Cortège Royal

[Verse 1]

[Basso buffo soloist, with condescending mockery: 

On this day, I will send
out my goons to upend.
All you built, all you had
I’ll tear down.]

[Court jester in a mocking tone: 

Ah, too bad!

]

[Basso buffo soloist, with condescending mockery: 

For this pain, you should praise
ME!!! I brought your malaise.
Though it hurts, you’ll survive
just be glad you’re alive.

]

[Chorus]

[Royal choir in harmony: 

Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now seized for its health.
from my banks all your wealth.

Help me don my gold gown
Up you knave; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! You serve me!

]

[Verse 2]

[Basso buffo soloist, yelling: 

Get your butts back to work!
I shall END all who shirk. 
When you loaf, you force me
to announce this decree:

Everyone must obey
all my rules every day.
Those who don’t will regret
beatings they won’t forget.

]

[Chorus]

[Royal choir in harmony: 

Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now seized for its health.
from my banks all your wealth.

Help me don my gold gown
Up you knave; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! You serve me!

]

[Verse 3]

[Basso buffo soloist with cartoonish exaggeration: 

To this world, I AM GOD!!!!!!!
I AM LORD!!!!! Now applaud!!!!!!
Gather up everyone!
Bring your gifts. HURRY!!!! RUN!!!

It’s all mine I am told.
All the goods, all the gold
every field, every stone!
ALL IS MINE, MINE ALONE!

]

[The King’s Quartet in tight harmony: 

Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now seized for its health.
from my banks all your wealth.

Help me don my gold gown
Up you knave; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! YOU SERVE ME!!!!

]

[Outro]

[Basso buffo soloist with rage: 

Do you dare not to bring
all your love to your king?
Pledge your faith to my reign
Say it loud! DON’T ABSTAIN!!!!!

]

Royal cortège for The Royal Choir, basso buffo, and The King’s Quartet, Baroque opera buffa, male