When I was a lad I served a term <br />As office boy to an Attorney's firm; <br />I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor, <br />And I polished up the handle of the big front door. <br />I polished up that handle so successfullee, <br />That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee! <br /> <br />As office boy I made such a mark <br />That they gave me the post of a junior clerk; <br />I served the writs with a smile so bland, <br />And I copied all the letters in a big round hand. <br />I copied all the letters in a hand so free, <br />That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee! <br /> <br />In serving writs I made such a name <br />That an articled clerk I soon became; <br />I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit <br />For the Pass Examination at the Institute: <br />And that Pass Examination did so well for me, <br />That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee! <br /> <br />Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip <br />That they took me into the partnership, <br />And that junior partnership I ween, <br />Was the only ship that I ever had seen: <br />But that kind of ship so suited me, <br />That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee! <br /> <br />I grew so rich that I was sent <br />By a pocket borough into Parliament; <br />I always voted at my Party's call, <br />And I never thought of thinking for myself at all. <br />I thought so little, they rewarded me, <br />By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee! <br /> <br />Now, landsmen all, whoever you may be, <br />If you want to rise to the top of the tree - <br />If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool, <br />Be careful to be guided by this golden rule - <br />Stick close to your desks and NEVER GO TO SEA, <br />And you all may be Rulers of the Queen's Navee!<br /><br />William Schwenck Gilbert<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-first-lord-s-song/
