Sir Rod. Very good—then let the agonies commence.
[Ghosts make passes. Robin begins to writhe in agony.
Rob. Oh! Oh! Don't do that! I can't stand it!
Sir Rod. Painful, isn't it? It gets worse by degrees.
Rob. Oh—Oh! Stop a bit! Stop it, will you? I want to speak.
[Sir Roderic makes signs to Ghosts, who resume their attitudes.
Sir Rod. Better?
Rob. Yes—better now! Whew!
Sir Rod. Well, do you consent?
Rob. But it's such an ungentlemanly thing to do!
Sir Rod. As you please. [To Ghosts.] Carry on!
Rob. Stop—I can't stand it! I agree! I promise! It shall be done.
Sir Rod. To-day?
Rob. To-day!
Sir Rod. At once?
Rob. At once! I retract! I apologize! I had no idea it was anything like that!
Chorus
Rob.
All.
He yields! He answers to our call!
We do not ask for more.
A sturdy fellow, after all,
This latest Ruddigore!
All perish in unheard of woe
Who dare our wills defy;
We want your pardon, ere we go,
For having agonized you so—
So pardon us—
So pardon us—
So pardon us—
Or die!
I pardon you!
I pardon you!
He pardons us—
Hurrah!
[The Ghosts return to their frames.
