164
CHARLES THE SECOND
craving your majesty's pardon, I can't give up my right over my little girl. This lord is an uncle—I can't gainsay it; but he's a new-found uncle.—I have bred her, and fed her, and been her uncle all her life, haven't I, Mary?
Mary. Oh, sir, you have been a father to me!
Copp. My good little girl—my darling girl.—Take thee away from thy own uncle? Pshaw! Ha! ha! I shall grow silly and soft again! Ha! ha!
Chas. You are right, captain—you alone ought to dispose of her. But I hope to propose a match that shall please all parties.—What think you of my page—the music-master, who brought back the ring? I shall present him with a commission in my own regiment.
Edw. Oh! so much goodness!
Copp. Your majesty has fathomed my own wishes.
Roch. And mine.
Edw. And mine.
(Approaching Mary.)
Mary. And—(Extending her hand.)—and mine.
Copp. So, here we are, all safe in port, after last night's squall. Oddsfish! I feel so merry!—my girl's provided for—I have nothing now to care for—I'll keep open house at the Grand Admiral—I'll set all my liquor a-tap—I'll drown all Wapping in wine and strong beer—I'll have an illumination—I'll make a bonfire of the Grand Admiral—I'll give up business for the rest of my life—I'll sing "In the time of the Rump"—
(Mary runs down and stops him.)
Chas. Captain Copp, I am your debtor—five pounds ten?—accept this watch as a mark of my esteem. The ring I reserve for the lovely Mary. (Putting it on her finger.) And now, (Beckoning all the characters to the front with an air of mystery.) let me particularly enjoin on all present, the most profound secresy in regard to our whimsical adventures at Wapping.
Copp. (Clapping his finger to his lips.)
Honour bright!—Mum!
