ALL. What!!!
RUD. Never--never, never! (Aside.) Oh, my internal
economy!
LUD. That's absurd, you know. I fought the Grand Duke.
He
drew a King, and I drew an Ace. He perished in inconceivable
agonies on the spot. Now, as that's settled, we'll go on with
the wedding.
RUD. It--it isn't settled. You--you can't. I--I--(to
NOTARY). Oh, tell him--tell him! I can't!
NOT. Well, the fact is, there's been a little mistake
here.
On reference to the Act that regulates Statutory Duels, I find it
is expressly laid down that the Ace shall count invariably as
lowest!
ALL. As lowest!
RUD. (breathlessly). As lowest--lowest--lowest! So
you're
the ghoest--ghoest--ghoest! (Aside.) Oh, what is the matter
with me inside here!
ERN. Well, Julia, as it seems that the law hasn't been
revived--and as, consequently, I shall come to life in about
three minutes--(consulting his watch)--
JULIA. My objection falls to the ground. (Resignedly.)
Very well!
PRINCESS. And am I to understand that I was on the point
of
marrying a dead man without knowing it? (To RUDOLPH, who
revives.) Oh, my love, what a narrow escape I've had!
RUD. Oh--you are the Princess of Monte Carlo, and you've
turned up just in time! Well, you're an attractive little girl,
you know, but you're as poor as a rat! (They retire up
together.)
LISA. That's all very well, but what is to become of me?
(To LUDWIG.) If you're a dead man--(Clock strikes three.)
LUD. But I'm not. Time's up--the Act has expired--I've
come
to life--the parson is still in attendance, and we'll all be
married directly.
ALL. Hurrah!

FINALE.

Happy couples, lightly treading,
Castle chapel will be quite full!
Each shall have a pretty wedding,
As, of course, is only rightful,
Though the brides be fair or frightful.
Contradiction little dreading,
This will be a day delightful--
Each shall have a pretty wedding!
Such a pretty, pretty wedding!
Such a pretty wedding!

(All dance off to get married as the curtain falls.)

THE END

H.M.S. PINAFORE

OR, THE LASS THAT LOVED A SAI