MAN. They seemed so about the Marquis. Ah, Mariana, listen to reason. Just now when you taunted me, I was angry. But I will tell you now why I cannot save you without marrying you. Because I have not the right to protect you from them; because now you belong as much to them as to me. (enter several tipsy pirates.)
1st PIR. I tell you that part of the booty belongs to me.
2d PIR. I don’t care a straw about that. The booty I want is her money. (exeunt pirates.)
MAN. You hear? Mariana, my darling, you have always been too honorable to choose dishonor now. I will wait for your love; have I not waited all these years? (several pirates pass through singing and laughing boisterously.)
1st PIR. (perceiving Mariana,) There she is! (Mariana goes to Manuel as first pirate advances,)
MAN. (moving forward to meet him.) She went that way just a minute ago. (exeunt pirates,) Quick! (to Mariana,) Decide. (Mariana bows her head in hopeless consent; Manuel seizes her hand; kisses it.) My darling! (turns to look for a priest just as Father Poularde appears trembling and white in the doorway.) Father. (Father Poularde enters.) Marry us immediately.
FATH. P. (looking fearfully around.) You are—
MAN. One of the pirates. Make haste.
FATH. P. (drops his book which he has taken out of his pocket; picks it up and opens it shakily; reads at random.) Be merciful, O Lord, and hear our prayers. From the shades of death, where the light of Thy countenance shineth not—