ACT II
Same Scene. Night. Awning removed. Moonlight. Captain
discovered singing on poop deck, and accompanying 
himself on
a mandolin. Little Buttercup seated on quarterdeck, 
gazing
sentimentally at him.
SONG -- CAPTAIN
Fair moon, to thee I sing,
Bright regent of the heavens,
Say, why is everything
Either at sixes or at sevens?
I have lived hitherto
Free from breath of slander,
Beloved by all my crew--
A really popular commander.
But now my kindly crew rebel,
My daughter to a tar is partial,
Sir Joseph storms, and, sad to tell,
He threatens a court martial!
Fair moon, to thee I sing,
Bright regent of the heavens,
Say, why is everything
Either at sixes or at sevens?
BUT. How sweetly he carols forth his melody to the
unconscious moon! Of whom is he thinking? Of some high-
born
beauty? It may be! Who is poor Little Buttercup that 
she should
expect his glance to fall on one so lowly! And yet if 
he knew --
if he only knew!
CAPT. (coming down). Ah! Little Buttercup, still on 
board? 
That is not quite right, little one. It would have been 
more
respectable to have gone on shore at dusk.
BUT. True, dear Captain -- but the recollection of your 
sad
pale face seemed to chain me to the ship. I would fain 
see you
smile before I go.
CAPT. Ah! Little Buttercup, I fear it will be long 
before
I recover my accustomed cheerfulness, for misfortunes 
crowd upon
me, and all my old friends seem to have turned against 
me!
BUT. Oh no -- do not say "all", dear Captain. That were
unjust to one, at least.
CAPT. True, for you are staunch to me. (Aside.) If ever 
I
gave my heart again, methinks it would be to such a one 
as this! 
(Aloud.) I am touched to the heart by your innocent 
regard for
me, and were we differently situated, I think I could 
have
returned it. But as it is, I fear I can never be more 
to you
than a friend.
BUT. I understand! You hold aloof from me because you 
are
rich and lofty -- and I poor and lowly. But take care! 
The poor
bumboat woman has gipsy blood in her veins, and she can 
read
destinies.
CAPT. Destinies?
BUT. There is a change in store for you!
CAPT. A change?
BUT. Aye -- be prepared!