For shrimps and sharks to make their marks,

And other watery vermin there;

Unless a mermaid saves my life,—

My wife, and me her merman there.

From top to toe, where'er you go,

The loveliest girl of any, O,—

Mavrone! your mind I find unkind,

Sweet Kate o' Belashanny, O!

'Tis all in vain that I complain;

No use to coax or chide her there;

As far away from me as Spain,

Although I stand beside her there.

O cruel Kate! since that's my fate,

I'll look for love no more in you;

The seagull's screech as soon would reach

Your heart, as me implorin' you.

Tho' fair you are, and rare you are,

The loveliest flow'r of any, O,—

Too proud and high,—good-bye, say I,

To Kate o' Belashanny, O!

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