THE OLD SEA CAPTAIN

I sailed my ship for many a day
Across the stormy sea.
Many a ruffian I have carried
Never refused but three.

They met me on a summer day
And saw my gallant ship,
Seeking passage to the other side
Upon a hurried trip.

They offered all the gold they had
Mixed with a little sass.
That made me kinda hesitate
And ask them for a pass.

They deemed a pass unnecessary
For men of their degree
And insisted that I take my ship
And put it out to sea.

An old man who was standing by
Noted what they said,
Saw them kick me in the ribs
And strike me on the head.

He heard them say they would steal the boat
And put it out to sea,
And sail across to the other side
To some strange country.

But "No", the coward of the bunch,
The one you would think was brave,
Suggested that they turn again
And hide in a mountain cave.

As the days went slowly by
I heard the truth in time.
I found that they were murderers
And guilty of a crime.

Now, as I sail my gallant ship
Until my life has ceased,
I know not who my friends may be
Unless they travel EAST.

Author Unknown