from Act II of the English opera
H.M.S. Pinafore by Arthur Sullivan
Libretto: W.S. Gilbert
Role: Josephine, the daughter of the captain of the Pinafore, in love with Ralph, promised in marriage to Sir Joseph
Voice Part: soprano Fach: soubrette
Setting: quarterdeck of the H.M.S. Pinafore at night, anchored off Portsmouth, England, late 1800's
Synopsis: Josephine compares and contrasts the two men she must decide between. On one hand, she can marry Sir Joseph, an old man who is the ruler of the Navy, in which case her life would always be luxurious and comfortable. However, she does not love Sir Joseph. The man she loves is a sailor on board the Pinafore. However, marrying him would mean risking her father's wrath and living the rest of her days poor and in the lower class.