"Then perhaps you should have left more out . I have some experience in matters theatrickal, sir," Jack said, "which is applicable here insofar as this quarterdeck resembles nothing so much as a stage, and those, to my eye—notwithstanding your very generous estimate of their intelligence—look like nothing so much as groundlings, knee-deep in hazelnut shells and gin-bottles, waiting— begging —to be hit over their heads with some direct and unambiguous message. "