The mist came upon us (the Captain reported)
From seemingly nowhere, like out of the sea.
The helm was unsteady, though hard she was blowing.
The watch sent below and reported to me, oh yes.
The cook sent the lad from the galley informing
The fires had died and the ovens were cold.
The lookout atop of the mainmast was silent,
Reporting of nothing for him to behold, oh yes.
'Twas here Mr Kerry, the Mate, then reported,
"Sir, half-a-cable directly ahead!
'Tis surely a frigate that slowly approaches.
A strange sight indeed, Sir!" the Lieutenant said, oh yes.
And yes, she was strange as she came down upon us,
The Fires of St. Elmo so freely bestowed
Did sweep through her sails and dance in her rigging.
It seemed that her powder must surely explode, oh yes.
"Hard over port on the helm!" I commanded.
"Hard over port, Sir!" the helmsman replied.
And as he reported, "The wheel will not answer!"
Then onto my quarter the frigate did glide, oh yes.
Her Captain stood, his eyes on fire,
And turning, he spoke as she pa**ed by my rail;
"Remember this sight that you see, Thomas Andrews.
Remember this sight, or your mission will fail!" -oh yes.
And there as she pa**ed, the fog began sinking
And with sails burned to ash and with nothing to save,
Her name being obscured by the heat of the flames,
Like a wisp in the mist she then sank to her grave, oh yes.
This then is account for your Lordships' attention
Of that which occurred and of which I did see,
As I must report with a truth I'm believing,
My Lords, it was Nelson who spoke unto me, oh yes.
Your Obedient Servant,
Thomas Andrews, oh yes.