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Poem
December 9, 1805
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
A dirge mourning the death of a brave sailor named Jack (or Tom), who fought valiantly against French and Spanish foes, saved the speaker's life at sea, and now rests honorably after a life of loyalty to friends and loved ones.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Poetry.
THE SAILOR'S DIRGE.
Sew up the hammock, Death has laid
Poor Tom in Honor's bed;
Heave out a sigh. and lower away,
Our gallant messmate's dead.
A right trim hearted lad he was,
A seaman stout and bold;
He lov'd his friend -he lov'd his girl,
But now his heart is cold.
So long as French and Spaniard's fought
No man was more brave ;
But when they cry'd for quarters, none
Than Jack more free to save.
When overboard and struggling hard
For life's dear sake was I,
Though wild the waves, and loud the wind,
Jack heard my piteous cry.
He ask'd no leave of paltry fear,
He swam and took me out ;
Now Jack must sink, and I may swim,
So fortune wheels about.
Farewell, Poor Jack-in vain for thee,
The ocean billows roar;
Farewell, poor Jack, with honor won-
Thou now hast reach'd the shore.
THE SAILOR'S DIRGE.
Sew up the hammock, Death has laid
Poor Tom in Honor's bed;
Heave out a sigh. and lower away,
Our gallant messmate's dead.
A right trim hearted lad he was,
A seaman stout and bold;
He lov'd his friend -he lov'd his girl,
But now his heart is cold.
So long as French and Spaniard's fought
No man was more brave ;
But when they cry'd for quarters, none
Than Jack more free to save.
When overboard and struggling hard
For life's dear sake was I,
Though wild the waves, and loud the wind,
Jack heard my piteous cry.
He ask'd no leave of paltry fear,
He swam and took me out ;
Now Jack must sink, and I may swim,
So fortune wheels about.
Farewell, Poor Jack-in vain for thee,
The ocean billows roar;
Farewell, poor Jack, with honor won-
Thou now hast reach'd the shore.
What sub-type of article is it?
Elegy
Ballad
What themes does it cover?
Death Mourning
War Military
Friendship
What keywords are associated?
Sailor Dirge
Death At Sea
Naval Bravery
Friendship Rescue
Honor Bed
Poem Details
Title
The Sailor's Dirge.
Form / Style
Rhymed Quatrains
Key Lines
Sew Up The Hammock, Death Has Laid
Poor Tom In Honor's Bed;
Heave Out A Sigh. And Lower Away,
Our Gallant Messmate's Dead.
He Ask'd No Leave Of Paltry Fear,
He Swam And Took Me Out ;
Now Jack Must Sink, And I May Swim,
So Fortune Wheels About.
Farewell, Poor Jack, With Honor Won
Thou Now Hast Reach'd The Shore.