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

by W. S. Gilbert

He likes for a fault to be bullied and stormed,

Or imprisoned for several days;

And hates, for a duty correctly performed,

To be slavered with sickening praise.

No officer sickened with praises his corps

So little as Major La Guerre—

No officers swore at his warriors more

Than Major Makredi Prepere.

Their soldiers adored them, and every grade

Delighted to hear them abuse;