Finale Ultimo

Lyrics

[A trumpet fanfare is heard. A platoon of soldiers enters and forms an entrance at the gate. ENVOY enters.] [ENVOY, spoken] Is this the house of Mrs. Robert Murray? [MRS. MURRAY, spoken] I am Mrs. Murray [ENVOY, spoken] I come in advance of the commander-in-chief Of the American forces, General George Washington Who comes in person to have speech with Mrs. Murray [BETSY, spoken] Auntie! [MRS. MURRAY, spoken] Why, I, I don't know what to say [GENERAL WASHINGTON enters. The ladies bow reverently.] [WASHINGTON, spoken] Please, Mrs. Murray It is I who should bend my knee in your presence [MRS. MURRAY, spoken] This is a great honor, General, which I shall always remember [WASHINGTON, spoken] No, my lady This is but a meager tribute I come to you in behalf of our Free American Colonies To express our lasting gratitude for your loyalty and heroism It is to thе nobility of our women Their strength and confidеnce That we owe our victory America is proud of you And as her servant I come to thank you And to kiss your hand [MRS. MURRAY, spoken] My heart is so full I can't speak [WASHINGTON, spoken] There is no need to speak You have acted! Your deeds have been more eloquent Than words ever should be And your niece My dear child, you are the sweetest patriot of all The noblest and truest Your bravery has made you an example For all Colonial womanhood You've earned great happiness Yet your eyes are sad Your heart is heavy when it should swell with pride [BETSY, spoken] How can I be proud? I'm undeserving when I feel as I do Tell me, is it treason to love an enemy? [WASHINGTON, spoken] We have no enemies now Our enemies of yesterday are our friends of today My dear little lady, America owes you a great debt She can never discharge it in full, but she can do something And she is sending you a gift A gift we hope you will always prize And now, Mrs. Murray, I must go on Delays and disappointments on all sides Encompass me with difficulties And provide each day some fresh source of uneasiness Let this be my apology for leaving you so abruptly [MRS. MURRAY, spoken] God bless you [WASHINGTON, spoken] I hope, ladies, we shall meet again [BETSY bows as WASHINGTON exits. The soldiers file out. BETSY is left alone.] [SIR JOHN, offstage] Next to my heart it is ever so lonely I'm holding only air [SIR JOHN enters. BETSY turns around and sees him.] While here in my arms it's adorable It's deplorable [BETSY & SIR JOHN] That you were never there