Loss Of Marian

LOSS OF THE MARIAN 121

In 1915 on the 10th day of June

At Birks wharf the Marian lay

Prepared for the banks as custom to do

All loaded with capeland for bait

The wind from the northwest, a warm summer breeze

As Ike Jones to St Jacks he steered

And the boys in the fos'csle make plans for the night

When they all go ashore in St Pierre

Some were uneasy they'd be trouble they said

Cause Ike Jones was noted to fight

At the Cafe de France on the last trip he made

A Frenchman had threatened his life

The challenge to fight was issued that night

While the cheep french liquor ran free

The French captain them warned the Marian men

He would answer the challenge at sea

Next day the Marian set sail again

As so do the stories relay

The big French trawler weighed anchor as well

And followed close by in her wake

She's a Fortune Bay schooner heading out for the banks

With a fine crew of Fortune Bay ,men

But some on the Cape were rumored to say

She'd never be heard from again

The fate that befell the Marian crew

and the schooner will never be known

Not a trace of good tidings were ever again

To be heard from those waiting at home

Some say the Frenchman was true to his word

Some say he confessed 'fore he died

That he scuttled the Marian and settled the debt

Not taking one mon o'er the side

Families of Skinners and Boles and Miles

Grieve for their loved ones I'm sure

As the Newfoundland story of lost to the sea

As told of so often before

She's a Fortune Bay schooner sailing out from St Jacks

With a fine crew of Fortune Bay men

But never no more will she pass by the light

With her jib flapping into the wind.