Ballad: Captain Reece

In the spirited ballad “Captain Reece,” readers are introduced to the exemplary CAPTAIN REECE, the beloved commander of THE MANTELPIECE. Renowned for his unparalleled dedication to his crew’s well-being, CAPTAIN REECE ensures that his men are the epitome of comfort and joy at sea. From dancing madly to entertain them during low spirits to narrating humorous tales from his childhood, he consistently goes above and beyond to uplift his crew.

The captain’s care extends to providing each man with luxurious accommodations that include feather beds, warm slippers, hot-water cans, and even personal valets shared among four. To quench their thirst, seltzogenes are readily available, complemented by cream ices on particularly warm days. The crew is further indulged with currant wine, ginger pops, and the latest reads from MISTER MUDIE’S library, ensuring their time at sea is both comfortable and intellectually stimulating.

One evening, CAPTAIN REECE invites his crew to express any desires they might have, promising to do his utmost to fulfill them, considering his own comfort as “NIL.” William Lee, the captain’s coxswain, takes this opportunity to suggest that closer bonds would form if CAPTAIN REECE would consider marrying off his daughter, ten female cousins, a niece, six sisters, and possibly an aunt or two to the unmarried members of the crew. In a surprising twist, Lee also shyly proposes that for his part, he would be delighted to marry CAPTAIN REECE’s “enchanting” daughter.

The ballad humorously chronicles CAPTAIN REECE’s exceptional commitment to his crew’s happiness, even to the point of contemplating matrimonial arrangements to foster a more “friendly-like” atmosphere aboard THE MANTELPIECE. This lighthearted tale offers a delightful glimpse into maritime camaraderie, dedication, and CAPTAIN REECE’s boundless generosity, encapsulating the spirited relationship between a captain and his loyal crew.