Bab Ballads and Savoy Songs is a compilation of nonsensical poems by W. S. Gilbert. Gilbert was an English playwright, libretto writer, poet and illustrator. Excerpt: "A troubadour he played Without a castle wall, Within, a hapless maid Responded to his call. "Oh, willow, woe is me! Alack and well-a-day! If I were only free I'd hie me far away!" Unknown her face and name, But this he knew right well, The maiden's wailing came From out a dungeon cell."