For forty days, or even more The line went slack, then tight once more All boats were lost, there were only four But still that whale did go (Huh!) As far as I've heard, the fight's still on The line's not cut and the whale's not gone The Wellerman makes his regular call To encourage the Captain, crew, and all (Huh!)

Уж сорок дней как минули, Все лодки в море сгинули, Трос вьётся, то звенит как кнут, Но кит продолжил долгий путь.

Before the boat had hit the water The whale's tail came up and caught her All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her When she dived down low (Huh!)

Грустное время! Леску удочки натянул Осенний ветер.

— Ёса Бусон

Коснулась шлюпка лишь воды, Зацепил их кит. Удар волны! Гарпун поймал кит шебутной, Но скрылся в глубине морской.