Classic Poem

There was once a gay maiden
Her name was fair Kate;
She traveled the Big Waters
Both early and late.

This maiden she was courted
By men of high degree,
But she loved none like Captain Osborn
Who plied the Big Sandy.

This Captain was a stalwart man,
He was able to stand all jars;
He lived inside of Hell Gate
By the Devil's Warpin' Bars.

The Captain he was furious,
He spoke loud and shrill.
It made the maiden's heart turn cold
To see the Captain in ill will.

The Captain he was a married man,
He had a daughter Nell;
She went on the boat with him
And played the banjo well.

When we set sail from Bristol city
Our ship was staunch, the weather fair;
There did appear a lovely mermaid
A-combing out her long bright hair.

Then up and said our gallant Captain,
And a wise, well spoken man was he:
" I married a wife last week in Salem,
But tonight I fear a widow she'll be.