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

by W. S. Gilbert

He went, and found Lieutenant-Colonel Jooles.

"Young Hongree, Sub-Lieutenant of Chassoores,

This night we shall attack the English camp:

Be the 'forlorn hope' yours—you'll lead it sir,

And lead it too with credit, I've no doubt"

(These last words with a cruelly obvious sneer).

"As every soul must certainly be killed

(For you are twenty 'gainst two thousand men),

It is not likely that you will return;