Historic Nantucket, October 1973, Vol. 21 No. 2

To Capt. William Baxter Of the "Side-Wheeler Swiftsure" Port of Nantucket Ahoy there, Ancient Mariner, Come o'er the bar and drop your anchor.

Reel off your joke, my heart of oak, To see your cargo how I hanker!

For in your hold 'neath locks of gold Are gems that brighten all existence; The fair sea-maiden on your bow Hath charms for me beyond resistance!

Full many a voyage to foreign ports I've taken on your old "side-wheeler."

Ship ne'er did launch more stiff and staunch, And for close sailing she's a "peeler."

For long or shorter "pilgrimage" Your four-legged mate stands ever ready; And when stormy winds do rage You take the helm and hold her steady.

O'erhaul your log, my brave sea-dog, For wond'rous yarns of foreign travel; The mysteries of your younger days No human brain can e'er unravel!

Oh, is it true that's told of you That once you were a ruthless pirate, E'er burning ships, whose luckless skips You held for ransom at a high-rate?

It cannot be — some one has lied — (What honest soul escapes such malice.)

From early youth you've loved the truth, And told it, too, in hut and palace!

Of queerest doings on sea and land You ever gave a careful version; Though setting science at flat defiance, You made new facts for each excursion.

Full well I know, (with book to show) How in the Ark you took the census; The thrilling tale of Jonah's whale In later version you dispense us.

O'er Madaquecham you say he swam When you were but a barefoot urchin, And for some trace to mark the place You've set a horde of tourists searchin'!