Jack And Nancy. A Sea Song Poem by Hector Macneill

O! Say, lovely Nan! can you lie in a hammock?
When the mountain-waves rage, can you swing in a hammock?
As the winds roar aloft, and rude billows dash o'er us,
Can my Nancy sleep soundly amid the wild chorus?

O yes! my dear Jack! I can lie in a hammock,
When the mountain-waves rage, can sleep sound in a hammock:
Rude billows will rock me, when love smiles to cheer me,
If thy slumber's sweet, Jack, no dangers can fear me!

But say, if, at night, the sad cry comes for wearing;
The breakers a-head, and the boatswain loud swearing;
When the main-yard dips deep, and white billows break o'er us;
Will my Nancy not shrink then amid the dread chorus?

O no! my loved lad! when such dangers are near me,
My Jack's kindly whispers will sooth me - will cheer me,
A kiss snatched in secret, amid the dread horror,
Will hush the rude chorus, and still every terror.

But say my sweet Nan! when the tempest's all smashing!
The top-sails all split, and the top-masts down crashing!
When all hands spring aloft, and no lover to cheer her,
Will my Nancy not shrink when such dangers are near her?

Ah no! my loved Jack! while the tempest's loud bawling,
The top-sails all split, and the top-masts down falling,
I watching your dangers, my own will pass over!
In prayers for your safety no fears I'll discover!

But O! my loved Nan! when the ship is done clearing,
The matches all lighted; the French foe fast nearing,
Can you stand to your gun, while pale death drops around you?
- 'Tis then! my sweet Nancy! new fears will confound you!

No! No! my dear Jack! to these fears love's a stranger!
When you fight by my side, I'll defy every danger;
On your fate my fond eye will be fixed while you're near me;
If you fall! Nancy dies! if you live, love, will cheer me!

Come! come then, sweet lass! let us swing in a hammock!
While the mountain-seas dash round, sleep sound in a hammock!
With love such as thine, who would dread war or weather?
While we live, we shall love; when we fall - fall together!