! Go away! (Chorus makes faces at
him and exeunt.) Vulgar girls!
RICH. What could I do? I'm bound to obey my heart's
dictates.
ROB. Of course--no doubt. It's quite right--I don't
mind--that is, not particularly--only it's--it is disappointing,
you know.
ROSE (to Robin). Oh, but, sir, I knew not that thou didst
seek me in wedlock, or in very truth I should not have hearkened
unto this man, for behold, he is but a lowly mariner, and very
poor withal, whereas thou art a tiller of the land, and thou hast
fat oxen, and many sheep and swine, a considerable dairy farm and
much corn and oil!
RICH. That's true, my lass, but it's done now, ain't it,
Rob?
ROSE. Still it may be that I should not be happy in thy
love. I am passing young and little able to judge. Moreover, as
to thy character I know naught!
ROB. Nay, Rose, I'll answer for that. Dick has won thy
love fairly. Broken-hearted as I am, I'll stand up for Dick
through thick and thin!
RICH. (with emotion). Thankye, messmate! that's well said.
That's spoken honest. Thankye, Rob! (Grasps his hand.)
ROSE. Yet methinks I have heard that sailors are but
worldly men, and little prone to lead serious and thoughtful
lives!
ROB. And what then? Admit that Dick is not a steady
character, and that when he's excited he uses language that would
make your hair curl. Grant that--he does. It's the truth, and
I'm not going to deny it. But look at his good qualities. He's
as nimble as a pony, and his hornpipe is the talk of the fleet!
RICH. Thankye, Rob! That's well spoken. Thankye, Rob!
ROSE. But it may be that he drinketh strong waters which do
bemuse a man, and make him even as the wild beasts of the desert!
ROB. Well, suppose he does, and I don't say he don't, for
rum's his bane, and ever has been. He does drink--I won't deny
it. But what of that? Look at his arms--tattooed to the
shoulder! (Rich. rolls up his sleeves.) No, no--I won't hear a
word against Dick!
ROSE. But they say that mariners are but rarely true to
those whom they profess to love!
ROB. Granted--granted--and I don't say that Dick isn't as
bad as any of 'em. (Rich. chuckles.) You are, you know you are,
you dog! a devil of a fellow--a regular out-and-out Lothario!
But what then? You can't have everything, and a better hand