The Yeomen of the Guard by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

No. 5: BALLAD (Colonel Fairfax)

"Is life a boon?"

MIDI File [12KB, 1' 45 "] Sequenced by Mike Nash.

Fairfax.
	Is life a boon?
		If so, it must befall That Death, whene'er he call,
	Must call too soon
		Though fourscore years he give, Yet one would pray to live
	Another moon!
		What kind of plaint have I, Who perish in July, Who perish in July?
	I might have had to die,
		Perchance, in June!
	I might have had to die,
		Perchance, in June!

	Is life a thorn?
		Then count it not a whit! Nay, count it not a whit! Man is well done with it;
	Soon as he's born
		He should all means essay To put the plague away;
	And I, war-worn,
		Poor captured fugitive, My life most gladly give— I might have had to live,
	Another morn!
		I might have had to live, to live
	Another morn!

At the end, Phœbe is led off, weeping, by Meryll.

Page Created 7 January, 2006