Quartet (A Model

Of Decorum And Tranquility)

(B. Andersson / T. Rice / B. Ulvaeus)              

After THE AMERICAN’s abrupt departure from the Opening Ceremony

MOLOKOV We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear. We’re here for chess – are the U.S.? If so, why foul the atmosphere? FLORENCE I must protest – our delegation has a host of valid points to raise, our player’s sporting attitude’s beyond all praise, as any neutral would attest. But we concede the fact his masters bend the rules is not a player’s fault – we’ll overlook their crude political assault and under protest will proceed. MOLOKOV (simultaneously with FLORENCE’s speech above) We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear. We’re here for chess – are the U.S.? How can you make such a claim?
MOLOKOV 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?	ARBITER Point 17 No one‑way screen will be allowed in the hall
Why let him loose? He’ll soon reduce this great event to a brawl It’s very sad to see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be	FLORENCE I am not surprised he wanted fresher air once he realized there was no hope of your lot playing fair. How sad to see what used to be
BOTH A model of decorum and tranquility become like any other sport – a battleground for rival ideologies to slug it out with glee
THE RUSSIAN Through the elegant yelling of this compelling dispute comes a ghastly suspicion my opposition’s a fruit FLORENCE I don’t suppose you 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 one of those	MOLOKOV We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear We’re here for chess – are the U.S.? If so, why foul the atmosphere? ARBITER Point 23 The board will be made in Sweden – non‑aligned wood
THE RUSSIAN But how can you work for one who treats you like dirt? Pay must be good FLORENCE I’m not getting rich My only interest is in something which gives me the chance of working with the best THE RUSSIAN I can only say I hope your dream comes true till that far‑off day I hope you cope with helping number two THE RUSSIAN AND FLORENCE How sad to see	MOLOKOV It seems to us there’s little point in waiting here all night for his return And since a peaceful match is our sole concern we won’t make an official fuss In short we rise above your guy’s tantrums, dramas, dirty tricks. ARBITER Point 31 No game begun by noon goes on After six ARBITER AND MOLOKOV It’s very sad to see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be
ALL A model of decorum and tranquility become like any other sport – a battleground for rival ideologies to slug it out with glee.