Original Plays, Second Series

by W. S. Gilbert

Recitative.—Frederic.

Now for the pirate’s lair! Oh, joy unbounded!

Oh, sweet relief! Oh, rapture unexampled!

At last I may atone, in some slight measure,

For the repeated acts of theft and pillage

Which, at a sense of duty’s stern dictation,

I, circumstance’s victim, have been guilty.

[The Pirate King and Ruth appear at the window armed.

King.Young Frederic! (Covering him with pistol.)

Fred.Who calls?