QUARTET
(A MODEL OF DECORUM AND TRANQUILITY)
MOLOKOV
For this abuse perfectly clear
We're here for chess
Are the U.S.?
If so, why foul the atmosphere.
FLORENCE
I must protest - our delegation has a
host of valid points to raise
ARBITER
If I may coin a phrase
As any neutral would attest.
Though we concede
(she now sings to Anatoly)
The fact your masters bend the rules is
maybe not your fault
If they withdraw their psychological
assault
Then under protest he'll proceed
If your man's so sweet
Then why his fighting talk?
If he says we cheat
Then why on earth did he go take a walk?
I am not surprised he wanted fresher air
Once he realized there was no hope
Of your guy playing fair
FLORENCE/ANATOLY
To see
It’s very sad to see the ancient and
Distinguished game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquillity
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee
I would say with regard to
Him it is hard to
Rebut
Ever growing suspicions
My opposition's
A nut
I would have said
You'd understand the strain and pressure
getting where he's got
Or that you'd simply call him
highly-strung and not
Imply that he was off his head
But how on earth
Can someone even half as civilized and
nice as you
Be part of such a self-destructive point
of view
I hope he pays you what you're worth
I call this tune
No one's immune
To my power once in that hall
In that case I
Must ask you why
You now preside over a brawl
I'm not getting rich
My only interest
Is in something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
Till that far off day
I hope you cope
With helping number two
To see
It's very sad to see the ancient and
Distinguished game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquillity
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee