The sailor's consolation

One night came on a hurricane,

The sea was mountains rolling,

When Barney Buntline turn'd his quid,

And said to Billy Bowling:

"A strong nor'-wester's blowing, Bill -

Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?

Lord help 'em, how I pities all

Unhappy folks on shore now!

"Fool-hardy chaps who live in town -

What dangers they are all in,

And now are quaking in their beds

For fear the roof should fall in.

Poor creatures! how they envies us,

And wishes, I've a notion,

For our good luck, in such a storm

To be upon the ocean.

"But as for them who're out all day,

On business from their houses,

And late at night are coming home,

To cheer the babes and spouses,

While you and I, Bill, on the deck

Are comfortably lying,

My eyes! what tiles and chimney pots

About their heads are flying!

"And very often have we heard

How men are killed and undone

By overturns of carriages,

By thieves and fires in London.

We know what risks all landsmen run,

From noblemen to tailors;

Then, Bill, let us thank Providence

That you and I are sailors!"