Part 8

Song.--CONRAD.--Air, “My Skiff is by the Shore.”

My skiff is on the shore, she manned must be, By one little boy, yourself, and me; Can I call it manned, though, when of the three, One is a small boy, and another a she. Fa, la, la, &c. My skiff is on the shore--then come with me, Since here with you ’twould be all U P. [MEDORA dances to chorus--exeunt, L.

SERENA rises from trap, R. C.

Serena. So far, so good! my plans are working nicely; That’s just the sort of girl he wants precisely, Modest, sportive, happy, kind, affectionate; With heart as light as a cheap grocer’s weight. He’s half in love as ’tis--but to make sure, All sorts of dangers they shall first endure; For true love’s course, in palace, cottage, booth, Like omnibuses, never yet ran smooth; And of all plans to win a man’s affection, The surest is, to trust him for protection. To aid my plans, first, shipwrecked he shall be; When the ship sinks, all must go swimmingly-- To raise the wind, at once the seas I’ll cross, And set the waves all playing pitch and toss.

Song.--SERENA.--Air, “Over the Sea.”

Over the sea!--now will I flee-- Mind, it’s a secret between you and me; Soon you will see--don’t say ’twas me-- Somebody coming it strong!

Even March! March! March! With his winds and rough weather, Such storm ne’er could gather: Old March! March! March! Shall confess himself beaten ere long.

It’s over the sea! Over the sea! Like Mother Carey’s bird now will I flee-- Over the sea! Over the sea! Raising the wind pretty strong. [Exit R.

SCENE III.--A Storm at Sea, with the wreck of the Golden Mary.

CONRAD’S vessel discovered, surrounded by the raging waters. CONRAD, MEDORA and SAILOR, discovered on the deck.

Conrad. Courage, Medora, all will yet be well; I s’pose you ne’er saw such a heavy swell? Cheer up! you’re pale--you must be ill, I’m thinking?

Medora. No, no! I only feel a little sinking. [Noise of ship striking.

Hark! the ship’s striking--we are lost!

Conrad. Pooh! pooh! Who cares, if the effect is striking too, If with the public we go down to-night!

Medora. She sinks! we’re going down!

Conrad. We are? All right! [Ship sinks. Scene closes.

SCENE IV.--The Pirate’s Home.--A large arch in C., with curtains closed. Music.

Enter BIRBANTO and YUSSUF, stealthily, L.

Yussuf. [L.] Say, stranger.

Birb. [R.] Hush! don’t speak,--don’t breathe--don’t wink!

Yussuf. All slick, old coon, we see’d the critter sink In last night’s storm.

Birb. He’s saved tho’, I’ll be bound; Men born for his fate, never can be drowned.

Yussuf. How was it we escaped?

Birb. Because, you see, We were not born for drowning more than he. But come, to business! where’s the cash? fork out!

Yussuf. I’d rather have the gal back, first.

Birb. No doubt.

Yussuf. I’ll liquidate, safe as the bank.

Birb. Just so; But then banks are not always safe, you know. No trust.