H.M.S. PINAFORE

ACT I
Quarterdeck of the H.M.S. Pinafore
Anchored near Portsmouth, the crew of the H.M.S. Pinafore is at work cleaning the ship. Little Buttercup enters, offering a variety of delicacies for sale. She notices a melancholy sailor approaching and reacts with surprise when she learns it is Ralph Rackstraw.

Ralph voices his despair at his ill-fated love for the Captain's daughter. His shipmates are sympathetic (apart from the cynical Dick Deadeye), but agree that he has aimed too high.

Captain Corcoran enters and greets the crew, but, left alone with Buttercup, he voices his concerns that his daugher does not look kindly on the proposed match with Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B, the First Lord of the Admiralty. Buttercup knows only too well about unrequited love. Josephine enters and confirms the Captain's fears. She admits that she is in love with a sailor on the crew, but she promises to maintain the family honor and marry Sir Joseph.

Sir Joseph boards the ship, accompanied by a retinue of his sisters, aunts and cousins, including his Cousin Hebe. He explains to the assemblage how he rose from a lowly office boy to the admiralty without ever having been to sea. He compliments the crew and admonishes Captain Corcoran that the English sailor is any man's equal, apart from Sir Joseph's. They exit to discuss the impending nuptials.

Emboldened by Sir Joseph's words, Ralph declares his love to Josephine. Although she returns his affections, she rebuffs him, citing the difference in their ranks. Crushed, Ralph resolves to commit suicide but is stopped by Josephine, who confesses her love for him. With the assistance of the crew and Sir Joseph's relatives, and ignoring Dick Deadeye's warnings, the couple decides to elope that night.

INTERMISSION

ACT II
Same scene. Night.
Captain Corcoran confides his troubles to the moon as Buttercup watches longingly. He admits that he might return her affections were it not for their disparate ranks. She warns him that things may not be what they seem and to expect a surprise.

After Buttercup departs, Sir Joseph enters and expresses his disappointment that Josephine does not seem to return his affection. The Captain suggests that she might be intimidated by his exalted rank. When she enters, the two men try to convince her that love levels all ranks, which furthers her resolve to elope with Ralph.

Dick Deadeye warns the Captain of the planned elopement, which he decides to thwart. As the lovers try to steal away, the Captain interrupts them. Losing his temper, he uses foul language to the consternation of Sir Joseph, his sisters, cousins and aunts. Sir Joseph sends the Captain to his cabin and asks Ralph to explain the situation. When Ralph admits his love for Josephine, Sir Joseph orders him taken to the dungeon.

Racked with guilt, Buttercup confesses to Sir Joseph that many years earlier she was charged with nursing two boys and somehow mixed them up. The two boys were Ralph, who was born to a noble family, and the Captain, who comes from far humbler stock. Given the changed situation, Sir Joseph couldn't possibly marry Josephine, so he gives her to Ralph, who is now the Captain. Corcoran, reduced to a humble sailor, is united with Buttercup, and Sir Joseph decides to marry Cousin Hebe, leading to general rejoicing.