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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Laine falls for the Lord Philip's advances and is persuaded to live with him in his castle. However it soon becomes clear that it will not work out, and she is aware she will only become his mistress. So, home she returns, discards the Beauty Stone, and reverts to her former condition.

Her parents, Simon and Joan, retrieve the Stone and decide to try it out for themselves! In this duet they encourage each other to wear the Stone to recall their youth and the days when they were first in love.

I Would See a Maid

Simon: I Would See a Maid who dwells in Zolden,
Her eyes are soft as moonlight on the mere.
The spring hath fled, the ripen'd year turns golden;
Shall I win her ere the waning of the year?
The reaping folk pass homeward by the fountain;
What is it then that calls me from the dell?
What bids me climb the path beside the mountain,
To the down beyond the sheep-fold?
Who can tell!

Then take it,
For this magic stone hath power
To change thee to the fairest,
Yet, to me, thou wert fairest
As I knew thee in that hour
When a maiden dwelt in Zolden!
Ah, take it,
Ah, take it, 'tis for thee!

Joan: I would see a youth who comes from Freyden,
He is straighter than the pine trees grow.
Gossips say he comes to woo a maiden,
So the gossips say,
But can they know?
Three laughing maids are in the hollow,
Yet none will set him straight upon his way.
Nay! soft!
For he has found the path to follow;
He is coming!
Little heart, what will he say?

Then take it,
For this magic stone hath power
To change thee to the fairest,
Yet, to me, thou wert fairest
As I knew thee in that hour
When a youth came up from Freyden!
Ah, take it,
Ah, take it, 'tis for thee!

Duet Then take it,
For this stone hath power
To change thee to the fairest,
Yet, to me, thou wert fairest

Joan: In that hour when a youth came up from Freyden!
Simon: As I knew thee in Zolden!

Duet: Ah, take it,
Ah, take it, 'tis for thee, for thee!

Now here is a song for us 'Over 21s' to join in! But everyone is welcome to have a go! You can bet it all turned out alright in the end! Hope you enjoyed our arrangement of this lovely duet.

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