6- ☼☼ -II

18 4 2
                                    

 So hand-in-hand the two now exit th'room

and take the stairs t'emerge above the deck

where on their visages the wind now blows

to cool the sweat that's gather'd on their brows,

and sails flap and ripple up above

whilst higher still are seagulls singing cries,

which on the deck the sailors use to count

the rhythm of the song that now they howl:

"Me love, she whipp'd me sore across the hide

'cause yesternight I went to see a dime                10

within the brothel 'cause I was quite sore

and bent from shape from whippin's earlier

for similar transgressions on me part,

but how can I—a sailor—help me heart,

who washes bloody hands within the Sea

to spare me love the sight of tragedy

diffusin' from me knuckles at the pier

so never for me health need she to fear?

But knows the ev'ry sailor may ye ask

of dangers we attract upon this task,                20

'cause scents of blood intoxicate the wa'ers,

beneath whose lappin' slumbers mighty sharks

to wake within the clouds we'd wish conceal'd

and hunt with pacts of blood in th'water seal'd

for th'owner of the wound who wash'd his hands

when next he's overboard away from land

and can't, beneath his treading shoulders, spot

this beast upon his legs with gaping jaws."

The sailors whistle twixt their rhythmic "Ho!",

producing music ere resuming song:                30

"Who washes bloody hands within the Sea

to spare me love the sight of tragedy!"


On repetition of this chantey tune

our Pilgrim and the Spouse approach the helm

whereat the Captain firmly holds the wheel

to steer the galleon. He turns his head

at seeing them ascend the steps to him,

and interrupting here the sailors' song,

he shouts: "Our stowaways have risen from

the hull to meet the crew, and what a show                 40

we've given them already, wouldn't ye           

all say, me lads?" The sailors cry with cheer.

The Captain lowers voice as on he goes:

"I hope yer quarters satisfied yer needs,"

he winks, "as yesternight ye slept upon

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