Glitter and be Gay
that's the part I play;
here I am in Paris, France
forced to bend by soul
to a sordid role,

Vicimized by bitter, bitter circumstace
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 twas not to be;
harsh necessity
brought me to this gilded cage
born to highter things,
here I droop my wings,
ah! singing of a sorrow nothing can assuage

And yet of course I rather like to revel,
ha ha!
I have no strong objection to champagne
ha ha!
my wordrobe is expensive as the devil
ha ha!
perhaps it is ignoble to complain...

Enough, enough
of being basely tearful!
I'll show my noble stuff
by being bringt and cheerful!
ha ha ha ha ha!
Pearls and ruby rings..
ah, how can worldly things
take the place of honor last?
can they compensate
for my fallen state,
purchased as they were at such an awful cost?
bracelets...lavallieres..
can they dry 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,
ha ha
I'm oh, so glad my sapphire is a star,
ha ha!
I rather like a twenty-carat earring,
ha ha!
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!
ha ha ha ha ha!