Quartet / a Model of Decorum
[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]
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?
[ARBITER]
Point 17
No one-way screen
Will be allowed
In the hall
[MOLOKOV]
Why let him loose?
He'll soon reduce
This great event
To a brawl
It's very sad
To see the ancient and
Distinguished game
That used to be
[FLORENCE]
I am not surprised
He wanted fresher air
Once he realized
There was no hope
Of your lot playing fair
How sad
To see
What used
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]
Through the elegant yelling
disgust
Of this compelling dispute
clear
Comes the ghastly suspicion
are the U.S.?
My opposition's a fruit
atmosphere?
[MOLOKOV]
We wish, no must, make our
At this abuse perfectly
We're here for chess --
If so, why foul the
[FLORENCE]
I don't suppose
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 one of those
[ARBITER]
Point 23
The board will be
Made in Sweden
Non-aligned wood
[THE RUSSIAN]
But how can you
Work for one who
waiting here
Treats you like dirt?
Pay must be good
is our
[MOLOKOV]
It seems to us
There's little point in
all night for his return
And since a peaceful match
sole concern
[FLORENCE]
I'm not getting rich
My only interest
Is in something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best
[MOLOKOV]
We won't make an official fuss
In short we rise
Above your guy's
Tantrums, dramas,
Dirty tricks
[THE RUSSIAN]
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
Till that far-off day
I hope you cope
With helping number two.
[ARBITER]
Point 31
No game begun
By noon goes on
After six
[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