It was a real ship to him , in spite of painted cannon , shaky masts , and cabin doors that led nowhere . He longed to run up the rigging ; but as that was forbidden , for fear of danger , he contented himself by obeying orders with nautical obedience , singing with all his might , and taking great satisfaction in his blue suit with the magical letters `` H. M. S. Pinafore '' round his cap . Day by day all grew more and more interesting . His mother was never tired of hearing his adventures , he sung Kitty to sleep with the new songs , and the neighbors took such a friendly interest in his success that they called him Lord Nelson , and predicted that he would be as famous as his great namesake . When the grand day came at last , and the crew of jolly young tars stood ready to burst forth with the opening chorus , `` We sail the ocean blue , Our saucy ship 's a beauty ; We 're gallant men and true , And bound to do our duty ! '' Jimmy hardly knew whether he stood on his head or his heels at first , for , in spite of many rehearsals , everything seemed changed . Instead of daylight , gas shone everywhere , the empty seats were full , the orchestra playing splendidly , and when the curtain rose , a sea of friendly faces welcomed them , and the pleasant sound of applause made the hearts under the blue jackets dance gayly . How those boys did sing ! how their eyes shone , and their feet kept time to the familiar strains ! with what a relish they hitched up their trousers and lurched about , or saluted and cheered as the play demanded . With what interest they watched the microscopic midshipmite , listened to Rafe as his sweet voice melodiously told the story of his hapless love , and smiled on pretty Josephine , who was a regular bluebird without the scream . `` Ai n't this fun ? '' whispered Jimmy 's next neighbor , taking advantage of a general burst of laughter , as the inimitable little bumboat woman advertised her wares with captivating drollery . `` Right down jolly ! '' answered Jimmy , feeling that a series of somersaults across the stage would be an immense relief to the pent-up emotions of his boyish soul . For under all the natural excitement of the hour deep down lay the sweet certainty that he was earning health for Kitty , and it made his heart sing for joy more blithely than any jovial chorus to which he lent his happy voice . But his bliss was not complete till the stately Sir Joseph , K. C. B. , had come aboard , followed by `` his sisters and his cousins and his aunts ; '' for among that flock of devoted relatives in white muslin and gay ribbons was Will . Standing in the front row , her bright face was good to see , for her black eyes sparkled , every hair on her head curled its best , her cherry bows streamed in the breeze , and her feet pranced irresistibly at the lively parts of the music . She longed to dance the hornpipe which the little Quaker aunt did so capitally , but , being denied that honor , distinguished herself by the comic vigor with which she `` polished up the handle of the big front door , '' and did the other `` business '' recorded by the gallant `` ruler of the Queen 's Navee . '' She and Jimmy nodded to each other behind the Admiral 's august back , and while Captain Corcoran was singing to the moon , and Buttercup suffering the pangs of `` Wemorse , '' the young people had a gay time behind the scenes .
Jimmy and Will sat upon a green baize bank to compare notes , while the relatives flew about like butterflies , and the sailors talked base-ball , jack-knives , and other congenial topics , when not envying Sir XXXXX his cocked hat , and the Captain his epaulettes .
Corcoran Joseph Navee Nelson Quaker Queen Right bumboat day midshipmite