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No. 9: Song (Yussuf)

Midi Symbol MIDI File [20KB, 2' 23"]

Enter Yussuf from street.

RECITATIVE.

Yussuf.
  Peace be upon this house!
All.
  And on you Peace!
Yussuf.
  A Story-Teller am I
    Of legends and romances,
  Attend and I will try
    To charm you with my fancies!
Hassan.
  Lay down your burthen and sup,
    And then take up your burthen;
  Choose for yourself a cup
    Of silver, gold, or earthen!

Exit Hassan.

Song. — Yussuf and Chorus.

Yussuf.
  I care not if the cup I hold
    Be one of fair design,
  Of crystal, silver, or of gold —
    If it containeth wine —
      And humble horn
Will I not scorn
    If it do carry wine.
      Fill high —
Drink dry!
    The cup doth matter nought, I trow,
If only it be deep enow!
      For, though the cup
        Be earthen bowl,
    'Twill hold the juice of grape!
      Then up, up, up —
        And judge the soul
    And not the outward shape!
Chorus.
      For, though the cup
        Be earthen bowl,
    'Twill hold the juice of grape!
      Then up, up, up —
        And judge the soul
    And not the outward shape!

Yussuf.
  I care not how a man be clad,
    Or who a man may be,
  If he be one to make me glad
    To share his company;
      Oh, nought I care
What he may wear
    While he's good company!
      Fill high —
Drink dry!
    For royal wine may sparkle in
Your clumsy clay and crystal thin!
      For, though the cup
        Be earthen bowl,
    'Twill hold the juice of grape!
      Then up, up, up —
        And judge the soul
    And not the outward shape!
Chorus.
      For, though the cup
        Be earthen bowl,
    'Twill hold the juice of grape!
      Then up, up, up —
        And judge the soul
    And not the outward shape!
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Page modified 18 May 2008