[Recitative]
Hail, man-o'-war's men, safeguards of your nation,
Here is an end, at last, of all privation;
You've got your pay--spare all you can afford
To welcome Little bu*tercup on board
[Aria]
I'm called Little bu*tercup, dear Little bu*tercup,
Though I could never tell why.
But still I'm called bu*tercup, Poor Little bu*tercup,
Sweet Little bu*tercup, I!
I've snuff and tobaccy, and excellent jacky,
I've scissors, and watches, and knives;
I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces
Of pretty young sweethearts and wives
I've treacle and toffee, I've tea and I've coffee,
Soft tommy and succulent chops;
I've chickens and conies, and pretty polonies,
And excellent peppermint drops.
Then buy of your bu*tercup, Dear Little bu*tercup,
Sailors should never be shy;
So buy of your bu*tercup, Poor Little bu*tercup,
Come, of your bu*tercup buy.
[Recitative]
But tell me who's the youth whose falt'ring feet
With difficulty bear him on his course?
[Boatswain]
That is the smartest lad in all the fleet, Ralph Rackstraw!
[bu*tercup]
Ralph! That name! Remorse! Remorse!