THE SAILOR'S CONSOLATION
One night came on a hurricane,
The sea was mountains rolling,
When Barney Buntline turned his quid,
And said to Billy Bowling:
A strong nor-wester's blowing, Bill;
Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?
Heav'n help 'em, how I pities all
Unhappy folks on shore now!
'Fool-hardy chaps who live in towns,
What danger they are all in,
And now are quaking in their beds,
For fear the roof should, fall in:
Poor creatures, how they envies us,
And wishes, I've a notion,
For our good luck, in such a storm,
To be upon the ocean.
'But as for them who've out all day,
On business from their houses,
And late at night are coming home,
To cheer the babes and spouses;
While you and I, Bill, on the deck,
Are comfortably lying,
My eyes! what tiles and chimney-pots
About their heads are flying!
'And very often we have heard
How men are killed and undone,
By overturns of carriages,
By thieves and fires in London.
We know what risks all landmen run,
Then, Bill, let us thank Providence
That you and I are sailors!
C. DIBDIN
Summary: 'The Sailor's Consolation' by Charles Dibdin is a poem that highlights the contrasting experiences of sailors at sea and the dangers faced by those living on land during a hurricane. The poem is structured as a conversation between two sailors, Barney Buntline and Billy Bowling.
In the midst of a fierce nor-wester hurricane at sea, Barney Buntline remarks to Billy Bowling about the howling winds and the roaring sea. He expresses his pity for those on shore who are enduring the storm's fury. He imagines that people in towns and cities are trembling in their beds, fearing that their roofs will collapse. Barney believes that, despite the perilous conditions at sea, land-dwellers would envy the safety of sailors during such a tempest.
The sailors discuss how people on land, who spend their days conducting business and return home to their families at night, are at risk when severe storms strike. They mention the danger of falling tiles and chimney-pots, which could potentially harm or kill those on land.
Barney and Billy conclude the conversation by expressing gratitude to Providence for their life as sailors, acknowledging that despite the challenges of the sea, they are, in their view, better off than those who must contend with the hazards of life on land.
In essence, the poem contrasts the hazards faced by sailors at sea with the potential dangers that those living on land might encounter during a storm, ultimately emphasizing the sailors' appreciation for their chosen way of life.
