ACT II
Same Scene. Night. Awning removed. Moonlight. Captain
discovered singing on p*** deck, and accompanying himself on
a mandolin. Little b***ercup seated on quarterdeck, gazing
sentimentally at him.
SONG -- CAPTAIN
Fair moon, to thee I sing,
Bright regent of the heavens,
Say, why is everything
Either at sixes or at sevens?
I have lived hitherto
Free from breath of slander,
Beloved by all my crew--
A really popular commander.
But now my kindly crew rebel,
My daughter to a tar is partial,
Sir Joseph storms, and, sad to tell,
He threatens a court martial!
Fair moon, to thee I sing,
Bright regent of the heavens,
Say, why is everything
Either at sixes or at sevens?
BUT. How sweetly he carols forth his melody to the
unconscious moon! Of whom is he thinking? Of some high-born
beauty? It may be! Who is poor Little b***ercup that she should
expect his glance to fall on one so lowly! And yet if he knew --
if he only knew!
CAPT. (coming down). Ah! Little b***ercup, still on board?
That is not quite right, little one. It would have been more
respectable to have gone on shore at dusk.
BUT. True, dear Captain -- but the recollection of your sad
pale face seemed to chain me to the ship. I would fain see you
smile before I go.
CAPT. Ah! Little b***ercup, I fear it will be long before
I recover my accustomed cheerfulness, for misfortunes crowd upon
me, and all my old friends seem to have turned against me!
BUT. Oh no -- do not say "all", dear Captain. That were
unjust to one, at least.
CAPT. True, for you are staunch to me. (Aside.) If ever I
gave my heart again, methinks it would be to such a one as this!
(Aloud.) I am touched to the heart by your innocent regard for
me, and were we differently situated, I think I could have
returned it. But as it is, I fear I can never be more to you
than a friend.
BUT. I understand! You hold aloof from me because you are
rich and lofty -- and I poor and lowly. But take care! The poor
b**boat woman has gipsy blood in her veins, and she can read
destinies.
CAPT. Destinies?
BUT. There is a change in store for you!
CAPT. A change?
BUT. Aye -- be prepared!
Same Scene. Night. Awning removed. Moonlight. Captain
discovered singing on p*** deck, and accompanying himself on
a mandolin. Little b***ercup seated on quarterdeck, gazing
sentimentally at him.
SONG -- CAPTAIN
Fair moon, to thee I sing,
Bright regent of the heavens,
Say, why is everything
Either at sixes or at sevens?
I have lived hitherto
Free from breath of slander,
Beloved by all my crew--
A really popular commander.
But now my kindly crew rebel,
My daughter to a tar is partial,
Sir Joseph storms, and, sad to tell,
He threatens a court martial!
Fair moon, to thee I sing,
Bright regent of the heavens,
Say, why is everything
Either at sixes or at sevens?
BUT. How sweetly he carols forth his melody to the
unconscious moon! Of whom is he thinking? Of some high-born
beauty? It may be! Who is poor Little b***ercup that she should
expect his glance to fall on one so lowly! And yet if he knew --
if he only knew!
CAPT. (coming down). Ah! Little b***ercup, still on board?
That is not quite right, little one. It would have been more
respectable to have gone on shore at dusk.
BUT. True, dear Captain -- but the recollection of your sad
pale face seemed to chain me to the ship. I would fain see you
smile before I go.
CAPT. Ah! Little b***ercup, I fear it will be long before
I recover my accustomed cheerfulness, for misfortunes crowd upon
me, and all my old friends seem to have turned against me!
BUT. Oh no -- do not say "all", dear Captain. That were
unjust to one, at least.
CAPT. True, for you are staunch to me. (Aside.) If ever I
gave my heart again, methinks it would be to such a one as this!
(Aloud.) I am touched to the heart by your innocent regard for
me, and were we differently situated, I think I could have
returned it. But as it is, I fear I can never be more to you
than a friend.
BUT. I understand! You hold aloof from me because you are
rich and lofty -- and I poor and lowly. But take care! The poor
b**boat woman has gipsy blood in her veins, and she can read
destinies.
CAPT. Destinies?
BUT. There is a change in store for you!
CAPT. A change?
BUT. Aye -- be prepared!