Thomas Seltzer - The Inspector-General (Act 4 Scene 15) lyrics
The same and the Governor in precipitate haste. GOVERNOR Your Excellency, don't ruin me, don't ruin me. KHLESTAKOV What's the matter? GOVERNOR The merchants have complained to your Excellency. I a**ure you on my honor that not one half of what they said is so. They themselves are cheats. They give short measure and short weight. The officer's widow lied to you when she said I flogged her. She lied, upon my word, she lied. She flogged herself. KHLESTAKOV The devil take the officer's widow. What do I care about the officer's widow. GOVERNOR Don't believe them, don't believe them. They are rank liars; a mere child wouldn't believe them. They are known all over town as liars. And as for cheating, I venture to inform you that there are no swindlers like them in the whole of creation. ANNA Do you know what honor Ivan Aleksandrovich is bestowing upon us? He is asking for our daughter's hand. GOVERNOR What are you talking about? Mother has lost her wits. Please do not be angry, your Excellency. She has a touch of insanity. Her mother was like that, too. KHLESTAKOV Yes, I am really asking for your daughter's hand. I am in love with her. GOVERNOR I cannot believe it, your Excellency. ANNA But when you are told! KHLESTAKOV I am not joking. I could go crazy, I am so in love. GOVERNOR I daren't believe it. I am unworthy of such an honor. KHLESTAKOV If you don't consent to give me your daughter Marya Antonovna's hand, then I am ready to do the devil knows what. GOVERNOR I cannot believe it. You deign to joke, your Excellency. ANNA My, what a blockhead! Really! When you are told over and over again! GOVERNOR I can't believe it. KHLESTAKOV Give her to me, give her to me! I am a desperate man and I may do anything. If I shoot myself, you will have a law-suit on your hands. GOVERNOR Oh, my God! I am not guilty either in thought or in action. Please do not be angry. Be pleased to act as your mercy wills. Really, my head is in such a state I don't know what is happening. I have turned into a worse fool than I've ever been in my life. ANNA Well, give your blessing. Khlestakov goes up to Marya Antonovna. GOVERNOR May God bless you, but I am not guilty. [Khlestakov kisses Marya. The Governor looks at them.] What the devil! It's really so. [Rubs his eyes.] They are kissing. Oh, heavens! They are kissing. Actually to be our son-in-law! [Cries out, jumping with glee.] Ho, Anton! Ho, Anton! Ho, Governor! So that's the turn events have taken!