Black Eyed Susan

This pretty summer flower got it's name from the poem

written by John Gay (1685-1782)

William's Farewell to Black-Eyed Susan

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All in the dawn the fleet was moor'd,

The streamers waving to the wind,

When Black-eyed Susan came on board,

Oh where shall I my true love find?

Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,

If my sweet William, if my sweet William

Sails among your crew?

~~~~

Oh William, who high upon the yard,

Rocked with the billows to and fro,

Soon as her well-known voice he heard,

He sigh'd and cast his eyes below:

The cord slides swiftly thro' his glowing hands

And as quick as lightning, as quick as lightning,

On the deck he stands.

~~~~

So sweet the lark, high poised in air,

Shuts close his pinions to his breast,

If, chance, his mate's shrill voice he hear,

And drops at once into her nest:

The noblest captain in the British fleet

Might envy William, might envy William's

Lip those kisses sweet.

~~~~

'Oh Susan, Susan, lovely dear!

My vows shall ever true remain,

Let me kiss off that falling tear,

We only part to meet again:

Change as ye list, ye winds, my heart shall be

The faithful compass, the faithful compass

That still points to thee.'

~~~~

Oh, believe not what the landsmen say

Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind,

They'll tell thee sailors when away,

In every port a mistress find:

Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,

For thou art present, for thou art present

Wheresoe'er I go.

~~~~

If to fair India's coast we sail,

Thy eyes are seen in diamonds bright:

Thy breath is Afric's spicy gale,

Thy skin as ivory so white:

Thus every beauteous object that I view

Wakes in my soul, wakes in my soul

Some charm of lovely Sue.

~~~~

'Though battle call me from thy arms

Let not my pretty Susan mourn:

Though cannon roar, yet safe from harms

William shall to his dear return:

Love turns aside the balls that round me fly

Lest precious tears, lest precious tears

Should drop from Susan's eye.

~~~~

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,

Her sails their swelling bosom spread:

No longer can she stay on board -

They kissed, she sighed, he hung his head:

Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land,

'Adieu,' she cries, 'Adieu,' she cries

And waved her lily hand.