Broadsheet ballads titled 'Lash'd to the Helm' and "Yours for ever'.

Date1790-1870

Object number00031084

NameBroadsheet

MediumWoodcut and printed text on paper mounted on card

DimensionsOverall: 251 x 100 mm, 0.023 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionBroadsheet ballads titled 'Lash'd to the Helm' and "Yours for ever'.HistoryLASH'D TO THE HELM. In storms, when clouds obscure the sky, And thunders roll, and lightnings fly, In misdst of all these dire alarms, I think, my Sally, on thy charms. The troubled main, The wind and rain, My ardent passion prove; Lash'd to the helm, Should seas o'erwelm, I'd think on thee, my love. When rocks appear on ev'ry side, And art in vain the ship to guide, In varied shapes when death appears, The thought of thee my bosom cheers, The troubled main, &c. Bust should the gracious pow'rs prove kind, Dispel the gloom and still the wind, And waft me to thy arms once more, Safe to my long-lost native-shore-- No more the main, I'd tempt again, But tender joys improve; I then with thee Should happy be --- And think on naught but love. YOURS FOR EVER. Have you forgot the masquerade, When thus I danc'd, and thus I play'd? Have you forgot how then you said, I'm yours for ever, lovely maid? Ti-ra li-ra la, &c. Yes, you've forgot the love you feign'd; Those vows wer made but to deceive; The heart, by spacious art one gain'd, Without a kind adieu you leave. Now quite forgot the masquerade, When thus I danc'd, and thus I play'd; Now you've forgot, how then you said, I'm yours for ever, lovely maid. Ti-ra li-ra la, &c. Broadsides were issued by a number of London publishers for selling by hawkers on the street and were a popular form of entertainment in 18th and 19th century England. By their very nature they are extremely fragile and ephemeral ;as a result they are notably scarce in good condition . They were also known as 'roadsheet’, 'broadsheet', ‘stall’, ‘vulgar’ or ‘come all ye’ ballads'. In the 19th century many ballads were written about people emigrating. A large number to escape the difficult economic conditions they faced or to try and make their fortunes to bring home.The ballads reflect a deep love of their home place and in many cases the hero - usually male – is pining for a loved one he had to leave behind. SignificanceBroadsheets were designed as printed ephemera to be published and distributed rapidly. This also meant they were quickly disposed of with many of them not surviving the test of time. The museum's broadsheet collection is therefore a rare and valuable example of how maritime history was communicated to a wide audience, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. They vibrantly illustrate many of the themes and myths surrounding life at sea. Some of them also detail stories about transportation, migration.