AUSTIN (_recovering his composure_). Your Royal Highness, suffer me to excuse the disrespect of this young gentleman. He has so much apology, and I have, I hope, so good a credit, as incline me to accept this blow. But I must beg of your Highness, and, gentlemen, all of you here present, to bear with me while I will explain what is too capable of misconstruction. I am the rejected suitor of this young gentleman's sister; of Miss Dorothy Musgrave: a lady whom I singularly honour and esteem; a word from whom (if I could hope that word) would fill my life with happiness. I was not worthy of that lady; when I was defeated in fair field, I presumed to make advances through her maid. See in how laughable a manner fate repaid me! The waiting-girl derided, the mistress denied, and now comes in this very ardent champion who publicly insults me. My vanity is cured; you will judge it right, I am persuaded, all of you, that I should accept my proper punishment in silence; you, my Lord Duke, to pardon this young gentleman; and you, Mr. Musgrave, to spare me further provocation, which I am determined to ignore. DOROTHY (_rushing forward, falling at AUSTIN'S knees, and seizing his hand_). George, George, it was for me. My hero! take me! What you will! AUSTIN (_in an agony_). My dear creature, remember that we are in public. (_Raising her._) Your Royal Highness, may I present you Mrs. George Frederick Austin? (_The curtain falls on a few bars of "The Lass of Richmond Hill."_) ADMIRAL GUINEA DEDICATED WITH AFFECTION AND ESTEEM TO ANDREW LANG BY THE SURVIVORS OF THE _WALRUS_ SAVANNAH, _this 27th day of September, 1884_ PERSONS REPRESENTED JOHN GAUNT, called "ADMIRAL GUINEA," once Captain of the Slaver _Arethusa_ ARETHUSA GAUNT, his Daughter DAVID PEW, a Blind Beggar, once Boatswain of the _Arethusa_ KIT FRENCH, a Privateersman MRS. DRAKE, Landlady of the "Admiral Benbow" Inn The Scene is laid in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple. The Time is about the year 1760. The Action occupies part of a day and night NOTE.--_Passages suggested for omission in representation are enclosed in parentheses, thus_ ( ) ADMIRAL GUINEA ACT I _The Stage represents a room in Admiral Guinea's house: fireplace, arm-chair, and table with Bible, L., towards the front; door C., with window on each side, the window on the R. practicable; doors R. and L., back; corner cupboard, a brass-strapped sea-chest fixed to the wall and floor, R.; cutlasses, telescopes, sextant, quadrant, a calendar, and several maps upon the wall; a ship clock; three wooden chairs; a dresser against wall, R.C.; on the chimney-piece the model of a brig and several shells. The centre bare of furniture. Through the windows and the door, which is open, green trees and a small field of sea_ SCENE I _ARETHUSA is discovered, dusting_