No. 4b: CHORUS & DUET (Nekaya & Kalyba)
"How fair! how modest! how discreet!..
Although of native maids the cream"
Enter Nekaya and Kalyba. They are twins, about fifteen years old; they are very modest and demure in their appearance, dress and manner. They stand with their hands folded and their eyes cast down.
| Chorus. |
| How fair! how modest! how discreet! How bashfully demure! See how they blush, as they've been taught, At this publicity unsought! How English and how pure! How English and how pure! |
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| Nekaya. |
| Which is an awkward time because It cuts into our lunch. |
| Both. |
| Oh maids of high and low degree, Whose social code is rather free, Please look at us and you will see What good young ladies ought to be! |
| Nekaya. |
| And as we stand, like clockwork toys, A lecturer whom papa employs Proceeds to praise Our modest ways And guileless character — |
| Kalyba. |
| Our well-known blush — our downcast eyes — Our famous look of mild surprise — |
| Nekaya. |
| (Which competition still defies) — |
| Kalyba. |
| Our celebrated "Sir!!!" Then all the crowd take down our looks In pocket memorandum books. To diagnose Our modest pose The Kodaks do their best: |
| Nekaya. |
| If evidence you would possess Of what is maiden bashfulness You need only a button press — |
| Kalyba. |
| And we will do the rest. |
| Both. |
| Oh maids of high and low degree, Whose social code is rather free, Please look at us and you will see What good young ladies ought to be! |
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Page Created 26 November, 2005