Should to the Captain jointly be address’d; And first the lover should his heart assail, } And then the ladies, and, if all should fail, } They’d singly watch the hour, and jointly might prevail. } The Captain’s heart, although unused to melt, A strong impression from persuasion felt; His pride was soften’d by the prayers he heard, 70 And then advantage in the match appear’d. At length he answer’d—“Let the lad enlist In our good cause, and I no more resist; For I have sworn, and to my oath am true, To hate that colour, that rebellious Blue. His father once, ere master of the brig, For that advantage turn’d a rascal Whig; Now let the son—a wife’s a better thing— A Tory turn, and say, God save the King! For I am pledged to serve that sacred cause, 80 And love my country, while I keep her laws.” The women trembled, for they knew full well The fact they dare not to the Captain tell; And the poor youth declared, with tears and sighs, “My oath was pass’d; I dare not compromise.” But Charles to reason made his strong appeal, And to the heart—he bade him think and feel: The Captain answering, with reply as strong— “If you be right, then how can I be wrong? You to your father swore to take his part; 90 I to oppose it ever, head and heart; You to a parent made your oath, and I To God! and can I to my Maker lie? Much, my dear lad, I for your sake would do, But I have sworn, and to my oath am true.” Thus stood the parties, when my fortunes bore Me far away from this my native shore; And who prevail’d, I know not—Young or Old; But, I beseech you, let the tale be told. II.