The Poetry Corner

The Silver Penny

By Walter De La Mare

'Sailorman, I'll give to you My bright silver penny, If out to sea you'll sail me And my dear sister Jenny.' 'Get in, young sir, I'll sail ye And your dear sister Jenny, But pay she shall her golden locks Instead of your penny.' They sail away, they sail away, O fierce the winds blew! The foam flew in clouds, And dark the night grew! And all the wild sea-water Climbed steep into the boat; Back to the shore again Sail they will not. Drowned is the sailorman, Drowned is sweet Jenny, And drowned in the deep sea A bright silver penny.