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

by W. S. Gilbert

Of course the sin must be infinitesimally small.

"There's Wilson who is dying—he has wealth from Stock and rent—

If I divert his riches from their natural descent,

I'm placed in a position to indulge each little whim."

So he diverted them—and they, in turn, diverted him.

Unfortunately, though, by some unpardonable flaw,

Temptation isn't recognised by Britain's Common Law;

Men found him out by some peculiarity of touch,