17
All.
And whistle all the airs from that infernal nonsense, Pinafore.
General.
Then I can write a washing-bill in Babylonic cuneiform,
And tell you every detail of Caractacus's uniform.
In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral
I am the very model of a modern major-gineral !
And tell you every detail of Caractacus's uniform.
In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral
I am the very model of a modern major-gineral !
All.
In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral
He is the very pattern of a modern major-gineral !
He is the very pattern of a modern major-gineral !
General.
In fact, when I know what is meant by "mamelon" and "ravelin"—
When I can tell at sight a chassepot rifle from a javelin—
When such affairs as sorties and surprises I'm more wary at,
And when I know precisely what is meant by "commissariat"—
When I have learnt what progress has been made in modern gunnery—
When I know more of tactics than a novice in a nunnery,—
In short, when I've a smattering of elemental strategy—
(Bothered for the rhyme.) Strategy! strategy!—
(Struck with an idea.)
(Joyously.) You'll say a better major-general has never sat agee.
When I can tell at sight a chassepot rifle from a javelin—
When such affairs as sorties and surprises I'm more wary at,
And when I know precisely what is meant by "commissariat"—
When I have learnt what progress has been made in modern gunnery—
When I know more of tactics than a novice in a nunnery,—
In short, when I've a smattering of elemental strategy—
(Bothered for the rhyme.) Strategy! strategy!—
(Struck with an idea.)
(Joyously.) You'll say a better major-general has never sat agee.
All.
We'll say a better major-general has never sat agee.
General.
For my military knowledge, though I'm plucky and adventurer,
Has only been brought down to the beginning of the century;
But still, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral
I am the very model of a modern major-gineral.
Has only been brought down to the beginning of the century;
But still, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral
I am the very model of a modern major-gineral.
All.
But still in learning vegetable, animal, and mineral
He is the very model of a modern major-gineral.
He is the very model of a modern major-gineral.
General. And now that I've introduced myself, I should like to have some idea of what's going on.
Kate. Oh, papa ! we—
Samuel. Permit me ; I'll explain it in two words : we propose to marry your daughters.
General. Dear me !
Girls. Against our wills, papa— against our wills!
