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

by W. S. Gilbert

And he shook his fists and he tore his hair,

Till I really felt afraid,

For I couldn't help thinking the man had been drinking,

And so I simply said:

"Oh, elderly man, it's little I know

Of the duties of men of the sea,

But I'll eat my hand if I understand

How you can possibly be

"At once a cook, and a captain bold,