Wapping Old Stairs: Schooner Days MLXXIV (1074)

by C. H. J. Snider

"YOUR Molly has never been false, she declares,

Since last time we parted at Wapping Old Stairs;

When I swore that I still would continue the same,

And gave you the 'bacca box marked with my name.

"When I pass'd a whole fortnight between decks with you

Did I e'er give a buss, Tom, to one of the crew?

To be useful and kind to my Thomas I stay'd,

For his trowsers I wash'd, and his bumbo I made.

"Though you threatened last Sunday to walk in the Mall

With Susan from Deptford, and Billingsgate Sall,

In silence I stood, your unkindness to hear,

And only upbraided my Tom with a tear.

"Still faithful and fond from the first of my life,

Though I boast not the name, I've the truth of a wife;

And though falsehood in wedlock too often is shown,

Your Molly has ever been true to her own.

"Why should Sall or should Susan than me be more prized?

For the heart that is true, Tom, should ne'er be despised.

Then be faithful and kind, nor your Molly forsake,

For your trowsers I'll wash, and your grog too I'll make."

THERE are several variations on this 18th century idyll of Wapping. It is often attributed to Charles Dibdin, but in a collection of "Sea Songs and Ballads by Dibdin and Others," published in 1865 Wapping Old Stairs has the notation "From the British Album, Vol. II. Signed Arley." As. we have been having quite a bit about Wapping of late and may have more this bit of atmosphere may not be inappropriate.