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!
Let the nuptial knot be tied:
In fair phrases
Hymn their praises,
Hail the Bridegroom—hail the Bride!
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—"Dick, 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 make 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
