It grows thick in the west. THE CAPTAIN. It does so. PEER. Stop a bit! You might put me in mind when we make up accounts— I’m inclined, as the phrase goes, to do a good turn To the crew—— THE CAPTAIN. I thank you. PEER. It won’t be much I have dug for gold, and lost what I found;— We are quite at loggerheads, Fate and I. You know what I’ve got in safe keeping on board— That’s all I have left;—the rest’s gone to the devil. THE CAPTAIN. It’s more than enough, though, to make you of weight Among people at home here. PEER. I’ve no relations. There’s no one awaiting the rich old curmudgeon.— Well; that saves you, at least, any scenes on the pier! THE CAPTAIN. Here comes the storm. PEER. Well, remember then— If any of your crew are in real need, I won’t look too closely after the money—— THE CAPTAIN. That’s kind. They are most of them ill enough off; They have all got their wives and their children at home. With their wages alone they can scarce make ends meet; But if they come home with some cash to the good, It will be a return not forgot in a hurry. PEER. What do you say? Have they wives and children? Are they married? THE CAPTAIN. Married? Ay, every man of them. But the one that is worst off of all is the cook; Black famine is ever at home in his house. PEER. Married? They’ve folks that await them at home? Folks to be glad when they come? Eh? THE CAPTAIN. Of course, In poor people’s fashion. PEER. And come they one evening, What then? THE CAPTAIN. Why, I daresay the goodwife will fetch Something good for a treat—— PEER. And a light in the sconce? THE CAPTAIN. Ay, ay, may be two; and a dram to their supper. PEER. And there they sit snug! There’s a fire on the hearth! They’ve their children about them! The room’s full of chatter; Not one hears another right out to an end, For the joy that is on them——! THE CAPTAIN.