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

by W. S. Gilbert

'Twas Annie, gentle Annie, as you'll easily believe—

"O Gilbert, you must spare him, for I bring him a reprieve,

It came from our Home Secretary many weeks ago,

And passed through that post-office which I used to keep at Bow.

"I loved you, loved you madly, and you know it, Gilbert Clay,

And having quite surrendered all idea of Peter Gray,

I quietly suppressed it, as you'll clearly understand,

For I thought it might be awkward if he came and claimed my hand.