PISCATOR. I shall say to you plainly, what you ask is impossible. It would be running an unwarrantable hazard; as indeed coming up here at all was unwarrantable.
DISCIPULA. At least then, good master, keep along up at this distance, if that pleases you best; for there is a bluff just ahead, which projects farther out than the others, and we shall pass close by it.
PISCATOR. It is high time that we commenced our return in good earnest. And therefore, scholar, for I must remind you that you are my scholar till I see you safe ashore; therefore, if you please, you may stand by the sail to tack.
DISCIPULA. But just look once, how boldly and sternly it lifts up its calm front out of the boiling waters!
PISCATOR. It is without doubt, very fine; but it is impossible to hold on a foot farther. So if you will stand by the sail----
DISCIPULA. I wish I had a boat of my own to sail out here alone in and go where I choose! Well, what shall I do? how shall I go to work? Oh, Mr. Piscator! honest Mr. Piscator! let me hold the helm while you take care of the sails.
PISCATOR. Willingly, if your hand is strong enough. Try it; shall you be able to hold it as it is?
DISCIPULA. With the greatest ease. Now then, are you ready? What are you letting down the sail for? That three-cornered rag from the bow-sprit wont be enough!
PISCATOR. It would be unsafe to set the main-sail, and I think with this breeze the fore-stay-sail will drive us sufficiently fast.
DISCIPULA. Well, suit yourself. Now are you ready?
PISCATOR. Ready, certainly, when I take the helm. But what are you doing? If you undertake to let the skiff fall off before the wind you will upset us, as sure as----
DISCIPULA. Just see if I do. Let me hold the helm. Oh yes, let me!
PISCATOR. But scholar! good scholar! dear scholar!
DISCIPULA. No, no, I wont give it up! you can't have it! Honest Mr. Piscator, let me steer the boat, only a little way! Oh, but I will; and there is no use in your trying to prevent me. See there now, haven't we come round to our course in good style?
PISCATOR. A taste of power to those who are unaccustomed to it is always dangerous, and I blame myself for permitting you to usurp the post of pilot. Though, as you seem determined to maintain it, I cannot choose but to sit down here quietly, and trust our lives to your skill. My life indeed! But yours? Seriously now, my fair young lady, would it not be wiser----