Ship that belongs to a lady, The

THE SHIP THAT BELONGS TO A LADY.
Written by EDGAR BATEMAN.	Composed by FELIX McGLENNON.

There's a sweet little maiden that I've got in tow, 
But to big men-of-war she's a stranger,
And each time that I meet her she's anxious to know 
If her tar when at sea is in danger.
She has heard about pirates and bold buccaneers, 
And she's frighten'd our vessel they'll storm her;
But I make her cheer up till she laughs thro' her tears, 
'Cos I always take care to inform her—

That our vessel belongs to a lady, 
She's got a good captain and crew; 
When out on a trip, this beautiful ship 
Is flying the red, white, and blue. 
The foreigners treat us politely,
Our colours seem pretty well known, 
And because she belongs to a lady,
I reckon they'll leave her alone.
 	
She said with our ship it might go rather hard 
If a German against us came thumping,
But I told her a vessel from Devonport Yard 
Is decidedly awkward for bumping;
She asked if the Frenchy to hurt its would try, 
But says I, " He'd do nothing so shady—
He acts like a gent when we're passing him by, 
For he's great respect for a lady."
 
She said, out in China they'd order us back, 
'Cos the Russian was there, and I chuckles,
When I told her our ship was a hard nut to crack, 
And he'd possibly damage his knuckles.
When she mentioned the Yank, bless her dear little heart!
Said I, " We are birds of a feather; 
We're both of its able to take our own part, 
And we'd be a tough handful together. '