ACT VI. THE SINKING SHIP.

Scene.—The Sea, with waves in motion.

Enter Negro.

Negro. Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!

Dutchman. What was that you were saying?

Negro (points across the sea). Don’t you see that ’ere?

Dutchman. Yaw! I see the sea.

Negro. Yah; but I mean that ’ere—right o’er there.

Dutchman. Yaw! so now I do; but, lor, I’ve no telescope. What do you think it is?

Negro. Big ship! big ship! Maybe a man-o’-war.

Dutchman. Do you think she’s a-coming this way?

Negro. I do.

Enter Irishman.

Irishman. Arrah, my boys, glad you’re here. Have you seen a steamship come along?

Dutchman. Vell, yes; von in the distance—right over there.

Irishman. Arrah, that is good! My old lady will be pleased now.

Dutchman. Vy, Paddy, vot great event is on now?

Irishman. Nothing, only my wife made me send over to old Ireland for her mother to come on, and she hurried me off this morning to look out for the good ship.

Dutchman. I congratulate you, my boy. Going to have a mother-in-law to take care of thee.

Irishman. Arrah, my friend, you try to strike me hard; but, you bet, I’ll make it warm if the old lady don’t provide me with a latch-key.

Dutchman. Never mind for this von leetle bit o’ chaff, Come with me, and take a little refreshment.

Irishman. But I have to wait for the ship.

Dutchman. That yon ship vill not be here for von whole hour yet. Come, now; thou hast time.

Irishman. Arrah, well said! But what are those black clouds I see?

Dutchman. See yon ship taking in her canvas. Hurry, before we are taken in the storm ourselves. [Exeunt.

(The waves of the artificial sea are now set in motion. Ship enters at the left side, and slowly sails twice across. On its third sail the ship is met by a Steamer, coming in an opposite direction. Voices are heard—“Hard a-port! Where are you coming to?” The Ship and Steamer collide together; voices are again heard—“We are sinking! Get out the life-boat!” The sails of the Sailing[3]Ship become ruffled up, and the Ship gradually sinks beneath the waves—the Steamer passes along uninjured.)

Enter Dutchman.

Dutchman. Yaw, yaw, that vessel is now no more.

Irishman. Arrah, I say, is that ship come in yet?

Dutchman. Ship come in! Vot, have you not heard the news?

Irishman. News! What news?

Dutchman. That ship has sunk—gone to the very bottom.

Irishman. What! With all on board?

Dutchman. Yes; all are drowned.

Irishman. Then my wife’s mother is gone, too. (he puts his hands up to his face and cries.)

Dutchman. Vot! Crying because you’ve lost your mother-in-law?

Irishman. No, friend, it is not that; but maybe when I tell my ole woman she’ll be arter going frantic, and clubbing my head off.

Dutchman. Nonsense! I’ll come with you, and gradually break the sad, sad news. [Exeunt.