Chess in Concert
Quartet (A Model Of Decorum And Tranquility)
[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 his 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[MOLOKOV]
Why let him loose?
He’ll soon reduce
This great
Event
To a brawl[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[FLORENCE]
I'm not getting rich
My only interest is
In something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best[MOLOKOV]
Okay, we’ll rise
Above your guy’s
Tantrums
Dramas
Dirty tricks[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