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

by W. S. Gilbert

But Mahry is in bed asleep (I hope),

And Charles, my King, a hundred leagues from this,

As for Lieutenant-Colonel Jooles Dubosc,

How know I that our monarch would approve

The order he has given me to-night?

My King I've sworn in all things to obey—

I'll only take my orders from my King!"

Thus Hongree, Sub-Lieutenant of Chassoores,

Interpreted the terms of his commission.