There were three brothers in merry Scotland
In merry Scotland there were three
And they did cast lots which of them should go
should go, should go
And turn robber all on the salt sea
The lot it fell first upon Henry Martin
The youngest of all the three
That he should turn robber all on the salt sea
Salt sea, the salt sea
For to maintain his two brothers and he
They had not been sailing but a long winter's night
And a part of a short winter's day
When he espied a stout lofty ship
lofty ship, lofty ship
Come abibbing down on him straight way
Hullo! Hullo! Cried Henry Martin
What makes you sail so nigh?
I'm a rich merchant ship bound for fair London Town