CAPTAIN AGRA
Arra, Captain Agra, I’m going to lift,
Will you lend me the loan of your hand in my fist?
I’m going to Dublin, is this the straight way?
I was not there to-morrow nor here yesterday.
When I went to Dublin, that very fine place,
I went to Green Castle or e’er I did cease;
I look’d all around me to fee what I could spy,
E’er a one in the world to make a soldier of I.
The first thing I saw was a man on horseback,
With a red coat and a three-cocked-hat;
I boldly stept to him and made a low stoop,
And swore by my durk I would lift in his troop.
The first thing they gave me was a fine red coat.
With three straps of leather to gird me about;
With a scabbard at my side, and a pouch to put on,
Oh! then for the wars as bold as I can.
The next thing they gave me was a black-horse,
He lifted me on and my legs went across:
But he would not stir till I gave him the flee!,
And then my brave gelding could run to the deed.
Then the next thing he gave me was a long gun,
And under the bolt he made me place my thumb;
It was not long there till the gun gave a crack,
And gave my poor shoulder a terrible stroke
Captain Agra, I cry’d will you help me to tie her,
I believe she’s the devil, fee how she spits five!
It’s a wonder that a man of your understanding,
Should contrive such a thing for any man’s handling.
Captain Agra, I pray, there is one thing I want,
Does my gun go to Meeting! or does she keep Lent!
Indeed fays the Captain, I can’t magnify,
Oh! arra my jewel, I’m as well satisfy’d.
The next thing they shew’d me was a long boat.
And if you believe me, the could sweem when afloat;
She’s but half a year old, and if the does thrive,
She’ll be as big’s a slave-galley before she be five.
Then after, they (hew’d me a very large sloop,
With two standards up and her wings flying about,
With her rudder behind, and a great stern before,
She’s certainly a devil———I ne’er saw before.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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