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

by W. S. Gilbert

A crippled old man may have pluck in his breast,

But the young and the strong ones are cowards confest.

Old Tim and Old Paul, with the list of their foes,

Prostrated themselves at their Emily's toes:

"Oh, which of us two is the pluckier blade?"

And Emily answered and Emily said:

"Old Tim has thrashed runaway Frenchmen in scores

Who ought to be guarding their cities and shores;

Old Paul has made little chaps' noses to bleed—