A bold young seaman, stout and strong,
To a lofty vessel I do belong:
Well rigged, well manned, well fit for sea,
Bound for New York in Americky.
Our captain's name was William Gower
And his crew in number were just four score.
All seamen bold for to sail the sea
Bound for New York in Americky.
Our captain in his cabin lay
When an awful voice to him did say:
"Prepare yourself and your company
Tomorrow night in the deep to lie."
Our captain woke in an awful fright
It being in the first part all of the night,
And to his bosun aloud did call
To him revealed his secret all.
"Oh, it's bosun, bosun, let no-one know
What we poor sailors do undergo,
But keep the secret within your breast
And pray to God now to give you rest."
"I k**ed my master, merchant Bell,
And 'twas all for the sake of his lady dear;
I k**ed my wife and my children three
And 'twas all for the sake of jealousy."
"Oh, it's on my servant I laid the blame,
He was hung and quartered all for the same.
And it is his ghost I am much afraid,
This very night has my heart betrayed."
Early next morning the storm did rise
Which our poor sailors did much surprise,
And the sea wash tore us both fore and aft
Till scarce one man on deck was left.
At this our bosun he did declare:
"Our captain, he was some murderer."
Which so enraged the whole's ship's crew
They overboard then the captain threw.
When this was done, all calm was there
And our good ship homeward did steer.
Oh the wind abated and calmed the sea
And we sailed safe to Americky.