_CAPTAIN has entered; during this speech he comes forward._ TRIO.--SIR JOSEPH, CAPTAIN, AND JOSEPHINE. _Capt._ Never mind the why and wherefore, Love can level ranks, and therefore, Though his lordship’s station’s mighty, Though stupendous be his brain, Though your tastes are mean and flighty And your fortune poor and plain---- _Capt. and Sir J._ Ring the merry bells on board ship, Rend the air with warbling wild, For the union of {his} lordship {my} With a humble captain’s child! _Capt._ For a humble captain’s daughter---- _Jos._ (_aside_). For a gallant captain’s daughter---- _Sir J._ And a lord who rules the water---- _Jos._ (_aside_). And a _tar_ who ploughs the water! _All._ Let the air with joy be laden, Rend with songs the air above, For the union of a maiden With the man who owns her love! _Sir J._ Never mind the why and wherefore, Love can level ranks, and therefore, Though your nautical relation (_alluding to CAPTAIN_) In my set could scarcely pass-- Though you occupy a station In the lower middle class---- _Capt. and Sir J._ Ring the merry bells on board ship, Rend the air with warbling wild, {his} For the union of {my} lordship With a humble captain’s child? _Sir J._ For a humble captain’s daughter---- _Jos._ (_aside_). For a gallant captain’s daughter---- _Capt._ And a lord who rules the water---- _Jos._ (_aside_). And a _tar_ who ploughs the water! _All._ Let the air with joy be laden, Fill with songs the air above, For the union of a maiden With the man who owns her love! _Jos._ Never mind the why and wherefore, Love can level ranks, and therefore I admit its jurisdiction; Ably have you played your part; You have carried firm conviction To my hesitating heart. _Capt. and Sir J._ Ring the merry bells on board ship, Rend the air with warbling wild, For the union of {his} lordship {my} With a humble captain’s child! _Capt. and Sir J._ For a humble captain’s daughter---- _Jos._ (_aside_). For a gallant captain’s daughter---- _Capt. and Sir J._ And a lord who rules the water---- _Jos._ (_aside_). And a _tar_ who ploughs the water! (_Aloud._) Let the air with joy be laden,