H.M.S. "PINAFORE"
In serving writs I made such a name,
That an articled clerk I soon became;
I wore clean collars and a bran-new suit
For the pass-examination at the Institute.
That pass-examination did so well for me
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee.
Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip,
That they took me into partnership,
And that junior partnership I ween
Was the only ship that I had ever seen.
But that same ship so suited me
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee.
I grew so rich that I was sent
To the House as a Member of Parliament,
I always voted at my party's call,[1]
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.
I thought so little they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee.
Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,
If you want to rise to the top of the tree—
If your soul isn't fettered to an office-stool
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule—
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
- ↑ This means that he always did exactly as he was told by those who knew better than he did. I hope my readers will all imitate his example, and then, perhaps, when they grow up they will also be rewarded by being placed at the head of an important Public Department.
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