The illustration is titled “Veterans” by George Cruikshank, 1854.
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Original words from: The Tempest by William Shakespeare, as sung by Stephano, 1611
Adapted by Charlie Ipcar © 7/31/2025
Tune after "The Mariner's Compass is Grog"
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The illustration is titled “Veterans” by George Cruikshank, 1854.
The master, the swabber, the bosun, and I,
The gunner, the cook, and the mate,
Loved Molly, and Meg, and Margery,
But none of us cared for Kate.
None of us cared for Kate, me lads!
None of us cared for Kate!
Loved Molly, and Meg, and Margery,
But none of us cared for Kate.
For Kate loved not the savour of tar and pitch;
And she had a tongue with a tang;
Yet a tailor might scratch her where’er she did itch,
But she'd cry to a sailor, "Go hang!"
She'd cry to a sailor, "Go hang!" me lads!
She'd cry to a sailor, "Go hang!"
Yet a tailor might scratch her where’er she did itch,
But she'd cry to a sailor, "Go hang!"
Now Molly, and Meg, and Margery,
We’s off to sea once more;
And it will be a long, long time
Till we return to your shore.
Till we return to your shore, me dears,
Till we return to your shore;
And it will be a long, long time
Till we return to your shore.
The master, the swabber, the boatswain, and I,
The gunner, and his mate,
Loved Mall, Meg, and Marian, and Margery,
But none of us cared for Kate;
For she has a tongue with a tang,
Would cry to a sailor, Go hang!
She loved not the savour of tar nor of pitch;
Yet a tailor might scratch her where’er she did itch.
Then, to sea, boys, and let her go hang!
From: The Tempest by William Shakespeare, as sung by Stephano, 1611