Here a sheer hulk lies poor Tom Bowling -- 1780

Speranza 1780 here a sheer hulk, lies poor Tom Bowling the darling of our crew; no more he’ll hear the tempest howling for death has broached him to his form was of the manliest beauty, his heart was kind and soft; faithful below Tom did his duty and now he's gone aloft and now he's gone aloft. Tom never from his word departed his virtues were so rare: his friends were many and true hearted his Poll was kind and fair; and then he'd sing so blithe and jolly ah, many's the time and oft; but mirth is turn'd to melancholy for Tom is gone aloft for Tom is gone aloft. yet shall poor Tom find pleasant weather when He who all commands shall give to call life's crew together the word to pipe all hands thus Death who kings and tars despatches in vain Tom’s life hath doff'd for tho' his body's under hatches his soul is gone aloft his soul is gone aloft. Written by Charles Didbin in 1780 on the death of his eldest brother Captain Thomas Dibdin at whose invitation he had planned his visit to India.