When I Went to the Bar (From "Iolanthe")

When I Went to the Bar - Musical Cast Recording/Original Cast/Original Cast Recording

When I went to the Bar as a very young man

Said I to myself said I

I'll work on a new and original plan

Said I to myself said 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 myself said I

Ere I go into court I will read my brief through

Said I to myself said I

And I'll never take work I'm unable to do

Said I to myself said 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 myself said I

I'll never throw dust in a juryman's eyes

Said I to myself said I

Or hoodwink a judge who is not over-wise

Said I to myself said 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 myself said I

In other professions in which men engage

Said I to myself said I

The Army the Navy the Church and the Stage

Said I to myself said 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 myself said I