A POST CAPTAINLike a dismasted hull that flies,Sport of each breath that cools the skies,Or borne upon the billow's back,Bolts into many a devious track,So Bowsprit, like a butt of beerSlipp'd from a dray, roll'd far and near,'Till a kind damsel, spruce and gay,Who long had watch'd him, cross'd the way,And by her word's resistless charm,And magic smile, and strength of arm,Kept the gay Captain right a-head,And steer'd him safely into bed.Ten years, twice told, this seaman brave Had fought the wind, and stemm'd the wave, Each port in every main he knew, Its soundings, strength and wenches too, First, a midshipman at fourteen, In every thing but courage green, He enter'd, full of youthful glee, To reap the laurels of the sea. Six fleeting months had scarcely shed A slight experience o'er his head, Before, one morn, a hostile sail Spread its broad canvass to the gale ; Near and more near the foe appear'd ; The Albion's decks were promptly clear'd,About the Publisher Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.Forgotten Books' Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the difficult to read text. Read books online for free at www.forgottenbooks.org