The Bab Ballads

Name: The Bab Ballads
Author: W. S. Gilbert

by W. S. Gilbert

Pages: about 72
Category: Literature & Fiction
Language: English
Reading time: 79 min at 250 wpm

Start readingThe whole book, as cards or one word at a time. 44 min at 450 wpm in Read mode.

From the opening

OF all the ships upon the blue, No ship contained a better crew Than that of worthy CAPTAIN REECE, Commanding of The Mantelpiece.
He was adored by all his men, For worthy CAPTAIN REECE, R.N., Did all that lay within him to Promote the comfort of his crew.
If ever they were dull or sad, Their captain danced to them like mad, Or told, to make the time pass by, Droll legends of his infancy.
A feather bed had every man, Warm slippers and hot-water can, Brown windsor from the captain’s store, A valet, too, to every four.
Did they with thirst in summer burn, Lo, seltzogenes at every turn, And on all very sultry days Cream ices handed round on trays.
Then currant wine and ginger pops Stood handily on all the “tops;” And also, with amusement rife, A “Zoetrope, or Wheel of Life.”
New volumes came across the sea From MISTER MUDIE’S libraree; The Times and Saturday Review Beguiled the leisure of the crew.
Kind-hearted CAPTAIN REECE, R.N., Was quite devoted to his men; In point of fact, good CAPTAIN REECE Beatified The Mantelpiece.
One summer eve, at half-past ten, He said (addressing all his men): “Come, tell me, please, what I can do To please and gratify my crew.
“By any reasonable plan I’ll make you happy if I can; My own convenience count as nil: It is my duty, and I will.”
Then up and answered WILLIAM LEE (The kindly captain’s coxswain he, A nervous, shy, low-spoken man), He cleared his throat and thus began:
“You have a daughter, CAPTAIN REECE, Ten female cousins and a niece, A Ma, if what I’m told is true, Six sisters, and an aunt or two.
“Now, somehow, sir, it seems to me, More friendly-like we all should be, If you united of ’em to Unmarried members of the crew.

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The Bab Ballads

From the opening

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