[Recitative]

Hail, man-o'-war's men, safeguards of your nation,
Here is an end, at last, of all privation;
You've got your pay--spare all you can afford
To welcome Little Buttercup on board

[Aria]

I'm called Little Buttercup, dear Little Buttercup,
Though I could never tell why.
But still I'm called Buttercup, Poor Little Buttercup,
Sweet Little Buttercup, I!

I've snuff and tobaccy, and excellent jacky,
I've scissors, and watches, and knives;
I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces
Of pretty young sweethearts and wives

I've treacle and toffee, I've tea and I've coffee,
Soft tommy and succulent chops;
I've chickens and conies, and pretty polonies,
And excellent peppermint drops.

Then buy of your buttercup, Dear Little Buttercup,
Sailors should never be shy;
So buy of your Buttercup, Poor Little Buttercup,
Come, of your Buttercup buy.
[Recitative]

But tell me who's the youth whose falt'ring feet
With difficulty bear him on his course?

[Boatswain]
That is the smartest lad in all the fleet, Ralph Rackstraw!

[Buttercup]
Ralph! That name! Remorse! Remorse!