NANK. The Heir Apparent is not slain. MIK. Bless my heart, my son! YUM. And your daughter-in-law elected! KAT. (seizing Ko-Ko). Traitor, you have deceived me! MIK. Yes, you are entitled to a little explanation, but I think he will give it better whole than in pieces. KO. Your Majesty, it's like this: It is true that I stated that I had killed Nanki-Poo—— MIK. Yes, with most affecting particulars. POOH. Merely corroborative detail intended to give artistic verisimilitude to a bald and—— KO. Will you refrain from putting in your oar? (To Mikado.) It's like this: When your Majesty says, "Let a thing be done," it's as good as done—practically, it is done—because your Majesty's will is law. Your Majesty says, "Kill a gentleman," and a gentleman is told off to be killed. Consequently, that gentleman is as good as dead—practically, he is dead—and if he is dead, why not say so? MIK. I see. Nothing could possibly be more satisfactory! FINALE. PITTI. For he's gone and married Yum-Yum— ALL. Yum-Yum! PITTI. Your anger pray bury, For all will be merry, I think you had better succumb— ALL. Cumb—cumb. PITTI. And join our expressions of glee! KO. On this subject I pray you be dumb— ALL. Dumb—dumb! KO. Your notions, though many, Are not worth a penny, The word for your guidance is "Mum"— ALL. Mum—Mum! KO. You've a very good bargain in me. ALL. On this subject we pray you be dumb— Dumb—dumb! We think you had better succumb— Cumb—cumb! You'll find there are many Who'll wed for a penny, There are lots of good fish in the sea. YUM. and NANK. The threatened cloud has passed away, And brightly shines the dawning day; What though the night may come too soon, We've years and years of afternoon! ALL. Then let the throng Our joy advance, With laughing song And merry dance, With joyous shout and ringing cheer, Inaugurate our new career! Then let the throng, etc. CURTAIN. THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE OR THE SLAVE OF DUTY DRAMATIS PERSONAE MAJOR-GENERAL STANLEY THE PIRATE KING SAMUEL (his Lieutenant) SERGEANT OF POLICE MABEL, EDITH, KATE, and ISABEL (General Stanley's Daughters) RUTH (a Pirate Maid of all Work) Chorus of Pirates, Police, and General Stanley's Daughters ACT I