Cast:
LADY HARRIET DUNHAM (soprano)
NANCY (mezzo-soprano)
LORD TRISTAN MICKLEFORD (baritone)
PLUMKETT (bass)
LYONEL (tenor)
3 MAIDS (2 sopranos, 1 mezzo-soprano)
THE JUDGE OF RICHMOND (bass)
CHORUS
servans, huntresses in th queen's retinue, tenants, farmers
Overture
ACT ONE
In the residence of Lady Harriet
Nancy, Maids
No. 1 - Introduction
MAIDS
You have been so strange, my lady,
May we know the reason why?
You have seemed to change, my lady,
With each day that passes by.
Why are you so discontented?
Do you want for anything?
You have all that life can offer,
All that rank and wealth can bring.
NANCY
Sir Tristan sent these lovely flowers.
LADY
No! I'll have no flowers today.
NANCY
Maybe you should wear your diamonds.
LADY
Throw the wretched things away!
NANCY, MAIDS
Really!
LADY
Leave me!
NANCY, MAIDS
Madam -
LADY
Hurry!
Your're the kindest friends I've known.
Come to me when I am happy,
But when I'm sad, let me alone!
NANCY
This all goes to show, my lady,
Now we know that something's wrong.
Will it be like this forever,
No more music, dance and song?
MAIDS
You have been so strange, my lady,
May we know the reason why?
You have seemed to change, my lady,
With each day that passes by.
LADY
Ah, why don't you let me be alone?
NANCY, MAIDS
Ah, let her be alone!
Exeunt maids
No. 2 - Recitative and Duet
NANCY
Ah, my lady!
LADY
Ah my Nancy! I'm so unhappy.
NANCY
Tell me why.
LADY
It's hard to say.
NANCY
Is it a man?
It must be love.
That's all they ever think of here.
pointing to her heart
Let there be light!
LADY
Me, in love!
NANCY
Let me advise you,
Love is likely to surprise you!
Is there someone so appealing
Here among the men at court
That you feel that certain feeling
Which can make your breath come short?
If you find that this is so,
Let me be the first to know!
LADY
You are wrong; that's not the answer,
I will swear by heaven above.
I am not at all in love,
No, my dear, I am not in love.
NANCY
Then it's not some handsome noble
Wooing you with bated breath?
LADY
No, oh no, that's not the trouble.
Nancy, I am bored to death!
NANCY
We must find some way to help you,
Something new, without delay.
If this makes you so unhappy,
You will waste your youth away.
LADY
Ah, I am so unhappy …
While my youth passes away.
What I need is some diversion,
Something new to come my way.
NANCY
You're the first to get invited
To the regimental ball.
Are you not the least excited?
When you dance around the hall,
You're the idol of them all.
I should think you'd be delighted!
LADY
All the things I should enjoy
Fade away; they do not last.
All that charmed me yesterday
Is today a dream that is past.
NANCY
You're the first to get invited
To the regimental ball ... etc.
LADY
I find my life so dreary!
Fashion, wealth and work and play
Leave me joyless, bored and weary,
All my life has gone astray.
NANCY
Well, if you are not in love,
And you've tried all other pleasures,
Now that we've dismissed the rest,
Maybe love might still be best.
We must find some way to help you,
Something new, without delay ... etc.
LADY
Ah, I am so unhappy.
While my youth passes away ... etc.
No. 3 - Recitative and Trio
FIRST SERVANT
announcing
Sir Tristan Mickleford is here.
SECOND SERVANT
England's senior Lord and Peer!
THIRD SERVANT
Warden of the Palace Door!
LADY
England's most infernal bore!
SIR TRISTAN
enters with a grave bearing
To my lovely, gracious lady
I am very pleased to state
That I bring an invitation …
LADY
impatiently
Sir, it's getting rather late.
NANCY
Very, very, very late.
TRISTAN
May I ask you …
LADY
I suppose so.
TRISTAN
Did you sleep quite well last night?
Do you like the summer weather?
LADY
to Nancy
You tell him!
NANCY
O quite!
TRISTAN
May I offer some entertainment?
Soon the cockfights will begin,
There's a race between some donkeys …
NANCY
Donkeys! You are sure to win!
TRISTAN
tenderly
Let's go rambling …
LADY
No, thank you!
TRISTAN
Or some gambling?
LADY
Can't you see?
Fights and games may have their charm,
But their charm is not for me.
TRISTAN
Soon she'll take me for her lover!
When she smiles, it's plain to see.
How delightful to discover
That she is in love with me! ... etc.
LADY AND NANCY
Ha! This poor old Casanova!
Was there ever such a fool as he?
Now he thinks he's won her over!
Oh, how silly can you be? ... etc.
TRISTAN
Merry-go-round!
LADY
Sir! My fan!
TRISTAN
having fetched the fan
Boating!
LADY
Sir! My phial!
TRISTAN
exhausted
Oh!
NANCY
Love is already waning!
LADY
It's so cold in the pavilion,
Close the window, quickly!
TRISTAN
closing the window
Hunting!
LADY
Oh! It's so hot. I can't breathe -
The window!
TRISTAN
Shall I open it?
LADY
Naturally!
NANCY
to one side
His Lordship is running around
Like an obedient lap-dog.
TRISTAN
Soon she'll take me for her lover! ... etc.
LADY AND NANCY
Ha! This poor old Casanova! ... etc.
MAIDS
offstage
It's the day
Of the Fair
And we all
Should be there;
All agree
There will be
Many things
We should see.
As we're
Walking along
We will sing a little song.
It's a bright,
Pleasant day,
Come and join us on our way!
LADY
What's that?
NANCY
I rather like it.
TRISTAN
That! Bah! Servant girls at play!
LADY
They're gay and happy.
TRISTAN
How can common folk be gay?
LADY
Stil! and all, they're gay and happy.
NANCY
who has walked over to the window
Now I know ... the Fair at Richmond!
It's the time when all the farmers
Come to Richmond to look for servants,
And the servants look for jobs.
MAIDS
It's the day
Of the Fair ... etc.
NANCY
With their satchels in their hands
They have made the journey here.
They will have a little fun,
Then they work another year.
TRISTAN
What a life!
NANCY
They've always done it.
LADY
Ah, I'd like to go myself.
I would like to learn the way
Servant girls can be so gay.
TRISTAN
I'm against it.
LADY
offended
Then I'll do it!
I will do just as I please
Since Sir Tristan is against it!
TRISTAN
horrified
Farmers' fairs are not for you.
LADY
to Nancy
Nancy! Get my peasant costume
From the last masquerade!
TRISTAN
What! You really mean to go?
LADY
smiling
Yes, I really mean to go!
Tally-ho and off we go!
Martha ... Julia ... ah! and
laughing
Sir Bob!
TRISTAN
Who is Bob?
LADY and NANCY
pulling a peasant's hat on his head
That is you.
TRISTAN
No, oh, no! I refuse.
LADY
What, Tristan! Is that how you love me?
TRISTAN
Ah!
LADY
Is that how you love me?
You're sorry? I forgive you.
coquettishly giving him a posy of flowers
See, dear Bob,
what I will give you!
Now, my Nancy, come and show him
How the farmers like to dance!
TRISTAN
I don't want to be a farmer!
LADY
Bob, come on and take a chance,
Or out will go our new romance!
NANCY
showing him the dance steps
Up and down and all around,
And one, two, three and off we go!
Back and forth and in and out,
And lift your foot and point your toe!
TRISTAN
tries out the steps
No! I shouldn't.
LADY
strictly
I command you.
TRISTAN
I must not.
LADY
I dont see why.
TRISTAN
I'm a Peer!
NANCY
I don't see why.
TRISTAN
I'm a Peer!
NANCY
You'll never learn unless you try,
LADY and NANCY
Lalalala …
Tristan dances
LADY
Now you've got it!
NANCY
Now you've got it!
TRISTAN
All I've got is an aching back!
LADY
Easy, easy!
NANCY
Easy, easy! Now you've got it!
TRISTAN
All I've got is a heart attack!
LADY and NANCY
Now you know how it is done.
It'll work out fine, you'll see!
It's all sure to work out fine,
Take heart now, readily!
No. 4 - Chorus
The market place at Richmond
Chorus and Women
CHORUS
Soon the bell will sound
And summon all the people in.
Girls, come gather round
And let the Richmond Fair begin!
Soon the Fair will be beginning
In the old, accustomed way;
You must look alert and winning
If you seek for jobs today.
Soon the bell will sound
And summon all the people in.
SOME FARMERS
Girls, come on and do your part!
ALL
For soon the Fair will start.
Enter the maids.
MAIDS
We are here,
Here we are ... etc.
We have walked
Many a mile,
Even so, we are not tired;
So we sing,
So we smile,
So we hope we'll be hired.
ALL
Soon the bell will sound
And summon all the people in.
TENANTS
Good for you, good for you!
That's the proper thing to do.
MAIDS
We will try to be good
And do our job as we should.
We are here not to shirk
Or waste your time,
But to work!
The people go their different ways.
Enter Lyonel and Plumkett.
No. 5 - Duet
PLUMKETT
When the women get together,
They are like a flock of geese!
Now that we have looked them over,
Here's a chance to talk in peace.
Brother Lionel, did you look at them?
We must come to some decision.
LYONEL
Why so soon?
PLUMKETT
So soon? A Farmer,
When he has not got a spouse,
Needs good servants in his house.
That's what mother used to say.
LYONEL
Bless her! She loved me as if I were her own.
PLUMKETT
She was kind and she was good,
And she always tried to teach us
To behave as children should.
You, the foster child she favored,
You, the smart and clever one,
I, the clumsy, stupid farmer,
I, who was her only son!
LYONEL
Still my brother!
PLUMKETT
Yes, your brother!
With no kindred of your own,
None to help you, none to guide you,
Could I let you stand alone?
LYONEL
Since the time of early childhood,
You've been kind and good and true,
From the day my exiled father
Came and found a home with you.
You received as, made us welcome,
Though he never revealed his true name;
You consoled him as he lay dying,
Never knowing whence he came.
PLUMKETT
No, he never told his secret
Even as he breathed his last;
But that ring upon your finger
May some day reveal the past.
"Son", he said, "in time of danger,
Find a way to see the Queen.
Show the ring and she will help you,
She will know what it may mean."
LYONEL
"Why should you give thought to danger?
Courts and kings are not for you.
All you need is here before you
Now and all the days to be."
BOTH
Let me live and die a farmer
Far away from noise and strife,
In the fields in peace and quiet,
That's how I will spend my life.
No. 6 - Finale I
The same as before. The judge, the court clerk, tenants, maids, townspeople (chorus).
CHORUS
The bell has rung to start the Fair.
The Sheriff comes. Oh, see him there!
Come on, good people young and old,
Come near and hear!
JUDGE
I am the Sheriff of this town.
Will you people quiet down!
CHORUS
He's the Sheriff of the town.
JUDGE
I will read what's written here
And you must not interfere!
CHORUS
No, we must not interfere.
JUDGE
reading
In the name of Her Majesty the Queen!
Hats off! Don't behave like fools!
Don't you farmers know the rules?
By our ancient common law,
Richmond's Privilegia Sigillata Regia:
"When a mast hires a serving maid
And money has been paid,
She must serve him for a year."
That is what it says right here!
"When the money changes hands,
lt is a contract and it stands."
Is that clear?
ALL
Oh yes, sir, we know that.
JUDGE
Good!
Now, you girls may have your say.
What can you do, Molly Pitt?
FIRST MAID
I can sow, sir
I can mow, sir
I can sweep the floors
And do the chores.
I can weave
And I can darn
And l am handy
Round the barn.
JUDGE
Four guineas! Who will choose her?
A TENANT
At that price I can't refuse her.
JUDGE
What can you do, Polly Smith?
SECOND MAID
I can plow, sir,
Milk a cow, sir,
I can cure a ham
Or shear a lamb.
I can plant a seed
Or pull a weed,
Whatever you
May need.
JUDGE
Five guineas! Who will choose her?
SECOND TENANT
She's for me. Done! I can use her.
JUDGE
What can you do, Betsy White?
THIRD MAID
Never, never
Have you ever
Seen a girl so spry
And smart as I.
I can cook and churn
And sew and spin,
Just tell me
Where to begin!
JUDGE
Silence! As I said before,
Just quiet down, and hear some more!
FOUR MAIDS
I am ready,
I am steady,
I can make your bed
And bake your bread.
I can make a stew
Or mix a brew,
I'm just
The girl for you!
ALL MAIDS
I can sow, sir,
I can mow, sir,
I can sweep the floors
And do the chores.
l can weave
And I can darn
And I am handy
Round the barn.
I can plow, sir,
Milk a cow, sir?
I can cure a ham
Or shear a lamb.
I can plant a seed
Or pull a weed,
Whatever you
May need.
Never, never
Have you ever
Seen a girl so spry
And smart as I.
I can cook and churn
And sew and spin,
Just tell me
Where to begin!
TENANTS
Let us see then, let us see then
If you're handy round the barn,
And how you plow and milk a cow
And make your bed and bake your bread!
Let us see then, let us see then
How you bake and how you rake,
And how you weave and how you darn
And f you're handy round the barn!
The Lady, Nancy and Tristan enter in peasant clothing.
LADY
Come now, Bob, or must I drag you?
NANCY
Bob, come on and see the Fair!
TRISTAN
I'm a sheep led to the slaughter,
This is more than I can bear.
LADY AND NANCY
How delightful! Oh, how jolly!
How amusing this will be!
TRISTAN
This is frightful, this is folly!
What a fool they make of me!
PLUMKETT
Brother, see those pretty girls!
LYONEL
Yes, indeed, a lovely sight!
PLUMKETT
Not so good for driving cattle …
LADY
But indoors …
PLUMKETT
They'd be all right!
TRISTAN
Oh, these farmers! How they stare!
Let us go!
LADY and NANCY
We like it here.
TRISTAN
Hoi polloi! How they offend me!
Come, come home!
LADY AND NANCY
No, no, no!
LADY
I am not your slave,
Why should I obey your orders?
TRISTAN
We must leave here right away.
NANCY
If she really wants to stay,
You cannot force her to obey.
LADY
I don't want to go away.
PLUMKETT
You cannot force her to obey!
LADY and LYONEL
Yes, if she really wants to stay,
You cannot force her to obey!
PLUMKETT
Let us look among the rest.
Come, you girls, and act your best!
We can offer you a job!
TRISTAN
What a mob!
LADY AND NANCY
Poor old Bob!
MAIDS
surrounding Tristan
I can sow, sir
I can mow, sir
I can sweep the floors
And do the chores.
I can weave
And I can darn
And I am handy
Round the barn.
TRISTAN
This is frightful!
So confusing!
Still she finds it
So amusing!
Oh, how frightful
Oh how spiteful!
Someone, tell me
What to do!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
They can sow,
They can mow,
Sweep the floors
Do the chores,
They can plow
Milk a cow.
Cure a ham,
Shear al Lamb!
LADY and NANCY
How delightful!
How amusing!
He must find it
Quite confusing.
They are pushing
Him around
And he does not know what to do!
Tristan is hustled out by the maids
Quartet
LADY
O dear! See how they are staring!
NANCY
And they like us, it would seem.
PLUMKETT
Say! I'm all for taking that one.
LYONEL
Let us take them as a team!
LADY
See ! My farmer boy is shy.
How do you think the lad will talk?
NANCY
Like a farmer.
PLUMKETT
to Lyonel
Don't be bashful! Go and try!
LYONEL
I'd rather not.
PLUM K ETT
You're afraid.
I'll show you how.
Now then ...
embarrassed
now then …
NANCY
He's just as dumb as his friend.
Let's go home!
LADY
The fun is over.
LYONEL
to Plumkett
They are leaving!
PLUMKETT
I was dumb!
approaching them
Now then, now then!
LADY and NANCY
We were bored and moody and dejected;
This has been a jolly and amusing game.
These two men are not what we expected;
All in all, I'm very glad we camel
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
What smart girl are these we have selected!
Their good looks put all the other girls to sham,
They possess more brains than we expected,
All in all, I'm very glad we came!
PLUMKETT
Now, young women?
We've decided
We approve of you. Never fear!
If you keep our house in order,
We will hire you every year.
LYONEL
Every year!
LADY and NANCY
To be your servants!
Ha! Ha!
LADY
You laugh?
PLUMKETT
Why not?
Laughter make a cheerful servant;
Working girls should laugh a lot!
LADY
Working!
NANCY
Working!
PLUMKETT
to Nancy
You will mind the pigpen
And keep the house and barn just so.
to the Lady
You can feed the cows and horses,
Dig the garden …
LYONEL
No! Oh, no!
She's too nice for jobs like these,
She'd be better …
PLUMKETT
Shelling peas!
Fifty crowns a year we'll pay you
If youre handy, clean and neat.
Cheese and beer for Sundy supper,
And at New Years, all you can eat!
LADY and NANCY
laughing
Ah! that's more than we expected!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Done?
LADY and NANCY
Done! Done!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Then here's your pay.
They give them money
You are hired as of today!
LADY and NANCY
It would seem that we have been selected;
I'm not sure just what our future prospects are.
This is rather more than we expected;
It may be our joke has gone too far.
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
These two girls whom we have just selected
Are more smart than any of the others are.
This has gone more quickly than expected;
I'm surprised that we have got so far!
ALL FOUR
I'm not sure
just what our future prospects are.
The same as before, the judge and peasants
TRISTAN
pursued by several maids
Here! Here's money for your trouble
If you'll only let me go!
becomes aware of the others
Ah! What's this?
We are leaving right away.
PLUMKETT
Just who are you?
LADY and NANCY
they want to go over to Tristan
Let's go home!
PLUMKETT
holding them back
Oh, no you don't!
LYONEL
You agreed. We paid
PLUMKETT
You have been paid!
TRISTAN
This is awful! Listen -
LADY
quietly
Hush! No one must ever know
That we behaved like this!
NANCY
quietly
No! We'd never hear the end of this
If someone told the Queen!
TRISTAN
Come on!
LADY and NANCY
getting ready to leave
Let's go home!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Hold on there!
We have hired you for a year.
TRISTAN
This is awful!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Let the Sheriff judge between us!
We can settle this right here.
JUDGE
When the money changes hands,
lt is a contract and it stands.
CHORUS
When the money changes hands,
lt is a contract and it stands!
ALL
It's a contract and it stands!
CHORUS
There is nothing you can do now,
And you must believe it's true now
That these men, can take you two now
To remain with them one year.
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Oh, there is nothing you can do now.
And you must believe it's true now
That we two can take you two now
To remain with us one year!
LADY, NANCY and TRISTAN
Oh, ist there nothing we can do now?
Oh, I can't believe it's true now
That these two can take us two now
To remain with them one yearl
TENANTS
Done! So the bargain's made,
Done! There's the money paid!
CHORUS
The money has been paid,
The bargain has been made!
ALL
Now the deal is done,
And let there be no doubt of it!
Don't let anyone
Be trying to get out of it!
So come what may,
You must obey the law!
Lyonel and Plumkett drag the reluctant others along with them.
ACT TWO
Inside Plumkett's tenant's flat
No. 7 - Entre-Act and Quartet
PLUMKETT and LYONEL
So, now you've come to stay with us.
Just make yourselves at home!
LADY and NANCY
Our joke has run away with us,
We never should have come.
PLUMKETT and LYONEL
Oh, now that we have brought you here,
Rest now, while yet you may!
LADY and NANCY
Oh, now that they have brought us here,
How can we get away?
PLUMKETT and LYONEL
At crack of dawn, at five A.M.,
Your workday will begin.
LADY and NANCY
Oh dear, oh dear, they'll keep us here,
How can we escape from them?
We must have been demented!
What fools we both have been!
PLUMKETT and LYONEL
You'll both be more contented here
Than you have ever been.
LADY and NANCY
Oh, how can we get out of here,
How can we escape the trouble we are in?
PLUMKETT
Girls, there is your room.
LADY and NANCY
getting ready to leave
Goodnight!
PLUMKETT
Not quite so fast!
First get busy with a broom!
LADY and NANCY
I'm so weary I could weep.
LYONEL
They are tired, let them sleep!
PLUMKETT
You will spoil them right away.
NANCY
to one side
Here's what comes of playing games!
PLUMKETT
One thing more! What are your names?
LADY and NANCY
Names!
PLUMKETT
Come on, don't be bashful!
LADY
My name is Martha.
LYONEL
tenderly
Martha!
LADY
Yes.
PLUMKETT
to Nancy
So! And you
NANCY
What shall I say?
PLUMKETT
Don't you know?
NANCY
hesitating
I am Julia.
PLUMKETT
Are you sure? That's a name for ladies.
Lady Julia! If you don't mind,
Oh, you grand and gracious lady,
Put away my coat and hat!
He gives her both.
NANCY
throwing the coat and hat on the floor
Do it yourself!
PLUMKETT
angrily
Hell and damnation!
LYONEL
Not like that! Ask her nicely!
You must put the girl at ease.
Martha, take this if you please.
He tries to press the hat on her, but she glares at him proudly and he shrinks back in fright.
LADY
No!
PLUMKETT and LYONEL
What is the proper answer,
What is a man to say?
Oh never have I seen
Any servant act this way!
NANCY
Now they don't know what to do,
Now they don't know what to say!
They will think of something new.
I wish that we were far away!
LADY
Now they don't; know what to do,
Now they don't know what to say!
They will think of something new.
I wish that we were far away!
The men hang their coats up.
PLUMKETT
Now you'd better show us
How you are at spinning.
LADY
Spinning? Spinning?
NANCY
Must we spin?
LYONEL
What a question!
PLUMKETT
Did you think
You were only here for chinning?
LADY
laughing
Ha! Ha! Spinning!
NANCY
likewise
Ha! Ha! Spinning!
PLUMKETT
imitating them
Ha! Ha! Spinning!
What a mess we are in
If you don't know how to spin!
roughly
Get the spindles!
LADY and NANCY
intimidated
Don't get mad!
They fetch the spinning-wheels.
LYONEL
Must you frighten them to death!
PLUMKETT
Ha!
What kind of women are they?
LADY
I can't.
NANCY
I can't.
LYONEL
surprised
What?
PLUMKETT
baffled
What?
roughly
Sit down!
LADY and NANCY
scared
Yes, sir!
They sit down.
PLUMKETT
Turn the wheel around, so, so, so.
LADY and NANCY
It will not turn.
LYONEL
Draw the little thread of flax
And hold it here, just so.
LADY and NANCY
It will not go!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Turn it!
LADY and NANCY
Help us!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Draw!
LADY and NANCY
I cannot!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Turn it!
LADY and NANCY
Help us!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Faster!
LADY and NANCY
No!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
telling them what to do
So, so!
LADY and NANCY
I can't.
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
You can do it.
LADY and NANCY
Show me how, show me how!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
I'll show you how.
They sit down in front of the spinning-wheels.
Turn the wheel and keep it turning
As the flaxen thread goes in;
Slow and easy while you're learning,
That's the proper way to spin.
LADY and NANCY
How delightful! I am learning
The proper way to spin;
Turn the wheel and keep it turning
As the flaxen thread goes in.
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
You see, you see?
LADY and NANCY
laughing
Yes, of course!
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Do you understand now?
LADY and NANCY
Do you understand now?
ALL FOUR
Hahahaha!
LADY and NANCY
How delightful! I am learning ... etc.
LYONEL and PLUMKETT
Turn the wheel and keep it turning ... etc.
Nancy laughs and knocks Plumkett's spinning-wheel to the ground. Plumkett jumps up
menacingly. Nancy is scared and runs out, pursued by Plumkett.
No. 8 - Duet and Song
LADY
hurrying after Nancy
Nancy! Julia! Don't leave me!
Ah! She left me here alone!
LYONEL
Do not leave me! What's the hurry?
You afraid?
LADY
Of you? Oh no! Oh, no!
to one side
I am sure need not fear him
When I see his gentle eyes.
Yet I feel that being near him
Might not be discreet or wise.
LYONEL
She must know she need not fear me,
After all, it's plain to see.
Still, at last I have her near me.
And she is here alone with me!
Even though I am your master,
I'll indulge your slightest whim,
All you ask for shall be granted.
LADY
looking around her
Ah! Leaving me alone with him!
LYONEL
Martha! Ah, how can I tell you …
When I met you at the Fair …
From the moment when I saw you …
LADY
Is she never coming back!
LYONEL
Martha! Martha!
LADY
He's growing bolder!
LYONEL
You need not be afraid.
LADY
You're too good to be my master,
I'm too bad to be your maid!
LYONEL
You could never be too bad.
LADY
I'm only good at singing songs.
I was wrong to let you hire me.
Now's the time for you to fire me.
LYONEL
No! If you go, I am lost!
LADY
Stop!
LYONEL
Ah! You'll do as you desire,
Play all day and sing all day.
The only work that I require
Is that you must sing for me!
begging her
Sing!
LADY
I'm too shy.
LYONEL
Sing a song of days gone by!
LADY
I can't.
LYONEL
taking away the flowers she clasps to her breast
Your flowers … I'll keep them,
unless you sing.
LADY
Don't be absurd!
LYONEL
I insist!
LADY
Insist?
LYONEL
I pray.
LADY
Ah! Your servant must obey!
Irish Song
LADY
'T is the last rose of summer,
Left blooming alone,
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone;
No flower of her kindred,
No rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes
Or give sigh for sigh.
I'll not leave thee, thou lone one
To pine on the stem;
Since the lovely are sleeping,
Go, sleep thou with them.
Thus kindly I scatter
Thy leaves o'er the bed,
Where thy mates of the garden
Lie scentless and dead.
BOTH
Where thy mates of the garden
Lie scentless and dead.
LYONEL
Martha!
LADY
Sir!
LYONEL
I am in love!
Tell me, what am I to do?
You are all that I desire,
I have lost my heart to you!
Martha!
LADY
Stop, sir!
LYONEL
From the moment
I saw your face …
LADY
Stop now!
LYONEL
Martha, please!
LADY
No! No.
LYONEL
Ah, Martha, you are all I want of life;
Martha dear, I am asking you to be
My Wife!
LADY
to one side
God in heaven, help me!
LYONEL
At your feet!
LADY
to one side
Ha! You must be joking!
loudly
No! You surely must be joking.
Do forgive me!
LYONEL
I will raise you to my station,
I'll forget that you're a maid.
LADY
You will raise me!
That's even more amusing than before.
LYONEL
I never should have spoken,
She laughs my love away.
My dream of love is ended,
What more is there to say?
I hoped that she would love me,
That joy was mine at last.
I cannot live without her,
My dearest dream has past.
LADY
to one side
How deeply I have wounded him!
Oh, that we had never met!
And now I cannot tell him
My sorrow and regret.
He hoped that I would love him,
A hope that could not last.
Ah, better had we never met,
His dream of joy has past.
LYONEL
I hoped that she would love me, ... etc.
No. 9 - Scene and Notturno
The same as before, Plumkett, Nancy
PLUMKETT
So you thought you'd like to wander,
So you thought you'd run away,
So you thought we'd have a chase
All around the blasted place,
And you thought I'd never find you
Hiding underneath the hay!
NANCY
Let me go! Don't get me mad!
You look out! I'm very strong!
PLUMKETT
You're a darling, you're a devil!
You and I will get along!
NANCY
to the Lady
Martha!
PLUMKETT
Come! Why are you moping
Like a pair of silly sheep?
You'll be working in the morning,
Now it's time to get some sleep.
The clock strikes midnight.
ALL FOUR
Twelve o'clock!
LYONEL
to the Lady
Sleep well, and while you're sleeping
May your dreams be fair and bright!
May your scornful heart remember
How I love you. So, goodnight!
NANCY
Now I find it most dismaying
To be caught in such plight.
I have no intent of staying
In this barnyard. So, goodnight!
PLUMKETT
to Nancy
Sleep well and take my warning,
It will do no good to fight.
You'll be working in the morning.
Do not fight! Goodnight!
LADY
Till the morning when we're waking
And the world is filled with light,
Till another day is breaking,
Pleasant dreams and goodnight.
LYONEL
Sleep well and take my warning, ... etc.
Plumkett closes the middle door and exits together with Lyonel.
No. 10 - Recitative, Trio and Finale II
Lady, Nancy, later Tristan
LADY
Nancy!
NANCY
My lady!
LADY
What do we do now?
NANCY
Yes, what to do?
LADY
We must escape!
NANCY
That's an easy thing to say.
LADY
We should have thought of this before.
NANCY
It's too dark to get away.
LADY
And now they've locked the door.
NANCY
Still, they are rather charming.
LADY
Mine is handsome.
NANCY
Mine is strong.
LADY
What if someone told the Queen!
NANCY
She would make a dreadful scene!
LADY
Ah!
NANCY
Yes, Ah!
Tristan knocks on the window from the outside.
LADY
What now?
BOTH
Ye gods!
LADY
quietly
Who can it be?
NANCY
I'm too afraid to look and see!
TRISTAN
outside
My lady! My lady!
LADY
Tristan!
NANCY
Him again!
She opens the window and Tristan climbs in.
LADY
to herself
I'm afraid His Lordship
Will be quite annoyed.
TRISTAN
What have you done, my lady?
What have you been doing
with these farmers?
NANCY
Quiet! The farmers just have
gone to bed.
LADY
Help us out!
TRISTAN
My carriage is outside
And I can help you to escape.
Out we go!
LADY
Out we go!
ALL THREE
Out we go!
We must hurry, we must hurry,
We can do it, do not worry!
Be as quiet as a mouse!
Fare thee well, you wretched house!
Tristan helps the ladies out of the window.
A carriage is heard driving away.
Enter Plumkett and Lyonel, followed after a pause by servants and maids.
PLUMKETT
Ha! I thought I heard a noise
But maybe it was just the cat.
What is that? It's a carriage!
Ha! The window! Sound the alarm!
LYONEL
Now what's happened?
PLUMKETT
Thieves! Thieves! Thieves!
reflecting for a moment
No! The women!
He rushes to the chamber.
The girls have gone!
LYONEL
She is gone!
She, my beloved!
PLUMKETT
That's what we get for being nice!
LYONEL
Come! If I must live without her,
My life is not worth living.
He rushes off.
PLUMKETT
Well, my life is not worth much,
But it's worth more than girls and such!
Still and all, they must be found.
He rings the bell.
Everybody! Rally round!
CHORUS
rushing in
What's the matter, what's the trouble?
PLUMKETT
Our two girls have run away,
And as soon as they are found
the reward will be a pound!
CHORUS
The reward will be a pound!
They hasten off again.
PLUMKETT
Everybody! Rally round!
CHORUS
Whats' the matter, what's the trouble?
PLUMKETT
Our two girls have run away,
And as soon as they are found
the reward will be two pound!
CHORUS
The reward will be two pound!
They charge off.
PLUMKETT
Do not rest till you have caught them!
Go and follow on their track!
You'll be paid when you've brought them.
Now go out and bring them back!
CHORUS
We'll not rest till we have caught them,
We will follow on their track.
We'll be paid when we have brought them,
We will go and bring them back!
ACT THREE
Wood with an inn.
Plumkett, Chorus
No. 11 - Entre-Act and Porter Song
PLUMKET
Say, if you can, sir,
Give me the answer.
Why are the fighting men
Of England
All so brave and strong?
That is because their drink is ale.
Englishmen drink it by the pail
When they are fighting England's fight
Both near and far, by day or night. Ha!
An English lad who is worth his salt
Is weaned on English hops and malt!
Hurrah for hops, hurrah for malt
For they are life's spice and salt!
Hurrah! Tralala!
CHORUS
Hurrah!
PLUMKETT
While we are drinking,
Maybe you're thinking
What is the power that helps us
Hold a note so loud and long?
That is because our drink is ale,
That's why our voices never fail,
And that is the reason
Why the season never stops
For malt and hops.
Ha! Away with wine and foreign slops,
Give me my English malt and hops!
Hurrah for hops, hurrah for malt
For they are life's spice and salt!
Hurrah! Tralala!
CHORUS
Hurrah, hurrah for ale!
Fanfares are heard in the distance.
No. 12 - Chorus and Hunting Song
CHORUS
Hark, the hunter's horn is sounding!
PLUMKETT
Yes, the Queen is on her way,
She is hunting here today
And with all her court surrounding.
CHORUS
Come, do come, the hunter's horn is calling!
PLUMKETT
You go on, and. I will pay the hill.
Exeunt all.
Enter Nancy and ladies-in-waiting in hunting costume.
CHORUS
Women may
Go hunting too,
With ta-ta-ta-ta!
We have learned
A thing or two,
With ta-ta-ta-ta!
Love is what we're hunting for,
Love's the game we all adore
And we're hunting
For morel
Sometimes chasing
And herding them away.
Sometimes nurturing them,
Faithlessly loving them,
Sometimes hounding them
Into the snares
Until they find themselves
Truly ensnared.
Those are our favourite hunting activities
Which continually please us the ladies.
Tra-la-la, tra-la-la!
Hunting Song
NANCY
Hunters all
Love the call
Of the horns a-blowing.
As they blow,
Hunters know
Where the game is going.
As he goes,
You suppose
You are right behind him.
When you're sure
He's secure,
Then you cannot find him.
Hunting lovers is a game
Much the same.
Hunting lovers is a game
Much the same.
CHORUS
Hunting lovers is a game
Much the same.
Hunting lovers is a game
Much the same.
NANCY
When the snare
Is ready for your prey,
If you go
Chasing after him.
He is sure
To get away.
Stay right there
And see what he will do.
Be sure your aim is true,
And then you can wait
And let your quarry
Come to you.
Hunting lovers is a game
Much the same.
Hunting lovers is a game ... etc.
CHORUS
Hunting lovers is a game
Much the same.
Plumkett emerges from the tavern.
PLUMKETT
So! The hunt is here.
Perhaps I might catch a little dear.
NANCY
to herself
My poor unhappy lady!
She goes wandering away.
And her friends have rarely seen her
Since that unlucky day
When first she met …
becoming aware of Plumkett's presence
My good man, tell me
if you will …
She recognises him and gets a fright.
Good Lord!
PLUMKETT
It's you!
It is Julia, dressed to kill!
NANCY
pulling herself together
Oh, my friend!
PLUMKETT
Your friend! Excuse me!
When the Sheriff knows I found you,
You will sing a different song!
NANCY
You are mad!
PLUMKETT
You're coming home
where you belong.
NANCY
Let me go!
PLUMKETT
Come along!
NANCY
You are an ugly, nasty man!
If you want to start a fight,
Come and take me, if you can!
NANCY AND CHORUS
drawing their spears
Let us take vengeance
On the impudent man.
He is the prey
That is at stake.
To hunt him
And to harass him
Is our aim,
Game and plan.
PLUMKETT
Good gracious!
How horrendous!
How their sharp weapons glint!
'Pon my honour!
I can already feel
Their spears embeddied in my heart.
This is a devil's hunt. Ah! Let him stay
Away who wishes to save himself!
He runs off with Nancy and the huntswomen in pursuit.
Enter Lyonel, looking reflectively at Martha's posy of flowers.
LYONEL
'T is the last rose of summer
Left blooming alone …
Where thy mates of the garden
Lie scentless and dead.
I live in a dream,
A dream that never dies,
I hear her gentle voice,
I see her lovely eyes.
She frowns, and all my world
Is filled with tears and pain,
But when I see her smile,
My heart revives again.
No. 13 - Aria
LYONEL
In my dream, she is all my own,
My joy, my hope in darkest night.
She is my love, all I have known,
All desire and all delight!
Ah, how fair she appears
Like an angel from the skies!
Ah, how dear is the sight
To my lonely, longing eyes!
Then how soon she is gone
And the dream dies away!
At the break of the day
I awake! To dream alone!
Martha! Martha! Have I lost you
And the love we might have known?
Do not leave me here without you,
Come and be my own, my own!
Give me back what you have found,
Or share it now with me.
No. 14 - Scene and Finale III
Lady, Sir Tristan in the background, Lyonel to one side.
TRISTAN
The ladies have gone on
To wait upon the Queen.
You should be with them.
LADY
Let me be alone!
TRISTAN
tenderly
With me?
LADY
With you! It's all the same to me.
When you are with me,
I still feel alone.
TRISTAN
Still sad?
LADY
Just go!
Don't stay here any longer!
TRISTAN
These woods ... they're very dark!
LADY
I mean it. Go!
TRISTAN
I'm going.
He leaves.
Song
LADY
In this lonely, lonely forest,
Deep within this quiet grove,
Here the soul may speak of sorrow,
Here, the heart lament for love.
LYONEL
jumping in fright
It's her voice! How can it be?
It is she!
LADY
recognising him
No! No!
LYONEL
beside himself
Martha! Martha!
LADY
to herself
How can I get away?
LYONEL
You are here, now, at last!
At last I see you!
We have been so long apart.
LADY
Stop!
LYONEL
How could I be wrong?
I know you in my heart.
LADY
I never saw you before!
LYONEL
I can't believe it's true,
And yet I do!
These fine clothes do not deceive me.
I know, Martha, it is you!
LADY
Fool, dream on!
LYONEL
Ah! If I'm dreaming,
Then, lest you disappear,
I shall feast my eyes upon you
While still I have you near.
LADY
Go at once!
LYONEL
If I am dreaming,
Let me dream all day an night,
kneeling
Let me dream I kiss your hand
Before you vanish out of sight!
LADY
Sir! You're talking like a madman.
Do not speak to me like that!
LYONEL
No, I'm speaking from my heart.
LADY
Keep away! You low-born peasant!
LYONEL
What! What!
How dare you!
You forget who I am!
I was a kind and gentle master,
But now I will make you obey!
LADY
terrified
Tristan! Tristan!
Lord Tristan hastens on to the scene, followed later by the rest of the court.
TRISTAN
I am coming.
LADY
Help! Oh, help me!
TRISTAN
Who is he?
LYONEL
I? Her master!
She's mine, and I have paid the fee,
She is a servant hired by me.
TRISTAN
Oh, the fellow must be crazy,
That is very plain to see.
Something must be done to stop him.
Ho! Good people, come to me!
CHORUS
What an outrage, what a scandal!
Let it now desist and cease!
Let the Sheriff come and handle
This disturber of the peace!
LADY
Ah, I hate so to deceive him,
To have caused such grief and pain.
Now I know how well he loves me,
Is it all to be in vain?
LYONEL
Ah, how could she so deceive me!
Am I doomed to love in vain?
If I have to live without her,
I shall never love again!
Enter Plumkett, then Nancy with the hunting entourage.
PLUMKETT
What is wrong? What have you done?
LYONEL
I need your help.
NANCY
What is going on?
LYONEL
seeing Nancy
Ha! You too!
PLUMKETT
Here again!
NANCY
hurrying over to the Lady
How can I help? My lady!
LYONEL
hurt
My lady!
Now I see.
It was all a foolish jest,
lust a charming masquerade,
Just a girl who sought adventure,
And an honest man betrayed!
TRISTAN
Take this man and hold him fast!
LYONEL
Let me got!
PLUMKETT
Let him go!
LADY and NANCY
We are to blame!
LYONEL
But first, hear what I have to say!
These girls …
LADY
Oh no! Oh no!
NANCY
Oh no! Oh no!
LYONEL
These girls were hired and paid!
And she is my serving maid.
ALL
Ah! Haha, haha!
LADY
This poor man is not really bad,
Take him home and set him free!
It was just a moment's madness,
What he did was because of me.
ALL
Madness! Madness!
LYONEL
Martha, Martha!
NANCY
Ah, poor man!
PLUMKETT
Let me speak!
TRISTAN
Keep him away!
LYONEL
Now at last the light is breaking
On my loving, blinded eyes;
Now the dreamer is awaking,
Now at last the fool is wise!
We have done with all pretending,
Now I know what I have lost.
Now my dream of love is ending,
What remains but to count the cost!
LADY, NANCY and PLUMKETT
Now at last the light is breaking
On his loving, blinded eyes:
Now at last he is awaking,
Now at last, now he is wise.
LADY
Now his dream of love is ending,
Now we know what he has lost.
LYONEL
Now at last the light is breaking
On my loving, blinded eyes.
TRISTAN
Has she finally understood
How Frivolity Herself is punished?
To surrender her reputation as she would
Makes me shiver and quiver with rage.
CHORUS
Why on earth should we believe him?
Take this foolish man away!
Now at last the light is breaking
On his loving, blinded eyes:
Take this foolish man away,
He has spoiled our happy day.
Now we know what he has lost!
Hunting fanfares
ALL
They're sounding the call of the Queen!
LYONEL
as if struck by a sudden thought
The Queen is somewhere near!
to Plumkett
Take the ring my father gave me,
And whatever it may mean,
You may find a way to save me.
All depends upon the Queen!
CHORUS
Horns halloo-ing!
Up and doing!
Follow the pack!
Follow the track!
Horns are blowing!
Let's be going!
Gather around!
Follow the sound!
Through the valley
We will rally
Round the master,
Never knowing
Where the quarry
May be going,
As the horns are brightly blowing!
All the way through the day,
Let us follow along!
LADY, NANCY, LYONEL, PLUMKETT
We have done, with all pretending,
Now I know,
Love's cruel ending!
Now I know! Now I know!
CHORUS
Tra ra, tra ra.
Exeunt all. Lyonel is led off, Plumkett hastens away to look for the Queen.
ACT FOUR
Plumkett's flat as in Act Two.
Lady and Nancy
No. 15 - Entre-Act, Recitative and Aria
LADY
to Nancy
Go then to your loyal friend
And reveal the plan to him
Which my repenting heart conceived,
Full of optimism,
To awaken the Beloved
From his dark, melancholic dream
With new rays of hope lighting up the
Gloomy night of the dungeon of his soul.
Exit Nancy
LADY
He still has not perceived
The tidings of how rosy his future will be.
Yes! I myself shall heal the wound which
I caused! Take courage!
Aria
LADY
To be reconciled with the Beloved
through true repentance
To brighten up his existence
With love and fidelity.
To share Fate with him,
To go through Life with him,
Ah! Such happiness.
To be reconciled with the Beloved ... etc.
Yes! Now I can freely tell him
How much my heart has beaten for him
Since that very first look.
How his image came ever nearer!
Oh! Happy Thought, oh! Gleam of Hope,
All barriers have disappeared.
He shall be mine - Yes! Mine.
No. 16 - Recitative and Duet
Lady, Nancy Plumkett
NANCY
Your Ladyship!
PLUMKETT
Your Ladyship!.
LADY
Loyal friend! Has Nancy told you
about my plan?
PLUMKETT
Yes! She said this and that and I -
I listened and I watched her.
I understood nothing.
I do not really know
If it was serious or just fun.
LADY
What about him?
NANCY
He stared down at the ground in silence,
spoke and heard no word.
He will never feel content again.
LADY
Oh! Leave me alone! Go away!
I shall call him softly, softly
with a well-known melody
in a truly tempting way.
Exeunt Nancy and Plumkett
LADY
Soft breezes are playing, the roses appear,
'Tis time for our maying, the heavens shine clear.
The future is smiling, and, sorrow shall be no more.
Love's blessed enchantment your heart shall restore!
LYONEL
who has come in at the end of the Lady's speech
Ah! It's she!
LADY
Lionel!
LYONEL
Is it to taunt me for my disgrace
With the sight of your lovely face?
Takes Martha's flowers from his breast and pulls off their petals.
I can resist any song you may sing;
Your faded flowers mean not a thing!
LADY
My dear! My dear!
LYONEL
I know you now. I've been a fool
Since the day that I met you.
I've had enough of your charming ways.
Why don't you leave me and let me forget you.
LADY
Have you no mercy?
LYONEL
Have mercy like you
When you exposed me to scorn and shame?
LADY
But I have tried to atone
For all the sorrow you have suffered.
Went to the Queen,
Showed her the ring
Your dying father left you, and
Which you entrusted to your friend,
And when she saw it, at once she knew.
My dear! Your father was a noble,
the exiled Earl of Derby!
LYONEL
Ah, my father!
LADY
The Queen, in her kindness,
Now makes amends,
gives him a document
She proclaims you the true Earl of Derby,
Heir to the title and lord of the lands.
LYONEL
I, a noble! Earl of Derby!
LADY
Now take this hand which I offer
In loving homage,
Take it as a pledge of my deep regret
For all I have done, with all my love!
LYONEL
Take your hand!
LADY
I love you, won't you forgive me?
LYONEL
Shall I take the hand that hurt me,
Shall I let it lead me on;
Take the hand that now has brought me
To a place where love is gone?
It has held me, it has bound me
With a chain of grief and woe,
And now you dare to ask me
To take your hand, and I say no!
He flings down the document at her feet.
LADY
Dear God!
LYONEL
to himself
It is too late.
You were a star
In my dark night,
You were the sun
Upon the flowery,
You were my joy,
My life's delight,
My only love
In all my lonely hours!
LADY
Do not deny
Your love for me!
How can you say
It shall not be?
Ah, let us be
As we were then,
Ah, let your love
Return again!
Can we not forget the past
And we shall find our love at last?
Lionel, I cannot live without you now!
LYONEL
I'll never be as I was then,
Such love cannot return again.
It was a dream that could not last.
It is gone! I never can forgive you!
Lyonel rushes off.
Enter Nancy and Plumkett.
No. 17 - Recitative and Duet
NANCY
Take hold of yourself, Your Ladyship!
PLUMKETT
watching Lyonel depart
Ugh! He is hurrying away
as if his heart is in flames.
So that is
How you have managed to heal him!
He is haughtier now than you used to be.
LADY
Very well then. Now I have to dare my utmost.
Loyal friends. Be at hand
So that love's union can be bonded
For a serene and happy future.
Exit.
NANCY
What of you?
PLUMKETT
Yes! What shall we do now?
NANCY
Quickly! Fulfill the lady's wish;
Carry out her will
Until the haughty man is willing
To descend from on high.
PLUMKETT
But then what?
NANCY
Yes! Then what?
PLUMKETT
When that's done - what then?
NANCY
What then?
PLUMKETT
Ah! Then I shall sit alone
By the lamp light in my home.
I shall be lonely here in this barren house
Ah! Another man can bear this grouse.
NANCY
Yes! Then you will sit there all alone
By the lamplight in your home.
You will be lonely in this gloomy house
No! You cannot bear this grouse.
That's sad!
PLUMKETT
Yes! No fun.
NANCY
You know what?
PLUMKETT
Yes, what of me?
NANCY
Well, if they decide to marry,
You'll he left here all alone.
PLUMKETT
Maybe I will take a wife,
Polly Brown might be the one.
NANCY
If you want to marry Polly,
I suppose it's up to you.
Go ahead!
PLUMKETT
Not quite!
NANCY
Why not?
PLUMKETT
She's not too bright.
NANCY
Do you hope to find a woman
Who is quite as bright as yea?
PLUMKETT
There's a girl name Mary Pratt …
Mary Pratt would never do!
NANCY
Then who?
PLUMKETT
Then who? Then who?
NANCY
You're asking me?
PLUMKETT
Let me see!
There's a girl so high and mighty
That she sometimes makes me mad.
Though she's pert and rather flighty,
Really she is not so bad.
Though she's net so good at baking,
And her spinning is absurd,
She could have me for the taking
If she'd only say the word.
NANCY
You have painted every feature,
You describe her to the life.
Though she is a charming creature,
She would make a dreadful wife.
Though she's net so good at baking,
Though she cannot cook or spin,
You can have her for the taking
So you might as well give in!
PLUMKETT
cheerfully
What?
NANCY
I mean it.
PLUMKETT
Julia darling!
NANCY
What?
PLUMKETT
No, net yet,
Lionel comes first. His friendship
Is a thing I cant forget.
NANCY
Ah!
PLUMKETT
Not yet.
NANCY
You said …
PLUMKETT
Not yet.
NANCY
Why delay?
PLUMKETT
Not today. Just for now he's more important.
I'm a very stubborn fellow.
I'm a most peculiar lover.
Oh, soon I'll say the little word!
NANCY
So your friend is more important!
You're a very stubborn fellow.
You're a most peculiar lover.
You have just to say the word!
Change of scene:
Square in front of the tenant's house. The local people are busy putting up an exact replica of Richmond Market.
No. 18 - Finale IV
CHORUS
Here the shop, there the inn.
Here the tents? in front the benches.
Here the table for the solicitor
Just as it was once before.
LADY
dressed in Martha's clothes
Now, my friends, all set?
WOMEN
All is ready -
MEN
You may see for yourself.
CHORUS
Here the shop, there the inn.
Here the tents, in front the benches.
Here the table for the solicitor
Just as it was once before.
NANCY
as Julia
I wonder what he'll do.
I hope he will forgive her!
LADY
Ah! I m worried -
CHORUS
Ah! He is coming. He is sad,
What will he say? What will he do?
Play your parts, and play them well!
Begin the Fair and sound the bell!
MAIDS
I can sow, sir,
I can mow, sir
I can sweep the floors
And do the chores,
I can weave
And I can darn
And I am handy
Round the barn
TENANTS
Let us see then,
Let us see, then
How you bake
And how you rake
And how you weave
And how you darn
And if you're handy
Round the barn!
PLUMKETT
dragging Lyonel in
Come! Come on! Come on and sea!
Don't be shy! Be more like me!
LYONEL
unaware of Martha's presence
Ha! What is this?
PLUMKETT
Come to the Fair!
Here ... and here … and there!
to the Lady, who has been keeping out of sight
What can you do? Tell us all!
LYONEL
Martha! Martha! Martha here!
LADY
to Lyonel
I can give up
all my foolish fancies,
And all that once
was so dear to me,
May I be pardoned
for what is past,
For now at last,
ah, now at last
I know what love may be.
LYONEL
Martha, my own!
My life, my love!
PLUMKETT
to Nancy
What can you do, my fine girl?
NANCY
Would you take me,
then forsake me …
PLUMKETT
I will take you and
I'll break you …
NANCY
No, it's I who'll pay the fee,
So that you belong to we!
PLUMKETT
Done! That's all right with me!
He inclines his mouth towards her.
NANCY
Done! I'll pay the fee!
She slaps him lightly.
PLUMKETT
Done and done ! And I belong to her,
And she has paid the fee.
CHORUS
The deal is done and he belongs to her,
And she has paid the fee!
Hahahaha!
LADY
giving Lyonel her posy of flowers
Soft breezes are playing,
The roses appear.
LYONEL
'T is time for our maying,
The heavens shine clear.
BOTH
The future is smiling,
and sorrow shall be no more.
Love's blessed enchantment
Your hearts shall restore!
ALL
Love's blessed enchantment
Your hearts shall restore!