Oh, Captain Koko! please don't make a scene.

_Koko_: What! Do you spurn me?

_Arabella (soothingly)_: Now, I wouldn't care
To put it that way. Captain, don't despair!
That German doll would make a model wife.
But, frankly, I don't fancy army life.

_Koko_: Ha! scorned! I know what brings it to this pass.
That stupid Marquis--he of Carabas.
False girl, beware! You'll find, ere years have rolled,
That honest steel is better far than gold.
Farewell! (_Exit tragically_.)

_Arabella_: Good-by! Drop in some night for tea.
(_She stands_ L. _of box, musing_.)
I wonder what an "honest steal" can be!
Perhaps he'll soon return to make it clear.
I hope he does; it's awful lonely here.

(_Jack springs up in the box, holding his gilded club in his right
hand. With his left he seizes Arabella by the hair_.)

_Jack_: Be mine! be mine! I'm handsome, wise and rich;
My name is Jackski-in-the-Boxovitch!
In token of my boundless wealth, behold
This weighty war-club, made of massy gold.
My noble castle's built of wood and glue;
Within its walls is ample room for two;
Then be my bride and all my treasure share!
You know, I always fancied auburn hair.

_Arabella_: Help! help! Oh, save me from this horrid fright!

_Jack_: Now, don't call names; it's dreadful impolite.

(_Re-enter Koko_.)

_Koko_: What cries are these? What horror meets my view?
Unhand her, caitiff giant!

_Jack_: Not for you!

_Koko_: Then draw! (_Unsheathing his sword_.)

_Jack_: I can't. I'm not an artist, man. But I can fight.

_Koko_:'Tis time then we began.

_Jack_: Come on!

_Koko_: Come on!

_Jack_: Come on! I said it first

_Koko_: False traitor!

_Jack_: Feeble pigmy, do your worst!

(_They fight. Koko strikes the club from Jack's hand and drives him
down into the box_.)

_Koko_: Down! down! In the vile casket whence you sprung
Remain, unwept, unhonored, and unsung!

(_He picks up the golden war-club_.)

_Arabella_: My hero! (_She falls into Koko's arms_.)

_Koko_: Lady, thus the Fates reveal
How conquered gold is won by honest steel.
The tyrant's hoard is ours; and, if you'll deign
To say your Koko's suit is not in vain,
Within this lordly castle, warmed by steam,
We'll live on sugar, strawberries, and cream.

(_Jack pops up with a white handkerchief in one hand and stretches his
arms over the pair in front of his box_.)

_Jack_: Bless