit to Iceland and the Scandinavian North, Pfeiffer, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d.Conch
Date: 20 Jul 23 - 01:13 PM

“Now commenced the tedious and laborious operation of warping* through the slough, rendered necessary by the strength of a current like a mill-race. This process of course devolved on the crew; but for the sake of our own progress, as well as to aid them, we took turns in lending a hand to the ropes. Two of the sailors taking a canoe and coil of strong rope, paddle near the shore, a distance along which they judge their line will extend to the vessel. Making securely fast to an old stump, or the trunk or limb of a tree, close to the water's edge, they return rapidly down the stream, unreeving the rope, taking care that it does not get foul either of trees or half-sunken snags. Reaching the vessel, the line is there seized by all hands, and with a yo heave O, she is slowly and steadily warped up stream, accidents from snags, shoals, and overhanging trees, frequently occurring, a gentle spice to the patience of the crowd.”
[California and Oregon, Or, Sights in the Gold Region, and Scenes by the Way, Johnson, Thurston, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Jul 23 - 01:14 PM

“CALO'MA, cal-ó-mah, s.f. (Nau.) Singing out of sailors when they haul a rope.
SALO'MA, sah-ló-mah. s.f. 1. (Nau.) Singing out of sailors. 2. (Ichth.) Goldline, gilthead.
SALOMA'R, sah-lo-mar', vn. (Nau.) To sing out.
ZALO'MA, thal-ó-mah, s.f. (Nau.) Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMA'R, thal-o-mar', vn. (Nau.) To sing out.”
[Pronouncing Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, Velázquez, 1853]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Jul 23 - 01:15 PM

“The hummals in the timber yards, and on the stone wharfs, use slings and a stout pole by means of which a gang of no more than eight or ten will carry off sticks of timber, or masses of stone, of very considerable bulk. I observed that these men timed their movements by uttering a sort of song in cadence, as men ever learn to do when the object is to unite their strength in moving some one heavy substance: hence the heave-ho of the sailor, the grunting, and the cadential chaunt of the India palankeen bearers, the wild song of the Arabs, or their shouting which Layard so well describes as they worked at his winged bull. And here I find these grave, hard-featured, bearded men, after their grave fashion, stretching their lungs and limbs together to some pious cry of allah or the like: what is this consentaneous action of the respiratory organs as aiding in the union of muscular power, and exhibition of strength? It is an actual thing which labouring man practically discovers all the world over, and which I have often seen laughed over in the well-known drawing-room pastime as absurd and ridiculous, when we failed, breathing together, to raise our recumbent friend breathing with us, on our finger points, and that for very merriment over our own proper nonsense in trying the experiment.”
[Idle Days in Egypt, A Selection from the Writings, Prose and Poetical, of the Late Henry W. Torrens, Vol.2, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Jul 23 - 01:18 PM

“From the decks of these vessels came the peculiar and picturesque sounds which, when mellowed by distance, have a thrilling effect upon the ear-the animating cries of the sailors, who on board the smaller class of merchantships still weigh the anchor and hoist the sails to the wild chant of Yoe, heave-ho!'”
[Sergeant Maxwell, A Tale of the Late War, Chambers's Pocket Miscellany, Vol.3, 1854]


“...The Younghall had the American and French flags flying, and was favored by the bugle and “yo heave ho” of the Cordellers*, as they plied the barge away from the current to trade with the inhabitants, and discover an opening….”
[Selma, Younghall, The Opal, Vol.IV, No.10, 1854]
*See also: Warping above.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Jul 23 - 01:18 PM

“On their embarkation and departure, and whilst they were making for the shore in a fine cutter yacht, always at the disposal of the dockyard chief,–– the Slasher had commenced heaving in on her small bower anchor, or in other words was in the act of “unmooring:” the men at the capstan went round merrily to the drum and fife, playing “the girl I left behind me,” while the officers were frequently heard to cheer them on with such sentences as, “Well behaved my lads.” “Heave round cheerly boys.” “Stamp and go men.” “What say ye' for a rally lads.” “Heave and a wash,” and so on until the order was given “Paul the capstan.” Implying that the ponderous anchor was now at the hawse hole, which in due time was “catted,” and “fished,” the “messenger” brought to the best bower cable, and once more the capstan revolved to a change of tune, as the cable was shortened into a “long stay peak;” the breeze being rather too strong for loosing sails, with a short scope out.”
[Tregonhorke's First Trip in a Man-of-War, Hunt's Yachting Magazine, Vol.3, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jul 23 - 11:47 PM

“Now, with declining day, on every hand,
The loaded boats turn slowly to the land,
Spread the light sail, or ply the bending oar,
And seek warm shelter on the wooded shore;
The boat song rising with its wonted charm,
Imparts new vigour to each sturdy arm;
Hamlet and camp attend the well-known note,
Expect the spoil, and hail the welcome boat.”
[The Hireling and Slave, Grayson, 1854]
William John Grayson (1788–1863)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jul 23 - 11:48 PM

“...and the cries of itinerant venders of iced sherbet along the shore were re-echoed by the capstan songs of the sailors on board the anchored vessels.”
[Poore, The Russian Guardsman, Gleason's Pictorial, vol.6, no.1, 7 Jan 1854]

“...but in a trice the drum was heard, as the crew hurried around the capstan, while the top-men, busily engaged in furling sail an instant previous, hastened to undo their labors.”
[Poore, The Russian Guardsman, Gleason's Pictorial, vol.6, no.7, 18 Feb. 1854]
Benjamin Perley Poore (1820 –– 1887)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jul 23 - 11:50 PM

“The scene is really particularly exciting. The sea gulls are still wheeling about, and screaming over head; the busy crowds on the beach––for we are but a short distance from land—are still plainly visible; and the sea is covered with boats belonging to the different seines, the men in which are splashing, shouting, huzzaing, scolding, and “Yo-heave-ho-ing,” to one's heart's content.”
[Kettle of Fish, Tait's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol.21, 1854]


“When he parts with his wife to go on a cruise, no tear moistens his cheek: there is the honest pressure of the hand, the fervent kiss, and then he claps on the topsail-halliards, or walks round at the capstan to the lively sounds of music….”
[Greenwich Hospital, The Kerry Magazine, Vol.1, Old Sailor, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jul 23 - 11:52 PM

“The Steamer is off; ––Captain perched upon the wheel house, keeps a wary eye around, and gives hoarse, hurried orders through a speaking trumpet;––men in red shirts clatter rapidly about the deck;— heavy hawsers are let go and fall with a splash into the water, and sailors with a merry “yo-heave-ho,” haul and coil them on board.––...”
[The Orange Peddler, The Pioneer Or, California Monthly Magazine, 1854]


“The shallop grates high on the glist'ning sand,––
They mount; again it leaves the shallow strand;
With well-plied oar it cleaves the watery way,
And hails the vessel moor'd within the bay:
The capstan creaks, and sounds the sailor's song,
As merrily the anchor's heaved along….”
[The Masked Prisoner, Poems By Thomas Olindee, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Jul 23 - 11:53 PM

“CALOMAR. m. El cantar de los marinaros en las maniobras para que todas las fuerzas marchen á compas, á una.
SALOMA. f. La accion de salomar. Nautica opera canendo acta.
SALOMAR. n. a. Naut. Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian diciendo varias retahilas, para que al responder á ellas, tiren todos á un tiempo del cabo que tienen en la mano. Operam canendo praescribere in navibus.
ZALOMA. f. Saloma.
ZALOMAR. a. Salomar.”
[Novísimo Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, López, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:00 PM

“The bustle of the ship passes dimly around them; the hurrying noise of the crew and officers running on their duty; the tramp and song of the men at the capstan bars; the bells ringing, as the hour for departure comes nearer and nearer...”
[The Newcomes, Thackeray, 1854]
William Makepeace Thackeray (1811 – 1863)


“...The monotonous song with which they braced the yards or heaved the capstan, seemed to have no more life in it than the creaking of the ropes or the turning of the windlass;...”
[Old Sights with New Eyes, A Yankee, 1854]


“...and down Lake and Water Streets, nothing was to be heard but the clattering of carriages, the uproar of barter, the dolorous monotone of the sailors' cry, as they turned the creaking windlass, or tugged at the bowline of some floating craft, and other like common, but to an unpractised ear, discordant sounds.”
[Manley, The Emigrant Girl, The Ladies' Repository, Vol.22, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:01 PM

“...This monotonous beat* is so suggestive of musical emotion, that it seldom fails to excite some familiar air among the workmen as they deal their blows on the anvil, or the sailors who draw the windlass; it calls up the instinct of song and merry feeling when the trio or quartet of flails resounds through the rural air, and its operations are, perhaps, most striking in martial music, where the measured tread of the soldier keeps time to the beat of the drum, that in its turn follows the natural impulse of the Tact-feeling.”
[Harmony of Tone, Dwight's Journal of Music, vol.VI, no.11, 16 Dec 1854]

*Bone music.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:10 PM

“O! interj., du navire! ship a-hoy! manner of hailing a ship at sea whose name is unknown; –– ! d'en haut! aloft there! ahoy! mast-head there! –– ! hisse! ––! hale! –– saille! –– ride! mode of singing out, as a signal to hoisr, haul, rowse together on a rope or tackle.
SING OUT, v.a. donner la voix.
SONG, s (used when heavinh, hposting, &c., voix, f; mind the –– ! à la voix!
UN, DEUX, TROIS! interj. exclamation, or song, used by French seamen when hauling bowlines; in like manner English salors call out, haul-in! haul-to! haul-belay!
VOIX, f. voice; vote; song used by sailors when heaving, hoisting or hauling; donner la ––, to sing out; porte ––, speaking trumper; à la portée de ––, within hail, call; vive ––, parole; à la ––, mind the song!”
[A Naval and Military Technical Dictionary, French-English, and English-French, Burn, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:12 PM

“As I said before, we were having tea; in fact, strictly speaking, we had had tea, the lively rattle of the cups had ceased, the crew had melted from singing into sleep, we were lying back on our divans dreaming over Latakia, and silence reigned–– when suddenly the distant plash of oars, and the strain of an Arab boat-song broke lengthening on our ears. The reis, raising himself on one arm, and shaking back his capote from his head, listened; then murmuring to himself, "Merkeb Ingleez" (English boat,) lay down. again to sleep.”
[Another Trip to the East, Or, a Winter's Tour in Egypt and the Holy Land, 1854]



“...trunks, boxes and bales of goods strewed the decks. Men running, working, swearing, shouting; ropes creaking; sailors singing in measure as they hoisted goods from the hold and let them down, with a swing of the derrick and a turn of the windlass,...”
[Vara Or, The Child of Adoption, Hornblower, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:19 PM

“It was a narrow chance. For when in crossing the isle Hunilla gained the high land in the centre, she must then for the first have perceived our masts, and also marked that their sails were being loosed, perhaps even heard the echoing chorus of the windlass song. The strange ship was about to sail, and she behind….”
[Salvator R. Tarnmoor*, The Encantadas, or Enchanted Isles, Putnam's Monthly, Vol.3, 1854]
*pseud. Herman Melville
The Encantadas

The above released in serial form. Reissued in 1856 as The Piazza Tales, Herman Melville.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:22 PM

“A VISIT TO ALBEMARLE SOUND.*
...Sixty or seventy men are usually kept in employ. Two large bateaux† are sent out from the beach, containing each fifteen or sixteen men, to shoot the seine or net, which is usually about a mile in length. After going, side by side, to some distance from the shore, the seine is divided; half being placed in one boat, and half in the other. They then separate, and glance off in opposite directions, to shoot or drop the seine, and slowly return to the beach. Two hours are allowed to pass; and then the men on the shore commence drawing in the seine, by means of four capstans. A capstan is a kind of windlass. Four horses are attached to each, being made to wind up a rope, by walking round a post firmly fixed in the sand.

The process of dropping the seine is a very picturesque one, and its effect is increased by a custom, the boatmen have, of singing a wild and beautiful chant, as they go off. Now, the rest stop, and one sings a solo; and again, they all join in chorus. The captain stands at the prow, and gives his directions for their course. The rustic song is softened into melody, as it floats over the waters, and mingles, as the bateaux recede, with the dreamy dash of waves along the shore. Does it not remind you of “Tasso's echoes,” over the lagunes of Venice, when, of old, beneath the Italian moon, the gondoliers used to sing alternate stanzas, from the poem of the bard of Jerusalem?

* On the coast of North Carolina
† The French name for boat. Particularly applied to large, light, flat-bottomed boats.”
[Rambles about the Country, Ellet, 1854]
Elizabeth F. Ellet (1818 – 1877)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Jul 23 - 10:23 PM

See also: The Advent & Development thread for 1854's ––
Melboune, and the Chincha Islands, Peck.
Musings on the Thames and the Port of London, The Leisure Hour, (Nov.)
Na Motu: Or, Reef-Roving in the South Seas, Perkins.
White's Serenaders, White's New Ethiopian Song Book.
and more.

And here for: chearly, cheerly, cheerily, cheer'ly &c &c –– Origins: Cheer'ly Man - history (Cheerily Man)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jul 23 - 09:24 PM

“...sailors singing to the tune of “Good bye, my love, good bye;”...”

“Again the sailor's song is heard above all other sounds, mingled with the noise of the capstan, and the pleasant clink of the huge cable as it slowly ascends.”

“If a breeze springs up, and he has to pull somewhat in a hurry, all the driving of the captain will not induce Jack to pull the rope until the burden of his song indicates the proper time. He pulls to a tune, and he does not believe in pulling in any other way. It is pleasant at sea to hear the sailors' songs. In the midnight hour, they have a peculiar charm; some have even a melodious air; but few will bear a closer scrutiny. The chorus has a charm for the ear, but the words of the song sometimes disgust it. If Jack is lazy, or sleepy, or indifferent about what he is doing, he does not sing; a silent pull is a feeble pull. In rough winds and heavy seas, it is always cheering to hear the song, because we know Jack is then doing his best. Up bound the sails amidst the dangers of a storm, in the bitterest cold, in midnight gales––up they cheerily fly, to the tune of
        “Hang boys, hang!” or,
        “Haul the bowling, the bowling haul;”

the pull and the tug being unanimously given with the utterance of the last word. There is more singing in a clipper than in any other ship, because there is more work to do. So hard indeed is the work, that it is rarely the crew ship for a second voyage in the same craft.”

“Crowded as our clipper was, yet on they press the shrouds: ropes pulled by twenty pair of hands, stimulated by the songs of twenty lusty voices, hoist and unfurl more canvass to the breeze, and the towering masts reverberate to their enormous pressure.”

“But the “cracking,” “pressing on,” “go-a-head” tactics of clipper sailing are fraught with peril, as the sailors sing––

        “She is bound to go all night,
        She is bound to go all day;”

and she does so, without much thought of what is before her.”
[At Sea in a Clipper*, The Leisure Hour, vol.IV, 1855]
* James Baines (clipper)(1854)

Origins: 'Haul on the Bowline' melody
Lyr Add: Hanging Johnny (from Great Lakes sailors)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jul 23 - 09:41 PM

““Why, I calculate, if you look right before your nose, young one, you'll see her as big as life,” he answered, pointing to a large ship lying along the quay, on board which a number of men were employed about the rigging; while others, with a peculiar song, were hoisting in the cargo. I found that the first were riggers, and that the others were dock-porters, and that neither belonged to the ship: the regular crew, with the exception of two mates and the cook, not being engaged till just before the ship was ready for sea.” [p.35]

“All the time we were at work, some of the men, with good voices, led a song, in the chorus of which we all joined; and, I must say, we worked away with a will. It was harder work when we had to haul out the bits of ice, the ship being towed into the canal. With a cheerful shout we completed our canal, and got the ships into a natural lane; and the rest following close upon our track, we worked our way along, for many miles, by what is called tracking*.

This operation is very similar to the way a canalboat is dragged along a canal, through the green fields of England; only, that men have, in the case I am describing, to do the work of horses*. A towrope was made fast to the fore-mast, and about a third of each ship's company were ordered to drag their respective ships ahead. Away we went, as usual, with song and laughter, tramping along the ice, for miles together, and towing our homes, like snails, after us.” [p.260]
[Peter the Whaler: His Early Life, and Adventures in the Arctic Regions and Other Parts of the World, Kingston, 1855]

*see above: Chorus helciariorum, warping, cordelling &c &c.
Whalers and chanteys?

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jul 23 - 09:42 PM

“The great green woods of Carnarvon seemed literally swarming alive with them, and, to add to the audience, a large steamer––arriving almost too late––as it scuffled to a safe position, exhibited a dense mass of black hats and showy bonnets, enlivened by a brass band, which was not unappropriately playing 'Rule Britannia,' the breeze wafting along with it the manly, joyous song of the sailors who, at the capstans on the opposite shore, were cheerily hauling in the hawsers upon which, for the moment, the thread of our destinies depended.”
[Stokers and Pokers, Head, 1855]
Sir Francis Bond Head, 1st Baronet KCH PC (1793 – 1875)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jul 23 - 09:44 PM

“The sailors had deserted the sailyards; they no longer made the capstan creak, relieving themselves by their monotonous songs, nor with the united efforts of their strong arms lifted heavy burdens on the deck. With their numerous oars they hastened to the shore, and joyful with the thought of the evening's pleasure, sang in an harmonious choir some lovely couplets of an Italian song. It was the hour of cessation from labor; all became still.”
[Paul and Julia Or, The Political Mysteries, Hypocrisy and Cruelty of the Leaders of the Church of Rome, Pitrat, 1855]


“Ortatóre, s.m. 1. one who encourages the sailors; 2. a steersman, pilot. V. timoniere.”
[A New Dictionary of the Italian and English Language, vol.1&2, Comelati, Davenport, 1855]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jul 23 - 09:53 PM

““Take in the mainsail!” “Go aloft and take a reef in the maintop!” “In with the fore-main, and let the trysail run!” followed each other in haste, as the sailors moved to the cheering music of their songs in the work of preparing the ship to wrestle with a southwester. Everything being made snug, we waited its coming.”
[Travels in the Californias, and Scenes in the Pacific Ocean, Farnham, 1844]
Thomas J. Farnham (1804 –– 1848)


“SALOMA OU CELEUMA, é a cantìga, ou gritaria que fazem os marinheiros, quando alam algum cabo; isto é prohibido nos navios de guerra.
SALOMEAR, celeumear.”
[Novo Diccionario da Marinha de Guerra e Mercante, Freitas, 1855]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 01:24 AM

“...But one thing is observable in all cigar and tobacco factories, the men neither are nor look cheerful; they rarely enjoy those bright animal spirits which other occupations induce. The sports of the field have scarcely any attraction for them; they are frequently noisy at the “board,” and a whole factory full may sometimes be heard shouting the same song; but it is a very different affair to a chorus round the capstan, or the melody a dozen negroes make whilst plying their hoes or picking off the suckers from the tobacco plants.”
[Health of Tobacco Manufacturers*, Notes and Queries, vol.xxi, Saturday, 18 August, 1855]

*New Orleans

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 01:26 AM

“Perhaps it was some such influence as above is attempted to be described, which, in Captain Delano's mind, hightened whatever, upon a staid scrutiny, might have seemed unusual; especially the conspicuous figures of four elderly grizzled negroes, their heads like black, doddered willow tops, who, in venerable contrast to the tumult below them, were couched sphynx-like, one on the starboard cat-head, another on the larboard, and the remaining pair face to face on the opposite bulwarks above the main-chains. They each had bits of unstranded old junk in their hands, and, with a sort of stoical self-content, were picking the junk into oakum, a small heap of which lay by their sides. They accompanied the task with a continuous, low, monotonous chant; droning and druling away like so many gray-headed bag-pipers playing a funeral march….

...This assistance proved valuable. Tattered sail and warped yards were soon brought into some trim. And no brace or halyard was pulled but to the blithe songs of the negroes.”
[Benito Cereno, Putnam's Monthly, Vol.6, 1855]
Benito Cereno

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 01:28 AM

“The advantage which poetry has over prose, in producing an impression, and a more abiding impression, is universally acknowledged. Accompanied by music, its power is doubtless increased; yet we believe that the effect so frequently produced upon the sensibilities by some national air or popular ballad, or by the soul-inspiring melody of the sea-song, which gives animation to the sailor as he heaves at the windlass, or which beguiles the long, lone months of the foreign voyage, arise generally from the sentiment of the song, rather than the mere modulation of the sounds which accompanies them….”
[Our Pastor, Or, Reminiscences of Rev. Edward Payson, D.D., Pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Portland, Me., Weston, 1855]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 01:30 AM

“...The capstan was then manned, and the anchor began to rise to the measured song of the sailors, and the sound of the tam-tam. An immense matting sail was unfurled, a packet of fireworks let off, and as the breeze caught the junk we began to glide rapidly over the blue waters of the lake Pou-yang.” [p.297]

“...By degrees, as we advanced, the bed of the river enlarged itself, and the Canton junks became more numerous. The sound of the oars and the shrill nasal song of the sailors filled the air with a wild and melancholy harmony, that we listened to with a mingled feeling of joy and sadness.” [pp.410-11]
[The Chinese Empire, vol.II, Huc, 1855]
Évariste Régis Huc (1813 – 1860)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 07:49 PM

“...Sleep after this is entirely out of the question, for any one at least who has been always accustomed to pass the night in peace, for the very possibility of further indulgence therein is entirely precluded by the combination of noises immediately over head; the coiling of heavy ropes, shrill screaming of the pipes at short intervals, the rude singing of the men, and the heavy stamp-and-go, and above all the deafening clat-clat of the capstan itself, are sufficient not only to keep the unfortunate landsman awake, but generally compel him to come up on deck, as the only means of escaping from the distracting din; once there all seems comparatively quiet, and all sensation of noise is lost in the excitement of the scene; the annoying monotony of the stamp-and-go is now heard with pleasure, and the before grumpy passenger will find himself walking the deck to the same step, and perhaps even going so far as to allow himself to be so carried away with the song, as to join in the chorus with a hum to himself, or perhaps a low whistle.”
[Five Years in the East, Hutton, 1847]
Frederick Hutton (Royal Navy officer) (1801 – 1866)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 07:51 PM

“...Sin embargo, el fondo de la lengua es latin, tanto que algunos pasajes presentan al mismo tiempo un sentido latino y otro portugués. Este y el español conservan voces derivadas del griego sin el intermedio del latin (2),…
(2) Tales son el artículo o y ho; celeuma grito de los marineros; maganão astuto; roman, granado, de roa; cara gana etc. Véase Jo. Pedro Ribeiro, Disiert. chronologicas criticas.”
[Historia Universal, tom.III, Cantù, 1855]



“On leva l'ancre au chant des matelots, et bientôt après, grâce à une fraîche brise du sud-est qui enflait les blanches voiles du léger navire, on perdit de vue la terre de France pour se retrouver le lendemain matin longeant les côtes d'Angleterre.”
[L'Autre Monde, Marie de Grandfort, 1855]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 26 Jul 23 - 07:53 PM

““It is most cheering,” says the. correspondent, “to meet a set of these jolly fellows 'working up a gun to the camp.' From a distance you hear some rough, hearty English chorus, borne on the breeze over the hillside. As you approach, the strains of an unmistakable Gosport fiddle, mingled with the squeaks of a marine fife, rise up through the unaccustomed vales of the Crimea. A cloud of dust on the ascent marks their coming and tugging up the monster gun in its cradle, with 'a stamp and go,' and strange cries, and oaths sworn by some thirty tars, all flushed with honest exercise; while the officer in charge tries to moderate their excessive energies, and to induce the two or three hairy Herculeses who are sitting astride on the gun, or on the few horses in front, with vine-leaves in their hats, or flowers in their hair, to dismount and leave off the music.”
[Russell, Our Men-o-War's Men, The Dublin University Magazine, vol.46, no.276, December, 1855]
[The War: From the Landing at Gallipoli to the Death of Lord Raglan, Russell, 1855]
William Howard Russell (1827 – 1907)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 23 - 06:14 PM

c.1803 – 1805
“After this performance was closed we returned to Cooptee, which we reached at midnight, our men keeping time with their songs to the stroke of their paddles.” [p.103]

“The bringing in of this fish exhibited a scene of universal festivity. As soon as the canoes appeared at the mouth of the cove, those on board of them singing a song of triumph to a slow air, to which they kept time with their paddles,...” [p.109]
[Narrative of the Adventures and Sufferings of John R. Jewitt, Alsop, 1849]
John R. Jewitt (1783 – 1821)
Nootka Sound


“...Now crossing the stream are numerous ferryboats, with passengers fresh from the rest of sleep, buoyant and braced for the day's trials and duties. Now comes ringing upon the ear the merry sound of the sailor's song as the anchor is weighed, the sail spread to the breeze and the vessel's head pointed to the outward passage.”
[New York Bay, The Sailor's Magazine, and Naval Journal, vol.XXII, 1850]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 23 - 06:19 PM

See Advent thread for 1855's:
Nordhoff x3
Twelve Years a Slave, Northrup
The Yarn of the Watch, (Ballou's) Farnsworth
Negro Minstrelsy – Ancient and Modern, (Putnam's)
Mountains and Molehills, Marryat



“…It is, even from the verge of the level, melancholy flat whereon we stand; a cheerful and enlivening picture, which ever and anon receives an additional animation from the blithe song of the sailors at windlass or capstan, or the ferry-boat or wherry bearing their lively burden to and fro across the waters of the benign river.”
[E.F.R., A Visit to Scott Russell's Dockyard, Colburn's United Service Magazine and Naval and Military Journal, pt.1, 1856]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 23 - 06:23 PM

“As morning dawned, I was awakened by the shrill sound of the boatswain's whistle merrily piping all hands to heave up anchor. Hastening upon deck, I found the men tumbling up the hatchways in high spirits, yet orderly, and with the quiet discipline observed on board a man-of-war. A portion of the crew manned the windlass and hove short, while others loosed the sails and stretched the halyards across the deck. This accomplished, Harry came upon deck and issued the order to heave up.' The windlass flew swiftly round to an animated song from the whole crew, and soon the anchor was sighted and fished, the jib was run up and the schooner's head fell rapidly off from the wind, the fore, main, and both topsails were mastheaded, and we began to hear the water rippling under our stern.”
[Saunders*, The Privateer, Ballou's Dollar Monthly Magazine, vol.III, no.1, January 1856]
*Frederick W. Saunders? (more follows.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 23 - 06:24 PM

“The double break was shipped, and with both pumps in operation we rattled away merrily to the tune of a lusty pump song, the name of which I have forgotten, if indeed it ever had a name at all. The first few lines I remember were something after this fashion:
        “Giner-rul Taylor, so-o they say––
        Heave ho-o, my lads, heave ho––
        Made San-ta An-na run a-way,
        All on the pla-a-ins of Mex-i-co….”

“...Our windlass flew swiftly round to the tune of “Johnny Tameringo, John Tamaree,” and the anchor, that had been atrip all the afternoon, was speedily hanging by the ring-stopper.”
[Saunders, Snake-Hunting, Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, vol.XI, no.1, 5 July 1856]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 23 - 06:25 PM

“The sailors call letting down an anchor, dropping it, and they use what is termed a capstan to draw it up, or as they say, heave it again. The capstan of a ship is formed like those frequently seen along shore, used for drawing up the boats above high-water mark; it has a moveable top, called the drumhead, with holes around the sides, into which long poles, called capstan bars, are inserted; at each of these several men place themselves, and pushing with all their strength in one direction, the machine moves round, and winds in the cable: stamp! stamp! they go, with a ho heave oh! keeping time with their feet and voices, generally to the accompaniment of a drum and fife, or a fiddle, if it be a merchant ship; and the capstan creaks and groans, and the cable comes slowly in, like a huge sea serpent, to be stowed away, coil upon coil, in its proper place below, on the orlop deck. And the good ship, with her anchor weighed, as it is termed, leaves her moorings, and with sails spread or funnels smoking, ploughs the deep, or, as a poet has said––

                “Walks the waters like a thing of life,
                And seems to dare the elements to strife.””
[The Sea-Side Lesson Book, Adams,1856]
Henry Gardiner Adams (1811–1881)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 28 Jul 23 - 06:27 PM

c.1856
“Drays and baggage-vans were clattering hither and thither in a wild hurry, every now and then getting blocked and jammed together, and then, during ten seconds, one could not see them for the profanity, except vaguely and dimly. Every windlass connected with every forehatch from one end of that long array of steamboats to the other, was keeping up a deafening whiz and whir, lowering freight into the hold, and the half-naked crews of perspiring negroes that worked them were roaring such songs as 'De las' sack! De las' sack!!' inspired to unimaginable exaltation by the chaos of turmoil and racket that was driving everybody else mad.”
[Life on the Mississippi, Twain, 1876]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 29 Jul 23 - 02:08 PM

Nice extracts, Phil!

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 23 - 12:31 AM

“...The war-song of the Harlaw has been already noticed; it is a rugged tissue of alliteration, every letter having a separate division in the remarkable string of adjectives which are connected to introduce a short exordium and grand finale. The Jorram, or boat-song, some specimens of which attracted the attention of Dr Johnson, was a variety of the same class. In this, every measure was used which could be made to time with an oar, or to mimic a wave, either in motion or sound. Dr Johnson discovered in it the proceleusmatic song of the ancients; it certainly corresponds in real usage with the poet's description:

                        “Stat margine puppis,
                Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
                Et remis dictet sonitum pariterque relatis,
                Ad numerum plaudet resonantia cœrula tonsis.”

Alexander Macdonald excels in this description of verse. In a piece called Clanranald's Birlinn, he has summoned his utmost efforts in timing the circumstances of a voyage with suitable metres and descriptions. A happy imitation of the boat-song has been rendered familiar to the English reader by Sir Walter Scott, in the “Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! ieroe,” of the “Lady of the Lake.””
[The Modern Scottish Minstrel; Or, The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half Century, vol.2, 1856]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 23 - 12:32 AM

“272. CELEUMA, ROUENGE.
Rouenge, ramage, chant des rameurs.
Celeuma pro celeusma, cantus nautarum quem in prosperis præsertim concinebant.––Glossar. Vet. ex cod. reg. 521: celeuma, clamor nauticus, quem efficiunt quandoque nautæ propter turbationem cœli. (Gloss. Ducange.)
        Chez les anciens, Grecs et Latins, celeusma, Kn?evopa, a été employé pour signifier le chant des vendangeurs.”
[Remarques sur le Patois Suivies d'un Vocabulaire Latin-Français Inédit du XIVe Siècle, Escallier, 1856]


“THE FISHING SONG.
...The oar-stroke times the singing,
        The song falls with the oar,
And an echo in both is ringing,
        I thought to hear no more….”
[Putnam's Monthly Magazine of American Literature, Science and Art, vol.8, 1856]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 23 - 12:34 AM

“CALOMÀ, s.m. T.Mar. rallentamento e dicesi del corso della barca specialmente per dicesa.
CALOMÀR, V.T. Mar. V. Calumàr.
CALUMÀR o CALOMÀR…
Calumàr le corde o le gomene, detto in T. Mar, Calumare o Calomare le funi o le gomene vale Allentarle, ed anche Tirare da un luogo all'altro un cavo, una rete, una barca.”
[Dizionario del Dialetto Veneziano, Boerio, 1856]


“...Avrà a sinistra il Forte di Porta Murata, e a destra il Porto con una o due file di bastimenti, che fanno pompa delle vario pinte polene, e delle bandiere nazionali; il suo udito sarà allettato da liete canzoni marinaresche, e il suo odorato dalle cene preparate a bordo.”
[Cenni Sopra Livorno e i Suoi Contorni, 1856]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 06 Aug 23 - 12:36 AM

“...The steam was hissing with a continuous drony hum from the safety-valves; the sailors were walking round with the capstan, with even tramp and cheerful song;...”
[Clifton Grey, Or, Love and War, Egan, 1856]
Pierce Egan the Younger (1814 – 1880)


“CÉLEUSTE, n. m. (x??evotnc; gr.) Ant. gr. Celui qui chantait sur un navire pour encourager les rameurs. || Celui qui donnait les ordres aux matelots, aux rameurs et aux autres employés d'un bâtiment au moyen d'un instrument.
CÉLEUSTIQUE, adj. f. (xe?evotixóc, impératif, qui commande; gr.) Il se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux par des instruments de musique.
–– N. f. Cet art lui-même : La céleustique.”
[Dictionnaire Universel de la Langue Française, vol.I, Poitevin, 1856]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Aug 23 - 02:14 AM

“For the conveyance of all this there was no means of transport except the horses of the field batteries, and though they worked from daylight till dark the progress was very slow. But for the blue jackets it would have been slower still. The zeal and hearty goodwill with which these gallant fellows dragged up their ships' guns to the front was really admirable. Sometime half a ship's crew might be seen harnessed to a huge sixty-eight pounder, and walking away with it cheerily to the tune of some well-known sea-song; while the ship's fiddler, seated astride of the gun, plied his bow vigorously.”
[Scenes in Camp and Field, Sketches of the War in the Crimea, Vol.I, 1857]
General Sir Richard Wilbraham KCB (1811–1900)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Aug 23 - 02:15 AM

“...In paddling, the entire crew strike the water as one man. Time is kept by songs and choruses, in which all join. The greatest velocity of a New Zealand canoe is six miles per hour.”
[Stories of the Island World, Nordhoff, 1857]


“Every thing was new to her; the singing of the sailors as they worked at the capstan or pulled at the bowline, all, all was to her novel and strange.”
[The Crooked Elm, Or, Life by the Wayside, Higgins, 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Aug 23 - 02:18 AM

“35465. ZALOMA: Cancion que usan los marineros para unir sus esfuerzos cuando tiran de un cabo, etc.
34566. ZALOMAR: Cantar la Zaloma, es decir, compasear con la voz en tono prolongado, melancólico, el impulso de los marineros que trabajan en una maniobra.”
[Diccionario General del Notariado de España y Ultramar: T-Z, Casas, 1857]


“Celeuma, tis ó Celeusma, tis. n. Canto, grita ó algazara de marineros cuando descubren tierra ó paradivertir el trabajo.
Celeustes, æ. m. El cómitre de galera.”
[Novisimo Diccionario Manual Español-Latino y Latino-Español, Leandro de Cabadijar, 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Aug 23 - 02:20 AM

...So, when the shades of evening were gathering grandly and gloomily around the dismantled parapets, and Louisburgh lay in all the lovely and romantic light of a red and stormy sun-set, it seemed but fitting that the cable-chain of the anchor should clank to the windlass, and the die-away song of the mariner should resound above the calm waters, and the canvas stretch toward the land opposite, that seemed so tempting and delectable….”
[Cozzens, A Month With the Blue Noses, The Knickerbocker, vol.49, no.6, June 1857]
Frederick Swartwout Cozzens (1818 – 1869)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Aug 23 - 02:22 AM

“...Past our boat, as we approached [sic] the landing*, dashed a heavy, full-modeled barge, pulled by a score of oarsmen––all black as night, poor fellows!––and apparently just arrived from Yarriba-Borgoo**, or possibly from the hippopotamiferous shores of reedy Lake Ngami––slaves, every soul of them. Afar off they announced their coming, by a wild boat-song, timed to their stroke; the words in the Congo dialect, as nearly as we could judge….”
[Pernambuco, The Williams Quarterly, vol.V., no.II, November, 1857]
Williams College, Williamstown, MA.

* Recife
**Yoruba & Borgu (roughly speaking: Modern Benin, Nigeria, & Togo)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Aug 23 - 05:15 PM

“Heaving the lead in shoal water.
Most officers admire the fine seaman-like song which is usually given by the leadsman in the chains while giving the soundings; and as Jack prides himself very much on his song while heaving the lead, it would be a pity to curtail that pride in the slightest degree, while the ship has plenty of water under her keel; but when the ship gets into shoal water, there should be no song in heaving the lead, as there can be little doubt but many ships have bumped, in order to make the hauling-in of the lead-line tally with Jack's song. It must therefore be very desirable that when a ship gets into shoal water, that the man in the chains should simply call out the number of fathoms, half-fathoms, quarter-fathoms, or feet. By doing this, the lead is hove much quicker, and the attention of the leadsman is wholly taken up with the soundings, instead of having his attention divided between the soundings and the song.”
[Professional Recollections on Points of Seamanship, Discipline, &c, Liardet, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Aug 23 - 05:18 PM

“...the sweeps were got out with a hearty good will, the schooner was swept 3 days and 3 nights, the crew emulating each other to see which could pull the hardest, and sing the best songs for the sweeps to keep time to. At length we arrived at Port Royal, having had nothing but calms, and having for the last few days lived upon bread dust alone.”
[The Midshipman's Companion, Liardet, 1851]



“...Ve' nel porto miriadi di feluche e di navicelle, le cui fiamme si spiegano sollevate da lieve venticello, che circola fischiando fra i cordami; sentì il grato odore esalante dalle alghe marine, il canto dei marinai che spiegano le larghe vele grige, umide ancora della notturna rugiada,...”
[Plik e Plok, o il Gitano e il Pirata. Racconti due. Nuova Versione Ital*, Sue, 1851]
Eugène Sue (1804 – 1857)

*Earlier edition not found to date.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Aug 23 - 05:23 PM

“Unusual sounds were heard on all sides. The deep-toned chorus of the sailor––the creaking of the capstan, and the clanking of the iron cogs––the “heave-ho!” at the windlass, and the grating of the huge anchor-chain, as link after link rasped through the rusty ring––sounds that warned us to make ready for a change.”
[The Rifle Rangers Or, Adventures of an Officer in Southern Mexico, vol.1, Reid, 1850]
Thomas Mayne Reid (1818 – 1883)


c.1850
“Ogni notte, al cessar del vento, la barca avanza lentamente, spinta dai remi, al monotono canto dei marinai….”
[Viaggio in Egitto, nel Sudan, in Siria ed in Palestina, (1850 – 51.), Dandolo, 1854]
Emilio Dandolo (1830 – 1859)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Aug 23 - 05:26 PM

“Ogni notte, al cessar del vento, la barca avanza lentamente, spinta dai remi, al monotono canto dei marinai….”
[Viaggio in Egitto, nel Sudan, in Siria ed in Palestina, (1850 – 51.), Dandolo, 1854]


“SALOMARE. (Marin.) Sa-lo-mà-re. N. ass. V. Spagn. Dare la voce. (Salomar presso gli Spagnuoli è cantare, come fanno i marinari, nell'atto della manovra. In ebr. tsahal alzar la voce, mandar suori la voce tieta, e jam mare.) (S)”
[Vocabolario Universale della Lingua Italiana, vol.VII, Bellini, 1855]
See also: Vol.II above.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Aug 23 - 05:36 PM

“CHAPTER IV
...A shore-boat was alongside, into which Webbe presently jumped; the capstan was manned, and sent round with a stamp and go; the anchor was brought home, and in less than five minutes, I should suppose, after we left the cabin, the Scout was dropping down the river, helped with a light air from the northward.”
[Kirke Webbe: The Privateer Captain, Chambers's Journal, no.183, 4 July 1857]
Uncredited: William Russell (1806 – 1876)


“...In both places, the people were busy thrashing wheat, men and women manipulating light flails, in strokes regulated with mathematical precision by the stanzas of a song chanted by a single leader, as on board ship, and the refrain taken up joyously by the whole body….”
[Social Progress at the Antipodes, Chambers's Journal, no.183, 4 July 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Aug 23 - 05:18 PM

“*Celerrima snel (8). schif geschrey (9. >< celeuma).
Celeum-a, -o (76), ceulesma (88) (i. clamor naut-icus, -arum t messorum sim., aus celeusma) ein schiffers o. meyers liede o. gesang (110, sim. 132). een schippers of maijers leis (107). sch. efte meiers 1. efte sank (109). lyt (99), schefsane (8um.). schiff geschrei (88). g. der schiffleute so si in noten sind o. ein yglich not-g. (74). mermin (Gf. 2, 774).
*Ceulesma v. Celeuma.”
[Glossarium Latino-Germanicum, vol.II, Diefenbach, 1857]
[Glossarium Mediae at Infimae Latinitatis: A-Z, Charles Du Fresne Du Cange, 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Aug 23 - 05:19 PM

“...The village was startled from sleep again by our return, and the crew were sleeping upon the deck; but in a few moments there was no more noise, and the junk was floating down in the moonlight, while its choicer freight was clouded in the azure mist of Latakiá, and heard only the sakias and the throbbing oars, and, at times, the wild, satanic rowing-song of the men, which Satan Saleh led with his diabolical quaver and cry….” [p.247]

“The moon rose and hung golden over Arabia, as the sad, monotonous song of the crew trembled and died away; and with its slow, measure throb the Howadji's hearts beat homeward.” [p.233]

“...The victim was put below, the crew rose from squatting on the shore and came aboard, and with plaintive songs and beating oars we drifted down the river once more, and watched the dim Theban mountains melt slowly away into invisibility.” [p.339]

“...A solitary phantom bark glides singing past––its sail as dark below as above, twin-winged in air and water. Whither, whither, ye ghostly mariners? Why so sad your singing? Why so languid-weary the slow plash of oars?” [p.350]
[Nile Notes of a Howadji, vol.I, Curtis, 1857]
George William Curtis (1824 – 1892)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Aug 23 - 05:21 PM

Min River, Fuzhou.
“...Imagine a gondola-style of craft, thirty feet long by six broad, with two sails, if the wind blows fair, and ten oarsmen, if that fails, carrying out the opposites as usual; they push instead of pull the oar, to the accompaniment of a most singularly inharmonious chant, which Tom Moore would have found far more difficult to give place to rhythm and music than the farfamed night song of the Canadian boatmen….”
[Young America Abroad in Europe, Asia, and Australia, Train, 1857]
George Francis Train (1829 – 1904)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Aug 23 - 05:21 PM

“...This night was passed in equally as unpleasant a manner as the former one, and the first sound I heard in the morning was the crew singing the well known anchor song

                "A hundred years ago."

The massive chain began to move through the hawse-hole, and was drawn up link by link with the powerful windlass, till it lay upon the deck many a fathom. The anchor was soon secured in its place….”
[A Voyage to Australia and New Zealand, Askew, 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Aug 23 - 05:22 PM

“The oarsmen are a joyous race, such as is found all along the coast, singing songs in their broken English, and occasionally hitting the sides of the canoe with their paddles in cadence. They sing perhaps, “Man-o'-war come again, come again, come again,” with an occasional “whist,” and a long stroke of the paddle;––then “white man, good man, dash (give) a dollar, dollar, dollar,” “white offisher, dash dollar, big white dollar,”—and so on;––until they reach the more dangerous part of the surf, when the song is exchanged for a slow religious invocation, and at last we are landed on the beach. This we cross, take boat again upon the lagoon, and land at last in Badagry*.”
[African Proverbial Philosophy, Putnam's Magazine, October, 1857]

* Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Aug 23 - 01:11 PM

“Line fishing and seine fishing now and then make a little variety in the sameness of a sailor's life, besides giving him a fresh meal, which he could not otherwise procure. When on ground for trawling, getting a good haul of fish occasionally tends much to dispel the monotony of being at sea. Only those who have heard the merry stamp and go of the watch on deck walking the trawl up to some lively tune, and seen the general excitement of the crew to know if there was a good or bad haul, can tell how much even such a little break as this enlivens a ship's company.”
[Friendly Hints to the Young Naval Lieutenant, Liardet, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Aug 23 - 01:12 PM

“The rain poured in torrents as they entered the town, and although there was a young moon in the sky, the scud flitted over it so rapidly that it was only at intervals they could distinguish the tall masts tapering from the dark hulls of the vessels, where here and there a lantern glimmered, making the “darkness visible.” Through the mist came the sounds of men at a capstan, getting up the anchor––
                “Cheerily, my men, with a yo heave ho!
                Cheerily, lads, and off we go!”

So they sang, while a fiddle played merrily, and persons passed to and fro in a hurry, the captain shouting to take away the gang-board, for he would wait no longer for the steward or the boy.”
[Hardy and Hunter, Ward, 1858]
Harriet Ward née Tidy (1808–1873)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Aug 23 - 01:19 PM

Posted another one here: Origins: 'Haul on the Bowline' melody
Related thread:Lyr Add: Haul on the Bowline (#3)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Aug 23 - 01:20 PM

c.1858 – 1860
“Bangkok est la Venise de l'Orient; on n'y entend que le bruit des rames, celui des ancres, le chant des matelots ou les cris des rameurs qu'on nomme cipayes. La rivière tient lieu de cours et de boulevards, et les canaux remplacent les rues. Un observateur n'a de choix dans ce pays qu'entre deux positions: s'accouder sur son balcon, ou glisser mollement sur l'eau couché au fond de son canot.”
[Voyage dans les Royaumes de Siam, de Cambodge, de Laos et Autres Parties Centrales de l'Indo-Chine, Mouhot, 1868]
Henri Mouhot (1826 – 1861)


1871 Italian edition for comparison:
“Bangkok è la Venezia dell' Oriente; non s'ode che il tonfo dei remi, quello delle ancore, il canto dei marinai e il grido dei rematori chiamati cipai.”

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Aug 23 - 01:22 PM

“...And thee indeed, O mistress, an Argive ship of fifty oars will conduct home, and the wax-bound reed of mountain Pan with Syrinx tune cheer on the oarsmen, and prophet Phœbus, plying the tones of his seven-stringed lyre, with song will lead thee prosperously to the rich land of Athens. But leaving me here thou wilt travel by the dashing oars. And the haulyards by the prow, will stretch forth the sails to the air, above the beak, the sheet lines of the swift-journeying ship....”
[Iphigenia in Tauris, Tragedies of Euripides, vol.I, Buckely trans.,1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 17 Sep 23 - 12:52 PM

The New York Sunday Times has a feature article today on
the Griswold Inn and the Jovial Crew featuring Cliff Haslam.
Their Monday Night performances must be known to some Mudcatters.
I don't see a separate thread for them,
I figure they belong here.

My computer won't let me link to the online article,
but perhaps someone else can rustle up a blue clicky.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:18 AM

c.1833
““All hands up anchor,” was the next cry with which the decks reverberated.
“Bring-to below, there,” said the first mate, speaking down the main-hatchway. “Bear a hand, and swift your capstan-bars here! All ready at the after hatchway?”
“All ready, sir,” was the reply.
“All ready forward?”
“All ready, sir.”
“Strike up, fifer! Huzza for Blackwall!”
The fifer fifed merrily, round went the men with the capstan-bars, keeping time with their feet to his music, and shouting at intervals in chorus to rally themselves at their labor; and in a short time the ninety-six fathoms of chain were rounded in, the sails loosed, and the old ship once more beating out of the bay.”
[An Irish Pilot on Board an Indiaman., Sea Stories, Putnam's Library, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:21 AM

“It happened that a Carthaginian quinquereme had run ashore on the Bruttian coast when Appius Claudius was first crossing over to Sicily, and it was noted as a curious circumstance, that the Roman soldiers had taken a ship of war. This quinquereme, which had probably been sent to Rome as a trophy, was now made the shipwright's model, and a hundred ships were built after her pattern, and launched in two months after the first felling of the timber. The seamen, partly Roman proletarians, or citizens of the poorest class, partly Etruscans or Greeks from the maritime states of Italy, were all unaccustomed to row in quinqueremes, and the Romans had perhaps never handled an oar of any sort. While the ships were building therefore, to lose no time, the future crew of each quinquereme were ranged upon benches ashore, in the same order, that to us undiscoverable problem, in which they were hereafter to sit on board; the keleustes, whose voice or call regulated the stroke in the ancient galleys, stood in the midst of them, and at his signal they went through their movements, and learned to keep time together, as if they had been actually afloat. With such ships and such crews the Romans put to sea early in the spring, to seek an engagement with the fleet of the first naval power in the world.”
[History of Rome, Arnold, 1844]

Note: See Polybius (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:22 AM

““...Very well,” said Ischomachus, but as to that which is common to all pursuits, whether agricultural, or political, or domestic, or military, namely, that he who would excel in them must be capable of directing others, I entirely agree with you, Socrates, that some persons greatly excel others in judgment; 3. as we see in a galley,' continued he, 'when the crew are out at sea, and have to accomplish a certain distance in the course of the day, some of the celeustæ[2] can act and speak in such a manner as to excite the spirits of the men to voluntary exertion, while others are so dull that the rowers take more than double the time in performing the same course. The one party, as well the celeustes as those who are directed by him, go on shore covered with perspiration, and praising one another, while the other party arrive indeed unfatigued, but detesting their officer, and detested by him….”

[2] We have no English word for the K???vor?g in an ancient galley. He was the man who, by voice or signal, or both, gave time to the rowers. Virgil calls him hortator, Æn. iii. 128; and he was sometimes termed portisculus and pausarius. He was somewhat similar to the modern coxswain.”
[Xenophon's Minor Works, Watson ed., 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:24 AM

“CELEÚSTICAMENTE. Adv. zéloustikaménté. Mil. Céleustiquement; par le moyen de la céleustique.
CELEÚSTICO, CA, adj. zéléoustiko. Mil. Céleustique, se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
SALOMA, f. saloma. Sorte de cri ou de chant des matelots pendant la manœnvre.
SALOMAR, n. salomar. Mar. On le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous à la fois manœunvrant.”
[Dictionnaire Espagnol-Français et Français-Espagnol, Gildo, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:26 AM

“After various delays, we were at last ready for sea, and under sailing orders. The tide and wind were both propitious; then came the long-expected cry of the boatswain, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” The crew manned the capstan in a trice, and running round to the tune of a lively air played by the fifer, the huge anchor rapidly left the mud of the Thames, and hung at the bows of our frigate.” [p.6]

“After these and other preparations for another cruise were completed, the hoarse voice of the boatswain rang through the ship, crying, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” In an instant the capstan bars were shipped, the fifer was at his station playing a lively tune, the boys were on the main-deck holding on to the “nippers,” ready to pass them to the men, who put them round the “messenger” and cable; then, amid the cries of “Walk round! heave away, my lads!” accompanied by the shrill music of the fife, the anchor rose from its bed, and was soon dangling under our bows.” [p.10]
[The Life of a Sailor Boy, Chamber's Miscellany of Instructive & Entertaining Tracts, vol.4, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:30 PM

“CELEÚSTICAMENTE, adj. adv. céléoùsticamênté. Mil. Céleustiquement, par le moyen de la céleustique.
CELEÚSTICO, adj. céléoústico. Mil. Céleustique. Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
SALOMA, f. salóma. Cri des matelots pour haler ensemble.
SALOMAR, n. salomár. Mar. Pousser le cri de manœuvre.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Espagnol-Français et Français-Espagnol, vol.1, Salvá, 1858]

Note: Same as Gildo (above) save for pronunciation.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:33 PM

“The two ships' officers stood watching the lighters off, waving their hats; and as the last, bearing Major June on board, plunged away, the sailors, headed by Old Jack, gathered upon the forecastle, and gave three brave hearty cheers; the band played

        “The bold soldier boy.”

and the next sound heard was the heave-ho! of the anchor, and the stout ship Aldebaran was homeward bound.”
[FACA: An Army Memoir, Willcox, 1858]
Orlando B. Willcox (1823 – 1902)


“Day began to break; the shores of the Frith became dimly visible; the Bass, like a fixed cloud, appeared on the distant horizon; it was more than half-tide; and, as he stood upon the pier, he heard the yo-heave-ho! of seamen proceeding from a smack which lay on the south side of the harbour, by the lowest bridge.”
[Wilson's Tales of the Borders, Wilson, Leighton, 1858]


“Night and day “yo heave ho” of the Jack Tars rang over the water; and the party on shore ran to and fro, from the beach to the store, with bales, kegs, barrels, and boxes, on their shoulders.”
[Ungava: A Tale of Esquimaux-land, Ballantyne, 1858]
R. M. Ballantyne (1825 - 1894)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:34 PM

“Chanter, v. a. cantar - - zalomar (cantare).
Calomar, s. m. mar. cri des matelots (pour s'encourager á l'ouvrage).
Calomar, V. Salomar.
Salomar, v, n, mar. un le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous a la fois (en manœuvrant).
[Dictionnaire Français—Espagnol et Espagnol—Français, 4th ed., Fonseca, 1858]


“Consonar, n. Tener consonancia. ? a. ant. Salomar.
Saloma, f, Accion de salomar.
Salomar, n, náut. Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian como cantando para que maniobren todos á un tiempo.”
[Diccionario Manual de la Lengua Castellana, Campuzano, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:35 PM

“CALOMA, f. cal-lo-mah. Nau. Singing out of sailors
SALOMA, f. sah-lo-mah. Nau. Singing out of sailors. ? Ichth. Goldline.
SALOMAR, n. sah-lo-mar. Nau. To sing out.
ZALOMA, f. thal-lo-mah. Nau. Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMAR, n. thah-lo-mar. Nau. To sing out.”
[Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, D. J. R.,1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:48 PM

c.1838
““Come, Juba,” said Lewis to the head oarsman, “sing us a song; the boys* will help you.”

“How you been ax me for sing, Maus Lewis? Me an't got no voice for sing,” answered Juba, who, like many of his brethren, required as much urging as a city belle.

After delaying until we had almost forgotten our request, Juba commenced a tune, the oarsmen striking in with a full but untaught counter at the last word of every line.

        “Hi de good boat Neely?†
        She row bery fast, Miss Neely!
        An't no boat like a' Miss Neely,
                                Ho yoi'!

        “Who gawing to row wid Miss Neely?
        Can't catch a' dis boat Neely––
        Nobody show he face wid Neely,
                                Ho yoi'?”

As Juba concluded this verse he paused; a sly expression passed over his face; he put an additional quid of tobacco in his mouth, and went on––

        “Maybe Maus Lewis take de oar for Neely,
        Bery handsome boat Miss Neely!
        Maus Lewis nice captain for Neely,
                                Ho yoi'!”

The verse was welcomed with shouts of laughter, and called for again and again, until the echoes of the Ashley shouted “encore!” but all the solicitations of the young men were ineffectual with Juba, who looked the personification of composure.

* Boys, a term used to negroes even of a mature age.
† Plantation boats are often named for members of a family. The chorus of one of the prettiest boat-songs I ever heard, was Eliza.”
[Recollections of a Southern Matron, and a New England Bride, Gilman, 1859]
Caroline Howard Gilman Pen name of Mrs. Clarissa Packard (1794 – 1888.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:49 PM

The preceding has a shorter mention in the Advent thread. See also for 1858:
Songs of the Sea, Atlantic Monthly (Pay me the money down!, Storm Along Stormy, Highland Day, Off She Goes.)
Songs of the Sailor, Oberlin Student's Monthly (We're a Bully Ship, O! Haulee, Heigho, Storm Along, Jim Along, Josey.)
Sea Drift, Robinson (Sally Brown)

And a few more no doubt.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:52 PM

“But Professor Harrison, in a paper read before the Royal Irish Academy in 1847, has stated that on careful examination of the head of an elephant which he had dissected, he could “see no evidence of the muscular structure if the membrana tympani so accurately described by Sir Everhard Home,” whose deduction is clearly inconsistent with the fact that the power of two elephants may be steadily combined by singing to them a measured chant, somewhat resembling a sailor's capstan song; and in labour of a particular kind, such as hauling a stone with ropes, they will thus move conjointly a weight to which their divided strength would be unequal.”
[Ceylon, Tennent, Vol.II, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:53 PM

“...“I like your plan, Captain Fink,” said Bim. “There is only one thing I would add to it, which I hope you'll agree to, and the plan will be the joint production of two heads. To appear bold, and indifferent, and confident, I think our men should sing a boat song.”

“A boat song? My men can sing a Western river boat song, ten miles long, if that'll do.”

“And my men can sing any chorus that ever was invented. Now let us announce the result of our conference to his Lordship. Will you do it?””
[Border War: A Tale of Disunion, Jones, 1859]
John Beauchamp Jones (1810 – 1866)


“...That done, the anchor had to be heaved up, and about sixty men were set to work the capstan, while, to cheer them at their work, and to second their combined action, a fifer struck up an enlivening tune….”
[The Departure of the “Great Eastern.,” The Illustrated London News, vol.35, no.992, 10 Sept, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:55 PM

“CELÉUSTICA, f. Arte de trasmitir las órdenes por medio de sonidos maricalmente musicos.
CELÉUSTICAMENTE, adv. Por medio de la celeustica.
SALOMA. m. Accion de salomar.
SALOMAR. n. Náu. Cantar los marineros para maniobrar á un tiempo.
ZALOMA, f. Cancion que usan los marinos para unir sus esfuerzos, cuando tiran de un cabo.
ZALOMAR, a. Náu Cantar la zaloma.”
[Nuevo Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, D.R.B., 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:51 PM

“Chanter, v. a. cantar - - zalomar (cantare).
Calomar, s. m. mar. cri des matelots (pour s'encourager á l'ouvrage).
Calomar, V. Salomar.
Salomar, v, n, mar. un le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous a la fois (en manœuvrant).
[Dictionnaire Français—Espagnol et Espagnol—Français, 4th ed., Fonseca, 1858]


“418 celeuma        schif gesang”
[Lateinisch-Deutsches Vocabular, Schröer, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:54 PM

“Céleustique, f. [Mil.] Kunst f. om seinen door muzijkinstrumenten over te brengen. –– Ook als adj.: L'art c-.”
[Nieuw Fransch en Nederduitsch Woordenboek, Olinger, 1859]


“PROCELEUSMAT'IC, a. [Gr. …, mandate, incitement.] Inciting; animating; encouraging. This epithet is given to a metrical foot in poetry, consisting of four short syllables.”
[The Imperial Dictionary, English, Technological, and Scientific, Ogilvie, 1859]


“CELÉUSMA, s.m. Lett. Grido con cui si esortavano presso i Greci i rematori ed i cocchieri acció raddoppiassero i loro sforzi. Céleusme, m.
SALOMÁRE, v. intr. Mar. Dare la voce. Donner la voix.”
[Le Nouvel Alberti Dictionnaire Encyclopédique Frana¸is-Italien: Italiano-Francese, Francesco d' Alberti di Villanuova, Francesco Ambrosoli, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:55 PM

“...The triremes began to run foul of each other, or become entangled with the store-vessels: so that in every ship the men aboard were obliged to keep pushing off their neighbors on each side with poles, not without loud clamor and mutual reproaches, which prevented both the orders of the captain, and the cheering sound or song whereby the keleustês animated the rowers and kept them to time, from being at all audible. Moreover, the fresh breeze had occasioned such a swell, that these rowers, unskilful under all circumstances, could not get their oars clear of the water, and the pilots thus lost all command over their vessels.(1)

(1) See Dr. Arnold's note upon this passage of Thucydidês, respecting the keleustês and his functions: to the passages which he indicates as reference, I will add two more of Plautus, Mercat. iv, 2, 5, and Asinaria, iii, 1, 15.

When we conceive the structure of an ancient trireme, we shall at once see, first, how essential the keleustês was, to keep the rowers in harmonious action,?next, how immense the difference must have been between practised and unpractised rowers. The trireme had, in all, one hundred and seventy rowers, distributed into three tiers.”
[History of Greece, vol.6, Grote, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:57 PM

“...Oh, cheerily, cheerily! is the anchor-song, morning, noon, and night in the great docks where the vessels from the coast of Africa lie, which have come home laden with gold-dust, and palm-oil, and elephants' teeth, and which are off again, ere many days, with huge packages of Birmingham hardware and Manchester goods, coral necklaces, and gimcrack ornaments for Mumbo Jumbo and Ashantee fetishes, slop rifles and cutlasses for the King of Dahomey's amazons….”
[Cheerily, Cheerily!, Gaslight and Daylight, Sala, 1859]
George Augustus Sala (1828 – 1895)


“Throwing the reins of fancy free, and looking forward a few years, stately dwellings shall crown these hill tops; and, by one standing upon the sloping terrace, or sitting within the lofty corridor, shall be heard the hum of industry as it comes up from the east and from the west, and unites with the merry “ho, heave, ho,” of the mariner, as he unlades at your wharf the products of the nearer islands, the rich fabrics of India, and the spices of Borneo and Sumatra.”
[The Norwich Jubilee, Stedman ed.,1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 07:00 PM

“...Stepping upon the greasy stones, we strode three abreast through this not very reputable suburb, followed at an easy distance by two shining bull's eyes; the rattling of a ship's cable, or the distant “Yo, heave, ho!” of the sailors, warning us of the river on our right.”
[X.X.X., Looking at Lodgings, The Ragged School Union Magazine, vol.XI., 1859]


“CALOMA, f. cal-o-mah Nau. Singing out of sailors.
CONSONAR, n. con-so-nar. To make a body sound; to play on musical instruments. ? To rhyme. ? met. To agree.
FAENA, f. fah-ay-nah. Work, labor. ? Nau. Duty on board ships.
SALOMAR>, n. sah-lo-mar. Nau. To sing out.
ZALOMA, f. thal-o-mah. Nau. Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMAR, n. thal-o-mar. Nau. To sing out.”
[Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages In Two Parts, D.J.R., 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phill d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:13 PM

“Saloma, f. Matrosers Opsang ombord i Skibe under Arbeidet.
Salomar, v.n. synge Opsang omb. i Skibe.”
[Diccionario de las Lenguas Española y Noruega, Frellsen, 1859]


“Oíase en la playa el continuo choque de las menudas olas, mezclándose con el ruido que formaban barquilleros y pescadores, que volvian á sus trabajos, interrumpidos por el descanso de la noche. Añádase á esto el salomar de los marineros, unido con los ecos de molinetes y cabrestantes, que indicaban las faenas de levar anclas, y se tendrá un conjunto caprichoso, bello y variado, del cual solo puede disfrutarse en los puertos de mar, y de la importancia que tiene el que nos ocupa.”
[El Milano de los Mares, Benisia, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:15 PM

“...The pilot took charge of the vessel, the men were ordered to man the windlass, which order was obeyed with alacrity. Faces diminished in longitude, and were lighted up with smiles. The anchor song of “Yeo, heave O,” never sounded more musical or inspiring than on that occasion.”
[Jack in the Forecastle Or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale [pseud.], Sleeper, 1860]
John Sherburne Sleeper (1794–1878)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:16 PM

“...On the 23d and 24th we were busily occupied in breaking out and getting ashore our right whale oil. After getting it all in casks, we launched it overboard, and, with four boats fully manned, the crews of all joining in a rattling, heaving song, we towed the casks along before the city front, attracting hundreds of the citizens to the wharves to witness the method of the Yankees at work. They seemed to be satisfied by their scrutiny, that we were the smartest nation in all creation.” [p.186]

“...The boat generally returned before midnight; and it was customary for the crew that manned it to sing a jolly heaving-song at the top of their voices — all joining in the chorus; and the nights being still and serene, the effect produced was rather startling through the silent harbor.” [p.203]
[Four Years Aboard the Whaleship: Embracing Cruises in the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Antarctic Oceans, in the Years 1855, '6, '7, '8, '9, Whitecar, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:17 PM

“...Leaving them there, he returned to the quarter-deck, and gave orders for the anchor to be weighed. The hands were turned up accordingly––the boat which had brought them on board was hoisted up––the capstan was manned––Mr. Barker called out, “Are you brought to below?” “All ready!” was the answer––the fiddler struck up “Off she goes!”––the men hove round with a hearty good will––the anchor was speedily out of the ground, and the William Tell under sail, running rapidly down channel with a fair and pleasant breeze.”
[The Saucy Jack, A Blue Jacket, 1860

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:22 PM

“DAILY ROUTINE.—AFFECTING ROLL-CALLS, MEALS, STUDIES, RECITATIONS, DRILLS, ETC.

11. The drum, besides beating for Reveille and Tattoo, is to beat for the following purposes:
Morning Roll-call and Prayers––Assembly.
Breakfast––Peas-upon-a-Trencher.
Sick-call––Surgeon's Call.
Colors––Troop.
Dinner––Roast Beef; Lyr Add: Roast Beef of Old England.
Supper––Canteen Call.
Great-guns––Off She Goes; Off She Goes.
Artillery––Dan Tucker; Origins: Old Dan Tucker .
Seamanship exercise––Kingdom Coming; Tune Req: Kingdom Coming (in the Year of Jubilo).
Boats––Charlie Over the Water; Lyr/Chords Req: Over the Water to Charlie.
Fencing––Boy with Auburn Hair; Lyr Req: The Red Haired Boy^^^
Infantry––Drill Call. (Drum.)
Dress Parade––Partant pour la Syrie

12. The bugle shall sound the calls for Morning and Even. ing Studies; for those at 3 p. m. on Sundays; and for all recitations.”
[Regulations of the United States Naval Academy, USNA, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 17 Sep 23 - 12:52 PM

The New York Sunday Times has a feature article today on
the Griswold Inn and the Jovial Crew featuring Cliff Haslam.
Their Monday Night performances must be known to some Mudcatters.
I don't see a separate thread for them,
I figure they belong here.

My computer won't let me link to the online article,
but perhaps someone else can rustle up a blue clicky.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:18 AM

c.1833
““All hands up anchor,” was the next cry with which the decks reverberated.
“Bring-to below, there,” said the first mate, speaking down the main-hatchway. “Bear a hand, and swift your capstan-bars here! All ready at the after hatchway?”
“All ready, sir,” was the reply.
“All ready forward?”
“All ready, sir.”
“Strike up, fifer! Huzza for Blackwall!”
The fifer fifed merrily, round went the men with the capstan-bars, keeping time with their feet to his music, and shouting at intervals in chorus to rally themselves at their labor; and in a short time the ninety-six fathoms of chain were rounded in, the sails loosed, and the old ship once more beating out of the bay.”
[An Irish Pilot on Board an Indiaman., Sea Stories, Putnam's Library, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:21 AM

“It happened that a Carthaginian quinquereme had run ashore on the Bruttian coast when Appius Claudius was first crossing over to Sicily, and it was noted as a curious circumstance, that the Roman soldiers had taken a ship of war. This quinquereme, which had probably been sent to Rome as a trophy, was now made the shipwright's model, and a hundred ships were built after her pattern, and launched in two months after the first felling of the timber. The seamen, partly Roman proletarians, or citizens of the poorest class, partly Etruscans or Greeks from the maritime states of Italy, were all unaccustomed to row in quinqueremes, and the Romans had perhaps never handled an oar of any sort. While the ships were building therefore, to lose no time, the future crew of each quinquereme were ranged upon benches ashore, in the same order, that to us undiscoverable problem, in which they were hereafter to sit on board; the keleustes, whose voice or call regulated the stroke in the ancient galleys, stood in the midst of them, and at his signal they went through their movements, and learned to keep time together, as if they had been actually afloat. With such ships and such crews the Romans put to sea early in the spring, to seek an engagement with the fleet of the first naval power in the world.”
[History of Rome, Arnold, 1844]

Note: See Polybius (above.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:22 AM

““...Very well,” said Ischomachus, but as to that which is common to all pursuits, whether agricultural, or political, or domestic, or military, namely, that he who would excel in them must be capable of directing others, I entirely agree with you, Socrates, that some persons greatly excel others in judgment; 3. as we see in a galley,' continued he, 'when the crew are out at sea, and have to accomplish a certain distance in the course of the day, some of the celeustæ[2] can act and speak in such a manner as to excite the spirits of the men to voluntary exertion, while others are so dull that the rowers take more than double the time in performing the same course. The one party, as well the celeustes as those who are directed by him, go on shore covered with perspiration, and praising one another, while the other party arrive indeed unfatigued, but detesting their officer, and detested by him….”

[2] We have no English word for the K???vor?g in an ancient galley. He was the man who, by voice or signal, or both, gave time to the rowers. Virgil calls him hortator, Æn. iii. 128; and he was sometimes termed portisculus and pausarius. He was somewhat similar to the modern coxswain.”
[Xenophon's Minor Works, Watson ed., 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:24 AM

“CELEÚSTICAMENTE. Adv. zéloustikaménté. Mil. Céleustiquement; par le moyen de la céleustique.
CELEÚSTICO, CA, adj. zéléoustiko. Mil. Céleustique, se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
SALOMA, f. saloma. Sorte de cri ou de chant des matelots pendant la manœnvre.
SALOMAR, n. salomar. Mar. On le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous à la fois manœunvrant.”
[Dictionnaire Espagnol-Français et Français-Espagnol, Gildo, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 18 Sep 23 - 06:26 AM

“After various delays, we were at last ready for sea, and under sailing orders. The tide and wind were both propitious; then came the long-expected cry of the boatswain, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” The crew manned the capstan in a trice, and running round to the tune of a lively air played by the fifer, the huge anchor rapidly left the mud of the Thames, and hung at the bows of our frigate.” [p.6]

“After these and other preparations for another cruise were completed, the hoarse voice of the boatswain rang through the ship, crying, “All hands up anchor, ahoy!” In an instant the capstan bars were shipped, the fifer was at his station playing a lively tune, the boys were on the main-deck holding on to the “nippers,” ready to pass them to the men, who put them round the “messenger” and cable; then, amid the cries of “Walk round! heave away, my lads!” accompanied by the shrill music of the fife, the anchor rose from its bed, and was soon dangling under our bows.” [p.10]
[The Life of a Sailor Boy, Chamber's Miscellany of Instructive & Entertaining Tracts, vol.4, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:30 PM

“CELEÚSTICAMENTE, adj. adv. céléoùsticamênté. Mil. Céleustiquement, par le moyen de la céleustique.
CELEÚSTICO, adj. céléoústico. Mil. Céleustique. Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
SALOMA, f. salóma. Cri des matelots pour haler ensemble.
SALOMAR, n. salomár. Mar. Pousser le cri de manœuvre.”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Espagnol-Français et Français-Espagnol, vol.1, Salvá, 1858]

Note: Same as Gildo (above) save for pronunciation.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:33 PM

“The two ships' officers stood watching the lighters off, waving their hats; and as the last, bearing Major June on board, plunged away, the sailors, headed by Old Jack, gathered upon the forecastle, and gave three brave hearty cheers; the band played

        “The bold soldier boy.”

and the next sound heard was the heave-ho! of the anchor, and the stout ship Aldebaran was homeward bound.”
[FACA: An Army Memoir, Willcox, 1858]
Orlando B. Willcox (1823 – 1902)


“Day began to break; the shores of the Frith became dimly visible; the Bass, like a fixed cloud, appeared on the distant horizon; it was more than half-tide; and, as he stood upon the pier, he heard the yo-heave-ho! of seamen proceeding from a smack which lay on the south side of the harbour, by the lowest bridge.”
[Wilson's Tales of the Borders, Wilson, Leighton, 1858]


“Night and day “yo heave ho” of the Jack Tars rang over the water; and the party on shore ran to and fro, from the beach to the store, with bales, kegs, barrels, and boxes, on their shoulders.”
[Ungava: A Tale of Esquimaux-land, Ballantyne, 1858]
R. M. Ballantyne (1825 - 1894)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:34 PM

“Chanter, v. a. cantar - - zalomar (cantare).
Calomar, s. m. mar. cri des matelots (pour s'encourager á l'ouvrage).
Calomar, V. Salomar.
Salomar, v, n, mar. un le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous a la fois (en manœuvrant).
[Dictionnaire Français—Espagnol et Espagnol—Français, 4th ed., Fonseca, 1858]


“Consonar, n. Tener consonancia. ? a. ant. Salomar.
Saloma, f, Accion de salomar.
Salomar, n, náut. Gritar el contramaestre ó guardian como cantando para que maniobren todos á un tiempo.”
[Diccionario Manual de la Lengua Castellana, Campuzano, 1858]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Sep 23 - 08:35 PM

“CALOMA, f. cal-lo-mah. Nau. Singing out of sailors
SALOMA, f. sah-lo-mah. Nau. Singing out of sailors. ? Ichth. Goldline.
SALOMAR, n. sah-lo-mar. Nau. To sing out.
ZALOMA, f. thal-lo-mah. Nau. Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMAR, n. thah-lo-mar. Nau. To sing out.”
[Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages, D. J. R.,1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:48 PM

c.1838
““Come, Juba,” said Lewis to the head oarsman, “sing us a song; the boys* will help you.”

“How you been ax me for sing, Maus Lewis? Me an't got no voice for sing,” answered Juba, who, like many of his brethren, required as much urging as a city belle.

After delaying until we had almost forgotten our request, Juba commenced a tune, the oarsmen striking in with a full but untaught counter at the last word of every line.

        “Hi de good boat Neely?†
        She row bery fast, Miss Neely!
        An't no boat like a' Miss Neely,
                                Ho yoi'!

        “Who gawing to row wid Miss Neely?
        Can't catch a' dis boat Neely––
        Nobody show he face wid Neely,
                                Ho yoi'?”

As Juba concluded this verse he paused; a sly expression passed over his face; he put an additional quid of tobacco in his mouth, and went on––

        “Maybe Maus Lewis take de oar for Neely,
        Bery handsome boat Miss Neely!
        Maus Lewis nice captain for Neely,
                                Ho yoi'!”

The verse was welcomed with shouts of laughter, and called for again and again, until the echoes of the Ashley shouted “encore!” but all the solicitations of the young men were ineffectual with Juba, who looked the personification of composure.

* Boys, a term used to negroes even of a mature age.
† Plantation boats are often named for members of a family. The chorus of one of the prettiest boat-songs I ever heard, was Eliza.”
[Recollections of a Southern Matron, and a New England Bride, Gilman, 1859]
Caroline Howard Gilman Pen name of Mrs. Clarissa Packard (1794 – 1888.)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:49 PM

The preceding has a shorter mention in the Advent thread. See also for 1858:
Songs of the Sea, Atlantic Monthly (Pay me the money down!, Storm Along Stormy, Highland Day, Off She Goes.)
Songs of the Sailor, Oberlin Student's Monthly (We're a Bully Ship, O! Haulee, Heigho, Storm Along, Jim Along, Josey.)
Sea Drift, Robinson (Sally Brown)

And a few more no doubt.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:52 PM

“But Professor Harrison, in a paper read before the Royal Irish Academy in 1847, has stated that on careful examination of the head of an elephant which he had dissected, he could “see no evidence of the muscular structure if the membrana tympani so accurately described by Sir Everhard Home,” whose deduction is clearly inconsistent with the fact that the power of two elephants may be steadily combined by singing to them a measured chant, somewhat resembling a sailor's capstan song; and in labour of a particular kind, such as hauling a stone with ropes, they will thus move conjointly a weight to which their divided strength would be unequal.”
[Ceylon, Tennent, Vol.II, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:53 PM

“...“I like your plan, Captain Fink,” said Bim. “There is only one thing I would add to it, which I hope you'll agree to, and the plan will be the joint production of two heads. To appear bold, and indifferent, and confident, I think our men should sing a boat song.”

“A boat song? My men can sing a Western river boat song, ten miles long, if that'll do.”

“And my men can sing any chorus that ever was invented. Now let us announce the result of our conference to his Lordship. Will you do it?””
[Border War: A Tale of Disunion, Jones, 1859]
John Beauchamp Jones (1810 – 1866)


“...That done, the anchor had to be heaved up, and about sixty men were set to work the capstan, while, to cheer them at their work, and to second their combined action, a fifer struck up an enlivening tune….”
[The Departure of the “Great Eastern.,” The Illustrated London News, vol.35, no.992, 10 Sept, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 23 Sep 23 - 01:55 PM

“CELÉUSTICA, f. Arte de trasmitir las órdenes por medio de sonidos maricalmente musicos.
CELÉUSTICAMENTE, adv. Por medio de la celeustica.
SALOMA. m. Accion de salomar.
SALOMAR. n. Náu. Cantar los marineros para maniobrar á un tiempo.
ZALOMA, f. Cancion que usan los marinos para unir sus esfuerzos, cuando tiran de un cabo.
ZALOMAR, a. Náu Cantar la zaloma.”
[Nuevo Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana, D.R.B., 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:51 PM

“Chanter, v. a. cantar - - zalomar (cantare).
Calomar, s. m. mar. cri des matelots (pour s'encourager á l'ouvrage).
Calomar, V. Salomar.
Salomar, v, n, mar. un le dit des matelots qui crient ou chantent tous a la fois (en manœuvrant).
[Dictionnaire Français—Espagnol et Espagnol—Français, 4th ed., Fonseca, 1858]


“418 celeuma        schif gesang”
[Lateinisch-Deutsches Vocabular, Schröer, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:54 PM

“Céleustique, f. [Mil.] Kunst f. om seinen door muzijkinstrumenten over te brengen. –– Ook als adj.: L'art c-.”
[Nieuw Fransch en Nederduitsch Woordenboek, Olinger, 1859]


“PROCELEUSMAT'IC, a. [Gr. …, mandate, incitement.] Inciting; animating; encouraging. This epithet is given to a metrical foot in poetry, consisting of four short syllables.”
[The Imperial Dictionary, English, Technological, and Scientific, Ogilvie, 1859]


“CELÉUSMA, s.m. Lett. Grido con cui si esortavano presso i Greci i rematori ed i cocchieri acció raddoppiassero i loro sforzi. Céleusme, m.
SALOMÁRE, v. intr. Mar. Dare la voce. Donner la voix.”
[Le Nouvel Alberti Dictionnaire Encyclopédique Frana¸is-Italien: Italiano-Francese, Francesco d' Alberti di Villanuova, Francesco Ambrosoli, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:55 PM

“...The triremes began to run foul of each other, or become entangled with the store-vessels: so that in every ship the men aboard were obliged to keep pushing off their neighbors on each side with poles, not without loud clamor and mutual reproaches, which prevented both the orders of the captain, and the cheering sound or song whereby the keleustês animated the rowers and kept them to time, from being at all audible. Moreover, the fresh breeze had occasioned such a swell, that these rowers, unskilful under all circumstances, could not get their oars clear of the water, and the pilots thus lost all command over their vessels.(1)

(1) See Dr. Arnold's note upon this passage of Thucydidês, respecting the keleustês and his functions: to the passages which he indicates as reference, I will add two more of Plautus, Mercat. iv, 2, 5, and Asinaria, iii, 1, 15.

When we conceive the structure of an ancient trireme, we shall at once see, first, how essential the keleustês was, to keep the rowers in harmonious action,?next, how immense the difference must have been between practised and unpractised rowers. The trireme had, in all, one hundred and seventy rowers, distributed into three tiers.”
[History of Greece, vol.6, Grote, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 06:57 PM

“...Oh, cheerily, cheerily! is the anchor-song, morning, noon, and night in the great docks where the vessels from the coast of Africa lie, which have come home laden with gold-dust, and palm-oil, and elephants' teeth, and which are off again, ere many days, with huge packages of Birmingham hardware and Manchester goods, coral necklaces, and gimcrack ornaments for Mumbo Jumbo and Ashantee fetishes, slop rifles and cutlasses for the King of Dahomey's amazons….”
[Cheerily, Cheerily!, Gaslight and Daylight, Sala, 1859]
George Augustus Sala (1828 – 1895)


“Throwing the reins of fancy free, and looking forward a few years, stately dwellings shall crown these hill tops; and, by one standing upon the sloping terrace, or sitting within the lofty corridor, shall be heard the hum of industry as it comes up from the east and from the west, and unites with the merry “ho, heave, ho,” of the mariner, as he unlades at your wharf the products of the nearer islands, the rich fabrics of India, and the spices of Borneo and Sumatra.”
[The Norwich Jubilee, Stedman ed.,1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 07:00 PM

“...Stepping upon the greasy stones, we strode three abreast through this not very reputable suburb, followed at an easy distance by two shining bull's eyes; the rattling of a ship's cable, or the distant “Yo, heave, ho!” of the sailors, warning us of the river on our right.”
[X.X.X., Looking at Lodgings, The Ragged School Union Magazine, vol.XI., 1859]


“CALOMA, f. cal-o-mah Nau. Singing out of sailors.
CONSONAR, n. con-so-nar. To make a body sound; to play on musical instruments. ? To rhyme. ? met. To agree.
FAENA, f. fah-ay-nah. Work, labor. ? Nau. Duty on board ships.
SALOMAR>, n. sah-lo-mar. Nau. To sing out.
ZALOMA, f. thal-o-mah. Nau. Singing out of seamen when they haul with a rope.
ZALOMAR, n. thal-o-mar. Nau. To sing out.”
[Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages In Two Parts, D.J.R., 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phill d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:13 PM

“Saloma, f. Matrosers Opsang ombord i Skibe under Arbeidet.
Salomar, v.n. synge Opsang omb. i Skibe.”
[Diccionario de las Lenguas Española y Noruega, Frellsen, 1859]


“Oíase en la playa el continuo choque de las menudas olas, mezclándose con el ruido que formaban barquilleros y pescadores, que volvian á sus trabajos, interrumpidos por el descanso de la noche. Añádase á esto el salomar de los marineros, unido con los ecos de molinetes y cabrestantes, que indicaban las faenas de levar anclas, y se tendrá un conjunto caprichoso, bello y variado, del cual solo puede disfrutarse en los puertos de mar, y de la importancia que tiene el que nos ocupa.”
[El Milano de los Mares, Benisia, 1859]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:15 PM

“...The pilot took charge of the vessel, the men were ordered to man the windlass, which order was obeyed with alacrity. Faces diminished in longitude, and were lighted up with smiles. The anchor song of “Yeo, heave O,” never sounded more musical or inspiring than on that occasion.”
[Jack in the Forecastle Or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale [pseud.], Sleeper, 1860]
John Sherburne Sleeper (1794–1878)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:16 PM

“...On the 23d and 24th we were busily occupied in breaking out and getting ashore our right whale oil. After getting it all in casks, we launched it overboard, and, with four boats fully manned, the crews of all joining in a rattling, heaving song, we towed the casks along before the city front, attracting hundreds of the citizens to the wharves to witness the method of the Yankees at work. They seemed to be satisfied by their scrutiny, that we were the smartest nation in all creation.” [p.186]

“...The boat generally returned before midnight; and it was customary for the crew that manned it to sing a jolly heaving-song at the top of their voices — all joining in the chorus; and the nights being still and serene, the effect produced was rather startling through the silent harbor.” [p.203]
[Four Years Aboard the Whaleship: Embracing Cruises in the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Antarctic Oceans, in the Years 1855, '6, '7, '8, '9, Whitecar, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:17 PM

“...Leaving them there, he returned to the quarter-deck, and gave orders for the anchor to be weighed. The hands were turned up accordingly––the boat which had brought them on board was hoisted up––the capstan was manned––Mr. Barker called out, “Are you brought to below?” “All ready!” was the answer––the fiddler struck up “Off she goes!”––the men hove round with a hearty good will––the anchor was speedily out of the ground, and the William Tell under sail, running rapidly down channel with a fair and pleasant breeze.”
[The Saucy Jack, A Blue Jacket, 1860

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 05:22 PM

“DAILY ROUTINE.—AFFECTING ROLL-CALLS, MEALS, STUDIES, RECITATIONS, DRILLS, ETC.

11. The drum, besides beating for Reveille and Tattoo, is to beat for the following purposes:
Morning Roll-call and Prayers––Assembly.
Breakfast––Peas-upon-a-Trencher.
Sick-call––Surgeon's Call.
Colors––Troop.
Dinner––Roast Beef; Lyr Add: Roast Beef of Old England.
Supper––Canteen Call.
Great-guns––Off She Goes; Off She Goes.
Artillery––Dan Tucker; Origins: Old Dan Tucker .
Seamanship exercise––Kingdom Coming; Tune Req: Kingdom Coming (in the Year of Jubilo).
Boats––Charlie Over the Water; Lyr/Chords Req: Over the Water to Charlie.
Fencing––Boy with Auburn Hair; Lyr Req: The Red Haired Boy^^^
Infantry––Drill Call. (Drum.)
Dress Parade––Partant pour la Syrie

12. The bugle shall sound the calls for Morning and Even. ing Studies; for those at 3 p. m. on Sundays; and for all recitations.”
[Regulations of the United States Naval Academy, USNA, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 10:29 PM

“Captain Malcolm, too, has plenty to do. Crew and officers are desperately active. What a rattling of chain cable! The long useless anchor is being got ready, and the wild “anchor song” of sailors, so cheery when a ship is nearing land, so melancholy when the anchor leaves the ground of home before starting for a long voyage, is ringing from the “fokstle.””
[The Voyage of the Lady, Vol.2, Grey*, 1860]
*Henry Schütz Wilson (1824 – 1902)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 10:30 PM

“Alarido, s.m. a cry clamour or out-cry, a shout. From A la, i.e. God, the cry de guerra among the Turks, Moors and Arabs. – Alarido de marinheiros. See Celeuma.
Celéuma, ou Seleuma, s.f. (a sea term) the shout or noise which mariners make , when they do any thing with joined strength, at which time they cry ho-up. Or when they encourage each other. Lat. celeusma; some say it is of the masculine gender.
Fáina, s.f. the shout, or noise which mariners make when the encourage each other. Our sailors cry, Ho-up!
Grita, s.f. a crying out, shrieking, halloing, a shout. –– Grita de navegantes. See Faina.
Saléma, s.f. a Moorish or Turkish salutation;… – Salema, celeuma, ou faina; see Faina.
Zalomar, v.a. (marit.) to sing out.
[A Dictionary of the English and Portuguese Languages In Two Parts, vol.1, Vieyra, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 10:31 PM

“CALOMAR, vn naut. Chanter en travaillant à la manœuvre.
CELEÚSTICA céléoustica, s.f. Céleustique, f. l'art de transmetire des signaux au moyen d'instruments de musique.
CELEUSTICAMENTE, -mennté, ad. Céleustiquement.
CELEUSTICO, A, a. Céleustique.
NIGLARO, sm. NIGLAROS, m. chant des matelots sur la mesure duquel on réglait le mouvement des rames. 2. Petite flûte sur inquelle on jounit cet air.
SALOMA sf Sorte de chant ou de cri des matelots pendant la manœuvre.
SALOMAR. vn. Crier, chanter tous à la fois en manœuvrant (les matelots).
ZALOMA, sf. Chanson des matelots qui tirent un cáble, etc.
ZALOMAR, va. Chanter (les matelots qui tirent un cable, etc).”
[Nouveau Dictionnaire Espagnol-Francais et Francais-Espagnol, vol.2, Saint-Hilaire, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 10:34 PM

“CALOMAR m. calomár. Cri des matelots pour s'encourager à l'ouvrage.
SALOMAR n. salomár Se dit des matelots qui chantent tous à la fois en manœuvrant.”
[Nuevo Diccionario Frances-Español y Español-Frances, Salvá, 1860]


“...The wind commenced blowing in the evening, and increased to a gale, what the captain called a regular Levanter. Early in the night I was awakened by the song of the sailors above me. The chorus of 'cheerily ho!' was at first very pleasing, till something in the air, or the voices, suddenly reminded me so forcibly of Frank as to open the fountain of tears at once, and for a moment it seemed as though my heart would break.”
[The Missionary Sisters, Benjamin, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 10:35 PM

“...The clank of the engine, the steady grind of the machines, and the high, wild cry of the negroes at the caldron to the stokers at the furnace doors, as they chant out their directions, or wants-now for more fire, and now to scatter the fire-which must be heard above the din, "A-a-b'la! A-a-b'la!" "E-e-cha candela!" "Puerta!" and the barbaric African chant and chorus of the gang at work filling the cane troughs; all these make the first visit at the sugar house a strange experience. But after one or two visits, the monotony is as tiresome as the first view is exciting. There is, literally, no change in the work. There are the same noises of the machines, the same cries from negroes at the same spot, the same intensely sweet smell, the same state of the work in all its stages, at whatever hour you visit it, whether in the morning or evening, at mid- night or at the dawn of day. If you wake up at night, you hear the "A-a-b'la! A-a- bla "E-e-cha! E-e-cha! of the caldron- men, crying to the stokers, and the high monotonous chant of the gangs filling the wagons or the trough, a short, improvisated stave, and then the chorus; not a tune, like the song of the sailors at the tackles and falls, but a barbaric, tuneless intonation.”
[The Process of Sugar Making, To Cuba and Back: A Vacation Voyage, The Canadian Agriculturist, and Journal of the Board of Agriculture of Upper Canada, vol.12, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 03:22 PM

c.1790-1810
“Rich as was the West India trade, we had even more to boast of Europe, Asia, China, and Africa were represented at our margin by their merchandise. The towering masts of the dignified merchantmen betold their presence; and the "Yo, heave ho!" of the merry mariner heralded the delivery of their treasures.” [p.21]

“This dock was an inlet to the flour store of Hugh & Joseph Ely, and Smith & Wood, and was covered at the head by a plank wharf or landing, for the convenience of their storage, as well as a passage to the Old Ferry, interrupted, however, by the small, brick cooper-shop of Sharon Carter, where, and on the platform at the door, he and his boy Job, rung the "Cooper's March," as a change to the "Yo, heave ho!" of the merry darky, as he showed up barrel after barrel from the hold of his sloop in the dock.” [p.30]

“William Fling, Jr., was, in stature and general appearance, a fac simile of his senior, both men of courage, for in that day it was a feat to venture two hundred feet above the heads below. And whether they, or either of them, trusted to the Yo, heave ho!" below, or sent up a maintop-sail man as a substitute, they endorsed the project, and were responsible for results.” [p.102]

“William S. Sontag was prominent, at No. 114, as a shipping merchant in the West India trade, which, as heretofore shown, was as profitable as it was extensive, and the life of the "Yo, heave ho!" of the merry darkies, that rent the air with their vocal powers.” [p.185]
[Philadelphia and Her Merchants, as Constituted Fifty Or Seventy Years Ago, Ritter, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 03:25 PM

c.1830
“...Then his wife* gave in generously lavish succession Mozart's "Non più di fiori," with Willman's obbligato accompaniment on the Corno di bassetto, a "Sancta Maria" of her host's composition (which she sang at sight with consummate effect and expression), a gracefully tender air, "Ah, rien n'est doux comme la voix qui dit je t'aime," and lastly a spirited mariner's song, with a sailorly burden chiming as it were with their rope-hauling. In these two latter she accompanied herself;...”
[Clarke, Life and Labors of Vincent Novello, Dwight's Journal of Music, vol.XX, no.25, 22 March 1862]
Mary Cowden Clarke (1809 – 1898)


*Maria Malibran (1808 – 1836)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 03:27 PM

“But let us suppose that, after many hours of this sort of unprofitable labor, the floes release their pressure, or the ice becomes frail and light. "Get ready the lines!" Out jumps an unfortunate with a fortypound "hook" upon his shoulder, and, after one or two duckings, tumbles over the ice and plants his anchor on a distant cape, in line with our wished-for direction. The poor fellow has done more than carry his anchor; for a long white cord has been securely fastened to it, which they "pay out" from aboard ship as occasion requires. This is a whale-line-cordage thin, light, strong, and of the best material. It passes inboard through a block, and then, with a few artistic turns, around the capstan. Its "slack" or loose end is carried to a little windlass at our main-mast. Now comes the warping again. The first or heavy warping we called "heaving:" this last is a civilized performance; "all hands" walking round with the capstan-bars to the click of its iron pauls, or else, if the watch be fresh, to a jolly chorus of sailors' songs.”
[The U.S. Grinnell Expedition in Search of Sir John Franklin, Kane, 1854]
Elisha Kent Kane (1820 – 1857)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 03:29 PM

“...we leave the Trekroner and the Sound, ringing with sailors' songs as many a tall ship about us heaves her anchor and makes sail to the chance puffs and catspaws, and in due time creeping along the south and eastern coast of Sweden...”
[Last August in the Baltic, Fraser's Magazine, December, 1855]


“The sun rose brightly next morning, and soon afterwards the slumbers of those passengers who had been lucky enough to get any, were rudely broken by the band of The Orient-namely, two fiddles and a fife-striking up The Girl I left behind me, and the men stamping round the capstan in time to the melody, whilst weighing anchor. Such as were rash enough to venture on deck found themselves in everybody's way and their own….”
[On Board the Orient, Chambers's Journal, no.312, 24 December 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 03:31 PM

“I listened. I had no need to listen intently. I soon heard noises. They were evidently caused by heavy objects striking and bumping, just as if the sailors were still busy lading the vessel. I could hear their voices, too, though not very distinctly. Now and then certain ejaculations reached me, and I could make out the words "Heave!" "Avast heavin'!" and once the "Yo-heave-ho!" chanted by a chorus of the crew.

“Why, they are actually at work loading the vessel in the night-time!”” [p.151]

“Then I heard voices–human voices. Oh, how pleasant to my ears! First, I heard shouts and short speeches, and then all of them mingling together in a chant or chorus. Rude it may have been, but during all my life never heard I sounds that appeared to me so musical or harmonious as that work-song of the sailors.” [p.462]
[The Boy Tar, Or, A Voyage in the Dark, Reid, 1860]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 24 - 01:45 AM

“CELEUSMA (xé?evopa). Chant ou cri que faisait entendre le chef des rameurs (hortator, pausarius, xe?evotns) pour animer les rameurs des vaisseaux grecs et romains et les aider à frapper les flots en mesure (Mart. Ep. III, 67; Rutil. 1, 370). L'air était quelquefois repris, chanté en chœur par les rameurs, et quelquefois joué sur des instruments de musique (Auson. in Div. Verr. 17).
ERGÁTA (...). Cabestan ou vindas pour amener les vaisseaux près du rivage et en général pour mouvoir des fardeaux pesants (Vitruv. X, 4).
GUBERNATOR (...). Timonier ou pilote assis à la poupe pour gouverner le vaisseau (Cic. Sen. 9), donner des ordres aux rameurs et diriger le maniement des voiles (Virg. Æn. x, 218; Lucan. VIII, 193). Il venait, dans la hiérarchie, immédiatement après le magister et au-dessus du proreta (Scheffer, Mil. Nav. p. 302). La gravure ci-jointe est tirée d'un bas-relief trouvé à Pouzzoles.
HELCIARIUS. Qui hale un bateau par la boucle (helcium) d'une corde de halage (Mart. iv, 64, 22; Sidon. Ep. 11, 10).
HELCIUM. Proprement, la boucle attachée à une corde de halage tirée par un homme (helciarius) et qu'on passe pardessus l'épaule en travers de la poitrine; de là il se dit du poitrail attaché aux traits des bêtes de voiture (Apul. Met. 185), comme dans la figure ci-joiute, prise d'une peinture d'Herculanum.
HORTATOR (...). Dans un navire, le chef des rameurs, qui dirigeait leurs manœuvres, et réglait leurs mouvements à l'aide du chant nautique appelé xé?evoux (en latin celeusma ou celeuma), auquel était approprié le pied proceleusmatique, de quatre brèves (Isid. Orig. 1, 16). Il aidait les rameurs à frapper en mesure, et, en quelque sorte, les. animait à leur tâche (Ovid. Met. III, 618; cf. Sil. Ital. VI, 360-363; Virg. Æn. v, 177; Serv. ad l.; Val. Flacc. I, 471); de là son nom (solet hortator remiges hortarier, Plaut. Merc. IV, 2, 5). Il était assis à l'arrière du vaisseau avec un bâton à la main, dont il se servait pour battre la mesure, comme le représente la gravure, prise du Virgile du Vatican.
PAUSARIUS (Senec. Ep. 56). L'officier qui entonnait le chant (celeusma), et battait la mesure, au moyen de laquelle les rameurs ramaient en cadence; il était aussi connu sous le nom d'Hortator. Voyez la figure à ce mot.
PORTISCULUS. Bàton avec lequel l'officier, qui donnait le signal à bord d'un bàtiment (voy. CELEUSMA et PAUSARIUS), marquait la mesure pour faire manœuvrer tous les rameurs en cadence (Ennius et Laber. ap. Non. s.v.; Cato, ap. Fest. s.v.; Plaut. As. III, 1, 14). Dans la gravure, empruntée au Virgile du Vatican, on voit le portisculus dans la main droite de la figure assise à l'arrière.
PRORETA ( … ) Homme qui se tenait sur un navire, à l'avant, pour surveiller la mer, et indiquer par des signes au timonier sur quel point il devait gouverner, comme le montre la figure ci-jointe, empruntée à une médaille. Il commandait en second sous le gubernator, et avait sous sa surveillance immédiate tout ce qui tenait au gréement et à l'armement du navire (Plaut. Rud. IV, 3, 86; Rutil. Itin. 1, 455; Scheffer, Mil. Nav. IV, 6).
SYMPHONIACI. Symphonistes, musiciens qui chantaient ou jouaient de concert un morceau de musique. On donnait aussi plus particulièrement ce nom à de jeunes esclaves que l'on élevait comme choristes, pour divertir leurs maîtres à dîner (Cic. Mil. 21), et à une bande de musiciens que l'on employait à bord de certains navires, pour faire plonger toutes les rames ensemble et en cadence dans la mer, en chantant ou en jouant le chant naval (celeusma), ou pour transmettre, au moyen des sons de la musique, des ordres et des signaux (Cic. Div. Verr. 17; Ascon. ad l.).”
[Dictionnaire des Antiquités Romaines et Grecques, Rich, 1859]
Note: See Rich, 1849 (above) for the earlier English version.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 24 - 01:48 AM

“We passed the remains of Port Royal, and sailed up the beautiful bay of Kingston; coming to an anchor about half a mile from the shore. Numerous boats were boarding us, and departing on different errands. A hundred ships were discharging or receiving their cargoes, to the cheerful song of the sailors….”
[Shipwrecks and Tales of the Sea, William & Robert Chambers, 1860]
William Chambers of Glenormiston FRSE (abt.1800–1883)
Robert Chambers FRSE FGS LLD (1802 – 1871)
Chambers's Edinburgh Journal

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 24 - 01:50 AM

“The capstan was manned, and the hawsers were hove taut. Inch by inch the tide rose, and the Dolphin floated. Then a lusty cheer was given, and Amos Parr struck up one of those hearty songs intermingled with “Ho!” and “Yo heave ho!” that seem to be the life and marrow of all nautical exertion. At last the good ship forged a-head, and, boring through the loose ice, passed slowly out of the Bay of Mercy.”
[The World of Ice, Or, Adventures in the Polar Regions, Ballantyne, 1860]


“At length the order came for us to return home. Merrily we tramped round at the capstan bars to a jolly song, as we got in our anchor for the last time, and made sail from the port of Leghorn.”
[Will Weatherhelm, Kingston, 1860]
William Henry Giles Kingston (1814 –1880)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 24 - 01:53 AM

“RUMBELOW. A very favorite burden to an ancient sea-song. The burden of the Cornwall furry-day song is, “With halantow rumbelow.””
[A Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, Obsolete Phrases, Proverbs, and Ancient Customs, from the Fourteenth Century, vol.2, Halliwell-Phillipps, 1860]


“CANT DELS MARINERS.

        Lo nostramo.
De botas , sachs y balas
Veniu l' estiba á umplir.
Lo vent remou sas alas
Cridantnos per sortir.
        ¡Ohió, hó!
        Lo mariner d' Espanya
        N' es lo milió.

        Los mariners.
Mentres que traqueteja
Lo cabrestant,
L' àncora que forceja
Se vá aixecant,
        ¡Ohió, hó!
        Lo mariner d' Espanya
        N' es lo milió.

        Lo nostramo.
Quant l'equinocci esquinse
Los arbres y las lonas,
Y perdem tras las onas
Los cims de Montserrat;
No amayneu l' esperansa,
Traballeu nit y dia;
Qui fa de Dèu la via
A Dèu ha de ser grat.
        ¡Ohió, hó!
        Lo mariner d' Espanya
        N' es lo milió.

        Los mariners.
D'Espanya son riquesa
Nostres perills,
Y tenim per noblesa
Esser sos fills.
        ¡Ohió, hó!
        Lo mariner d' Espanya
        N' es lo milió.”
[Jochs Florals de Barcelona, 1861]
Floral Games

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Jan 24 - 01:56 AM

“The beautiful bay of San Fransisco is left behind with the sunlight dancing on its waters. The song of the sailors on the ships floats wearily off over the gilded waters. On through the passes to the Sacramento. On over the rocking wave that comes in from the sea. On beyond the islands–the islands of grey rocks and green grass-and suddenly a panorama of prospects unfolds to view ravishing the heart, and beautiful beyond description.”
[The Story of a California Faro-Table, Southern and Western Literary Messenger and Review, Volumes 32-33, 1861]


“At an early hour in the morning Mary was awakened by the tramping of feet over her head, and the hearty “yo-heave-ho” of the men at the windlass.”
[The Canadian Captive, The Wrecker's Daughter: And Other Tales of the Forest, the Shore, and the Ocean, Ilsley, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Craig Edwards
Date: 16 Jan 24 - 04:51 PM

Phil, I've been following this thread with great interest in relation to a book I'm writing. i wonder if you'd be willing to get in touch with me? My email address [e-mail]

Thanks!

Craig Edwards

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 24 - 12:14 AM

“CHANT DE MANŒUVRE.

Entendez-vous au loin ces cris d'appareillage
Que la brise de mer nous apporte au rivage?
«Cheerly, men!... sans mollir!... Les cachalots, du cœur,
Cheerly, men! La hourra! Pour la France, courage!... »
Le chant improvisé par quelque beau diseur,
Est suivi de hourras que répètent en choeur

Nos marins pour haler ensemble, avec méthode,
Sans perdre un seul effort, coup sur coup, main sur main.
Quant à leur Cheerly, men! le refrain à la mode,
Il veut dire «Gaîment, les hommes, de l'entrain! »

                Ah! pour la France (Cheerly, men!)
        Avec vaillance (Ah! hourra! Cheerly, men!)
                Toujours nous naviguerons
                Et nous combattrons!... (Ah! la hourra!...)

                Belle chérie,
                Notre patrie,
        Pour toi lorsque nous mourrons,
                Content nous serons!

                Vive la France!
                Notre espérance!
        Elie a nos bras et nos cœurs,
                Gloire à ses couleurs!

                La mer jolie
                Sera remplie
        Du bruit de nos branle-bas
                Et de nos combats.

                Notre ancre est haute,
                Adieu la côte,
        Au revior, femmes, enfants,
                Pays et parents!

                Adieu, ma chère
                Et bonne mère!
        De près ou de loin toujours,
                Mes tendres amours![P]”

P. – L'air du chant de manoeuvre Cheerly, men, n'a pu être inséré dans ce recueil; les paroles sont susceptibles d'être transportées sur plusieurs airs populaires du littoral de la Manche, et notamment sur celui de la chanson Partance et Adieu, p. 146, ci-dessus.”
[Poëmes et Chants Marins, Gabriel de La Landelle, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 24 - 12:16 AM

“...And, as we looked upon the rugged mountains in the background raising their heads towards heaven, Cape Tourment towering high above all, while close beside us the lovely island of Orleans spread her green forests, her picturesque villages, her quaint churches and her fertile fields, we were gladdened with the rough music of the sailor's song of labour, but of cheerfulness––

“Ho cheerly men, cheerly men, ho,”

and could from our hearts pity him who could see nothing in the glorious scene except the specs of mud which dimmed the lustre of his patent leather boots while walking through the city during a summer shower.”
[Salmon Fishing in the Canadian River Moisie, The Dublin University Magazine, vol.58, October 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 24 - 12:19 AM

“...An Irish steamer, black and large, crowded with passengers, that had been lying by the pier, just a-head of us, and bound for London, began weighing her great anchor. Three or four men were tugging at it lustily – “Heave-ho-ho-ho.” In a few minutes she was off, paddling towards the Sound.”
[A Few Rough Notes, Taken During a Western Excursion, Brooking, 1861]


“They*, however, proceeded to perform the queerest lot of manœuvres I ever witnessed, singing all the time a sort of sailors' Yo-heave-ho-and-up-she-comes chorus.”
[A Theatrical Trip for a Wager! Through Canada and the United States, Rhys, 1861]
*Shakers of Albany, New York.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 24 - 12:20 AM

“(1) Sur la coursie (le corridorium des Latins des bas âges) se promenaient deux officiers, le hortator remigum et le symphoniacus le premier exhortant les rameurs à donner toute leur force pendant la navigation à l'aviron, les encourageant et, par un certain cri mesuré, leur indiquant les mouvements de la nage large et de la nage allongée. Ce cri ou chant était nommé jussio, d'où le hortator prenait le nom de jussor tant qu'il le faisait entendre; les Grecs nommaient cette espèce de mélopée xé??voua, d'où les Latins avaient fait le celeusma. Le céleusme et l'encouragement étaient souvent insuffisants pour exciter les rameurs, aisément fatigués; le hortator avait recours alors au portisculus, bâton qui était l'insigne de sa charge, et dont il frappait le rameur paresseux ou le maladroit qui n'entrait pas bien dans l'ensemble, si nécessaire à garder pour la nage. Quelquefois les rameurs nommaient leur hortator: portisculus, du nom de son gourdin. Les rameurs, au moyen âge, appelèrent par antiphrase comite (de comis, doux) l'officier qui, toujours armé du nerf de bœuf, présidait à l'action de la chiourme. Age! était le mot que jetait le plus ordinairement à son équipage le hortator, nommé souvent ageator, tant parce qu'il prononçait à tout moment l'impératif age, que parce que son poste était l'agea.

Quant au symphoniacus, c'était un homme qui, pour délasser les rameurs, jouait sur la flûte de certains airs bien rhythmés, ou chantait sans accompagnement de certaines chansons vives et gaies, qui avaient le pouvoir de faire oublier, jusqu'à un certain point, à ces pauvres gens et le rude métier qu'ils faisaient et le bâton du portiscule.” [pp.164-5]

“Quant au triplici versu, il exprime, à mon avis, un chant trois fois répété (1), un cri, un hourra! une espèce de celeusma dont la tradition est vivante encore dans les bâtiments où, pour tous les travaux de force, et, par exemple, quand on hale les boulines, un matelot, le véritable hortator des anciens navires, chante: Ouane, tou, tri! hourra! (one, two, three! hourra! - angl.). La tradition antique était pleine de force au moyen âge, à Venise, où la chiourme du Bucentaure, toutes les fois que le navire ducal passait devant la chapelle de la Vierge, construite à l'entrée de l'Arsenal, criait trois fois: Ah! Ah! Ah! donnant un coup de rame après chacune de ces acclamations.” [p.369]
[La Flotte de César; Jal, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 24 Jan 24 - 03:55 PM

“ORTATORE NAUTICO (antic.). Eccitatore dei marinai; hortator nauticus, detto dai Romani anche portisculus. Suo ufficio era il dirigere i remiganti e dar loro legge; ed era perciò distinto dal governatore o maestro della nave, capo di tutti, che stava al timone, chiamato gubernaculum, o clavus (manico del timone). In tre modi reggeva l'Ortatore i remiganti. Con una pertica in mano, donde a lui il nome di Portisculo. Questa pertica fu delta anche Casteria; ma corrottamente. Terminava in martello; e pare che l'esortazione di pendesse dal batterla forte col mazzuolo sopra asse, o trave; e secondo la diversità e il vario numero delle percosse significasse i varii comandi. - Gli altri due modi di esortazione nautica si facevano l'un colla voce, l'altro con qualche strumento musico. V'erano certe formole con metro, cioè con voci di sei piedi antidattili. Il terzo modo era lo strumento. Da Asconto pare che si adoprasse la cetra, come i Cretesi per cominciar la battaglia. Plutarco nella nave di Cleopatra dice che il Geleusma si faceva al suon della fistola e della tibia; remi argentei agitabantur ad fistulae, tibiaeque modos. Celeusma era detto l'Ortatore nelle piccole barche da fiumi appena navigabili. Ma lo strumento più frequente era la buccina, o la tromba. Le navi erano a più ordini di remi. Conveniva che si udisse distintamente per tutto. Stava l'Ortatore per legge nel luogo in mezzo della nave, che rimaneva vuoto fra i transtri, e restava ne' vascelli coperti, ossia nelle quinqueremi, sotto del superior tavolato, o Catastroma. Ma non sedeva come i remiganti. Alcuni vogliono che stesse immobile in piedi; altri che passeggiasse; e questo par che si raccolga da Isidoro che spiega le diverse parti delle navi; e parla della Via Agia o Agea: Agia via sunt loca in navi per quae ad remiges Hortator accedit. Talvolta però si trova che l'Ortatore dava il segno dalla poppa.”
[Dizionario Universale Archeologico-Artistico-Technologico, Rusconi, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Apr 24 - 03:04 PM

1838.
“... the Malays in my crew striking up their usual paddle song, each in turn repeating a short verse in a high key, sentimental or witty, and the whole breaking into a chorus which ran somewhat thus

Ah! ya-no-nasi, na no
       Ah! ya no!

and sounded very prettily, while the movements of their bodies and stroke of their paddles kept time to the tune.”
[My Journal in Malayan Waters, Or, The Blockade of Quedah, Osborn, 1861]
Sherard Osborn CB FRS (1822 – 1875)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Apr 24 - 03:06 PM

“After a time, a stately barge with sixteen oars was seen emerging from the river, and approaching the caravel. It was quaintly carved and gilt; the oarsmen were clad in antique garb, their oars painted of a bright crimson, and they came slowly and solemnly, keeping time as they rowed to the cadence of an old Spanish ditty. Under a silken canopy in the stern, sat a cavalier richly clad, and over his head was a banner bearing the sacred emblem of the cross.” [p.352]

“...The rowers plied their crimson oars in the same slow and stately manner to the cadence of the same mournful old ditty.” [p.358]
[The Phantom Island, Wolfert's Roost And Other Papers, Now First Collected, Irving, 1849]


“On these occasions it was that the merits of the Canadian voyageurs came into full action. Patient of toil, not to be disheartened by impediments and disappointments, fertile in expedients, and versed in every mode of humoring and conquering the wayward current, they would ply every exertion, sometimes in the boat, sometimes on shore, sometimes in the water, however cold; always alert, always in good-humor; and, should they at any time flag or grow weary, one of their popular boat songs, chanted by a veteran oarsman, and responded to in chorus, acted as a neverfailing restorative.”
[Astoria Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains, Irving, 1849]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Apr 24 - 03:07 PM

“The perseverance of boatmen in Norway is quite astonishing, for they pull on in the same steady manner for any length of time: on reaching our destination, after a row of about eight hours, our boatmen started at once on their return to Gudvangen, and would probably row straight home without delay. The tediousness of the rowing they sometimes beguiled by singing to the stroke of the oars: on bending forward one of the men would sing a short line suggested by the surrounding objects or present circumstances, and then, as the oars were pulled steadily through the water, all would join in the chorus of "Heighho." Another would then take up the solo, and so they would continue singing in turn, all joining in the chorus together.”
[Wild Life on the Fields of Norway, Wyndham, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 13 Apr 24 - 03:10 PM

“The numerous boats passing and repassing up and down was pleasantly exciting; for the black oarsmen sing songs merrily to the cadence of the oars, and then all unite in an amen chorus. This wild music on the water at night is enchanting; for the broad dome of the skies seems to reverberate the sound.”
[The Black Gauntlet: A Tale of Plantation Life in South Carolina, Schoolcraft, 1861]
The Black Gauntlet
Mary Howard Schoolcraft (1820 –1878)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Apr 24 - 03:49 PM

“...To this rope was fastened the noose of a heavy cable. The instant she was near enough, he gave one mighty whirl, and tossed the rope ashore. It struck one man, nearly knocked down another, while two or three immediately caught it, hauled the cable in, and slipped the noose over one of the heavy posts of the wharf; then the sailors secured the other end of it, and began to pull in, and pull in, with many a loud, “Heave-ho!” – every jerk bringing the vessel nearer the wharf, until she was safely moored alongside.”
[Early Days for 1861; Second Series, Vol.I, 1861]


“Henry Tresillian continued to gaze at Penzance with ardent and longing interest, until the loud command “Reef fore and topsails-helm a-port,” struck upon his ear, and the next moment the steamer had rounded the pier, and sweeping close alongside, dropped her anchor, while the “heave ho” of the sailors as they speedily secured her by ropes and chains to the quay-bolts, and the shrill scream of the steam as it poured its vapoury clouds from her 'scape-pipe, clearly signified that she had reached the termination of her voyage.”
[J.S.B., The Broken Troth-Plight, The London Journal, Vol.23, No.841, 23 March, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Apr 24 - 03:50 PM

“After being wearied with its agitations and attempts to escape, as well as exhausted by its wound, the fish is seized, and drawn into the boat. The operation has considerable resemblance to the whale fishery on a small scale. The superstitious Sicilian fishermen have an unintelligible chant, which they regard as a most essential part of their apparatus, Brydone thinks it is Greek: but be that as it may, the fishermen are convinced of its efficacy as a charm, its operation being to attract and detain the fish near the boat. There are certainly some Italian words in it, although it is said that the men believe that the fish would dive into the water and be seen no more if it happened to hear a word of Italian.”
[Swordfish, The Historical and Scientific American Miscellany, Vol.1-2, Sears, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Apr 24 - 03:52 PM

“GALLEY SLAVE…
...The only freedom these poor wretches (whose condition is, past all power of description, horrible) are permitted, is to give vent to their agony in a kind of wild chorus expressive of their suffering, which they endeavour to time to the click of their oars in the row-lock, or the dip of their sweeps as they fall into the flashing brine. The galley slave is now only to be found in the Neapolitan, Sardinian, and Venetian states of southern Europe, those of France being now closely allied to the convicts of the English hulks. It was in Genoa and Naples that this frightful state of suffering and degradation, till lately, existed in its most revolting form.”
[The Dictionary of Useful Knowledge, Vol. III. G-N, Philp, 1861]
Robert Kemp Philp (1819 - 1882)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Apr 24 - 03:54 PM

“Maintenant “ha! ho!... hissa, ho!... hisse! hissoué!...” nous sommes à bord du chasse-marée le Père Antoine; l'équipage exécute la manœuvre. Si vous désirez en savoir plus long, lisez le Tableau de la mer de M. G. de la Landelle. Moi, je suis un profane: dans nos montagnes de l'Alsace, nous sommes peu familiarisés avec la vie navale. Mais si je vais quelque jour passer une saison au Tréport ou à Étretat, je mettrai dans mon sac de voyage le volume de M. de la Landelle. Vos baigneurs parisiens seront bien attrapés; ils prendront le mangeur de choucroute pour un vieux loup de mer.”
[La Critique Française (Revue Philosophique et Littéraire,) Blot, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 14 Apr 24 - 03:55 PM

“"The story of Amphion building Thebes with his lyre was not a fable," says Dr. Clarke. "At Thebes, in the harmonious adjustment of those masses which remain belonging to the ancient walls, we saw enough to convince us that this story was no fable; for it was a very ancient custom to carry on immense labour by an accompaniment of music and singing. The custom still exists both in Egypt and Greece. It might, therefore, be said that the Walls of Thebes were built at the sound of the only musical instrument then in use; because, according to the custom of the country, the lyre was necessary for the accomplishment of the work."* The same custom appears to exist in Africa. Lander notices at Yàoorie that the "labourers in their plantations were attended by a drummer, that they might be excited by the sound of his instrument to work well and briskly."

Athenæus† has preserved the Greek names of different songs as sung by various trades, but unfortunately none of the songs themselves. There was a song for the corn-grinders; another for the workers in wool; another for the weavers. The reapers had their carol; the herdsmen had a song which an ox-driver of Sicily had composed; the kneaders, and the bathers, and the galley-rowers, were not without their chant. We have ourselves a song of the weavers, which Ritson has preserved in his "Ancient Songs;" and it may be found in the popular chap-book of "The Life of Jack of Newbury;" and the songs of anglers, of old Izaak Walton, and Charles Cotton, still retain their freshness.

Among the Greeks, observed Bishop Heber, the hymn which placed Harmodius in the green and flowery island of the Blessed, was chanted by the potter to his wheel, and enlivened the labours of the Piræan mariner.

Dr. Johnson is the only writer I recollect who has noticed something of this nature which he observed in the Highlands. "The strokes of the sickle were timed by the modulation of the harvest song, in which all their voices were united. They accompany every action which can be done in equal time with an appropriate strain, which has, they say, not much meaning, but its effects are regularity and cheerfulness. There is an oar song used by the Hebrideans."

But if these chants "have not much meaning," they will not produce the desired effect of touching the heart, as well as giving vigour to the arm of the labourer. The gondoliers of Venice while away their long midnight hours on the water with the stanzas of Tasso. Fragments of Homer are sung by the Greek sailors of the Archipelago; the severe labour of the trackers, in China, is accompanied with a song which encourages their exertions, and renders these simultaneous. Mr. Ellis mentions that the sight of the lofty pagoda of Tongchow served as a great topic of incitement in the song of the trackers, toiling against the stream, to their place of rest. The canoemen, on the Gold Coast, in a very dangerous passage, on the back of a high curling wave, paddling with all their might, singing or rather shouting their wild song, follow it up," says M'Leod, who was a lively witness of this happy combination of song, of labour, and of peril, which he acknowledged was "a very terrific process." Our sailors at Newcastle, in heaving their anchors, have their "Heave and ho! rum-below!" but the Sicilian mariners must be more deeply affected by their beautiful hymn to the Virgin. A society, instituted in Holland for general good, do not consider among their least useful projects that of having printed at a low price a collection of songs for sailors.

It is extremely pleasing, as it is true, to notice the honest exultation of an excellent ballad-writer, C. Dibdin, in his Professional Life. "I have learnt my songs have been considered as an object of national consequence; that they have been the solace of sailors and long voyagers, in storms, in battle; and that they have been quoted in mutinies, to the restoration of order and discipline." The Portuguese soldiery in Ceylon, at the siege of Colombo, when pressed with misery and the pangs of hunger, during their marches, derived not only consolation but also encouragement, by rehearsing the stanzas of the Lusiad.

*Dr. Clarke's Travels, vol. iv. p. 56.
† Deip. lib. xiv. cap. iii”
[Song of Trades, or Songs for the People, Curiosities of Literature, Vol.2, Isaac Disraeli, Benjamin Disraeli (Earl of Beaconsfield,) 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Apr 24 - 10:15 PM

“Celeusma…. Der Gesang oder der Ruf des Rudermeisters (hortator, pausarius, … ), um die Ruderer griechischer und römischer Schiffe anzutreiben und zu unterstützen die Wogen im Takte zu schlagen (Mart. Ep. III, 67; Rutil. I, 370). Bisweilen wurde der Gesang wiederholt und von den Ruderern im Chore gesungen, bisweilen auf musikalischen Instrumenten gespielt (Aun.so in Div. Verr. 17).
Ergata.... Gangspille oder Krahn, um die Schiffe ans Ufer zu ziehen und überhaupt grosse Lasten zu bewegen (Vitruv. X, 4).
Gubernator.... Steuermann oder Lotse, der am Hintertheil sass, das Schiff zu steuern (Cic. Sen. 9), den Ruderern Befehle gab und die Segel anordnen liess (Virg. Aen. X, 218; Lucan. VIII, 193). Er stand im Commando dem magister am nächsten und unmittelbar über dem proreta (Scheffer, Mil. Nav. p. 302). Das Bild ist nach einem in Pozzuoli gefundenen Basrelief.
Helciarius. Einer, der ein Boot an dem Joch (helcium) eines Schlepptaues zieht (Mart. IV, 64. 22; Sidon. Ep. II, 10).
Helcium. Eigentlich das Joch an einem von Männern (Helciarius) gezogenen Schlepptau, welches über Schulter und Brust gezogen wird; daher wird es von einem Brustband an den Strängen von Zugthieren gebraucht (Apul. Met. IX. p.185), wie auf der beigefügten Probe nach einem Gemälde zu Herculanum.
Hortator…. Derjenige, welcher auf einem Schiffe das ... gab, indem er durch einen zuweilen mit Spiel begleiteten Gesang die Ruderer im Takte hielt und sie gewissermassen zu ihrer Arbeit ermunterte (Ovid. Met. III, 619. Vgl. Virg. Aen. V, 177; Serv. ad l.); daher der Name (solet hortator remiges hortarier, Plaut. Merc. IV, 2, 5). Er sass auf dem Hintertheil des Schiffes mit einem Stab in der Hand, mit welchem er den Takt schlug, wie das beigefügte Bild zeigt, welches dem vatikanischen Virgil entnommen ist.
Pausarius (Senec. Ep. 56). Derjenige Beamte, welcher den Gesang anstimmte (celeusma) und den Takt schlug, nach welchem die Ruderknechte die Ruder bewegten; er hiess auch Hortator. S. d. Abb. u. d. W.
Portisculus. Ein Stock oder ein Hammer, womit der, welcher an Bord eines Schiffes (s. Celeusma und Pausarius) das Signal gab, den Takt schlug, nach welchem die Ruderer gleichmässig arbeiteten (Ennius und Laber. ap. Non. s.v.; Cato ap. Fest. s.v.; Plaut. Asin. III, 1, 14). In der Abbildung nach dem vatikanischen Virgil hält ihn die auf dem Hintertheil des Schiffes sitzende Figur in der rechten Hand.
Proreta.... Ein Mann, der vorn auf einem Schiffe stand (prora), um das Meer zu beobachten und der dem Steuermann durch Zeichen andeutete, auf welchen Punkt er lossteuern solle, wie die Abbildung zeigt, nach einer Medaille. Er commandirte zu zweit nächst dem gubernator, und unter seiner Aufsicht und seinem Befehle stand alles, was zum Takelwerk und zur ganzen Ausrüstung des Schiffes gehörte (Plaut. Rud. IV, 3, 86; Rutil. Itin. I, 455; Scheffer Mil. Nav. IV,6).
Symphoniaci. Musiker, die in einem passt; denn alle bezeichnen eine VereiConcert ein Musikstück sangen oder spiel-nigung mehrerer verschiedener Dinge, ten. Besonders gab man diesen Namen z. B. der Schüsseln, Teller etc.,.. die jungen Sclaven, die man zu Chorsängern heranbildete, um ihre Herren bei Tafel zu unterhalten, ebenso einer Musikbande, die man an Bord der Schiffe brauchte, damit die Ruderer nach ihrer Musik die Ruder im Takte schlugen, indem sie das Schifferlied (celeusma) spielte oder sang, oder um durch musikalische Töne Signale oder Befehle zu geben (Cic. Div. Verr. 17; Ascon. ad l.).”
[Illustrirtes Wörterbuch der römischen Alterthümer mit Steter Berücksichtigung der griechischen, Rich, 1862]

Note: English (1849) & French (1859) editions above.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Apr 24 - 10:17 PM

“The ship lay motionless, the officers and men were at their stations, but not the slightest movement was perceptible on board. The captain waved his hand,—in an instant the deck presented a scene of the greatest activity. Round went the men at the capstern to the sound of the merry fife; the crew flew aloft, as by magic the sails at the same moment were let fall, and away glided the "Orion" down the beautiful Gulf of Vigo.”
[My Travels in Many Lands, Kingston, 1862]


“The fife and fiddle were meantime sounding merrily, and, as with cheerful tramp the men pressed round the capstan bars, the anchor was speedily run up to the bows.”
[Marmaduke Merry the Midshipman; Or My Early Days at Sea, Kingston, 1862]


“As soon as the last of the party were out of the Lunnasting barge, she was sent back to the castle with directions to pull off to the ship when a signal should be made, at the same moment the boatswain's shrill whistle was heard, the topsails were let fall, the capstan bars were shipped, and the men tramped round to the sound of fife and fiddle. The wide extending courses next dropped from the brails, the topgallant-sails and royals were set, and the ship under all her canvas stood out with the wind on her larboard quarter by the northern passage from Eastling Sound.”
[The Fire-Ships, Vol.1, Kingston, 1862]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 15 Apr 24 - 10:20 PM

“I speedily arrived at Plymouth, and towards evening found myself on board the African mail steamer Forerunner; and shortly afterwards the signal gun was fired; the sharp "clicking" of the catches of the capstan mingling with the merry song of the sailors heaving up anchor, was heard;...”
[European Settlements on the West Coast of Africa, Hewett, 1862]


“The Prince of Wales, lying at Port Royal, Jamaica, was suddenly ordered to weigh; the capstan was manned, and to the music of the fife the men were sending it swiftly round with a stamp and go;...”
[The Cruise of the Blue Jacket and Other Sea Stories, By Robert WARNEFORD (Lieut., pseud.) 1862]
William Russell (1806–1876)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phi d'Conch
Date: 15 Apr 24 - 10:21 PM

“At length, when our patience was well nigh exhausted, the much desired change of wind occurred. Cat's-paws, from the westward, came playing over the bay; then the vessels under Staten Island began to move more swiftly; our Captain appeared on deck beaming with delight; even the mates forget to swear; all hands went to work at the capstan, singing merrily and, as the sun threw longer shadows from her tall masts and ponderous yards, the Fearless, with anchor tripped and royals fluttering to the breeze, glided majestically forth upon her voyage.” [p.292]

“Charts were now in constant requisition, the deep sea lead was mysteriously mentioned, and an anchor got ready. Fresher blew the wind; and bets were ventured on the exact time of our arrival in port. The crew received less ill usage and more grog. Their songs sounded cheerily from the pumps, or the braces; and again, were hornpipes vigorously danced, while the blind fiddler, mounted on an empty cask, seemed to share the general animation.” [p.298]
[My Voyage in an American Clipper, Hunt's Yachting Magazine, Vol.11, July, 1862]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 24 - 10:32 PM

“celeuma, f. celeusma.
celeusma (celeuma), atis, n. … das Commando … (= Vorgeseßten der Ruderknechte, hortator, pausarius) durch Zuruf u. Angabe des Lactes mit dem Hammer (portisculus), nach welchem die Ruder zugleich in die Höhe gezogen u. zugleich herabgestoßen werden mußten, Mart. 3, 67,4. Rutil. 1,370 (u. dazu Zumpt). Sidon. Ep. 2, 10 (u. dazu Savaro S. 153).”
[Lateinisch-Deutsches und Deutsch-Lateinisches Hanwörterbuch, vol.I, Georges, 1861]


“Song, S. (used when heaving, hoisting & c.) het opzingen; mind the – ! zing op!”
[Engelsch-Nederduitsch Technisch Marine-Woordenboek, Etc, Rees, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 24 - 10:34 PM

“The waters are beaten with oars and loaded ropes, and thus the fish are frightened into a narrower space. Listen to the discordant noises on the shore! Boys shout shrilly; dogs bark loudly; and women chatter, and all these sounds mingle with the deep-toned nautical 'Yo! heave ho! yo! hoy! hoy! hoy!' at sea. Though yourself a calm reticent student when in London you catch the Cornish enthusiasm, and as if your whole venture was in pilchards you yourself shout and shriek, and jump and rave.”
[Seaside Divinity, Fraser, Humphreys, 1861]


“CAPSTAN, CAPSTAND, or CAPSTEM,
...each spoke being propelled by one or sometimes two men, who, placing their hands on the several levers, which rise as high as the chest, push before them, at first slow and heavily, till, having obtained the momentum, the men increase their speed, till, when the load is not excessive, they break into a run, and, if sailors, accompany their labour with a song or chorus.”
[The Dictionary of Useful Knowledge: C-F, 1861]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 24 - 10:39 PM

“As a matter of course the frigates had anchored, although we omitted to mention it, and when Lord Edgar and Harold stepped on deck they heard the orders given to turn the hands upweigh anchor-pass the messenger below-ship the bars there, bear a hand-the men leant with all their weight on the capstan bars, and stepped out cheerily to fife and drum; very soon the frigate rode, short stay-peak; loose sails, and the sails are loosened as if by magic, but not let fall.”
[Harold Overdon, Ashore and Afloat, Vol.6, Chartley Castle (pseud.) 1862]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 24 - 10:40 PM

“As the sun rises, the heat rapidly increases, and the camels and elephants are seen making short cuts across the fields, and keeping always clear of the road; when our bands have blown as much wind as they can spare into their instruments, our men strike up a song, and old windlass tunes, forecastle ditties, and many a well-known old ballad resound through the jungles or on the fertile plains of Bengal, and serve to animate our sailors and astonish the natives.”
[The Shannon's Brigade in India: Being Some Account of Sir William Peel's Naval Brigade in the Indian Campaign of 1857-1858, Verney, 1862]
Sir Edmund Verney, 3rd Baronet FRGS, DL, JP (1838 – 1910)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 24 - 10:44 PM

“Allí estaba el polizon tirando de las cuerdas con sus delicadas manos ensangrentadas, ayundando á la gente al compás del zalomar, especie de canturía que usan los marineros para efectuar los trabajos de fuerza.”
[Aventuras de Gilberto: Novela Maritima, Juan Corrales Mateos (pseud.) 1862]

“CALUMARE. Att. Term. di Marina. Allentare, Fare scorrere a poco a poco, detto di funi; ed anche Tirare lentamente da un luogo a un altro, detto di barche o simili. Forse è affine d'origine a Calare; seppure non viene dal lat. celeusma o celeuma, grec. ..., voce con la quale il comito comandava alla ciurma di remare, ed anche il canto de'rematori stessi; senso che ha ritenuto lo spagnuolo calomar. Ar. Orl. Fur. 19, 53: E caluma la gomona, e fa pruova Di duo terzi del corso ritenere.”
[Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca, Vol.2, 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 24 - 11:01 PM

“Her tea not being yet on board, the ship's hull floated high as a castle, and to the subtle, intellectual, doll-faced, bolus-eyed people, that sculled to and fro busy as bees, though looking forked mushrooms, she sounded like a vast musical shell: for a lusty harmony of many mellow voices vibrated in her great cavities, and made the air ring cheerily around her. The vocalists were the Cyclopes, to judge by the tremendous thumps that kept clean time to their sturdy tune. Yet it was but human labour, so heavy and so knowing, that it had called in music to help. It was the third mate and his gang completing his floor to receive the coming tea chests. Yesterday he had stowed his dunnage, many hundred bundles of light flexible canes from Sumatra and Malacca; on these he had laid tons of rough saltpetre, in 2001b. gunny-bags: and was now mashing it to music, bags and all. His gang of fifteen, naked to the waist, stood in line, with huge wooden beetles called commanders, and lifted them high and brought them down on the nitre in cadence with true nautical power and unison, singing as follows, with a ponderous bump on the last note in each bar.

Here goes one,
Owe me there one,
One now it is gone,

There's another yet to come,
And away we'll go to Flanders,
Amongst our wooden comanders,
Where we'll get wine in plenty,
Rum, brandy, and genavy.

Here goes two.
Owe me there two, &c.*

And so up to fifteen, when the stave was concluded with a shrill "Spell, oh!" and the gang relieved streaming with perspiration. When the saltpetre was well mashed, they rolled ton butts of water on it, till the floor was like a billiard table. A fleet of chop boats then began to arrive, so many per day, with the tea chests. Mr. Grey proceeded to lay the first tier on his saltpetre floor, and then built the chests, tier upon tier, beginning at the sides, and leaving in the middle a lane somewhat narrower than a tea chest. Then he applied a screw jack to the chests on both sides, and so enlarged his central aperture, and forced the remaining tea chests in; and behold the enormous cargo packed as tight as ever a shopkeeper packed a box-nineteen thousand eight hundred and six chests, sixty half chests, fifty quarter chests….”


““All ready below, sir," cried a voice.

"Man the bars," returned Mr. Sharpe from the quarterdeck. "Play up, fifer. Heave away."

Out broke the merry fife with a rhythmical tune, and tramp, tramp, tramp went a hundred and twenty feet round and round; and, with brawny chests pressed tight against the capstan-bars, sixty fine fellows walked the ship up to her anchor, drowning the fife at intervals with their sturdy song, as pat to their feet as an echo, —

Heave with a will, ye jolly boys,
        Heave around;
We're off from Chainee, jolly boys,
        Homeward bound.

"Short stay apeak, sir," roars the boatswain from forward.

“Unship the bars. Way aloft. Loose sails. Let fall.””
[Reade, Very Hard Cash, All the Year Round, No.214, 30 May1863]

Note: Includes music for the first lyrics.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Apr 24 - 10:54 PM

“The men took hold of the rope, and began pulling upon it; the foremost man of all setting up a song with no words to it, only a strange musical rise and fall of notes. In the dark night, and far out upon the lonely sea, it sounded wild enough, and made me feel as I had some times felt, when in a twilight room a cousin of mine, with black eyes, used to play some old German airs on the piano. I almost looked round for goblins, and felt just a little bit afraid. But I soon got used to this singing; for the sailors never touched a rope without it. Sometimes, when no one happened to strike up, and the pulling, whatever it might be, did not seem to be getting forward very well, the mate would always say, “Come, men, can't any of you sing? Sing now, and raise the dead.” And then some one of them would begin, and if every man's arms were as much relieved as mine by the song, and he could pull as much better as I did, with such a cheering accompaniment, I am sure the song was well worth the breath expended on it. It is a great thing in a sailor to know how to sing well, for he gets a great name by it from the officers, and a good deal of popularity among his shipmates. Some sea-captains, before shipping a man, always ask him whether he can sing out at a rope.” [pp.63-64]

“The white sails glistened in the clear morning air like a great Eastern encampment of sultans; and from many a forecastle, came the deep mellow old song Ho-o-he-yo, cheerily men! as the crews catted their anchors.” [p.303]
[Redburn: His First Voyage, Melville, 1863]

Note: Omissions from the first edition (1850) above.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Apr 24 - 10:56 PM

“*An executive officer will find it greatly to his interest to obtain, at almost any cost, a few good assistants. Besides getting a good master-at-arms, he should exert himself to procure a good painter, cooper, shoemaker, and most particularly a good fiddler.”
[Seamanship, Comp. from Various Authorities and Illustrated with Numerous Original and Selected Designs, for the Use of the United States Naval Academy, Luce, 1863]
Adm. Stephen Luce (1827 – 1917)


“†CÉLEUSTE (sé-leu-st'). s.m. Terme de la marine ancienne, Celui qui donnait les ordres aux matelots et aux rameurs.
        –ETYM. … Voy. CÉLEUSTIQUE.
†CÉLEUSTIQUE (sé-leu-sti-k'). s.f. Terme didactique. Art de transmittre les commandements au moyen d'instruments de musique. || Adj. Qui a raport à cet art.
        –ETYM. … , qui commande, de … commander.”
[Dictionnaire de la Langue Française, I-P, Littré, 1863]
Note: Greek text omitted.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Apr 24 - 10:57 PM

“The wind being contrary, the motion of the boat was very disagreeable, and the shouting, bawling, and singing of the rowers was intolerable decidedly the most inharmonious crew I ever had the misfortune of being in the same boat with.” [p.84]

“Their airs are, however, sometimes monotonous, and their choruses very like groans of disapprobation. Ten voices, often fine, singing plaintive airs in a minor key, have generally a very pleasing effect; but before the Nile voyage is over travellers get rather tired of it, as the men pretend they cannot row without singing.” [p.113]

“The men never work so well if they are not allowed to sing when they row; but if the singing is felt to be a nuisance, it can always be checked, or even stopped entirely.” [pp.342-343]
[A Winter in Upper and Lower Egypt, Hoskins, 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Apr 24 - 11:00 PM

“As soon as the hammocks were all up, and put away in the nettings on deck, the capstan bars were shipped and manned, and the chief mate shouted down the hatchway

"Are you all ready there below?”

"All ready, sir!" replied the third mate.

"Heave taut for unbitting!"

As soon as the cable was unbitted, "Heave round!" was the cry from the lower-deck.

"Heave round!" said the mate; "step out, my hearts!" The fifes struck up "The girl I left behind me," the men stamped round the capstan with a cheerful, steady step, and in a very short time the cable was nearly up and down. "Up and down, sir!" shouted the boatswain from the forecastle.

"Heave and paul!" cried the chief mate.

"Out bars, out bars! bear a hand, my lads!-Up there, topmen-loose sails! Send everybody up from below to make sail!"

"Ay, ay, sir!"
[Wilson's Tales of the Borders, New Edition, vol.XVI, Wilson, Leighton, 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 17 Apr 24 - 11:01 PM

“Another object of great interest attracts the notice of the crew. Two long, bright green canoes, scarcely a foot out of the water, are paddled by eighteen copper-skinned Burmese in each, whilst one gaily dressed squats on the stern, guiding each canoe with a long paddle. They are the racing boats out for practice; just the sport for the white tars. Keeping time to their gay song, the rowers paddle gently, but with increasing speed, until they dash along, side by side, the short paddle dipping into the water so rapidly as scarcely to be followed by the eye, whilst the rowers sing and shout equally as fast.” [p.139]

““Heave with a will, lads!" shouted the captain, and the men commence heaving. A merry group are they: daring and fierce, but few would think those careless, merry tars were so accustomed to scenes of lawlessness and villany. They heave with a will, and clank, clank, sounds the ponderous machine as it revolves, and the handles alternately rise and fall. "Start a song, Carlo!" cries one; and now the Spaniard, with a rich, manly voice raises the song, whilst they all keep time with their work and join heartily in the gay chorus. Well may the natives pause in their canoes to listen as the rough melody from rough throats sounds cheerily over the water.

Clank, clank, goes the windlass, and again the captain's voice is heard, but the singers cease not their song.

"Haul out the mainsail! Some of you idlers let fall the foretopsail t'gallantsail and royal! Cast off the gaskets of your jib and flying jib!" Away dash some of the hands, and soon the mainsail is set, and the other sails flapping loosely from their yards.

All this while, clank, clank, goes the windlass and the tars still swell the cheering melody.

The anchor's aweigh, sir!" shouted the mate who was looking over the tars.

“Very well, Davies; heave her chock up. Now then, lads, topsail halyards!" Thus roared Grasper, while nearly a score clapped on to the foretopsail halyards, two or three clapped on beforehand, and away the others ran with a cheering song, and soon the yard was mast-headed.” [p254-55]
[The Brigantine, Pascoe, 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Jul 24 - 10:34 PM

1843 New Orleans.
“...The steamboats a blaze of light from stem to stern-some letting off their steam with deafening noise, whilst some were extinguishing their fires with hissing sounds, as the water was thrown upon the red hot brands under the boilers; whilst, at the same time, lights from the decks and the cabin windows of the shipping, extended an illumination, until it was lost in distant littleness; from which lurid glare Jack tar, with merry laugh and song, could be seen and heard furling his sail and tackle, above the shouts of porters, and the rattling of drays and hacks;...”
[Travels in Mexico, During the Years 1843 and 44, Gilliam, 1847]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Jul 24 - 10:36 PM

1849, Chagres River, Gatun to Millaflores.
“...Our native rowers plied their broad paddles vigorously and swiftly, singing incessantly, and sometimes screeching like a whole flock of peacocks, with a hundred-horse power of lungs, Indian songs, with Spanish words; one of which songs was rather remarkable, inasmuch as, instead of being, as usual, full of the praises of some chosen fair, it was nothing but a string of commendations on the beauty and grace of the singer. “I have a beautiful face,” “I am very beautiful,” &c.”
[Travels in the United States, Etc., During 1849 and 1850, Vol.2, Stuart-Wortley, 1851]
Lady Emmeline Stuart-Wortley (1806-1855)

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Jul 24 - 12:58 AM

1st ed. in Dutch. 1850 Ohio River, somewhere between Cincinnati, OH & Louisville, KY:
“Een der passagiers vroeg mij, of ik de negers eens wilde horens zingen, en geleidde mij naar het onderste gedeelte der boot, waar ik een zonderling tooneel aanschouwde. De reusachtige vlammen zijn allemaal in dit gedeelte, en men ziet er acht van negen openingen, die allen het uitzigt op gloeijende ovens geven; het schijnen gapende vuurmonden, en naast elk er busje staat een neger naakt tot aan de heupen, die is brandhout inwerpt. Zij vangen het hout van andere negers, de op eenige afstand van de stokers staan, en op dezelfde afstand van een man, die bij een hoogen stapel takkebossen geposteerd is een met krachtige armen voedsel aan de monsters op het dek toewerpt. Mijn vriend noodigde de negers uit om te zingen, en terstond begon de man bij de houtstapel een geïmproviseerd lied in coupletten, die allen met een refrein aangevuld, dat door het koor der benedenstaande negers werd aangeheven. Het was een fantastisch en indrukwekkend tooneel, die krachtige zwarte atleten te zien, door den gloed der ovens verlicht, terwijl zij op de maat van hun zelfs fantastisch lied, het eene stuk hout na het andere in de vuurzee wierpen. Alles ging met zoo veel leven en zoo regelmatig toe, en het gansche tooneel was in al zijne delen zoo geheel in harmonie, dat het op ieder tooneel een zeer goed effect zou hebben gemaakt. De improvisatie eindigde met eene wending, waarin de zanger vertelde dat het zingen dubbele zoo goed zou gaan, wanneer er bij de aankomst te Louisville wat brandewijn overschoot, en dat er brandewijn kon worden gekocht, als mannen een weinig geld ontvangen. Mijn vriend zei dat zijn verwachting niet te leur was.”
[De Nieuwe Wereld (Homes of the New World,) Bremer, 1854]
Fredrika Bremer (1801-1865)

English translation follows.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 20 Jul 24 - 01:00 AM

See previous. 1850.
“I must tell you of a pleasure which he prepared for me one evening on the Ohio. He asked me whether I should like to hear the negroes of the ship sing, and led me for this purpose to the lowest deck, where I beheld a strange scene. The immense engine-fires are all on this deck, eight or nine apertures all in a row; they are like yawning fiery throats, and beside each throat stood a negro naked to his middle, who flung in fire-wood. Pieces of wood were passed onward to these feeders by other negroes, who stood up aloft on a large open place between them and a negro, who, standing on a lofty stack of firewood, threw down with vigorous arms food for the monsters on deck. Lerner H. encouraged the negroes to sing; and the negro up aloft on the pile of fire-wood began immediately an improvised song in stanzas, and at the close of each the negroes down below joined in vigorous chorus. It was a fantastic and grand sight to see these energetic black athletes lit up by the wildly flashing flames from the fiery throats, while they, amid their equally fantastic song, keeping time most exquisitely, hurled one piece of fire-wood after another into the yawning fiery gulf. Every thing went on with so much life, and so methodically, and the whole scene was so accordant and well arranged, that it would have produced a fine effect upon any theatre whatever. The improvisation was brought finally to a close with a hint that the singing would become doubly merry, and would sing twice as well, if they could have a little brandy when they reached Louisville, and that they could buy brandy if they could have a little money, and so on.

Nor did Mr. H. allow them to be mistaken in their anticipations.”
[The Homes of the New World: Impressions of America, Vol.2, Bremer, Howitt trans, 1854]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Dec 24 - 05:24 PM

1825:
“When the blocks were made secure to the chain, (comprizing twenty-five   tons weight of iron*) two capstans, and also two preventive capstans, commenced working, each capstan being propelled by thirty-two men.

To preserve an equal force and tension in the rotatory evolutions of the two principal capstans, two fifers played several enlivening tunes, to keep the workmen regular in their steps, for which purpose they had been previously trained.”
[Particulars of the Grand Suspension Bridge, 3rd ed., Pring, 1826]
Menai Suspension Bridge

*39.5 ton load @ designed curvature.

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Dec 24 - 05:27 PM

Slightly different version:
“...One end of the chain was then bolted to that which hung down the face of the Caernarvon pier; whilst the other was attached to ropes connected with strong capstans fixed upon the Anglesea side, the ropes passing by means of blocks over the top of the pyramid of the Anglesea pier. The capstans for hauling in the ropes bearing the main chain were two in number, manned by about 150 labourers. When all was ready, the signal was given to 'Go along!' A band of fifers struck up a lively tune; the capstans were instantly in motion, and the men stepped round in a steady trot. All went well. The ropes gradually coiled in. As the strain increased, the pace slackened a little, but 'Heave away! Now she comes!' was sung out. Round went the men, and steadily and safely rose the ponderous chain. The tide had by this time turned, and bearing upon the side of the raft, now getting freer of its load, the current floated it away from under the middle of the chain, still resting on it, and it swung easily off into the water. Until this moment a breathless silence pervaded the watching multitude, and nothing was heard amongst the working party on the Anglesea side but the steady tramp of the men at the capstans, the shrill music of the fife, and the occasional order to 'Hold on!' or 'Go along!' But no sooner was the raft seen floating away, and the great chain safely swinging in the air, than a tremendous cheer burst forth from both sides of the Straits....”
[The Bridge Over the Menai Straits, John Cassell's Illustrated History of England, Smith, 7th ed., 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Dec 24 - 05:29 PM

“CALUMARE. Att. Term. di Marina. Allentare, Fare scorrere a poco a p???, detto di funi; ed anche Tirare lentamente da un luogo a un altro, detto di barche o simili. Forse è affine d'origine a Calare; seppure non viene dal lat. celeusma o celeuma, grec. ???e?sµa, voce con la quale il comito comandava alla ciurma di remare, ed anche il canto de'rematori stessi; senso che ha ritenuto lo spagnuolo calomar. – Ar. Orl. Fur. 19, 53: E caluma la gomona, e fa pruova Di duo terzi del corso ritenere.”
[Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca, Vol. 2, 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Dec 24 - 06:26 PM

Canterbury, New Zealand:
“We were amused with seeing the Maoris at work. They struck, shovelled, &c., altogether, keeping time to a song, like sailors at a windlass.”
[A Selection from the Writings and Speeches, Godley, 1863]
John Robert Godley (1814–1861)


South Devon:
“We are so primitive that we actually have no windlass, no capstan, among us; so that when the smacks, which come broadside on, are grounded on the beach, all the available pulling and hauling force sits down in a line behind each other, and, with a cheery “Yo-ho” song, by sheer manual strength drags the boat out of tide-reach.”
[Yates, On Kicking Up One's Heels, Temple Bar, Vol. 9, 1863]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 21 Dec 24 - 06:27 PM

“CACHUCHA. s.f. A.N. Embarcacion de remos, que se usa en algunos puerfos y rios de América; y tan pequeña, que no caben en ella arriba de tres personas.
CACHUCHO. s.m. fig. A.N. y Nav. Apodo que se da á un barco muy pequeño, que tambien se dice cachumbo, cachumbillo, así como cachumbon por buque malo ó de feo aspecto.
CONSONAR. v. a ant. Man. V. Salomar.
Celeste. El que llèvaba la saloma para animar á los remeros.
Chanter. Salomar.
Chantuer. Salomador.
Ciurmare. Salomar.
Salma. Carga. ? Saloma.
SALOMA. s.f. Man. Especie de grito ó canto acompasado, que, en los barcos mercantes, usan los marineros al trabajar en alguna faena ó maniobra.
SALOMADOR. s.m. Man. El que saloma; y el que lleva la voz en la saloma.==Fr. Chanteur.
SALOMAR. v.a. Man. Animar á los marineros, con la saloma, á fin de que hagan simulataneamente sus movimientos ó esfuerzos en una faena. Lo general es que lleve uno la voz y los demas contesten en coro; pero algunas veces canta uno solo y los demas callan y se guian por él, y otras cantan todos á un tiempo.==Fr. Chanter.==Ing. To sing.
Salomare. Salomar.
Sing out (To). Salomar.”
[Diccionario Marítimo Español, Lorenzo, 1864]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Dec 24 - 02:32 PM

“To one not accustomed to such scenes as slavery presents, the condition of the slaves is inexpressibly shocking. In the course of my walks, I was every where a witness to their wretchedness. Like the brute creation of the north, they are driven about at the pleasure of all who meet them. Half nakes and half starved, they drag out a pitiful existence, apparently almost unconscious of what they suffer. A threat accompanies every command, and a batinado is the usual reward of disobedience. Along the wharves they are to be seen transporting the cargoes of ships to and from the warehouses. The accompany all their labour with a kind of monotonous song, at times breaking out into a yell, and then sinking into the same drawl.” [pp.13-14]

“I embarked at Ogdensburgh to descend the St. Lawrence in an open boat of perhaps three tons burthen. It was rowed by four Canadians, who accompanied the motion of the oar with a constant song….” [p.119]

“...As we entered the rapid, the sun was fast setting behind the western hills, and gilded with his rays the white foam of the curling seas. The song of the oarsmen was instantly hushed, and each, with anxious eyes, watched the motions of the pilot who guided the helm….

...At length we almost leaped over a sudden pitch that terminates the rapids, and the river soon became smooth. The oars gilded the water, and the song of the oarsmen broke the silence of the night;...” [pp.120-121]
[Travels in North America, Mead, 1820]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Dec 24 - 02:34 PM

“Pendant la flotte voguait vers Corinthe, l'urne cinéraire se montrait du haut de la poupe à tous les regards, décorée de la pourpre royale et du diadème, et entourée de jeunes gens en armes, qui lui formaient une garde. Auprès était assis le plus célèbre des joueurs de flûte de ce temps, Xénophante, qui exécutait la plus religieuse des mélodies; et les rames, au son de l'instrument, s'élevant avec un rhythme particulier, répondaient, par leur bruit cadencé, aux airs modulés de la flûte, comme dans une lamentation où les coups accompagnent les cris.

Ici l'air des rameurs a pris le caractère lent et lugubre d'une marche funèbre.

Si le chœur des Grenouilles n'eut donc rien de commun avec l'air nautique du côté des paroles, il s'y rattachait évidemment par la musique. Mais, avant de quitter le celeusma, nous avons encore à examiner deux questions qui ne sont pas sans intérêt.”
[Mémoires de l'Institut de France, Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, Vol.21, 1857]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Dec 24 - 10:02 PM

“6th Month, 1st, Fourth-day.–...As soon as all was quiet I got up and partially dressed, but finding that it was but 3 o'clock turned in again for an hour or two, and was next awoke by the singing of the sailors as they walked round the capstan. I could distinguish the carpenter's voice as chief singer, and the others joined in the chorus; the sound was melodious, and I thought it was time to see what was going on. Upon reaching the deck there was a strange sight indeed, sailors, Greenlanders, and two Greenland girls helping to tighten the hawsers, which had been made fast to the rings in the rocks by which the vessel was moored.”
[Penny, Isaac Sharp in Greenland, The British Friend, vol.XXII, no.XI, 1 November 1864]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Dec 24 - 10:03 PM

“CELEUSME (Mar.). Celeusma, ???e?sµa. Les Grecs et les Romains nommaient ainsi le chant au moyen duquel le chef des rameurs amenait ceux-ci à frapper les flots en mesure. Quelquefois les rameurs répétaient ce chanten chœur, ou bien il était joué pardes instruments. – Ce mot désignait aussi le signal que le pilote donnait aux matelots pour passer d'une manœuvre à l'autre.

CÉLEUSTE (Mar.). ?e?e?st?? (celeustés). Se disait anciennement de celui qui donnait des ordres sur un navire, au moyen d'un instrument, et de celui qui chantait pour encourager les rameurs.

CELEUSTIQUE. Se dit de l'art de transmettre des signaux militaires au moyen d'instruments de musique.”
[Dictionnaire et Encyclopédie Militaire et Maritime par le Comte de Chesnel, 1864]

Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Dec 24 - 10:06 PM

“But come, get behind me, and put your hands under my arms and heave; I'll shove with my sound limb. Now let us act together. Stay! Bob, we've been long enough aboard ship to know the value of a song in producing unity of action. Take the tune from me. "Suiting the action to the word, Jack gave forth, at the top of his voice, one or two of those peculiarly nautical howls wherewith seamen are wont to constrain windlasses and capstans to creak, and anchors to let go their hold." Now then, heave away, my hearties; yo -heave-o-hoy!" At the last word we both strained with all our might. I heard Jack's braces burst with the effort. We both became purple in the face, but the leg remained immovable! With a loud simultaneous sigh we relaxed, and looking at each other groaned slightly. Come, come, Bob, never say die; one trial more; it was the braces that spoiled it that time. Now then, cheerily ho! My hearties, heave-yo-hee-o-HOY!””
[Routledge's Every Boy's Annual, 1864]