The Bold Buccaneer

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  One very rough day on the Pride of the Fray
  In the scuppers a poor little cabin-boy lay,
  When the Bosun drew nigh with wrath in his eye
  And gave him a kick to remember him by,
  As he cried with a sneer: “What good are you here?
  Go home to your mammy, my bold buccaneer.”

  Now the Captain beheld, and his pity upwelled:
  With a plug in the peeper the Bosun he felled.
  With humility grand he extended his hand
  And helped the poor lad, who was weeping, to stand,
  As he cried: “Have no fear; I’m the manager here.
  Take heart, and you’ll yet be a bold buccaneer.”

  But how he did flare when the lad then and there
  Doffed his cap and shook down a gold banner of hair.
  Though his movements were shy, he’d a laugh in his eye,
  And he sank on the Captain’s broad breast with a sigh,
  As he cried: “Is it queer that I’ve followed you here?
  I’m your sweetheart from Bristol, my bold buccaneer.”

  On an isle in the west, by the breezes caressed,
  The bold buccaneer has a warm little nest,
  And he sits there in state amid pieces of eight
  And tackles his rum with a manner elate,
  As he cries: “O my dear little cabin-boy, here
  Is a toast to the babe of the bold buccaneer!”

© John Le Gay Brereton