432 MEMOIR OF JOHN WILSON. 



CHAPTER XVIL 



CLO SING YEARS. 

 1849-'54. 



In the year 1849, the first of a series of beautiful papers from my 

 father's pen appeared in Blackwood, entitled "Dies Boreales." They 

 are ten in number, and to me are more attractive than any of his 

 other writings, as they are not only the result of the last efforts of 

 his matured strength, put forth ere the night came, but contain the 

 very essence of his experience. Some, no doubt, will be ready to 

 compare them with the " Noctes," and complain that they contain 



She had not sailed a league, 

 A league but only three, 



Eek, etc., 

 When she came up with a French Gallee 



As she sailed, etc 



Out spoke the little cabin-boy, 

 Out spoke he, 



Eek, etc. ; 

 " What will you give me if I sink that French Gallee, " 



As ye sail, etc. 



Out spoke the captain, 

 Out spoke he, 



Eek, etc. ; 

 " We'll gi'e ye an estate in the North Countree," 



As we sail, etc. 



" Then row me up ticht 

 In a black bull's skin, 



Eek, etc., 

 And throw me o'er deck-buird, sink I or swim," 



As ye sail, etc 



So they've row'd him up ticht 

 In a black bull's skin : 



Eek, etc., 

 And have thrown him o'er deck-buird, sink he or soom, 



As they sail, etc 



About and about, 

 And about went he, 



Eek, etc, 

 Until he came up with the French Gallee 



As they sailed, etc. 



Oh I some were playing cards, 

 And some were playing dice: 

 Eek, etc., 





