libretto iv

The Emperor:

No! The emperor deigns not
To bow before the crowd.
The works and days make men to sweat,
Men shan't make the day to leak;
The fever and the influences harm not
Nobles, gold-blooded, thoroughbred.
Without the emperor
They all would burn their meats
To cook the kindling.
Madmen, madmen, madmen!
Who will cure them of their curates?
Not I, no longer, no chance.