Lord Franklin

I was homeward bound one night on the deep
Swinging in my hammock I fell asleep
I dreamed a dream I thought was true
Concerning Franklin and his gallant crew

With a hundred seamen he sailed away
To the frozen ocean in the month of May
Seeking passage around the pole
Where we poor sailors do sometimes go

Through cruel hardships they vainly strove
Their ship on mountains of ice was drove
Only the Eskimo in his skin canoe
Was the only one that ever came through

In Baffin Bay where the whale fish blow
The fate of Franklin no man may know
The fate of Franklin no tongue can tell
Franklin among his seamen do dwell

And now my burden it gives me pain
For my Lord Franklin I’d cross the main
Ten thousand pounds would I freely give
To find Lord Franklin and know he lives

Public Domain, also known as "Lady Franklin's Lament" 
Sung to the traditional melody "The Croppy Boy".