BOTH. Sing hey, Lackaday! etc. (Falls weeping on Sir Roderic's bosom.) (Enter Robin, excitedly, followed by all the characters and Chorus of Bridesmaids.) ROB. Stop a bit—both of you. ROD. This intrusion is unmannerly. HAN. I'm surprised at you. ROB. I can't stop to apologize—an idea has just occurred to me. A Baronet of Ruddigore can only die through refusing to commit his daily crime. ROD. No doubt. ROB. Therefore, to refuse to commit a daily crime is tantamount to suicide! ROD. It would seem so. ROB. But suicide is, itself, a crime—and so, by your own showing, you ought never to have died at all! ROD. I see—I understand! Then I'm practically alive! ROB. Undoubtedly! (Sir Roderic embraces Dame Hannah.) Rose, when you believed that I was a simple farmer, I believe you loved me? ROSE. Madly, passionately! ROB. But when I became a bad baronet, you very properly loved Richard instead? ROSE. Passionately, madly! ROB. But if I should turn out not to be a bad baronet after all, how would you love me then? ROSE. Madly, passionately! ROB. As before? ROSE. Why, of course. ROB. My darling! (They embrace.) RICH. Here, I say, belay! ROSE. Oh, sir, belay, if it's absolutely necessary! ROB. Belay? Certainly not! FINALE ROB. Having been a wicked baronet a week Once again a modest livelihood I seek. Agricultural employment Is to me a keen enjoyment, For I'm naturally diffident and meek! ROSE. When a man has been a naughty baronet, And expresses deep repentance and regret, You should help him, if you're able, Like the mousie in the fable, That's the teaching of my Book of Etiquette. CHORUS. That's the teaching in her Book of Etiquette. RICH. If you ask me why I do not pipe my eye, Like an honest British sailor, I reply, That with Zorah for my missis, There'll be bread and cheese and kisses, Which is just the sort of ration I enjye! CHORUS. Which is just the sort of ration you enjye! DES. and MAR. Prompted by a keen desire to evoke All the blessed calm of matrimony's yoke, We shall toddle off tomorrow, From this scene of sin and sorrow, For to settle in the town of Basingstoke!