Richard Thompson Sir Patrick Spens
The King sits in Dunfirmline town, drinking of the
blood-red wine
"Where can I get a steely skipper to sail this might
boat of mine?"
Then up there spoke a bonny boy, sitting at the King's
right knee
"Sir Patrick Spens is the very best seaman that ever
sailed upon the sea"
The King has written a broad letter and sealed it up
with his own right hand
Sending word unto Sir Patrick to come to him at his
command
"An enemy then this must be who told the lie concerning
me
For I was never a very good seaman, nor ever do intend
to be"
"Last night I saw the new moon clear with the new moon
in her hair
And that is a sign since we were born that means
there'll be a deadly storm"
They had not sailed upon the deep a day, a day but
barely free
When loud and boisterous blew the winds and loud and
noisy blew the sea
Then up there came a mermaiden, a comb and glass all in
her hand
"Here's to you my merry young men for you'll not see
dry land again"
"Long may my lady stand with a lantern in her hand
Before she sees my bonny ship come sailing homeward to
dry land"
Forty miles off Aberdeen, the waters fifty fathoms deep
There lies good Sir Patrick Spens with the Scots lords
at his feet
