_Capt._ (_puzzled_). Yes, I know That is so. Though to catch your drift I’m striving, It is shady--it is shady; I don’t see at what you’re driving, Mystic lady--mystic lady, (_Aside._) Stern conviction’s o’er me stealing, That the mystic lady’s dealing In oracular revealing. _But._ (_aside_). Stern conviction’s o’er him stealing, That the mystic lady’s dealing In oracular revealing. _Both._ Yes, I know That is so! _Capt._ Though I’m anything but clever, I could talk like that for ever: Once a cat was killed by care; Only brave deserve the fair. _But._ Very true, So they do. _Capt._ Wink is often good as nod; Spoils the child who spares the rod; Thirsty lambs run foxy dangers; Dogs are found in many mangers. _But._ Frequentlee, I agree. _Capt._ Paw of cat the chestnut snatches; Worn-out garments show new patches; Only count the chick that hatches; Men are grown up catchy-catchies. _But._ Yes, I know That is so. (_Aside._) Though to catch my drift he’s striving, I’ll dissemble--I’ll dissemble; When he sees at what I’m driving, Let him tremble--let him tremble! ENSEMBLE. { I } Though a mystic tone {you} borrow, I shall} You will} learn truth with sorrow, Here to-day and gone to-morrow; Yes, I know That is so! [_At the end exit LITTLE BUTTERCUP, melodramatically._ _Capt._ Incomprehensible as her utterances are, I nevertheless feel that they are dictated by a sincere regard for me. But to what new misery is she referring? Time alone can tell! _Enter SIR JOSEPH._ _Sir J._ Captain Corcoran, I am much disappointed with your daughter. In fact, I don’t think she will do. _Capt._ She won’t do, Sir Joseph! _Sir J._ I’m afraid not. The fact is, that although I have urged my suit with as much eloquence as is consistent with an official utterance, I have done so hitherto without success. How do you account for this? _Capt._ Really, Sir Joseph, I hardly know. Josephine is, of course, sensible of your condescension. _Sir J._ She naturally would be. _Capt._ But perhaps your exalted rank dazzles her. _Sir J._ You think it does? _Capt._ I can hardly say; but she is a modest girl, and her social position is far below your own. It may be that she feels she is not worthy of you. _Sir J._ That is really a very sensible suggestion, and displays more knowledge of human nature than I had given you credit for.