Aye of the storm

[Fox]

What ho,

I was going to add this to the Boasun/Quartermaster thread, but I think it deserves its own thread. The following are extracts from a broadside ballad "The praise of Sailors heere set forth, with their hard fortunes which doe befall them on the Seas, when Land-men sleepe safe in their beds. Printed for John Wright". John Wright probably died in 1632, so the song probably dates from the early 17thC. The ballad is fairly long so I have trimmed it down to the relevant bits, but I can post the whole thing if anyone requires.

...

When as the raging Seas doe fome,

and loftie winds do blow,

The Saylors they goe to the top,

when Land-men stay below.

Our Masters Mate takes Helme in hand,

his Course he steeres full well,

When as the loftie winds do blow,

and raging Seas doe swell.

The Master to his Compass goes.

so well he plies his charge:

He sends a Youth to the Top amaine,

for to vnsling the Yeards.

The Boatson he's under the Deck,

a man of courage bold;

To th'top toth'top, my liuely Lads,

hold fast my hearts of gold.

The Pilot he stands on the Claine,

with Line and Lead to sound,

To see how farre and neare they are

from any dangerous ground.

...

Our captain he is on the Poope,

a man of might and power,

And lookes when raging seas doe gape

our bodies to devour.

...

The Quarter master is a man,

so well his charge plies he,

He calls them to the Pumpe amaine,

to keepe their leake-ship free.