"H. M. S. Pinafore" libretto

[fiefoe]

Naturally, it's miles better to see lines like 'What, never?' 'Hardly ever!' acted out than to read them.

** For a man is but a man, whether he
    hoists his flag at the main-truck or his slacks on the main-deck.

** I polished up that handle so carefullee
        That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
    And that junior partnership, I ween,
        Was the only ship that I ever had seen.

** RALPH.  True, I lack birth--
    BOAT.  You've a berth on board this very ship.
 
** I am but a living ganglion of irreconcilable antagonisms.

** Things are seldom what they seem,
        Skim milk masquerades as cream;
    Though I'm anything but clever,
        I could talk like that for ever:
    Once a cat was killed by care;
        Only brave deserve the fair.
    Wink is often good as nod;
        Spoils the child who spares the rod;

** And everything that isn't old, from Gillow's.

** Pull ashore, in fashion steady,
        Hymen will defray the fare,
    For a clergyman is ready
        To unite the happy pair!