Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility

Denis Quilley, Elaine Paige, Björn Skifs and Tommy Körberg

MOLOKOV
We wish
No, must
Make our disgust
At this abuse perfectly clear
We're here for chess
Are the U.S.?
If so
Why foul the atmosphere?

FLORENCE
I must protest
Our delegation
Has a host of valid points to raise

ARBITER
It's not just black and white
If I may coin a phrase
As any neutral would attest

FLORENCE
Though we concede
The fact your masters bend the rules is maybe not your fault
If they withdraw their psychological assault
Then under protest he'll proceed

MOLOKOV
If your man's so sweet
Then why his fighting talk?
If he says we cheat
Then why on earth did he go take a walk?

FLORENCE
I am not surprised he wanted fresher air
Once he realized there was no hope
Of your guys playing fair

FLORENCE & ANATOLY
How sad
To see

MOLOKOV & ARBITER
It's very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished game that used to be

ALL
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee

ANATOLY
I would say with regard to
Him it is hard to
Rebut
Ever-growing suspicions
My opposition's
A nut

FLORENCE
I would have said
You'd understand the strain and pressure getting where he's got
For then you'd simply call him highly strung and not
Imply that he was off his head

ANATOLY
But how on earth can someone even
Half as civilized and nice as you
Be part of such a self-destructive
Point of view?
I hope he pays you
What you're worth

ARBITER
I call this tune
No-one's immune to my power
Once in that hall

MOLOKOV
In that case
I must ask you
Why you now
Preside over a brawl

FLORENCE
I'm not getting rich
My only interest
Is in something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best

ANATOLY
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
Till that far-off day
I hope you cope
With helping number two

FLORENCE & ANATOLY
How sad
To see

MOLOKOV & ARBITER
It's very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished game that used to be

ALL
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee