Gage Sommerville Light Opera

The Pirates of Penzance

Act 1

Scene: A rocky seashore on the coast of Cornwall. In the distance is a calm sea, on which a schooner is lying at anchor. Rock L. sloping down to L.C. of stage. Under these rocks is a cavern, the entrance to which is seen at first entrance L. A natural arch of rock occupies the R.C. of the stage. As the curtain rises groups of pirates are discovered — some drinking, some playing cards. SAMUEL, the Pirate Lieutenant, is going from one group to another, filling the cups from a flask. FREDERIC is seated in a despondent attitude at the back of the scene. RUTH kneels at his feet.

ALL:

Pour, O pour the pirate sherry; Fill, O fill the pirate glass; And,to make us more than merry Let the pirate bumper pass.

SAMUEL:

For today our pirate 'prentice Rises from indentures freed; Strong his arm, and keen his scent is He's a pirate now indeed!

ALL:

Here's good luck to Fred'ric's ventures! Fred'ric's out of his indentures.

SAMUEL:

Two and twenty, now he's rising, And alone he's fit to fly, Which we're bent on signalizing With unusual revelry.

ALL:

Here's good luck to Fred'ric's ventures! Fred'ric's out of his indentures. Pour, O pour the pirate sherry; Fill, O fill the pirate glass; And, to make us more than merry Let the pirate bumper pass.

(FREDERIC rises and comes forward with PIRATE KING, who enters)

KING:

Yes, Frederic, from to-day you rank as a full-blown member of our band.

ALL:

Hurrah!

FREDERIC:

My friends, I thank you all, from my heart, for your kindly wishes. Would that I could repay them as they deserve!