ROSE (referring to book). "An engaged young lady should not permit too many familiarities." (Aloud.) Once! (Richard kisses her.) DUET—RICHARD and ROSE. RICH. The battle's roar is over, O my love! Embrace thy tender lover, O my love! From tempests' welter, From war's alarms, O give me shelter Within those arms! Thy smile alluring, All heart-ache curing, Gives peace enduring, O my love! ROSE. If heart both true and tender, O my love! A life-love can engender, O my love! A truce to sighing And tears of brine, For joy undying Shall aye be mine, BOTH. And thou and I, love, Shall live and die, love, Without a sigh, love— My own, my love! (Enter Robin, with Chorus of Bridesmaids.) CHORUS. If well his suit has sped, Oh, may they soon be wed! Oh, tell us, tell us, pray, What doth the maiden say? In singing are we justified, Hall the Bridegroom—hail the Bride! Let the nuptial knot be tied: In fair phrases Hymn their praises, Hail the Bridegroom—hall the Bride? ROB. Well—what news? Have you spoken to her? RICH. Aye, my lad, I have—so to speak—spoke her. ROB. And she refuses? RICH. Why, no, I can't truly say she do. ROB. Then she accepts! My darling! (Embraces her.) BRIDESMAIDS. Hail the Bridegroom—hail the Bride! etc. ROSE (aside, referring to her book). Now, what should a maiden do when she is embraced by the wrong gentleman? RICH. Belay, my lad, belay. You don't understand. ROSE. Oh, sir, belay, I beseech you! RICH. You see, it's like this: she accepts—but it's me! ROB. You! (Richard embraces Rose.) BRIDESMAIDS. Hail the Bridegroom—hail the Bride! When the nuptial knot is tied— ROB. (interrupting angrily). Hold your tongues, will you! Now then, what does this mean? RICH. My poor lad, my heart grieves for thee, but it's like this: the moment I see her, and just as I was a-goin' to mention your name, my heart it up and it says, says it—"Dick, you've fell in love with her yourself," it says; "be honest and sailor-like—don't skulk under false colours—speak up," it says, "take her, you dog, and with her my blessin'!" BRIDESMAIDS.