Sean O'Cosgair

PITY it was that you should ever stand
In ship or boat,
Or that you went afloat
Inside that ship !

That lusty steps you took !
The ways and journeys you knew and how to wend
From London back to Beltra,
And this end !

You who could swim so well !
What times you sported in the lifting tides
The girl swam out to you, and held your sides
When they were weary, for they knew they were
Safe, because you where there.

Your little-mother thought that this was true
(And so she made no stir
Til you were found),
Although an hundred might be drownéd, you
Would come back safe to her,
And not be drowned !