For Paris and points west, here's the station for you, But travellers, a word first of all from the crew: Visitors, pouring in daily and nightly, Go easy, have fun, above all travel lightly. Things heavy and weighted Are rated here taboo; Celebrate the spirit of 1862... Only one item you'll need on this trip: Just a spirit for sport, and for good fellowship...
The Brazilian arrives upon the scene:
From far Brazil I have come with gold; By ship I left Rio Janiero, And shot for Paris like an arrow, Far richer than in days of old. For I came before in seasons past With stacks of gold in my valise 'n Two hidden diamonds, if you please 'n How long did all that money last? I added up my dividends: Two hundred friends and five affairs 'n Six months of madness free of cares 'n Then no more gold and no more friends. Six months and you had bled me dry, So home again and melancholy I dream of days of fun and folly: Alas, Paree! A sad goodbye! But hungry to return was I, So there beneath that southern sun I swore I wasn't yet undone: Another fortune or I die! I didn't die, instead I got A tidy sum by hook or crook, 'n So here I come and like as not You'll take from me the lot I took...
The Swedish Baron rolls up his sleeves:
Within this town whose reputation Stands for joie de vie and l'amour, I plan to spend a short vacation And take my own unguided tour. Three months and then my stay is over; And does not that appear to you A paltry time indeed to cover All the forbidden things to do? I want to gorge and guzzle, feast away! I'm for a gorgeous orgy, hip hooray! Carry the word to Métella: If only once, I'll live for just today...
The glover and the bootmaker resolve a weighty dispute:
GLOVER The glove we should relish.
BOOTMAKER I bank on the boot.
GLOVER The hand I embellish.
BOOTMAKER I favor the foot.
GLOVER I grace my profession.
BOOTMAKER I serve the elite.
GLOVER My glove is the fashion.
BOOTMAKER My boot you can't beat.
BOTH We flower, we blossom,
We're both in demand.
Our fortune we owe
To the foot and the hand.
You'll never go wrong
If your money is put
Upon the two trusties,
The hand and the foot...
Métella reads a nostalgic letter from an old admirer:
My dear, do you remember A stranger to your city, Jean Stanislas? The name you may recall. 'Twas early last November, I begged a friend take pity And introduce me at a crowded ball. I fell in love, but that goes without saying. Did you love me? - or just a passing mood? You told me yes, a smile the while denying; Not love, perhaps, but maybe just as good. Six weeks this fever lasted, And in that time I tasted Sensations, pastimes never known before: The Champagne glasses lifted, The clouds whereon we drifted, The reckless words that from our lips would pour...
The servants prepare for a rapid change of status:
Asses of the upper classes We can handle to a turn; Pomp and splendor we can render þ Servants need but look and learn. As we serve them we observe them, Ever present on display, For the idle man of title Never takes a holiday. Addle-pated, featherweighted, All-important number one! Every quirk and silly smirk We can portray, but all in fun...
The Parisienne is observed while walking:
GABRIELLE Take notice when The Parisienne Goes on parade in crinoline; She does not stint A passing hint Of charms too often left unseen. Her sail full set, The bright soubrette Is armed to meet the grand occasion. No effort spared, She goes prepared To fell the manhood of the nation. The men that flock the avenue Then feel their pulses start to knock. She sashays by, frou frou frou frou, Her pointed toe goes toc toc toc...
The headwaiter gives some tips on how to rise in the profession:
The waiter I would term a pro Maintains reserve and mystery. He has to know when not to know The gentleman that's on a spree. The judge that all poor devils fear With a floozy may perchance appear. You close your eyes, you close your eyes! It's not the time to fraternize...
Métella introduces the Baron to the dangerous attractions of the Left Bank:
At the midnight chime the revelries start. As carriages empty the passageway fills. Young dandies and ladies, both equally smart, Come seeking adventure, excitement and thrills. The flower of youth, a varied bouquet Of blonde and brunette with splashes of red, The plush and the plain, naive and blase, They flock here to savor the banquet outspread. Some are bold and brassy, other pretend þ oh! Who's the sly lassie that hides in the hall? Adagio at first, then rapid crescendo, The overture builds to a wild bacchanal. Laughter and dance! Champagne poured in quantities! Couples crowd on the floor with space getting scarce. A few gather round the piano that accompanies; A grim game of chance is unfolding upstairs ...
Finally, on one point all are agreed:
Ha, ha, hee! Not for nothing people call it Gay Paree! Where the pace is quick and giddy, Light and free. Where the pace is quick and giddy, You're the place, oh you're the city Right for me!
