H.M.S. "PINAFORE"
And Corcoran stepped forward and saluted, like the smart man-o'-war's man that he was.
"You're an extremely fine fellow," said Sir Joseph, turning him round as he inspected him.
"Yes, your Honour," said Corcoran, who was still too good a judge to contradict a First Lord of the Admiralty.
"So," observed Sir Joseph, "it seems that you were Ralph and Ralph was you."
"So it seems, your Honour," said Corcoran, with a respectful pull at his forelock.
"Well," said Sir Joseph, "I need not tell you that, after this change in your condition, a marriage with your daughter will be out of the question."
"Don't say that, your Honour," replied Corcoran, "Love levels all ranks, you know!"
Sir Joseph was rather taken aback by being confronted with his own words. But, having been a solicitor, he was equal to the occasion.
"It does to a considerable extent," said Sir Joseph, "but it does not level them as much as that. It does not annihilate the difference between a First Lord of the Admiralty and a common sailor, though it may very well do so between a common sailor and his Captain, you know."
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