Which of you twain shall my poor heart obey!
Sir J. (coming forward). Madam, it has been represented to me that you are appalled by my exalted rank; I desire to convey to you, officially, my assurance that if your hesitation is attributable to that circumstance, it is uncalled for.
Jos. Oh! then your lordship is of opinion that married happiness is not inconsistent with discrepancy in rank?
Sir J. I am officially of that opinion.
Jos. That the high and the lowly may be truly happy together, provided that they truly love one another?
Sir J. Madam, I desire to convey to you, officially, my opinion that love is a platform upon which all ranks meet.
Jos. I thank you, Sir Joseph. I did hesitate, but I will hesitate no longer. (Aside.) He little thinks how eloquently he has pleaded his rival’s cause!
Captain has entered; during this speech he comes forward.
Trio.—Sir Joseph, Captain, and Josephine.