7
ROCHESTER LASS.
IN Rochester city, a young ⟨damsel⟩ did dwell,
For wit, ⟨and for⟩ beauty none could ber excel,
Admired she was and had any many a suiter,
But one young youth and he loved her well.
This ⟨charming⟩ young youth he was a brisk sailor
Long time he had ⟨ploughed⟩ the ⟨watery⟩ main,
The enemy ⟨insulted⟩ the British flag royal,
He was summond to go and meet them again.
This jolly young sailor, if true as reported,
Had been but a ⟨very⟩ few weeks on the shore,
As he and his true-love were walking,
Then by a large press-gang he from her was tore
They cried we perceive you are a young sailor,
That is fit for ⟨to⟩ fight for your country and king,
And as we want sailors you must plough the ocean,
No excuse we will have.
You must face these ⟨bold⟩ en'mies once more again.
It was early one morning as day it was dawning,
This beautiful fair one a letter received,
It was to inform her the ship had weigh'd anchor,
With grief and vexation this fair one griev'd,
