162 WRECKERS OF FLORIDA. 



All hands having returned, and the fruits of our excursion being col- 

 lected, we had wherewithal to make an abundant supper. Most of the game 

 was sent on board the largest vessel, where we proposed supping. Our 

 vessels were all lying within hail of each other, and as soon as the moon 

 arose, boats were seen passing from vessel to vessel, and all were busily 

 and happily engaged in exchanging civilities. One could never have sup- 

 posed that these men were professional rivals, so apparent was the good- 

 feeling that prevailed among them. About nine o'clock we started for 

 supper ; a number of persons had already collected, and as soon as we 

 arrived on board the vessel, a German sailor, who played remarkably well 

 on the violin, was summoned on the quarter-deck, when all hands, with a 

 good will, cheerily danced to lively airs until supper was ready. The 

 table was laid in the cabin, and groaned under its load of venison, wild 

 ducks, pigeons, curlews, and fish. Toasting and singing succeeded the 

 supper, and among other curious matters introduced, the following song 

 was sung by the German fiddler, who accompanied his voice with his in- 

 strument. He is said to be the author of the song. I say nothing of 

 the poetry, but merely give it as it came on my ear. It is certainly very 

 characteristic. 



THE WRECKER'S SONG. 



Come ye, goot people, von and all, 



Come listen to my song : 

 A few remarks I have to make, 



Which vont be very long. 

 'Tis of our vessel stout and goot, 

 As ever yet was built of woot. 

 Along the reef where the breakers roar, 

 De Wreckers on de Florida shore ! 



Key Tavernier's our rendezvous ; 



At anchor there we lie. 

 And see the vessels in the Gulf, 



Carelessly passing by. 

 When night comes on we dance and sing, 

 Whilst the current some vessel is floating in ; 

 When day-light comes, a ship's on shore. 

 Among de rocks where de breakers roar. 



