Celebration of a boat that sailed mainly to Campbeltown and across the North Channel until she was wrecked in a gale in 1829.
Long had Britannia's honour'd name
Resounded through th' admiring world,
So to proclaim the vessel's fame,
Britannia's on the flag unfurl'd.
CHORUS.
Then skim Britannia along thy subject waves
For well thy prow the tempest braves.
When people far to distant isles
With anxious hearts desire to sail, [Note 709.1]
They find their destin'd port with smiles,
For steam can o'er the wind prevail. [Note 709.2]
Then skim Britannia, &c.
When June's bright sun began to draw
From pearly fields the morning's dew,
We darted from the Broomielawº,
Soon Glasgow steeples left our view.
Then skim Britannia, &c.
Ye hosts of Campbelton prepare
Your stateliest rooms, 'twill raise your glee,
To see the crowds of ladies fair,
That come your pleasing town to see.
Then skim Britannia, &c.
Though sleep the winds, the wheels exert
Their strength, our pleasure to refine;
The wonders sing of powerful art,
That can far distant places join.
Then skim Britannia, &c.
No fears our pleasure can annoy,
While speed with steadiness we find,
Descended from the great Rob Roy, [Note 709.3]
The steward¹'s active, blythe, and kind.
Then skim Britannia, &c.