The Sailor´s Alphabet

A´s for the anchor that swings at our bow,

B´s for the bowsprit through the wild seas do plough.

C´s for the capstan we merrily around,

D are the davits we lower our boats down.

Now E for the ensign that flies at our peak,

F is for the fo´c´s´le where the good sailor sleep.

G for the galley where the cooks hop around,

H are the halyards we haul up and down.

I´s for the irons where our booms ship,

J´s for the jibs that so neatly do sit.

K´s for the keelson, of which we are told,

L´s for the lenyard that keeps a good hold.

Now M is the mainmast so neat and so strong,

N for the needle that never points wrong.

O for the oars we row our boats out,

P for the pumps that will keep her afloat.

Q for the quarterdeck, where our officers stand,

R for the rudder, keeps the ship in command.

S for the sailors, who move her along,

T for the topsails we hoist with a song.

U for the Union which flies at our peak,

V for the victuals which the sailors do eat.

W for the wheel where we all take our turn,

X, Y, Z is the name on our stern.