154
CHARLES THE SECOND
(Apart.) Upon my word, I don't see any thing so very rude in these people.
Edw. (endeavoring to get away from Rochester). Let me go, I entreat you; I can stand this no longer.
Roch. (holding him, and suppressing a laugh). Psha! man, if you think to marry, or rise at court, you must learn to be deaf and blind upon occasion.
Chas. (in rather an under-tone to Mary). And how is it possible so pretty a lass should not be married?
Mary. Married—bless me! I never thought of such a thing.
Chas. No? never? and yet surrounded by lovers.
Mary. Lovers! I have n't one, sir.
Chas. Indeed! and what is that young man, fidgeting yonder?
Mary. He?—he is my singing-master, sir.
Chas. And he sings to some purpose, I'll warrant.
Mary. Delightfully.
Chas. And gives you a love-song now and then?
Mary. Oh, often, often.
Chas. I thought so—he has it in his countenance.
Edw. (to Roch.). You must let me go—you see I am wanted.
Roch. Upon my word, they are getting on amazingly well without you.
Chas. (to Mary). And so you are fond of music, my pretty lass?
Mary. Oh, I love it of all things.
Chas. A pretty hand to beat time with (taking her hand).
Mary. Sir—(withdrawing it).
Chas. And as pretty a little mouth to warble a love-song. I warrant, there come none but sweet notes from these lips. (Offers to kiss her.)
Mary (resisting). Sir, give over—let me go, sir.—Mr. Georgini—help, help!
(Edward bursts from Rochester, who is laughing. At this moment
Enter Copp.)
Copp. Avast there, messmate! what the devil, yard arm and yard arm with my niece!
(Charles desists, a little confused—Edward approaches Mary.)
Mary (flurried). I am glad you are come, uncle—this rude stranger—
Copp (taking her arm under his). Thunder and lightning—what! insult Captain Copp's niece in his own house! Fire and furies!
Chas. (pretending to be a little gay). I insult your niece, messmate? Since when has an honest tar's kissing a pretty girl been considered an insult? As to the young woman, if she takes offence at a piece of sailor civility, why, I ask pardon, that's all.
Copp (softened). Oh, as to a piece of civility, d'ye see, that alters the case; but, guns and blunderbusses! if any one should dare—
Roch. Come, come, uncle Copp, what a plague! you were a youngster once, and a frolicsome one, I'll warrant. I see it in your eye—what—didst ever think it a crime to kiss a pretty girl in a civil way.
Copp. No, no, in a civil way, no, certainly; I can make allowance when a lad and a lass, and a bottle, come pretty near each other—odds fish—you say right, at your age, I was a rattler myself.—Come, Mary, no harm done. Come, lads, take your seats—(They seat themselves. Edward attempts to place himself by Mary.—Charles interferes, and takes the place.) Come, my girl, pour out the tea—I'll fill out the punch, and we'll have a time of it, i'faith—Come, I'll give you a jolly song to begin with—(Sings.)
In the time of the Rump,
As old Admiral Trump—
Mary (apart). That odious song!—come, uncle, never mind the song, take a cup of tea—(offering one).
Copp. What, drown my song and myself in warm water? ha! ha! no, faith—not while there's a drop in the punch bowl.
(Mary helps Edward and Rochester, omitting Charles.)
Chas. (low to Mary). Am I then excluded?
Mary (looking down). I thought punch would be more to your liking, sir.
Chas. Then punch be it—Come, clink with me, neighbour Copp—clink with me, my boy.
Copp. Oh! I'm not proud, I'll clink with anybody—that's to say, mind ye, when the liquor is good, and there's a good fellow in the case.
Chas. (rising). Well, here goes—To the health of Mary, the fair maid of Wapping.
Copp. With all my heart, here's to her health—the darling child—Oh! messmate,
