The Bab Ballads, with Which Are Included Songs of a Savoyard

by W. S. Gilbert

But spite of all I said, her sobs grew more and more distressing,

And she tore her pretty back hair, which had taken long in dressing.

Then she gazed upon the carpet, at the ceiling then above me,

And she whispered, "Ferdinando, do you really, really love me?"

"Love you?" said I, then I sighed, and then I gazed upon her sweetly—

For I think I do this sort of thing particularly neatly—

"Send me to the Arctic regions, or illimitable azure,

On a scientific goose-chase, with my Coxwell or my Glaisher.

"Tell me whither I may hie me, tell me, dear one, that I may know—