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ACT II
No. 11: CHORUS (with Marco & Giuseppe)
"Of happiness the very pith"
SCENE. — Pavilion in the Court of Barataria. Marco and Giuseppe, magnificently dressed, are seated on two thrones, occupied in cleaning the crown and the sceptre. The Gondoliers are discovered, dressed, some as courtiers, officers of rank, etc., and others as private soldiers and servants of various degrees. All are enjoying themselves without reference to social distinctions — some playing cards, others throwing dice, some reading, others playing cup and ball, "morra", etc.
Men's Chorus, 1957-8
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| Chorus. |
Of happiness the very pith
In Barataria you may see:
A monarchy that's tempered with
Republican Equality.
This form of government we find
The beau ideal of its kind —
A despotism strict combined
With absolute equality!
Of happiness the very pith
In Barataria you may see:
A monarchy that's tempered with
Republican Equality,
Republican Equality! |
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| Marco & Giuseppe. |
Two kings, of undue pride bereft,
Who act in perfect unity,
Whom you can order right and left
With absolute impunity.
Who put their subjects at their ease
By doing all they can to please!
And thus, to earn their bread-and-cheese,
Seize every opportunity.
And thus, to earn their bread-and-cheese,
Seize every opportunity.
Ah! We act in perfect unity,
Ah! We act in perfect unity, |
| Chorus. |
Of happiness the very pith
In Barataria you may see:
A monarchy that's tempered with
Republican Equality!
Republican Equality!
Tempered with Equality! |
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Page Created
16 October, 2005
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