I shipped, d'ye see, in a Revenue sloop, <br />And, off Cape Finisteere, <br />A merchantman we see, <br />A Frenchman, going free, <br />So we made for the bold Mounseer, <br />D'ye see? <br />We made for the bold Mounseer! <br />But she proved to be a Frigate - and she up with her ports, <br />And fires with a thirty-two! <br />It come uncommon near, <br />But we answered with a cheer, <br />Which paralysed the Parley-voo, <br />D'ye see? <br />Which paralysed the Parley-voo! <br /> <br />Then our Captain he up and he says, says he, <br />"That chap we need not fear, - <br />We can take her, if we like, <br />She is sartin for to strike, <br />For she's only a darned Mounseer, <br />D'ye see? <br />She's only a darned Mounseer! <br />But to fight a French fal-lal - it's like hittin' of a gal - <br />It's a lubberly thing for to do; <br />For we, with all our faults, <br />Why, we're sturdy British salts, <br />While she's but a Parley-voo, <br />D'ye see? <br />A miserable Parley-voo!" <br /> <br />So we up with our helm, and we scuds before the breeze, <br />As we gives a compassionating cheer; <br />Froggee answers with a shout <br />As he sees us go about, <br />Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer, <br />D'ye see? <br />Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer! <br />And I'll wager in their joy they kissed each other's cheek <br />(Which is what them furriners do), <br />And they blessed their lucky stars <br />We were hardy British tars <br />Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo, <br />D'ye see? <br />Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo!<br /><br />William Schwenck Gilbert<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-darned-mounseer/
