No. 9: DUET. — REGENT and GRIFFENFELD.

MIDI file Karaoke file

REGENT.

  I’ve grasped your scheme, if I can say as much without intrusion: As Regent-Prince I must ennoble all without exclusion, And scatter honours all around with liberal profusion — Then you’ll step in and, with a word, dispel the fond illusion!

GRIFFENFELD.

Then I’ll step in —

REGENT.

Then you’ll step in —

GRIFFENFELD.

And with a word —

REGENT.

And with a word — Then you’ll step in and, with a word, dispel the fond illusion!

GRIFFENFELD (excitedly).

  Exactly so! exactly so! exactly so! exactly so! For understand what I require — Give every man his heart’s desire, Then I’ll explain the ins and outs — In half an hour or thereabouts!

BOTH.

Then I’ll/you’ll explain the ins and outs — In half an hour or thereabouts!

ENSEMBLE.

Oh, human joy at best is brief — Alas, too soon it’s turned to grief! So it’s our duty, you’ll allow, Our fellow creatures to endow With happiness complete and vast —

REGENT.

Although that happiness may last —

GRIFFENFELD.

Although that happiness may last —

BOTH.

But half an hour or thereabouts! But half an hour — But half an hour — But half an hour or thereabouts!

Exit GRIFFENFELD. CHRISTINA comes forward from behind statue.

CHRISTINA.

I overheard!

REGENT.

You did? Confusion! But not a word Of this delusion — No single phrase — No faint suggestion — To haply raise A doubt or question! If fault or blunder visible I make in this experiment — Control your muscles risible, And check untimely merriment. Address me most respectfully — Regard with silent shyness me — With eyes cast down subjectively; — And mind you “Royal Highness” me! Now don’t forget — now don’t forget, Be sure you “Royal Highness” me!

CHRISTINA.

With all devotion beautiful, I’ll favour your expedient — I’ll be your very dutiful — I’ll be your most obedient — You’ll find me all docility, You miracle of slyness, you! I’ll curtsey with humility, And always “Royal Highness” you! I won’t forget — I won’t forget — I’ll always “Royal Highness” you!

ENSEMBLE.

Oh, never was seen Such a pearl of a Prince, With his/my dignified mien He is/I am sure to convince: In his/my gracious address There is Royalty shown — And a baby could guess He’s/I’m the heir to a throne! Ha! ha! ha! ha! — Ha! ha! ha! ha! Oh a baby could guess he’s the heir to a throne! Exit in opposite directions.