Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, Disease, Commerce

    After upholding the robustness of the 'Wood-Walls of Old England'—the apparently robust planks used by the Royal Navy—points out that such material is infested with 'Dry-rot and decay, sap and fungus'. Therefore repeats a lament for the 'decayed Wooden Walls' of 'Old England'. Identifies 'Greed' as the 'burrowing worm' that laid its eggs 'in ships' stuff and ships' store'.