In the port of Cape Town, with cocoa on load
The *Jeannette* was adjusting her rigging.
But before setting off on a long voyage now
The crew was granted shore leaving
They walk, slightly march in step, merging into the streets,
As the breeze caresses their new bell-bottoms!
They headed off to where—the famoce Kate tovern,
One could easily find both women and wine.
But that same night, a ship burst into the port,
Ablaze with the glow of its searchlights.
Leaving the deck, fourteen French sailors
Stepped ashore into the port highlights
They had a rolling gait—like a boat on the waves—
And the \"Kat\" tavern lay in their path!
They headed straight for a place to find
Where they easily could have both women and wine.
Upon entering that restaurant and spotting the English men,
The Frenchmen were absolutely enraged!
Drawing their dirks and casting aside all discipline,
They fought like the very spawn of Satan...
But in Cape Town, a Browning settles the score,
And the English opened fire!
Disaster struck the place where anyone could easily
Lay hands on both women and wine.
No more will fourteen brave sailors alive
Tread the deck to reach the quarterdeck brave.
*Jeannette* will sail on without them—silent, estranged—
And the light of beacons will beckon them no more...
They will not sail the seas, nor see the home harbor,
Nor seek their pleasures on the shore!
So do not go where, with little effort,
One can easily obtain both hot women and strong wine.