In Gilbert and Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance" Frederic is happy to have reached his 21st year of apprenticeship with the pirates and is looking forward to his release. He meets and falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of the modern major-general. Alas, the pirates discovered that his indentureship is to end on his 21st birthday. Since he was born on February 29, he has had only 5 birthdays. Therefore, he must serve another 63 years until his 21st birthday, February 29, 1940.
Fortunately, Mabel promises to wait for him.
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