Sir Cloudisley in Command.

by TODD STEVENS 2007

A fleet upon the Ocean, Sir Cloudisley Shovell in command,

“Press on - press on” his orders are, his death doth fate demand.

By dead reckoning he finds his way and blindly blunders on,

“Beware”called out the sounding lead, ”else rocks you’ll come upon”.

“Press on I say, I know my way to England’s green and pleasant land”

“but slow down”called out the knotted rope,“or there you’ll meet your end”

“But I am here” Sir Cloudisley taps his finger firmly on the chart,

“but your confidence could kill us all” replied the map with heavy heart.

“You know me not” whispered longitude “so call your men around,

consult with them lest you find your ship has gone aground.”

“Press on I say, there are no rocks” to his men the Admiral sternly said.

“Disagree with me and you’ll hang from the yardarm overhead”.

“Lord preserve us” sighed one Jack tar with Scilly before his eyes,

I know these waters well you see, my home doth lie close by”

“Who doubts me there, you shall not fill my ship with your despair,

Raise him aloft his feet will dance on naught but clean fresh air”

“Old England lies before us men of this you can be sure,

would I risk the ship to cast my bones and treasure upon the shore?”

“Come hither then “ spoke the Gilstone “fate with arrogance be joined”

“all souls be damned , come garnish me in Gold and silver coin”.