Copyright © 2005 The Gilbert and SullivanArchive
All Rights Reserved

When I went to the Bar as a very young man,
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
I'll work on a new and original plan,
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
I'll never assume that a rogue or a thief
Is a gentleman worthy implicit belief,
Because his attorney has sent me a brief,
(Said I to myselfsaid I!).

Ere I go into court I will read my brief through
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
And I'll never take work I'm unable to do
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
My learned profession I'll never disgrace
By taking a fee with a grin on my face,
When I haven't been there to attend to the case
(Said I to myselfsaid I!).

I'll never throw dust in a juryman's eyes
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
Or hoodwink a judge who is not overwise
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
Or assume that the witnesses summoned in force
In Exchequer, Queen's Bench, Common Pleas, or Divorce,
Have perjured themselves as a matter of course
(Said I to myselfsaid I!).

In other professions in which men engage
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
The Army, the Navy, the Church, and the Stage
(Said I to myselfsaid I),
Professional licence, if carried too far,
Your chance of promotion will certainly mar--
And I fancy the rule might apply to the Bar
(Said I to myselfsaid I!).

By Arthur Sullivan
Generated by NoteWorthy Composer

Iolanthe No12 - When I went to the bar
Lord Chancellor
Right Hand
Left Hand
Tempo