Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THREE SAILOR-BOYS, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THREE SAILOR-BOYS, by                    
First Line: Three fair-haired youths sailed out to sea
Last Line: "james went to be fed; / but little willyum, he went on a bum"
Subject(s): Sailing & Sailors


THREE fair-haired youths sailed out to sea,
John and James and little Willyum;
And they were sick as sick could be,
John and James and little Willyum.
Said James: "This is bad."
Said John: "This is sad."
But little Willyum, he said: "Gol dum."

These fair-haired youths were led to smile,
John and James and little Willyum;
For they hoped that liquor might calm their bile,
John and James and little Willyum.
Said John: "Currant wine."
Said James: "Cider's mine."
But little Willyum, he said: "Drink rum."

These fair-haired youths got safe to shore,
John and James and little Willyum;
And they swore an oath that they'd sail no more,
John and James and little Willyum.
John went to his bed,
James went to be fed;
But little Willyum, he went on a bum.





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