The king sits in dunfermline town Drinking of the blood red wine, ''where can I get a good sea captain To sail this mighty ship 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 a lie concerning me, For I was never a very good seaman Nor ever do intend to be.''
''last night I saw the new moon With the old moon in her arm, A sign, the sign since we were born That means there'll be a deadly storm.'' They had not sailed upon the sea A day, a day, but barely three, When loud and boisterous grew the winds And loud and stormy grew the sea.
Then up there came a mermaiden A comb and glass all in her hand, ''here's a health to you my merry young men, For you'll not see dry land again!''
''oh, long may my lady look With a lantern in her hand Before she sees my bonny ship Come sailing homewards to dry land.'' Forty miles off aberdeen The water's fifty fathoms deep There lies good sir patrick spens With the scots lords at his feet.
Printer Friendly Version