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THE FIRE-SIDE COMPANIONS.
YOU fire-ſide companions who merrily bouſe,
Along with your neighbours a-reading the news,
O little you mind, and as little you know
The hardſhips and dangers we ſailors undergo.
But in time of war we are firſt in command,
Like heroes of valour we boldly do ſtand,
We are the glory of Britain, and terror of Spain,
And who are ſo free as we ſons of the main?
You jolly brave farmers that follow the plow,
A reading our proceedings your joys to renew;
And pray for our ſucceſs, as juſtly you may,
Which makes you in ſafety at home for to ſtay.
You fire-ſide companions who love and admire,
Whoſe roaring cannons ne'er ſound in your ear;
Who ne'er durſt appear to fight in your lives,
Unleſs with your neighbour or elſe with your wives.
You flunkies and barbers who flaunting do go,
At church and at market are reckon'd a beau;
Who ne'er was expoled where bullets did fly,
Wou'd make you to tremble with tears in your eye.
Like us jolly ſailors who bound to the main,
Expos'd to the fury of both France and Spain;
Tho' friends and relations our abſence do mourn,
In murals of victory I hope we'll return.
