Candide, Act 1: "Glitter and Be Gay" (Cunégonde)

Glitter and be gay

That's the part I play

Here I am in Paris, France

Forced to bend my soul

To a sordid role

Victimized by bitter, bitter circumstance

Alas, for me! Had I remained

Beside my lady mother

My virtue had remained unstained

Until my maiden hand was gained

By some Grand Duke or other

Ah, 'twas not to be

Harsh necessity

Brought me to this gilded cage

Born to higher things

Here I drop my wings

Ah! Singing of a sorrow nothing can assuage

And yet, of course, I'd rather like to revel

I have no strong objection to champagne

My wardrobe is expensive as the devil

Perhaps it is ignoble to complain

Enough, enough

Of being basely tearful!

I'll show my noble stuff

By being bright and cheerful!

Pearls and ruby rings

Ah, how can worldly things

Take the place of honor lost?

Can they compensate

For my fallen state

Purchased as they were at such an awful cost?

Bracelets, lavalieres

Can they dry my tears?

Can they blind my eyes to shame?

Can the brightest brooch

Shield me from reproach?

Can the purest diamond purify my name?

And yet, of course, these trinkets are endearing

I'm oh, so glad my sapphire is a star

I rather like a 20-carat earring

If I'm not pure, at least my jewels are!

Enough! Enough!

I'll take their diamond necklace

And show my noble stuff

By being gay and reckless!

Observe how bravely I conceal

The dreadful, dreadful shame I feel