214 LIFE OP AUDUBON. 



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 instrument. He was 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 WRECKERS' SONG. 



Come all ye good people one and all, 



Come listen to my song ; 

 A few remarks I have to make, 



Which won't be very long. 

 'Tis of om: 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 (Julf 



Carelessly passing by. 

 When night comes on we dance and sing, 

 Whilst the current some vessel is floating in ; 

 When daylight comes, a ship's on shore. 

 Among de rocks where de breakers roar. 



When daylight dawns we're under weigh, 



And every sail is set ; 

 And if the wind it should prove light. 



Why then our sails we wet. 

 To gain her first each eager strives, 

 To save de cargo and de people's lives ; 

 Amongst de rocks, where de breakers roar, 

 De wreckers on the Florida shore. 



When we get 'longside, we find she's bilged. 



We know veil vat to do ; 

 Save de cargo dat we can, 



De sails and rigging too. 

 Den dovim to Key West we soon vill go, 

 When quickly our salvage we shall know ; 

 When every ting it is fairly sold, 

 Our money down to us it is told. 



