156
CHARLES THE SECOND
ran away from school—shipped myself on board a privateer. In time I became captain, and returned from my last cruise just in time to receive poor Philip's last breath—his sand was almost run out. "Brother," said he, "I feel that my cruising is over; but there's my little girl. Take care of her for my sake, and never bother the Rochesters again."—"Brother," said I, "it's a bargain; tip us your fist on it, and die in peace, like a good Christian." He grasped my hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. I would have shook his, but it grew cold in mine, and poor Philip was no more!
(With great feeling.)
Mary. My dear uncle—(laying her hand on his shoulder).
Copp (rousing himself). But the girl was left, the girl was left (embracing her); and (taking her arm under his)—and I'll keep my word to my poor brother, and take care of her as long as I have breath in my body.
Chas. Well, brother Tom, what do you think of all this?
Roch. It touches me to the soul.
Chas. And so you took home the child?
Mary. Oh! yes: and my uncle's bounty and kindness have taken care of his poor girl ever since.
Copp. Oh! you should have seen what a little thing it was,—a little chubby-faced thing of four years old, no higher than a handspike. Now she's a grown girl.
Chas. And you have given her a good education, it appears?
Copp. And why not? What tho' I'm a dunce, that's no reason that Mary Copland should be a fool. Her father was a man of parts.
Chas. And you have given up your voyages for her?
Copp. To be sure. Could I have a child running after me about deck? I sold my ship, and bought this tavern, where I receive none but good fellows, who drink, and smoke, and talk to me of voyages and battles all day long.
Chas. But ambition might have induced
you—
Copp. Ambition! you don't know me; my only ambition is to marry my niece to some honest citizen, and give her a dower of one thousand pounds, with as much more when old Captain Copp takes his long nap.
Roch. (apart). Generous fellow! (Aloud.) Let me advise you to apply to the Earl of Rochester.
Edw. Oh! yes, he will provide an honorable match for your niece.
Mary (piqued). Much obliged, Mr. Georgini, but nobody asked your advice.
Copp. Apply to him!—no—no—I'll have nothing to do with the Rochesters.
Chas. But why not apply to the king himself?
Copp. Oddsfish! they say he is not much better—he's a wild devil—a great friend of Rochester—and birds of a feather, you know—
Chas. (apart). Now comes my turn.
Roch. True enough. Captain Copp; they say he is a rover—rambles about at night—frolics in taverns.
Copp. Well, let him cruise, so he does not cruise into my waters. He's a desperate rogue among the petticoats, they say—well, I like a merry heart, wherever it beats.—Charley has some good points, and if I could but give him a piece of my mind—
Chas. What would it be, friend Copp?
Copp. To keep more in port, anchor himself at home, and turn that fellow, Rochester, adrift—there might then be some hopes of him.—But, come, 'tis getting late—now, friends, it's time to turn out, and turn in—these are late hours for the Grand Admiral—come, a parting cup. (To Mary.) See that the fires are out, my girl, and all hands ready for bed.
Mary. I will, but no more drinking, uncle.
Copp. Well, well—no more—only one parting cup.
Mary. Only one—recollect, you have promised—no more.
(Exit Mary.)
Copp. Only this last drop.—Come, my lads, this farewell cup, and then you must push your boats.
Roch. Now to execute my plan. (Making signs that the king will pay.) Hist, Captain Copp!
(Whispers while Charles is drinking.)
Copp. Ay, ay, all right.
Roch. (low to Edward). Follow me quietly—I've something to say to you. (Apart, and chuckling as he goes out.) Now, brother Jack, I think you'll soon find yourself among the breakers!
(Exit, followed by Edward.)
Copp. Now, messmate, let's square accounts,—(handing a paper) here's a note of your expenses—you see I charge nothing for the last two bottles—nor for the tea-table—that's my treat.
