…to note that today is Sir Arthur Sullivan’s birthday. In his honor (or despite), I shall quote a few of W.S. Gilbert’s lyrics:

The Pirates of Penzance, on discovering the Major-General’s (yes, that Major-General) daughters on the beach:

Here’s a first rate opportunity to get married with impunity

To indulge in the felicity of unbounded domesticity

You shall quickly be parsonified, conjugally matrimonified

By a doctor of divinity who is located in this vicinity.



The daughters, encouraging the constables in their duty (I love to sing this, which is unfortunate for those nearby….):

Go, ye heroes, go to glory

Though you die in combat gory

You shall live in song and story

Go to immortality!

Go to death, and go to slaughter.

Die, and every Cornish daughter

With her tears your grave shall water

Go ye heroes, go and die!

(Go ye heroes, go and die, go ye heroes, go and die.)



The constables reply,

Though it’s very evident (taran-tara taran-tara)

These intentions are well-meant (taran-tara)

These expressions don’t appear (taran-tara taran-tara)

Calculated men to cheer (taran-tara)

Who are going to meet their fate

In a highly nervous state

(Taran-tara taran-tara taran-tara)



I could go on and on, but I think this will do for tonight.