The Sea Shanty of Zheng He

<p>There once was a fleet that put to sea</p><p>All in name of the Imperial Ming</p><p>With phoenix sterns, &amp; dragon prows</p><p>Oh go, my baochuan, go!</p><br><p>Soon may the Treasure Fleet moor</p><p>To bring ceramics &amp; silk galore</p><p>One day, when the trading is done</p><p>They’ll take our spice &amp; go</p><br><p>Commanded by an admiral</p><p>So tall he seem unnatural</p><p>His voice rang out like temple bell</p><p>To get those treasures stowed</p><br><p>Soon may the Treasure Fleet moor</p><p>To bring ceramics &amp; silk galore</p><p>One day, when the trading is done</p><p>They’ll take our spice &amp; go</p><br><p>They sailed the southern seas so vast</p><p>They’d catch the wind with all nine masts</p><p>Astrologers would watch the skies</p><p>From Champa to Guangzhou</p><br><p>Soon may the Treasure Fleet moor</p><p>To bring ceramics &amp; silk galore</p><p>One day, when the trading is done</p><p>They’ll take our spice &amp; go</p><br><p>But on wave-crest a Pirate Lord</p><p>He spied the fleet and greedily roared</p><p>“Make ready all your cannon shot,</p><p>We’ll take all their cargo!”</p><br><p>Soon may the Treasure Fleet moor</p><p>To bring ceramics &amp; silk galore</p><p>One day, when the trading is done</p><p>They’ll take our spice &amp; go</p><br><p>Through flame and smoke they battled on</p><p>Til in a flash a month was gone</p><p>The Pirate Lord would taste defeat</p><p>His ships sunk deep below</p><br><p>Soon may the Treasure Fleet moor</p><p>To bring ceramics &amp; silk galore</p><p>One day, when the trading is done</p><p>They’ll take our spice &amp; go</p><br><p>At last they came to Indian shores</p><p>In search of spice and jewels and more</p><p>The deal was struck, with solemn vow</p><p>To pay all that was owed</p><br><p>Soon may the Treasure Fleet moor</p><p>To bring ceramics &amp; silk galore</p><p>One day, when the trading is done</p><p>They’ll take our spice &amp; go</p><br><p>But homeward bound the skies grew dim</p><p>The winds did howl, their fate seemed grim</p><p>The sailors