The Canary/The Galley Slave

For other versions of this work, see The Galley Slave (song).
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The Galley Slave

⟨Oh,⟩ think on my fate! once I freedom enjoy'd,Was as happy as happy could be,⟨But⟩ pleasure is fled! even Hope is destroy'd,A captive, alas! on the sea.⟨I was⟩ ta'en by the foe, 'twas the fiat of FateTo tear me from her I adore,⟨When⟩ thought brings to mind my once happy estate,I sigh! while I tug at the oar.
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Hard, hard is my fate! Oh how galling my chain;My life's steer'd by Misery's chart;And though 'gainst my tyrants I scorn to complain,Tears gush forth to ease my full heart.I disdain e'en to shrink, though I feel the sharp lash;Yet my breast bleeds for her I adore,While around me the unfeeling billows will dash,I sigh! and still tug at the oar.
How fortune deceives; I had pleasure in tow,The port where she dwelt we'd in viewBut the wish'd nuptial morn was o'erclouded with woe,And, dear Anna! I hurried from you.Our shallop was boarded, and I borne awayTo behold my dear Anna no more,But despair wastes my spirits, my form feels decay—He sigh'd, and expired at the oar.
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