Sir J. How came your captain so far to forget himself? I am quite sure you had given him no cause for annoyance.
Ralph. Please your honour, it was thus wise. You see, I’m only a topman—a mere foremast hand——
Sir J. Don’t be ashamed of that. Your position as a topman is a very exalted one.
Ralph. Well, your honour, love burns as brightly in the fo’c’sle as it does on the quarter-deck, and Josephine is the fairest bud that ever blossomed upon the tree of a poor fellow’s wildest hopes.
Enter Josephine; she rushes to Ralph’s arms. Sir Joseph horrified.
She’s the figurehead of my ship of life—the bright beacon that guides me into my port of happiness—the rarest, the purest gem that ever sparkled on a poor but worthy fellow’s trusting brow.
All. Very pretty.
Sir J. Insolent sailor, you shall repent this outrage. Seize him!
[Two Marines seize him and handcuff him.