Classic Poem

Come all you very merry London girls, that are disposed to travel,
There is a voyage now at hand will save your feet from gravel.
If you have shoes you need not fear for wearing out the leather;
For why, you shall on shipboard go, like loving rogues together.

Some are already gone before, the rest must after follow ,
Then come away, and do not stay, your guide will be Apollo.

Peg, Nell, and Sis, Kate, Doll, and Bess, Sue, Rachel, and sweet Sara,
Joan, Prue, and Grace have took their place, with Deborah, Jane, and Mary,
Fair Winifred, and Bridget bright, sweet Rose and pretty Nanny,
With Ursula neat and Alice complete that had the love of many.
All these brave girls, and others more, conducted by Apollo ,
Have ta'en their leaves and are gone before, and their Loves will after follow.

Then why should those that are behind slink back and dare not venture?
For you shall prove the seamen kind, if once the ships you enter.
You shall be fed with good strong fare, according to the season,
Biscuit, salt beef, and English beer, and pork well boiled with peason.
And since that some are gone before, the rest with joy may follow ,
To bear each other company, conducted by Apollo.

When you come to the appointed place, your minds you need not trouble,
For every groat that you got here, you shall have three times double.
For there are gold and silver mines and treasures much abounding,
As plenty as Newcastle coals, at some parts may be found in.
Then come away, make no delay, all you that mean to follow;
The ships are ready bound to go, conducted by Apollo.