_Capt._ 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 deeply touched 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._ (_change of manner_). 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. There is a change in store for you!
_But._ Things are seldom what they seem: Skim milk masquerades as cream; Highlows pass as patent leathers; Jackdaws strut in peacocks’ feathers.
_Capt._ (_puzzled_). Very true, So they do.
_But._ Black sheep dwell in every fold All that glitters is not gold; Storks turn out to be but logs; Bulls are but inflated frogs.
_Capt._ (_puzzled_). So they be, Frequentlee.
_But._ Drops the wind and stops the mill; Turbot is ambitious brill; Gild the farthing if you will, But it is a farthing still.
_Capt._ (_puzzled_). Yes, I know That is so. Though to catch your drift I’m striving, It is shady--it is shady; I don’t see at what you’re driving, Mystic lady--mystic lady, (_Aside._) Stern conviction’s o’er me stealing, That the mystic lady’s dealing In oracular revealing.
_But._ (_aside_). Stern conviction’s o’er him stealing, That the mystic lady’s dealing In oracular revealing.
_Capt._ Though I’m anything but clever, I could talk like that for ever: Once a cat was killed by care; Only brave deserve the fair.
_Capt._ Wink is often good as nod; Spoils the child who spares the rod; Thirsty lambs run foxy dangers; Dogs are found in many mangers.