|
The King sits in Dunfirmline town, drinking of the blood-red wine |
|
"Where can I get a steely skipper to sail this mighty boat of mine?" |
|
Then up there spoke a bonny boy, sitting at the King's right knee |
|
"Sir Patrick Spens is the very best seaman that ever sailed upon the sea" |
|
The King has written a broad letter and sealed it up with his own right hand |
|
Sending word unto Sir Patrick to come to him at his command |
|
"An enemy then this must be who told the lie concerning me |
|
For I was never a very good seaman, nor ever do intend to be" |
|
"Last night I saw the new moon clear with the old moon in her hair |
|
And that is a sign since we were born that means there'll be a deadly storm" |
|
They had not sailed upon the deep a day, a day but barely free |
|
When loud and boisterous blew the winds and loud and noisy blew the sea |
|
Then up there came a mermaiden, a comb and glass all in her hand |
|
"Here's to you my merry young men for you'll not see dry land again" |
|
"Long may my lady stand with a lantern in her hand |
|
Before she sees my bonny ship come sailing homeward to dry land" |
|
Forty miles off Aberdeen, the waters fifty fathoms deep |
|
There lies good Sir Patrick Spens with the Scots lords at his feet |
