The Seaman's Lay

List, shipmates, to a seamen's lay: Jack Temperance and Jack Grog Are gallant sailors in their way, As ever hove a log: But Grog's a lad of fits and starts; You'll find him sharp and slow; Now hot, now cold: his spirits up, He's all for dash and blow. But if at times he's sharp and quick, 'T is soon he'll flag and tire; And then so hot, he'd eat Old Nick, Or set the sea on fire! And though you hear him brag full oft He bangs the other hollow, I never knew him go aloft, When Temperance would not follow. But when he's had the drop he likes-- He loves his glass we know-- The squall comes on, the boatswain pipes All hands to reef and stow: 'T is then aloft, and lying out, To reef, or stow, or bend, Jack Temperance has the ready hand To stay his falling friend. Oh! Temperance is a seaman bold As ever trod the deck; And oft, when seas like mountains roll'd, Has saved the ship from wreck; And when there rolls that mountain-sea, All theatening to o'erwhelm, White breakers thundering on the lee, Let Temperance take the helm.