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.