W.S. Gilbert - Stop, Ladies, Pray! lyrics

[FREDERIC] Stop, ladies, pray! [GIRLS] A man! [FREDERIC] I had intended Not to intrude myself upon your notice In this effective but alarming costume; But under these peculiar circumstances, It is my bounden duty to inform you That your proceedings will not be unwitnessed! [EDITH] But who are you, sir? Speak! [FREDERIC] I am a pirate! [GIRLS] A pirate! Horror! [FREDERIC] Ladies, do not shun me! This evening I renounce my vile profession; And, to that end, O pure and peerless maidens! Oh, blushing buds of ever-blooming beauty! I, sore at heart, implore your kind a**istance. [EDITH] How pitiful his tale! [KATE] How rare his beauty! [GIRLS] How pitiful his tale! How rare his beauty!