I took a boat on a starry night 
and went for a row on the water, 
and she danced like a child on a wake of light 
and bowed where the ripples caught her. 

I vowed, as I rowed on the velvet blue 
through the night and the starry spendour 
to woo and sue a maiden I know 
till she bent to my pleading tender. 

My painted boat she was light and glad 
and gladder my heart was wishing, 
and I came in time to a little lad 
who stood on the rocks a-fishing. 

I said "Ahoy!" and he said "Ahoy"! 
and I asked how the fish were biting; 
And what are you trying to catch my boy, 
Bream, silver and red - or Whiting?" 

"Neither", he answered, "the seaweed mars 
my line, and the sharp shells sunder; 
I am trying my luck wth those great big stars 
down there in the round skies under". 

"Goodbye!" from him and "Goodbye!" from me, 
and never a laugh came after; 
So many fishing for stars in the sea 
that it's hardly a subject for laughter