Enter Robin, excitedly, followed by all the characters and Chorus of Bridesmaids
Rob. Stop a bit—both of you.
Rod. This intrusion is unmannerly.
Han. I'm surprised at you.
Rob. I can't stop to apologize—an idea has just occurred to me. A Baronet of Ruddigore can only die through refusing to commit his daily crime.
Rod. No doubt.
Rob. Therefore, to refuse to commit a daily crime is tantamount to suicide!
Rod. It would seem so.
Rob. But suicide is, itself, a crime—and so, by your own showing, you ought never to have died at all!
Rod. I see—I understand! Then I'm practically alive!
Rob. Undoubtedly! [Sir Roderic embraces Hannah.] Rose, when you believed that I was a simple farmer, I believe you loved me?
Rose. Madly, passionately!
Rob. But when I became a bad baronet, you very properly loved Richard instead?
Rose. Passionately, madly!
Rob. But if I should turn out not to be a bad baronet after all, how would you love me then?
Rose. Madly, passionately!
Rob. As before?
Rose. Why, of course!
Rob. My darling! [They embrace.
Rich. Here, I say, belay.
Rose. Oh, sir, belay, if it's absolutely necessary.
Rob. Belay? Certainly not!
Finale
Rob.
Having been a wicked baronet a week,
Once again a modest livelihood I seek,
Agricultural employment
Is to me a keen enjoyment,
For I'm naturally diffident and meek!
