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The Sorcerer

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ACT II

No. 15: Trio (Aline, Alexis, Mr. Wells) & Chorus
(1884 Version)

"'Tis twelve, I think"

Midi Symbol MIDI File [37KB, 6' 35"]

To Original 1877 Opening Chorus

SCENE – Exterior of Sir Marmaduke's mansion by moonlight. All the peasantry are discovered asleep on the ground, as at the end of Act I. Enter Mr. Wells, on tiptoe, followed by Alexis and Aline. Mr. Wells carries a dark lantern.

Aline. Alexis. Mr. Wells.
'Tis twelve, I think,
And at this mystic hour
The magic drink
Should manifest its power.
'Tis twelve, I think,
And at this mystic hour
The magic drink
Should manifest its power.
'Tis twelve, I think,
And at this mystic hour
The magic drink
Should manifest its power.
Oh, slumbering forms,    
How little have ye guessed Oh, slumbering forms, Oh, slumbering forms,
That fire that warms How little have ye guessed How little have ye guessed
That fire that warms That fire that warms That fire that warms
Each apathetic breast, Each apathetic breast! Each apathetic breast!
Each apathetic breast! Each apathetic breast! Each apathetic breast!

Alexis.
But stay, my father is not here!

Aline.
And pray where is my mother dear?

Mr. Wells.
I did not think it meet to see
A dame of lengthy pedigree,
A Baronet and K.C.B.
A Doctor of Divinity,
And that respectable Q.C.,
All fast asleep, al-fresco-ly,
And so I had them carried home
And put to bed respectably!
And put to bed respectably!
I trust my conduct meets your approbation.

Alexis.
Sir, you acted with discrimination,
And showed more delicate appreciation
Than we expect in persons of your station.

Aline, Alexis & Mr. Wells.
Yes! it showed more delicate appreciation
Than we expect of persons of your/my station.

Mr. Wells.
But soft – they waken one by one –
The spell has worked – the deed is done!
I would suggest that we retire
While Love, the Housemaid, lights her kitchen fire!

Aline, Alexis & Mr. Wells.
While Love, the Housemaid, lights her kitchen fire!

Exeunt Mr. Wells, Alexis and Aline, on tiptoe, as the villagers stretch their arms, yawn, rub their eyes, and sit up.

Men.
Why, where be oi, and what be oi a doin',
A sleepin' out, just when the dews du rise?

Girls.
Why, that's the very way your health to ruin,
And don't seem quite respectable likewise!

Men. (staring at girls)
Eh, that's you! Only think o' that now!

Girls. (coyly)
What may you be at, now? Tell me, du!

Men. (admiringly)
Eh, what a nose,
And eh, what eyes, miss!
Lips like a rose,
And cheeks likewise, miss!

Girls. (coyly)
Oi tell you true,
Which I've never done, sir,
Oi loike you
As I never loiked none, sir!

All.
Eh, but oi du loike you!

Men.
If you'll marry me, I'll dig for you and rake for you!

Girls.
If you'll marry be, I'll scrub for you and bake for you!

Men.
If you'll marry me, all others I'll forsake for you!

All.
All this will I du, if you marry me!

Girls.
If you'll marry me, I'll cook for you and brew for you!

Men.
If you'll marry me, I've guineas not a few for you!

Girls.
If you'll marry me, I'll take you in and du for you!

All.
All this will I du, if you'll marry me!
All this will I du, if you'll marry me!
Eh! Eh, but I do loike you!

COUNTRY DANCE.

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