A chest that is neither too big nor too small
Is the first thing to which your attention I'll call;
The things to put in it are next to be named
And if I omit some, I'm not to be blamed.

Stow first in the bottom a blanket or quilt
To be used on the voyage whenever thou wilt
Thick trousers and shirts, woollen stockings and shoes,
Next your papers and books to tell you the news.

Good substantial tarpaulins to cover your head
Just to say keep it furled N.C. nuff said.
Carry paper and ink, pens, wafers and wax
A shoemaker's last, awls and some small tacks,

Some cotton and thread, silk needles and palm
And a paper of pins as long as your arm
Two vests and a thimble, a large lot of matches
A lot of old clothes that will answer for patches.

A Bible and hymn book of course you must carry
If at the end of the voyage you expect to marry.
Don't forget to take esseners, pipes and cigars,
Of the sweetest of butter, a couple of jars.

A razor you will want, a pencil and slate
A comb and a hairbrush you will need for your pate,
A brush and some shaving soap and plenty of squills
And a box of those excellent Richardson's pills.

A podeldoe and painkiller surely you will need
And something to stop the red stream should you bleed.
Some things I've omitted but never mind that
Eat salt junk, and hard bread, and laugh and grow fat.