H.M.S. "PINAFORE"
The Captain (who now recollects the occasion they are referring to). Hardly ever!
The Crew (delighted at having caught him tripping).
He's hardly ever sick at sea!
Then give three cheers and one cheer more
For the hardy Captain of the Pinafore!
The Captain. I do my best to satisfy you all!
The Crew. And with you we're quite content.
The Captain. You're exceedingly polite,
And I think it only right,
To return the compliment!
The Crew (to each other).
We're exceedingly polite
And he thinks it only right
To return the compliment!
The Captain. Bad language or abuse
I never, never use,
Whatever the emergency;
"How tiresome!" I may
Occasionally say,
But I never use a big, big B![1]
The Crew (who remember a certain occasion). What, never?
The Captain (the circumstance had slipped his memory). No, never!
The Crew (who don't mean to let him off). What, never?
The Captain (the incident suddenly occurring to him). Hardly ever!
The Crew (who have scored).
Hardly ever says a big, big B!
Then give three cheers and one cheer more
For the well-bred Captain of the Pinafore!
- ↑ He meant "Bother!"—a vulgar expression that only the strongest provocation can excuse.
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