MIKADO
My object all sublime
I shall achieve in time–
To let the punishment fit the crime–
The punishment fit the crime;
And make each prisoner pent
Unwillingly represent
A source of innocent merriment!
Of innocent merriment!

In "The Mikado," Gilbert and Sullivan satirize the notion of justice through the character of the Mikado, who aims to ensure that punishments are perfectly tailored to their respective crimes. His idea of justice, however, is laced with irony and farce. The Mikado's belief in "innocent merriment" suggests a whimsical approach to justice, where punishments not only fit the crime but also serve as a source of entertainment. This satirical treatment highlights the absurdities inherent in rigid legal systems and the potential for their misuse. The Mikado’s "sublime" objective becomes a critique of self-righteous governance that enforces morality through punitive measures. By crafting penalties that verge on the ludicrous, the play underscores how justice can be manipulated to serve the interests of those in power, ultimately questioning the very nature of fairness and authority.