.Nw.OTg2

[Jennifer J. Leong Cardwell, j_leongcardwell@yahoo.com, transcription 14 July 2017] Verses by a sailor who was led up at the gang way but had his sentence remitted in consequence of the following ex tempore address'd to the Captain - - - -

By your Honour's Command An example I stand of your Justice & all the ship's crew I am hamperd and stripp'd [note: probably meant hamper'd, which is short for hampered] And if I am whipped Tis no more than I owe is my due [note: line to indicate end of stanza]

In this scurvy condition I humbly petition To offer a Line to your Eye Merry Tom by such hash Once avoided the Lash And if Fate + you pleasd so may I [note: line to indicate end of stanza]

There is nothing you hate So much as a Cat Why! your honour's aversion is mine If then Puss with one tail Can make your stout heart fail [note: stout was added in after the rest of this line had been written] Oh! save me from one that has nine [nb:refers to a cat o' 9 tails] [note: line to indicate end of stanza]