Charles Dibdin

Charles Dibdin (March 1745? – 25 July 1814), British musician, dramatist, novelist, actor and songwriter.

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• For a soldier I listed, to grow great in fame.
  And be shot at for sixpence a day.
  • Letters (c. 1774).

• There ’s a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft,
  To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.
  • Poor Jack (c. 1788).

• Did you ever hear of Captain Wattle?
  He was all for love, and a little for the bottle.
  • Captain Wattle and Miss Roe.

• His form was of the manliest beauty,
  His heart was kind and soft;
  Faithful below he did his duty,
  But now he ’s gone aloft.
  • Tom Bowling (c. 1788).

• Spanking Jack was so comely, so pleasant, so jolly,
  Though winds blew great guns, still he ’d whistle and sing;
  Jack loved his friend, and was true to his Molly,
  And if honour gives greatness, was great as a king.
  • The Sailor’s Consolation. A song with this title, beginning, "One night came on a hurricane", was written by William Pitt, of Malta, who died in 1840.