The mate coughed and didn’t answer, much too glad To see the captain change back to himself From something made of steam, to want to talk. But, after a while, he heard the captain talking, Half to himself. “It’s a fact, that,” he was saying, “They’ve even made a song of me⁠—ever heard it?” The mate shook his head, quickly, “Oh yes you have. You know how it goes.” He cleared his throat and hummed:

“ Captain Ball was a Yankee slaver, Blow, blow, blow the man down! He traded in niggers and loved his Saviour, Give me some time to blow the man down. ”