Quartet / A model of decorum Songtext

von Chess

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,
Our player's sporting attitude's beyond all praise,
As any neutral would attest
But we concede the fact his masters bend the rules is not a
Player's fault --
We'll overlook their crude political assault
And under protest will proceed

MOLOKOV
We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear
We're here for chess -- are the U.S.? How can you make such a
Claim?

MOLOKOV ARBITER

If your man's so sweet Point 17
Then why his fighting talk? No one-way screen
If he's not a cheat Will be allowed
Then why on earth In the hall
Did he go take a walk?
FLORENCE

Why let him loose? I am not surprised
He'll soon reduce He wanted fresher air
This great event Once he realized
To a brawl There was no hope
Of your lot playing fair
It's very sad How sad
To see the ancient and To see
Distinguished game What used
That used to be To be

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

THE RUSSIAN MOLOKOV
Through the elegant yelling We wish, no must, make our
Disgust
Of this compelling dispute At this abuse perfectly
Clear
Comes the ghastly suspicion We're here for chess --
Are the U.S.?
My opposition's a fruit If so, why foul the
Atmosphere?

FLORENCE ARBITER

I don't suppose Point 23
You'd understand the strain and pressure The board will be
Getting where he's got Made in Sweden
For then you'd simply call him Non-aligned wood
Highly strung and not
Imply that he was one of those

THE RUSSIAN MOLOKOV
But how can you It seems to us
Work for one who There's little point in
Waiting here
Treats you like dirt? all night for his return
Pay must be good And since a peaceful match
Is our
sole concern

FLORENCE We won't make an official fuss

I'm not getting rich In short we rise
My only interest Above your guy's
Is in something which Tantrums, dramas,
Gives me the chance Dirty tricks
Of working with the best.
ARBITER
THE RUSSIAN
Point 31
I can only say No game begun
I hope your dream comes true By noon goes on
Till that far-off day After six
I hope you cope
With helping number two.

THE RUSSIAN & FLORENCE
How sad
To see

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

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