Duty Lyrics

Duty Text

---

Father Dominic
We are here before our Lord, yet we do not serve him well!
Artigat, you must open your eyes!
There are Protestants all around, we must protect Artigat
(singing in Latin)
Every face I see
Man and child
Man and wife
Fighting for their land, for their faith, for their lives!
If we fail to fight, then we're damned, count the cost
(He takes Bertrande by the arm)
All it takes is one to forget then we're lost
Villagers
Bertrande you have a duty to Catholics everywhere
To save the land of Artigat you must provide an heir!
(Pierre walks by, with Guillaume chasing after him)
Guillaume
Pierre, the time has come to listen to me
We know Bertrande must give us a child
To save our land
Pierre
What more can I do?
If he comes back--
Guillaume
She must have it soon
If you choose me to marry her next
I'll give to you a good Catholic heir
Pierre
You'll wed Bertrande, but you must agree
Her land, her child, remain with me!
(Pierre and Guillaume leave)
Villagers
Bertrande, forget your husband
You know what you must do
We need an heir for Artigat
Bertrande, it's up to you
(Bertrande kneels before Father Dominic)
Bertrande
Every day, I pray for Martin's return, Father
Tell me what else can I do?
Father Dominic
I have spoken to the Bishop, Bertrande
He has found an answer to our prayers
Bertrande
If he has found Martin I promise
I will give Artigat an heir
Father Dominic
The bishop is prepared to grant an annulment of your marriage at last
So our land can be saved
You will give us a child when you marry Guillaume
(Guillaume comes to stand in front of her. Bertrande is surrounded
by the women. Guillaume kneels before her and the women force her
to kneel as well.)
Bertrande
Never!
Father Dominic
Marry Guillaume
Bertrande
I will never...
Father Dominic
This is your duty!
Bertrande
wed Guillaume!
Father Dominic
You have no choice!
Bertrande
Not for Catholics
Father Dominic
The bishop insists
Bertrande
Not for anyone
Father Dominic
Artigat demands
Bertrande
Not for the church
Father Dominic
I beg you Bertrande!
Bertrande (to her mother)
Not for you!
Father Dominic
You'll do as you're told!
Bertrande
And not for Artigat!
(The villagers cross themselves and then leave. Guillaume
walks around the kneeling Bertrande.)
Villagers
Marry Guillaume, do your duty...
Marry Guillaume, do your duty...