Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility)

We wish, no, must, make our disgust

With this abuse perfectly clear

We're here for chess --

Are the U.S.?

If so, why foul the atmosphere?

I must protest -- our delegation

Has a host of valid points to raise.

It's not just black and white

If I may coin a phrase

As any neutral would attest.

But we concede

the fact his masters bend the rules is not your player's fault --

We'll overlook your crude political assault

and under protest we'll proceed

If your man's so sweet

Then why his fighting talk?

If he's not a cheat

Then why on earth did he go take a walk?

I am not surprised (Molokov: Why let him loose?)

he wanted fresher air (Molokov: He'll soon reduce)

Once he realized there was no hope (Molokov: This great event)

Of your lot playing fair. (Molokov: To a brawl)

Florence & Anatoly:

How sad (Molokov & Arbiter: It's very sad to see)

To see (Molokov & Arbiter: The ancient and distinguished game that used to be)

A model of decorum and tranquility

Become like any other sport

A battleground for rival ideologies

To slug it out with glee.

I would say with regard to

Him it is hard to rebut

Ever-growing suspicions

My opposition's a nut.

I would have said

You'd understand the strain and pressure getting where he's got

For then you'd simply call him highly strung

and not imply that he was off his head.

But how on earth can someone even

Half as civilized and nice as you

Be part of such a self-destructive

Point of view?

I hope he pays you what you're worth.

I'm not getting rich (Molokov: Then, we'll rise)

My only interest is (Molokov: Above your guy's)

in something which (Molokov: Tantrums)

Gives me the chance (Molokov: dramas)

Of working with the best. (Molokov: Dirty tricks)

I can only say