The Colonel was charmed with each feat, and joined delighted with the chorus--"Ritolderol ritolderol ritolderolderay" (bis).

And when, coming to the Colonel himself, he burst out-- "A military gent I see--And while his face I scan, I think you'll all agree with me--He came from Hindostan.
And by his side sits laughing free--A youth with curly head, I think you'll all agree with me--That he was best in bed.
Ritolderol," etc.
-- the Colonel laughed immensely at this sally, and clapped his son, young Clive, on the shoulder.

"Hear what he says of you, sir?
Clive, best be off to bed, my boy--ho, ho! No, no.

We know a trick worth two of that.

'We won't go home till morning, till daylight does appear.' Why should we?
Why shouldn't my boy have innocent pleasure?
I was allowed none when I was a young chap, and the severity was nearly the ruin of me.