Sir William Schwenck Gilbert explains Leap Year

For some ridiculous reason, to which, however,
I’ve no desire to be disloyal,
Some person in authority, I don’t know who,
very likely the Astronomer Royal,
He decided that, although for such a beastly month as February,
twenty-eight days as a rule are plenty,
One year in every four his days shall be numbered
as nine-and-twenty.

Allow Kevin Kline to relay Gilbert’s illumination.

Timely clip!

Anyone recognize Patricia “Hyacinth ‘that’s Boo-KEH’” Routledge as Ruth?