A wet sheet and a flowing sea

A wet sheet and a flowing sea,

A wind that follows fast

And fills the white and rustling sail

And bends the gallant mast;

And bends the gallant mast, my boys,

While like the eagle free

Away the good ship flies, and leaves

Old England on the lee.

"O for a soft and gentle wind!"

I heard a fair one cry:

But give to me the snoring breeze

And white waves heaving high;

And white waves heaving high, my lads,

The good ship tight and free --

The world of waters is our home,

And merry men are we.

There's tempest in yon hornèd moon,

And lightning in yon cloud:

But hark the music, mariners!

The wind is piping loud;

The wind is piping loud, my boys,

The lightning flashes free --

While the hollow oak our palace is,

Our heritage the sea.