ACT IV.
The same as in Act II. Enter Mary, L., with her hands full of papers. She sits down at the table.
Mary. There! The bills of lading are signed, and all my accounts are straight, so we are ready to begin again. But here we are, still fast at New Orleans, when we ought to have got away three days ago. For some reason or other I can’t get the cargo that was promised, and so I have had to fill up with watermelons. Heavy, unprofitable things! (Writes.) I wish I could hear from William. Poor fellow! The doctor at home said he must take a sea-voyage; and he has gone off with his father to the Grand Banks, fishing. I wish I could see him!
(Enter Phus, R., bringing a large watermelon.)
Phus. Wattermillions is bos’; dey’s bos’ an’ cool.
Mary. Why, Phus, what do you want of that watermelon?
Phus. It’s such a golly big one; and den it’s marked so peart.
Mary. Why! there’s hundreds of them on board just as good.
Phus. O no! mis’, dere ain’t. Dis one hab de little Voudoo mark dat show dey’s sweet; an’ I wanted de baby to stick his little toof in it, an’ suck de juice. Oh, Lors! (Smacks his lips and sings.)
“Some are pa’shel to de appel, oddahs clamor fo’ de plum;