Stay, Lady-stay, for mercy's sake,
⁠And hear a helpless Orphan's tale;
Ah! sure my looks must pity wake,
⁠'Tis want that makes my cheeks so pale.

Yet I was once a mother's pride,
⁠And my brave father's hope and joy:
But in the Nile's proud fight he died,
⁠And I am now an Orphan Boy!

​Poor foolish child---how pleas'd was I
⁠When news of Nelson's victory came;
Along the crouded streets to fly,
⁠To see the lighted windows flame!

To force me home my mother sought,
⁠She could not bear to see my joy :
For with my father's life 'twas bought,
⁠And made me a poor Orphan Boy !

The people's shouts were long and loud,
⁠My mother shudd'ring, clos'd her ears;
Rejoice! rejoice! still cry'd the croud,
⁠My mother answer'd with her tears!

Why are you crying thus, said I,
⁠While others laugh and shout with joy
She kiss'd me, and with such a sigh,
⁠She call'd me her poor Orphan Boy!

What is an Orphan Boy? I cry'd,
⁠As in her face I look'd and smil'd,
My mother through her tears reply'd,
⁠'You'll know to soon, ill-fated child.'

And now they've toll'd my mother's knell,
⁠And I'm no more a parent's joy:
Ah! Lady, I have known too well
⁠What 'tis to be an Orphan Boy!

Oh! were I by your bounty fed,
⁠Nay, gentle lady, do not chide;
Trust me-I mean to earn my bread,
⁠The Sailor's Orphan Boy has pride

​Lady! you weep--ah! this to me:
⁠You'll give me clothing, food, employ;
Look down, dear parents! look and see
⁠Your happy---happy Orphan Boy!