Classic Poem

'M ONGST life's many cares, there is none so provoking,
As when a brave seaman, disabl'd and old,
Must crouch to the worthless, and stand the rude mocking
Of those who have nought they can boast but their gold;
Poor Tom, once so high on the list of deserving,
By captain and crew, none so dearly were priz'd,
And home now laid up, worn with many years serving,
Poor Tom takes his sup, and poor Tom is despis'd.

Yet, Care thrown a-lee, see old Tom in his glory,
Plac'd snug with a shipmate, whose life once he sav'd,
Recounting the feats of some bold naval story,
The battles they fought, and the storms they had brav'd.
In his country's defence he has dar'd ev'ry danger,
His valorous deeds he might boast undisguis'd,
Yet home-hearted landsmen hold Tom as a stranger,
Poor Tom loves his sup, and poor Tom is despis'd.

Myself, too, am old, rather rusty for duty,
Yet still I'll prefer the wide ocean to roam,
I'd join some old corsair, and live upon booty,
Before I'd be gib'd by these sucklings at home.
Poor Tom, fare thee well! for, by heaven, 'tis provoking,
When thus a brave seaman, disabl'd and old,
Must crouch to the worthless, and stand the rude mocking
Of those who have nought they can boast but their gold.