Away with those whimsical bubbles of air
Which only excite a momentary stare;
Attention to plans of utility pay,
Weigh anchor, and steer for Botany Bay.
Let no one think much of a trifling expense,
Who knows what may happen a hundred years hence?
The loss of America what can repay ?
New colonies seek for at Botany Bay.
O'er Neptune's domain, how extensive the scope,
Of quickly returning, how defiant the hope,
he Capes must be doubled, and then bear away
Three thousand good leagues to reach Botany Bay.
Of those precious souls who for nobody care
It seems a large cargo the kingdom can spare,
o ship off a gross or two, make no delay,
They cannot too soon go to Botany Bay.
They go of an island to take special charge,
Much warmer than Britain, and ten times as large,
No custom-house duty, no freightage to pay
And tax free they live when at Botany Bay.
The garden of Eden, this new promised land,
The time to set sail for will soon be at hand;
Ye worst of land-lubbers, make ready for sea,
There's room for you all about Botany Bay.
As scores of each sex to this land must proceed
In twenty years time - only think of the breed,
Major Semple, should fortune much kindness display,
May live to be king over Botany Bay.
For a general good, make a general sweep,
Ye chiefs who go out on this naval exploit,
The beauty of life in good order to keep,
With night prowling hateful disturbers away,
And send the whole tribe unto Botany Bay.
Ye chiefs who go out on this naval exploit,
The work to accomplish, and set matters right,
To Ireland be kind, call at Cork on your way,
And take some White Boys unto Botany Bay.
Commercial arrangements give prospects of joy,
Fair and firm may be kept every national tie,
And mutual confidence those who betray
Be sent to the bottom of Botany Bay.
