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

by W. S. Gilbert

Now take my case: Ere sorrow could

My ample forehead wrinkle,

I had determined that I should

Not care to be a winkle.

"A winkle," I would oft advance

With readiness provoking,

"Can seldom flirt, and never dance,

Or soothe his mind by smoking."

In short, I spurned the shelly joy,