Quartet (a Model of Decorum and Tranquility) Lyrics

Quartet (a Model of Decorum and Tranquility) Text

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[MOLOKOV]
We wish, no, must, make our disgust
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]
It's not just black and white
If I may coin a phrase
As any neutral would attest.

[FLORENCE]
Though we concede
The fact your masters bend the rules is maybe not your fault
If they withdraw their psychological assault
Then under protest he'll proceed.

[MOLOKOV]
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?

[FLORENCE]
I am not surprised he wanted fresher air
Once he realized there was no hope
Of your guys playing fair.

[FLORENCE & ANATOLY]
How sad
To see

[MOLOKOV & ARBITER]
It's very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished game that used to be

[ALL]
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee.

[ANATOLY]
I would say with regard to
Him it is hard to
Rebut
Ever-growing suspicions
My opposition's
A nut.

[FLORENCE]
I would have said
You'd understand the strain and pressure getting where he's got
For then you'd simply call him highly strung and not
Imply that he was off his head.

[ANATOLY]
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.

[ARBITER]
I call this tune
No one's immune to my power
Once in that hall.

[MOLOKOV]
In that case
I must ask you
Why you now
Preside over a brawl.

[FLORENCE]
I'm not getting rich
My only interest
Is in something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best.

[ANATOLY]
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
Till that far-off day
I hope you cope
With helping number two.

[FLORENCE & ANATOLY]
How sad
To see

[MOLOKOV & ARBITER]
It's very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished game that used to be

[ALL]
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee.