Utopia Limited by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

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No. 4c: RECIT. & SONG (Lady Sophy & Chorus)
"This morning we propose to illustrate...
Bold-faced ranger"

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Enter Lady Sophy — an English lady of mature years and extreme gravity of demeanour and dress. She carries a lecturer's wand in her hand. She is led on by the King, who expresses great regard and admiration for her.

Lady Sophy.

This morning we propose to illustrate
A course of maiden courtship, from the start
To the triumphant matrimonial finish.

Through the following song the two Princesses illustrate in gesture the description given by Lady Sophy.

Click on picture to enlarge — Original Production with Rosina Brandram as Lady Sophy, 1893

Lady Sophy.

Bold-faced ranger
(Perfect stranger)
Meets two well-behaved young ladies.
He's attractive,
Young and active —
Each a little bit afraid is.
Youth advances,
At his glances
To their danger they awaken;
They repel him
As they tell him
He is very much mistaken,
Very, very much mistaken.
Though they speak to him politely,
Please observe they're sneering slightly,
Just to show he's acting vainly.
This is Virtue saying plainly
"Go away, young bachelor,
We are not what you take us for!"
When addressed impertinently,
English ladies answer gently,
"Go away, young bachelor,
We are not what you take us for!"

Chorus.

English ladies answer gently,
When addressed impertinently,
"Go away, young bachelor,
We are not what you take us for!"

Lady Sophy.

As he gazes,
Hat he raises,
Enters into conversation.
Makes excuses —
This produces
Interesting agitation.
He, with daring,
Undespairing,
Give his card — his rank discloses
Little heeding
This proceeding,
They turn up their little noses,
Yes, their little, little noses.
Pray observe this lesson vital —
When a man of rank and title
His position first discloses,
Always cock your little noses.
When at home, let all the class
Try this in the looking glass.
English girls of well bred notions,
Shun all unrehearsed emotions.
English girls of highest class
Practice them before the glass.

Chorus.

English girls of well bred notions,
Shun all unrehearsed emotions.
English girls of highest class
Practice them before the glass.

Lady Sophy.

His intentions
Then he mentions.
Something definite to go on —
Makes recitals
Of his titles,
Hints at settlements, and so on.
Smiling sweetly,
They, discreetly,
Ask for further evidences:
Thus invited,
He, delighted,
Gives the usual references:
(Don't forget the references.)
This is business. Each is fluttered
When the offer's fairly uttered.
"Which of them has his affection?"
He declines to make selection.
Do they quarrel for his dross?
Not a bit of it — they toss!
Ah! Please observe this cogent moral —
English ladies never quarrel.
When a doubt they come across,
English ladies always toss.

Chorus.

We'll observe this cogent moral —
English ladies never quarrel.
When a doubt they come across,
English ladies always toss.

Lady Sophy.

The lecture's ended. In ten minute's space
'Twill be repeated in the market-place!

Exit Lady Sophy, followed by Nekaya and Kalyba.

Chorus.

Quaff the nectar — cull the roses —
Bashful girls will soon be plenty!
Maid who thus at fifteen poses
Ought to be divine at twenty!

Exeunt all but King Paramount.

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