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 droop my wings, Ah! Singing of a sorrow nothing can assuage. And yet of course I 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 twenty-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.
