The Gallant Brigantine

As I strayed ashore one evening from my gallant brigantine,
In the island of Jamaica where I have lately been,
Being tired of my wandering, I sat me down to rest,
And I sang a song of my native land, the song that I love best.

Oh when my song was ended, my mlnd was more at ease
I rose to pick some oranges that hung down from the trees,
It was there I saw a fair maid who filled me with delight,
She wore the robe of innocence, her dress was snowy white.

Her dress was snowy white, my boys, her spencer it was green,
A silken shawl hung round her neck her shoulders for to screen,
Her hair hung down In ringlets, and it was black as sloes,
Her teeth were like the ivory white, her cheeks were like the rose.

So boldly I accosted her, " Good morning, my pretty fair maid,"
So kindly she saluted me, "Good morning sir," she said;
"I think you are a sailor just lateiy come from sea."
"I do belong to yonder ship lies anchored in the Bay."

Then we both sat down together and we chatted for a while,
I told her many a curious tale which caused her for to smile,
And when she rose to leave me these words to me addressed,
Saying, " Come and see my husband, he will treat you to the best."

Was then she introduced me to a noble looking man,
Most kindly he saluted me and shook me by the hand,
The wine being on the table and dinner served up soon,
Oh we both sat down together, spent a jolly afternoon.

There's one thing more I have to say before my tale is done,
It's Harry Rysall is my name, I am a married man.
Three weeks before I left the shore my troubles they began
For by the powers above the wife I love brought me a baby son.

note: Sort of odd. He doesn't say how long he'd been at see before his
wife produced an heir. ANd, he takes a botched seduction in good
spirits. RG
From Maritime Folk Songs, Creighton
Collected from Mrs. Edward Gallagher, Nova Scotia, 1949
DT #670
Laws D25
RG
oct96