_But._ Two tender babes I nussed: One was of low condition, The other, upper crust, A regular patrician. _All_ (_explaining to each other_). Now, this is the position: One was of low condition, The other a patrician, A many years ago. _But._ Oh, bitter is my cup! However could I do it? I mixed those children up, And not a creature knew it! _All._ However could you do it? Some day, no doubt, you’ll rue it, Although no creature knew it, So many years ago. _But._ In time each little waif Forsook his foster-mother. The well-born babe was Ralph-- Your captain was the other! _All._ They left their foster-mother. The one was Ralph, our brother-- Our captain was the other, A many years ago. _Sir J._ Then I am to understand that Captain Corcoran and Ralph were exchanged in childhood’s happy hour--that Ralph is really the Captain, and the Captain is Ralph? _But._ That is the idea I intended to convey? _Sir J._ You have done it very well. Let them appear before me, at once! _RALPH enters as Captain; CAPTAIN as a common sailor. JOSEPHINE rushes to his arms._ _Jos._ My father--a common sailor! _Capt._ It is hard, is it not, my dear? _Sir J._ This is a very singular occurrence; I congratulate you both. (_To RALPH._) Desire that remarkably fine seaman to step forward. _Ralph._ Corcoran, come here. _Capt._ If what? If you _please_. _Sir J._ Perfectly right. If you _please_. _Ralph._ Oh. If you _please_. [_CAPTAIN steps forward._ _Sir J._ (_to CAPTAIN_). You are an extremely fine fellow. _Capt._ Yes, your honour. _Sir J._ So it seems that you were Ralph, and Ralph was you. _Capt._ So it seems, your honour. _Sir J._ Well, I need not tell you that after this change in your condition, a marriage with your daughter will be out of the question. _Capt._ Don’t say that, your honour--love levels all ranks. _Sir J._ It does to a considerable extent, but it does not level them as much as that. (_Handing JOSEPHINE to RALPH._) Here--take her, sir, and mind you treat her kindly. _Ralph and Jos._ Oh, bliss! oh, rapture! _Sir J._ Sad my lot, and sorry, What shall I do? I cannot live alone! _All._ What will he do? he cannot live alone! _Hebe._ Fear nothing--while I live I’ll not desert you. I’ll soothe and comfort your declining days. _Sir J._ No, don’t do that. _Hebe._ Yes, but indeed I’d rather. _Sir J._ (_resigned_). To-morrow morn our vows shall all be plighted, Three loving pairs on the same day united! DUET.--RALPH AND JOSEPHINE.