Gaunt
Arethusa; to her, Pew
Pew (singing without)—
‘Time for us to go!
Time for us to go!
And we’ll keep the brig three pints away,
For it’s time for us to go.’
Arethusa. Who comes here? a seaman by his song, and father out! (She tries the air) ‘Time for us to go!’ It sounds a wild kind of song. (Tap-tap; Pew passes the window.) O, what a face—and blind!
Pew (entering). Kind Christian friends, take pity on a poor blind mariner, as lost his precious sight in the defence of his native country, England, and God bless King George!
Arethusa. What can I do for you, sailor?
Pew. Good Christian lady, help a poor blind mariner to a mouthful of meat. I’ve served His Majesty in every quarter of the globe; I’ve spoke with ’Awke and glorious Anson, as I might with you; and I’ve tramped it all night long, upon my sinful feet, and with a empty belly.
Arethusa. You shall not ask bread and be denied by a sailor’s daughter and a sailor’s sweetheart; and when my father returns he shall give you something to set you on your road.
Pew. Kind and lovely lady, do you tell me that you are in a manner of speaking alone? or do my ears deceive a poor blind seaman?