Murdoch's Scene--"To Be A Captain"

Captain: What’s our position, Mr. Murdoch?
Murdoch: Latitude 42, 35 North, Longitude 45, 52 West, Captain.
Captain: And the sea temperature, Mr. Lightoller?
Lightoller: (at the helm) Last checked down five degrees to thirty-four degrees farenheit, sir.
Murdoch: Another communication, sir. Ice warning from Corninian. They’ve sighted a large berg at 41, 50 North, 49, 52 West.
Captain: Plot this point with the others, Mr. Murdoch.
Murdoch: It’s directly on our new course, sir.
Captain: Not to worry. At least six hundred miles off.
Murdoch: Still....
Captain: We’ll keep a sharp watch--oh, and Mr. Murdoch, increase speed to 22 knots.
Murdoch: 22, Captain?
Captain: Yes, let’s do everything we can to avoid bringing Mr. Ismay to the bridge again.
Murdoch: 22, aye aye, sir. Engine room, give me 78 revolutions of the wing propellors.
Captain: If I remember correctly, Mr. Murdoch, you qualified for your Master’s papers when you were only 25--youngest man in the line’s history. And here you are, STILL without a ship of your own. What are you waiting for?
Murdoch: A ship’s master carries a heavy responsiblity, Captain.
Captain: Every single minute, Mr. Murdoch.
Murdoch: I’m just not certain I’m up to it, sir.
Captain: A ship’s master must be certain of everything--even when he’s not. And I’m as certain of that as I am that this is my final crossing.
Murdoch: Captain?
Captain: After 43 years of sevice, I informed the line of my wish to retire, but they asked me on to stay on to see them through the madien voyage. My wife was disappointed, but how could I refuse? (They laugh. Pause) Take over, Mr. Murdoch.

(Cue music--hymn-like)
Murdoch: (sings) Thousands on board, each in his class
You are the master of all that must pass
Yours to set course
Yours to command
You hold their souls in the palm of your hand.
You hold their souls in the palm of your hand.

All text and lyrics copyright to Peter Stone and Maury Yeston, 1997.
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