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

by W. S. Gilbert

[OLD PAUL AND OLD TIM]

When rival adorers come courting a maid,

There's something or other may often be said,

Why he should be pitched upon rather than him.

This wasn't the case with Old Paul and Old Tim.

No soul could discover a reason at all

For marrying Timothy rather than Paul;

Though all could have offered good reasons, on oath,

Against marrying either—or marrying both.