Farthingale Publications

A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea


A Poem by Allan Cunningham 1784-1842

pic 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 hornéd 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.

Allan Cunningham: was born in Dumfries, his family neighbours of Robert Burns who was to have a huge influence on the development of young Cunningham's literary talent. After his early schooling he was apprenticed to a stonemason, whilst also practising his skills as a natural writer and poet in his spare time. He later went to London and continued his interest in collecting and publishing ballads, contributing articles to literary magazines, writing poems and stories and having many of his works published, whilst acting as assistant to the sculptor Sir Francis Chantrey.

pic Farthingale Publications: ..... Is a hobby web site containing articles of local interest to Lancastrians, some favourite walking and cycling routes, selected words and poetry, and some writings of more general nature as well as the authors own picture gallery. Access is available via the homepage and menu at the head of the page or via one of the direct links below.


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