(Refers to book.) "In accepting an offer of marriage, do so with apparent hesitation." (Aloud.) I take you, but with a certain show of reluctance. (Refers to book.) "Avoid any appearance of eagerness." (Aloud.) Though you will bear in mind that I am far from anxious to do so. (Refers to book.) "A little show of emotion will not be misplaced!" (Aloud.) Pardon this tear!

(Wipes her eye.) RICH. Rose, you've made me the happiest blue-jacket in England! I wouldn't change places with the Admiral of the Fleet, no matter who he's a-huggin' of at this present moment! But, axin' your pardon, miss (wiping his lips with his hand), might I be permitted to salute the flag I'm a-goin' to sail under?

ROSE (referring to book). "An engaged young lady should not permit too many familiarities." (Aloud.) Once! (Richard kisses her.)

DUET--RICHARD and ROSE.

RICH. The battle's roar is over, O my love!

Embrace thy tender lover, O my love!

From tempests' welter, From war's alarms, O give me shelter Within those arms!

Thy smile alluring, All heart-ache curing, Gives peace enduring, O my love!

ROSE. If heart both true and tender, O my love!

A life-love can engender, O my love!

A truce to sighing And tears of brine, For joy undying Shall aye be mine,

BOTH. And thou and I, love, Shall live and die, love, Without a sigh, love-- My own, my love!

(Enter Robin, with Chorus of Bridesmaids.)

CHORUS.

If well his suit has sped, Oh, may they soon be wed!

Oh, tell us, tell us, pray, What doth the maiden say?

In singing are we justified, Hall the Bridegroom--hail the Bride!

Let the nuptial knot be tied: In fair phrases Hymn their praises, Hail the Bridegroom--hall the Bride?

ROB. Well--what news? Have you spoken to her?

RICH. Aye, my lad, I have--so to speak--spoke her.

ROB. And she refuses?

RICH. Why, no, I can't truly say she do.

ROB. Then she accepts! My darling! (Embraces her.)

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the Bride! etc.

ROSE (aside, referring to her book). Now, what should a maiden do when she is embraced by the wrong gentleman?

RICH. Belay, my lad, belay. You don't understand.

ROSE. Oh, sir, belay, I beseech you!

RICH. You see, it's like this: she accepts--but it's me!

ROB. You! (Richard embraces Rose.)

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the Bride!

When the nuptial knot is tied--

ROB. (interrupting angrily). Hold your tongues, will you!

Now then, what does this mean?

RICH. My poor lad, my heart grieves for thee, but it's like this: the moment I see her, and just as I was a-goin' to mention your name, my heart it up and it says, says it--"d.i.c.k, you've fell in love with her yourself," it says; "be honest and sailor-like--don't skulk under false colours--speak up," it says, "take her, you dog, and with her my blessin'!"

BRIDESMAIDS.

Hail the Bridegroom--hail the bride--

ROB. Will you be quiet! Go away! (Chorus makes faces at him and exeunt.) Vulgar girls!

RICH. What could I do? I'm bound to obey my heart's dictates.

ROB. Of course--no doubt. It's quite right--I don't mind--that is, not particularly--only it's--it is disappointing, you know.

ROSE (to Robin). Oh, but, sir, I knew not that thou didst seek me in wedlock, or in very truth I should not have hearkened unto this man, for behold, he is but a lowly mariner, and very poor withal, whereas thou art a tiller of the land, and thou hast fat oxen, and many sheep and swine, a considerable dairy farm and much corn and oil!

RICH. That's true, my la.s.s, but it's done now, ain't it, Rob?

ROSE. Still it may be that I should not be happy in thy love. I am pa.s.sing young and little able to judge. Moreover, as to thy character I know naught!

ROB. Nay, Rose, I'll answer for that. d.i.c.k has won thy love fairly. Broken-hearted as I am, I'll stand up for d.i.c.k through thick and thin!

RICH. (with emotion). Thankye, messmate! that's well said.

That's spoken honest. Thankye, Rob! (Grasps his hand.) ROSE. Yet methinks I have heard that sailors are but worldly men, and little p.r.o.ne to lead serious and thoughtful lives!

ROB. And what then? Admit that d.i.c.k is not a steady character, and that when he's excited he uses language that would make your hair curl. Grant that--he does. It's the truth, and I'm not going to deny it. But look at his good qualities. He's as nimble as a pony, and his hornpipe is the talk of the fleet!

RICH. Thankye, Rob! That's well spoken. Thankye, Rob!

ROSE. But it may be that he drinketh strong waters which do bemuse a man, and make him even as the wild beasts of the desert!

ROB. Well, suppose he does, and I don't say he don't, for rum's his bane, and ever has been. He does drink--I won't deny it. But what of that? Look at his arms--tattooed to the shoulder! (Rich. rolls up his sleeves.) No, no--I won't hear a word against d.i.c.k!

ROSE. But they say that mariners are but rarely true to those whom they profess to love!

ROB. Granted--granted--and I don't say that d.i.c.k isn't as bad as any of 'em. (Rich. chuckles.) You are, you know you are, you dog! a devil of a fellow--a regular out-and-out Lothario!

But what then? You can't have everything, and a better hand at turning-in a dead-eye don't walk a deck! And what an accomplishment that is in a family man! No, no--not a word against d.i.c.k. I'll stick up for him through thick and thin!

RICH. Thankye, Rob, thankye. You're a true friend. I've acted accordin' to my heart's dictates, and such orders as them no man should disobey.

ENSEMBLE--RICHARD, ROBIN, and ROSE.

In sailing o'er life's ocean wide Your heart should be your only guide; With summer sea and favouring wind, Yourself in port you'll surely find.

SOLO--RICHARD.

My heart says, "To this maiden strike-- She's captured you.

She's just the sort of girl you like-- You know you do.

If other man her heart should gain, I shall resign."

That's what it says to me quite plain, This heart of mine.

SOLO--ROBIN.

My heart says, "You've a prosperous lot, With acres wide; You mean to settle all you've got Upon your bride."

It don't pretend to shape my acts By word or sign; It merely states these simple facts, This heart of mine!

SOLO--ROSE.

Ten minutes since my heart said "white"-- It now says "black".

It then said "left"--it now says "right"-- Hearts often tack.

I must obey its latest strain-- You tell me so. (To Richard.) But should it change its mind again, I'll let you know.

(Turning from Richard to Robin, who embraces her.)

ENSEMBLE.