Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility) [Live]

MOLOKOV: We wish, no, must, make our disgust
WIth 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.

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

FLORENCE: But we concede
The fact is masters bend the rules is not your player's fault
We'll overlook your crude political assault
and under protest we'll proceed.

MOLOKOV: If your man's so sweet
Then why his fighting talk?
If he's not a 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 lot playing fair.

FLORENCE & ANATOLY: How sad, to see

MOLOKOV & THE 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.

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 & THE 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.

(Repeat in Quartet)