The Cruel Ship’s Captain

One day this poor boy to me was bound apprentice
Because of his being fatherless;
I took him out of St. James' Workhouse
His mother being in deep distress
I took him out of St. James' Workhouse
His mother being in deep distress

One day this poor boy unto me offended
But nothing to him I did say;
Up to the main-mast shroud I sent him
And there I kept him all that long day

All with my garling-spikk I misused him
So shamefully I can't deny;
All with my marling-spike I gagged him
Because I could not bear his cry

His face and his hands to me expanded
His legs and his thighs to me likewise;
And by my barbarous cruel entreatment
This very next day this poor boy died

I asked my men if they'd release (?) me
If I'd give them golden store
Out of my cabin straightway they hauled me
A prisoner brought me on Bristol shore

And now in Newdigate I am confined
The writ of death I do deserve;
If I had been ruled by my servants
This poor boy's life might have been preserved

You captains all throughout this nation
Hear a voice and a warning take by me
Take special care of your apprentice
While you are on the raging sea