This old Nursery Rhyme, I saw a ship a-sailing, celebrates the fascination of ships coming home from long voyages. A child's imagination would have been fired with tales of treasure ships and this rhyme is no doubt the type of treasure ship I child might dream of! A comfit, from Middle English word confit meaning a confection of any kind of fruit, root, or seed preserved with sugar and dried "There were comfits in the cabin" an old equivalent of candy or sweets.

I Saw a Ship a-sailing
Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history

I saw a ship a-sailing,
A-sailing on the sea.
And, oh, but it was laden
With pretty things for thee.

There were comfits in the cabin,
And apples in the hold;
The sails were made of silver
And the masts were made of gold.

I Saw a Ship a-sailing
Nursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history