11
Isabel. Except the mermaids: it's the very place for mermaids —
Kate. Who are only human beings down to the waist —
Edith. And who can't be said, strictly, to set foot anywhere. Tails they may, but feet they cannot.
Kate. But what shall we do until papa and the servants arrive with the luncheon? (All listen and come down.)
Edith. We are quite alone, and the sea is as smooth as glass. Suppose we take off our shoes and stockings and paddle?
All. Yes, yes — the very thing!
(They prepare to carry out the suggestion. They have all taken off one shoe, when Frederic comes forward from cave.)
Fred. (Recitative.) Stop, ladies, pray!
All. (Hopping on one foot.) A man!
Fred. I had intended
- Not to intrude myself upon your notice
- In this effective but alarming costume,
- But under these peculiar circumstances it is my bounden duty to inform you
- That your proceedings will not be unwitnessed,
Edith. But who are you, sir? Speak! (All hopping.)
Fred. I am a pirate!
All. (Recoiling, hopping.) A pirate! Horror!
Fred. Ladies, do not shun me.
- This evening I renounce my vile profession,
- And to that end, O pure and peei'less maidens,
- O blushing buds of ever-blooming beauty,
- I, sore of heart, implore your kind assistance.
Edith. How pitiful his tale!
Kate. How rare his beauty!
All. How pitiful his tale! how rare his beauty! (Put on their shoes.)
Oh is there not one maiden breast
Which does not feel the moral beauty
Of making worldly interest
Subordinate to sense of duty ?
Who would not give up willingly
All matrimonial ambition
To rescue such an one as I
(Crosses R.) From his unfortunate position?
Which seems to feel the moral beauty
Of making worldly interest
Subordinate to sense of duty.
