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Bab Ballads and Savoy Songs

by W. S. Gilbert

51 of 71 · Contents · Download EPUB

The Contemplative Sentry

When all night long a chap remains
 On sentry-go, to chase monotony
He exercises of his brains,
 That is, assuming that he’s got any,
Though never nurtured in the lap
 Of luxury, yet I admonish you,
I am an intellectual chap,
 And think of things that would astonish you.
  I often think it’s comical
   How Nature always does contrive
  That every boy and every gal
   That’s born into the world alive
  Is either a little Liberal,
   Or else a little Conservative!
      Fal lal la!

When in that house M.P.’s divide,
 If they’ve a brain and cerebellum, too.
They’re got to leave that brain outside.
 And vote just as their leaders tell ’em to.
But then the prospect of a lot
 Of statesmen, all in close proximity.
A-thinking for themselves, is what
 No man can face with equanimity.
  Then let’s rejoice with loud Fal lal
   That Nature wisely does contrive
  That every boy and every gal
   That’s born into the world alive,
  Is either a little Liberal,
   Or else a little Conservative!
      Fal lal la!

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