Poem : Cheer Up, My Mates

Poet : Abraham Cowley

(Sitting and drinking in the chair made out of the relics
 of Sir Francis Drake’s ship.)


Cheer up, my mates, the wind does fairly blow;
  Clap on more sail, and never spare;
  Farewell, all lands, for now we are
  In the wide sea of drink, and merrily we go.
Bless me, ’tis hot! another bowl of wine,
  And we shall cut the burning Line:
Hey, boys! she scuds away, and by my head I know
  We round the world are sailing now.
What dull men are those who tarry at home,
When abroad they might wantonly roam,
  And gain such experience, and spy, too,
  Such countries and wonders, as I do!
But pr’ythee, good pilot, take heed what you do,
  And fail not to touch at Peru!
  With gold there the vessel we’ll store,
  And never, and never be poor,
  No, never be poor any more.