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Synopsis of Pirates

ACT I: On a rocky Cornish seashore, the Pirates celebrate the end of Frederic’s apprenticeship, (mistakenly undertaken by his nursemaid, Ruth.) As he is now twenty one, Frederic is free to go or stay. A “slave of duty,” Frederic is torn between his detestation for piracy itself, and his affection for his comrades. As his last act as an apprentice pirate, he points out that the band’s well-publicized policy of releasing all orphans is contributing their lack of financial success.   Ruth joins him as he leaves. Asserting that she is a fine woman, she attempts to persuade him to marry her, but is thwarted by the arrival of the daughters of Major-General Stanley. Frederic conceals himself. Giddy with freedom and leisure, Edith proposes that the girls paddle barefoot in the sea, and all agree that this is a fine plan. Frederic appears from hiding to warn the girls that they are observed, and immediately proposes to any or all. Constrained by their maidenly modesty, all but Mabel refuse him.   The pirates appear, seizing the opportunity to acquire brides. When the Major-General arrives, he turns the pirates’ tender feelings against them by claiming that he is an orphan, thereby gaining release for his daughters, and honorary membership in the pirates’ band. Frederic angrily sends Ruth away.  

ACT II: The Major General, not an orphan at all, is haunted by his lie. Comforted by his many daughters, he recovers enough to encourage the police as they head off to engage the pirates. Frederic, about to follow, is surprised by Ruth, Samuel and the Pirate King, all in disguise. They explain that his indentures bind him, not until his twenty-first year, but until his twenty-first birthday. As he was born on February 29, he has had only five actual birthdays, and so, by the letter of his agreement, is still a pirate. Thus, Frederic is duty-bound to report that the Major General is not an orphan. The pirates leave, planning terrible vengeance.   Mabel pleads with Frederic, but cannot shake his sense of duty. He leaves, swearing to return on his twenty-first birthday, which will fall in 1940. Inspired by his example, Mabel exhorts the police to do their duty, although they feel that there may be some drawbacks to fighting pirates. A fearful struggle ensues, but Ruth steps in, revealing that the pirates are actually noblemen. The Major-General decides that noblemen would make acceptable husbands for his brood, and all ends happily.