Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea, A. By Cunningham, Allan. A wet sheet and a flowing sea, A wind that follows fast And fills the white and rustling sail, And bends the gallant mast; And bends the gallant mast, my boys, While, like the eagle free, Away the good ship flies and leaves Old England on the lee. "O for a soft and gentle wind!" I heard a fair one cry; But give to me the snoring breeze And white waves heaving high; And white waves heaving high, my lads, The good ship tight and free - The world of waters is our home, And merry men are we. There's tempest in yon horned moon, And lightning in yon cloud; But hark the music, mariners - The wind is piping loud! The wind is piping loud, my boys, The lightning flashes free - While the hollow oak our palace is, Our heritage the sea.