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Nos. 5, 6 & 6a: CHORUS & SONG (Richard)

"From the briny sea...
I shipped, d'ye see, in a Revenue sloop "

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Enter Chorus of Bridesmaids.

Enter RICHARD. The girls welcome him as he greets old acquaintances.

Richard.

I shipped, d'ye see, in a Revenue sloop, And, off Cape Finistere, A merchantman we see, A Frenchman, going free, So we made for the bold Mounseer, D'ye see? We made for the bold Mounseer. But she proved to be a Frigate – and she up with her ports, And fires with a thirty-two! It come uncommon near, But we answered with a cheer, Which paralysed the Parley-voo, D'ye see? Which paralysed the Parley-voo!

Richard.

Then our Captain he up and he says, says he, "That chap we need not fear,– We can take her, if we like, She is sartin for to strike, For she's only a darned Mounseer, D'ye see? She's only a darned Mounseer!" "But to fight a French fal-lal – it's like hittin' of a gal! It's a lubberly thing for to do; For we, with all our faults, Why, we're sturdy British salts, While she's only a Parley-voo, D'ye see? While she's only a poor Parley-voo!"

Richard.

So we up with our helm, and we scuds before the breeze As we gives a compassionating cheer; Froggee answers with a shout As he sees us go about, Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer, D'ye see? Which was grateful of the poor Mounseer! And I'll wager in their joy they kissed each other's cheek (Which is what them furriners do), And they blessed their lucky stars We were hardy British tars Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo, D'ye see? Who had pity on a poor Parley-voo!

HORNPIPE.

Exeunt Chorus, as Robin comes forward.

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