[Ralph]

The nightingale sighed for the moon's bright ray
And told his tale in his own melodious way

He sang "Ah, well-a-day"
[Chorus of sailors]
He sang, "Ah, well-a-day"

[Ralph]
The lowly vale for the mountain vainly sighed,
To his humble wail the echoing hills replied

They sang "Ah, well-a-day"
[Chorus of sailors]
They sang, "Ah, well-a-day"

[Recitative]

[Ralph]
I know the value of a kindly chorus,
but choruses yield little consolation
When we have pain, and sorrow, too, before us!
I love and love, alas, above my station!

[Buttercup]
He loves, and loves a lass above his station
[Chorus of sailors]
Yes, yes, the lass is much above his station