Question

"Merrily did we drop " explain

Answer 1

The ship was cheered, the harbour cleared,

Merrily did we drop
Below the kirk, below the hill,
Below the lighthouse top.

As the ship sailed further from shore first the church, then the hill, then the highest point of the lighthouse fell out of sight (because of the curve of the earth). Of course, at the same time the ship ceased to be visible from the shore.

This is a poetic metaphor, and not to be confused with the modern drop out of sight which means either literally to fall to the ground deliberately so as not to be seen, as soldiers and wild animals do, or metaphorically to cease to go out (perhaps simply by staying at home), so that those searching for you, whether police or others, cannot find you.

Hope this help you mate....☺️✌️

Answer 2

Here the ancient mariner says the happy, and pleasant start of their journey.....they started off quite happily, going below light houses and churches etc.....