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Poem
December 30, 1786
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Humorous epitaph for a sailor named Jack, killed by 'Lobsters' (likely British soldiers), using nautical metaphors to depict his lively life and sudden death at sea-like call from Death as a pirate.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Epitaph on a Sailor; written by his Mess-Mate.
HERE lies poor Jack, to the Lobsters a prey,
Who liv'd like a sailor, free, hearty and gay,
His rigging well fitted, his sides close and tight,
His bread-room well finish'd, his quarters upright,
When death like a Pirate, sail'd closely for plunder,
Thus hail'd honest Jack, in a voice loud as thunder.
Drop your peak, my old boy! and your topsails throw back;
For already too long you've remain'd on that tack,
Jack heard the dread call, and without more ado,
His sails flatten'd in, and his bark she broach'd too.
HERE lies poor Jack, to the Lobsters a prey,
Who liv'd like a sailor, free, hearty and gay,
His rigging well fitted, his sides close and tight,
His bread-room well finish'd, his quarters upright,
When death like a Pirate, sail'd closely for plunder,
Thus hail'd honest Jack, in a voice loud as thunder.
Drop your peak, my old boy! and your topsails throw back;
For already too long you've remain'd on that tack,
Jack heard the dread call, and without more ado,
His sails flatten'd in, and his bark she broach'd too.
What sub-type of article is it?
Epitaph
What themes does it cover?
Death Mourning
War Military
What keywords are associated?
Epitaph Sailor
Jack Death
Nautical Metaphor
Lobsters Prey
Pirate Death
What entities or persons were involved?
Written By His Mess Mate
Poem Details
Title
Epitaph On A Sailor
Author
Written By His Mess Mate
Subject
On A Sailor Killed By Lobsters
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets With Nautical Metaphors
Key Lines
Here Lies Poor Jack, To The Lobsters A Prey,
When Death Like A Pirate, Sail'd Closely For Plunder,
Drop Your Peak, My Old Boy! And Your Topsails Throw Back;
His Sails Flatten'd In, And His Bark She Broach'd Too.