_Captain_ (_to Mate_). Ease the brails!

_Mate_ (_frivolously, after obeying_). They're feeling better
_now_, darlin'! If no one else'll sing a song, I'll give you "_The
Midshipmite_."

_The Stout Lady._ I do like the way those two go on together; it's as
good as a play. I shall begin laughin' presently; it takes a deal to
set me _off_, but when I once _am_ off, I can't stop myself. (_The
Mate sings._) A sweet singer _he_ is, too. Lor! it's like goin' for a
sail in a Music-'All!

_The Chirpy Man._ Yes, I'm comin' to set down a bit. Not so much
motion _'ere_, yer know. No use trying to smoke in this breeze. No,
I was on'y yawning. Makes yer sleepy, this see-saw does. Don't _you_
find it so?

_Mate_ (_to Sailor_). Now, WILLIAM, it's your turn--you're goin' to
sing us something?

_William_ (_gruffly_). No, I ain't. But there's a gen'lman 'ere as
says he'll recite.

[_After some persuasion, a Mild Young Man is induced to step
forward on the foredeck, and recite as follows_:--

_The Mild Young Man_ (_balancing himself with some difficulty_).
"Pirate, that's what I _was_, Sir. Talk about Captain KIDD--
His cruellest acts were kindness, compared with the deeds _I_ did!
Never a pitying pang felt I for youth, sex, age, or rank--