I stole the Prince, and I brought him here, br And left him, gaily prattling br With a highly respectable Gondolier, br Who promised the Royal babe to rear, br And teach him the trade of a timoneer br With his own beloved bratling. br br Both of the babes were strong and stout, br And, considering all things, clever. br Of that there is no manner of doubt - br No probable, possible shadow of doubt - br No possible doubt whatever. br br Time sped, and when at the end of a year br I sought that infant cherished, br That highly respectable Gondolier br Was lying a corpse on his humble bier - br I dropped a Grand Inquisitor's tear - br That Gondolier had perished! br br A taste for drink, combined with gout, br Had doubled him up for ever. br Of THAT there is no manner of doubt - br No probable, possible shadow of doubt - br No possible doubt whatever. br br But owing, I'm much disposed to fear, br To his terrible taste for tippling, br That highly respectable Gondolier br Could never declare with a mind sincere br Which of the two was his offspring dear, br And which the Royal stripling! br br Which was which he could never make out, br Despite his best endeavour. br Of THAT there is no manner of doubt - br No probable, possible shadow of doubt - br No possible doubt whatever.