文档介绍：The Bab Ballads
The Bab Ballads
(More Bab Ballads)
W. S. Gilbert
1
The Bab Ballads
Ballad: Mister William
Oh, listen to the tale of MISTER WILLIAM, if you please, Whom
naughty, naughty judges sent away beyond the seas. He forged a party's
will, which caused anxiety and strife, Resulting in his getting penal
servitude for life.
He was a kindly goodly man, and naturally prone, Instead of taking
others' gold, to give away his own. But he had heard of Vice, and longed
for only once to strike - To plan ONE little wickedness - to see what it was
like.
He argued with himself, and said, "A spotless man am I; I can't be
more respectable, however hard I try! For six and thirty years I've always
been as good as gold, And now for half an hour I'll plan infamy untold!
"A baby who is wicked at the early age of one, And then reforms - and
dies at thirty-six a spotless son, Is never, never saddled with his
babyhood's defect, But earns from worthy men consideration and respect.
"So one who never revelled in discreditable tricks Until he reached the
comfortable age of thirty-six, May then for half an hour perpetrate a deed
of shame, Without incurring permanent disgrace, or even blame.
"That babies don'mit such crimes as forgery is true, But little sins
develop, if you leave 'em to accrue; And he who shuns all vices as
essive seasons roll, Should reap at length the benefit of so much self-
control.
"mon sin of babyhood - objecting to be drest - If you leave it
to accumulate pound interest, For anything you know, may
represent, if you're alive, A burglary or murder at the age of thirty-five.
"Still, I wouldn't take advantage of this fact, but be content With some
pardonable folly - it's a mere experiment. The greater the temptation to go
wrong, the less the sin; So with something that's particularly tempting I'll
begin.
"I would not steal a penny, for my e's very fair - I do not want a
penny - I have pennies and to spare - And if I stole