The Susceptible Chancellor
THE law is the true embodimentOf everything that’s excellent.It has no kind of fault or flaw,And I, my lords, embody the Law.The constitutional guardian IOf pretty young Wards in Chancery,All very agreeable girls—and noneIs over the age of twenty-one.A pleasant occupation forA rather susceptible Chancellor!
But though the compliment impliedInflates me with legitimate pride,It nevertheless can’t be deniedThat it has its inconvenient side.For I’m not so old, and not so plain,And I’m quite prepared to marry again,But there’d be the deuce to pay in the LordsIf I fell in love with one of my Wards:Which rather tries my temper, forI’m such a susceptible Chancellor!
And every one who’d marry a WardMust come to me for my accord:So in my court I sit all day,Giving agreeable girls away,With one for him—and one for he—And one for you—and one for ye—And one for thou—and one for thee—But never, oh never a one for me!Which is exasperating, forA highly susceptible Chancellor!