I am a sailor, both stout and strong

To a goodly vessel I do belong

Well guard and anchored and well equipped

Sir William Gower and a very fine ship



Our captain in his cabin lay

When a dreadful voice to him did say

"This night with me in the deep you'll be

So prepare yourself and your company"



The sky grew dark and the sea grew still

Though the men were fearful and the air was chill

Sir William rose to meet his men

Saying "Hear me now for I'll not speak again"



"I loved my mother when she was alive

And to my sister I gave babies five

I killed my wife and her children three

So I now must face what has come for me"



"You'll lash a timber close to my side

And throw me out on the water wide

And if I swim then let me be

But if I sink them pray for me"



So we tied his head and we tied his feet

And around his middle a winding sheet

At every knot the sea did stir

Grew ready for the murderer



And then we saw his open grave

The likeness of a single wave

That swept our ship from her stern to her bow

And bore away Sir William Gower