Gilbert And Sullivan - Song Julia Lyrics

JULIA (with Lisa clinging to her):

Ah, pity me, my comrades true,

Who love, as well I know you do,

This gentle child,

To me so fondly dear!



ALL:

Why, what's the matter?



JULIA:

Our sister love so true and deep

From many an eye unused to weep

Hath oft beguiled

The coy reluctant tear!



ALL:

Why, what's the matter?



JULIA:

Each sympathetic heart 'twill bruise

When you have heard the frightful news

(O will it not?)

That I must now impart!



ALL:

Why, what's the matter?



JULIA:

Her love for him is all in all!

Ah, cursed fate! that it should fall

Unto my lot

To break my darling's heart!



ALL:

Why, what's the matter?



LUD:

What means our Julia by those fateful looks?

Please do not keep us all on tenter-hooks-

Now, what's the matter?



JULIA:

Our duty, if we're wise,

We never shun.

This Spartan rule applies

To every one.

In theatres, as in life,

Each has her line--

This part--the Grand Duke's wife

(Oh agony!) is mine!

A maxim new I do not start--

The canons of dramatic art

Decree that this repulsive part

(The Grand Duke's wife)

Is mine!



ALL:

Oh, that's the matter!



LISA (appalled, to LUDWIG):

Can that be so?



LUD:

I do not know--

But time will show

If that be so.



CHORUS:

Can that be so? etc.



LISA (recit.):

Be merciful