The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty E-Book

William Schwenck Gilbert

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

Delve into the brilliant comedic genius of 'The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty', a collection that embodies the wit and charm of the Victorian operatic world. This anthology features the delightful interplay of satirical humor and melodic genius, capturing the nuances of duty and duty-bound obligations through a colorful array of characters. The work, known for its biting societal commentary, positions itself within the pantheon of light opera, merging lyrical eloquence and narrative flair in a way that has inspired generations of both listeners and literary aficionados. Standout pieces reflect the humor and depth, seamlessly woven into a narrative triumph celebrated widely in theatrical circles. Within the pages of this collection lies the symbiotic creativity of William Schwenck Gilbert and Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan, the masterminds behind the beloved Gilbert and Sullivan duo. Their collaborative genius during the late 19th century heralded transformative influences in both the Victorian operatic scene and satirical literature. Aligning with movements celebrating operetta, the works presented in this anthology draw on historical contexts and personal experiences, melding distinct perspectives with cultural vibrancy. Together, these voices foster an enriched, multifaceted narrative that captivates and educates. 'Book Title' is a treasure trove for lovers of both musical and narrative art forms, offering a comprehensive journey through the humorous and dramatic themes unrivaled in light opera. This anthology promises readers not only entertainment but also a deeper understanding of the thematic beauty expressed through diverse artistic lenses. The dialogue created between the authors' works provides invaluable insights into the social and cultural discourse of their time, making it an indispensable addition to any literary collection.

Leseprobe

William Schwenck Gilbert, Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan

The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4064066435004

Table of Contents

Cover

Titlepage

Text

Dramatis Personae

Table of Contents

The Pirate King

Samuel (his Lieutenant)

Frederic (the Pirate Apprentice)

Ruth (a Pirate Maid of all Work)

Major-General Stanley

Mabel (his daughter)

Edith (his daughter)

Kate (his daughter)

Isabel (his daughter)

Sergeant of Police

Chorus of Pirates, Police, and General Stanley's Daughters.

Act I

Table of Contents

A rocky seashore on the coast of Cornwall. In the distance is a calm sea, on which a schooner is lying at anchor. As the curtain rises groups of pirates are discovered some drinking, some playing cards.

Samuel

, the Pirate Lieutenant, is going from one group to another, filling the cups from a flask.

Frederic

is seated in a despondent attitude at the back of the scene.

All

Pour, oh, pour the pirate sherry;

Fill, O fill the pirate glass;

And, to make us more than merry,

Let the pirate bumper pass.

Samuel

For today our pirate 'prentice

Rises from indenture freed;

Strong his arm, and keen his scent is

He's a pirate now indeed!

All

Here's good luck to Frederic's ventures!

Frederic's out of his indentures.

Samuel

Two and twenty, now he's rising,

And alone he's fit to fly,

Which we're bent on signalizing

With unusual revelry.

All

Here's good luck to Frederic's ventures!

Frederic's out of his indentures.

Pour, oh, pour the pirate sherry;

Fill, O fill the pirate glass;

And, to make us more than merry,

Let the pirate bumper pass.

Frederic

rises and comes forward with

Pirate King

, who enters.

Pirate King

Yes, Frederic, from to-day you rank as a full-blown member of our band.

All

Hurrah!

Frederic

My friends, I thank you all, from my heart, for your kindly wishes. Would that I could repay them as they deserve!

Pirate King

What do you mean?

Frederic

To-day I am out of my indentures, and to-day I leave you for ever.

Pirate King

But this is quite unaccountable; a keener hand at scuttling a Cunarder or cutting out a P. & O. never shipped a handspike.

Frederic

Yes, I have done my best for you. And why? It was my duty under my indentures, and I am the slave of duty. As a child I was regularly apprenticed to your band. It was through an error -- no matter, the mistake was ours, not yours, and I was in honour bound by it.

Samuel

An error? What error?

Frederic

I may not tell you; it would reflect upon my well-loved Ruth.

Ruth

rises and comes forward.

Ruth

Nay, dear master, my mind has long been gnawed by the cankering tooth of mystery. Better have it out at once.

Ruth

sings

Ruth

When Frederic was a little lad he proved so brave and daring,

His father thought he'd 'prentice him to some career seafaring.

I was, alas! his nurserymaid, and so it fell to my lot

To take and bind the promising boy apprentice to a pilot

A life not bad for a hardy lad, though surely not a high lot,

Though I'm a nurse, you might do worse than make your boy a pilot.

I was a stupid nurserymaid, on breakers always steering,

And I did not catch the word aright, through being hard of hearing;

Mistaking my instructions, which within my brain did gyrate,

I took and bound this promising boy apprentice to a pirate.

A sad mistake it was to make and doom him to a vile lot.

I bound him to a pirate — you — instead of to a pilot.

I soon found out, beyond all doubt, the scope of this disaster,

But I hadn't the face to return to my place, and break it to my master.

A nurserymaid is not afraid of what you people call work,

So I made up my mind to go as a kind of piratical maid-of-all-work.

And that is how you find me now, a member of your shy lot,

Which you wouldn't have found, had he been bound apprentice to a pilot.

Ruth

Oh, pardon! Frederic, pardon! (kneels)

Frederic

Rise, sweet one, I have long pardoned you.

Ruth (rises)

The two words were so much alike!

Frederic