W.S. Gilbert - Climbing Over Rocky Mountain lyrics

[GIRLS] Climbing over rocky mountain, Skipping rivulet and fountain, Pa**ing where the willows quiver By the ever-rolling river, Swollen with the summer rain; Threading long and leafy mazes Dotted with unnumbered daisies, Scaling rough and rugged pa**es, Climb the hardy little la**es, Till the bright sea-shore they gain! [EDITH] Let us gaily tread the measure, Make the most of fleeting leisure, Hail it as a true ally, Though it perish by-and-by. [GIRLS] Hail it as a true ally, Though it perish by-and-by. [EDITH] Every moment brings a treasure Of its own especial pleasure; Though the moments quickly die, Greet them gaily as they fly. [KATE] Far away from toil and care, Reveling in fresh sea-air, Here we live and reign alone In a world that's all our own. Here, in this our rocky den, Far away from mortal men, We'll be queens, and make decrees – They may honor them who please. [ALL] Let us gaily tread the measure, Make the most of fleeting leisure, Hail it as a true ally, Though it perish by-and-by. [KATE, spoken] What a picturesque spot! I wonder where we are! [EDITH, spoken] And I wonder where Papa is. We have left him ever so far behind. [ISABEL, spoken] Oh, he will be here presently! Remember poor Papa is not as young as we are, and we came over a rather difficult country. [KATE, spoken] But how thoroughly delightful it is to be so entirely alone! Why, in all probability we are the first human beings who ever set foot on this enchanting spot. [ISABEL, spoken] Except the mermaids – it's the very place for mermaids. [KATE, spoken] Who are only human beings down to the waist! [EDITH, spoken] And who can't be said strictly to set foot anywhere. Tails they may, but feet they cannot. [KATE, spoken] But what shall we do until Papa and the servants arrive with the luncheon? [EDITH, spoken] We are quite alone, and the sea is as smooth as gla**. Suppose we take off our shoes and stockings and paddle? [ALL, spoken] Yes, yes! The very thing!