Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BALLAD OF GREGORIE, by CARROLL RYAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BALLAD OF GREGORIE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O, I have now an argosy, a-sailing on the sea
Last Line: You'll live in peace and plenty on an island all your own.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll
Subject(s): Golden Fleece (mythology); Sailing & Sailors; Sea; Ocean


"O, I have now an argosy, a-sailing on the sea,
All richly laden with the spice and gold of Arabie,
But I fear it will be taken by some Turkish pirate bold,
Who will robe me of my spices and my precious store of gold.

"O, would that I were young again on board the Golden Fleece,
With bowline taut and shotted guns among the Isles of Greece;
I'd teach that cruel pirate what I taught him once before,
When I burned his galleys on the sea, and drove his men ashore.

"But I will give a thousand crowns to him who will set sail,
And bring my argosy to port—my word shall never fail,
And he shall share my land with me, and wed my daughter fair;
And, when I die, he'll take my place and be my son and heir."

Then up spoke Gregorie, who came from Venice in the sea,
"Tell off two score stout mariners to sail along with me,
And I will seek the pirate out, and drive him from the main,
And bring your argosy to port, or ne'er come back again."

The maiden loved brave Gregorie, and he to her was true,
While soon his vessel put to sea and with a daring crew.
He met the pirate, gave him chase, and wrecked him on the strand;
Then brought the argosy to port, and won the maiden's hand.

Now all ye sailors bold and free who plow the stormy wave,
If ye would win a lady's love be ready, true and brave.
Good fortune then will smile on you, and when the Turk's o'erthrown,
You'll live in peace and plenty on an island all your own.





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