How Can I Refuse?

Lyrics

[PREMINGER] I've been bowing, I've been scraping I've been lying like a rug And for ten long years I've had to pay my dues But today I am escaping For the last gold has been dug It was waiting there, so how could I refuse? I'm returning home a hero Who's discovered mighty wealth And what better husband could a princess choose? I'm the suitor who will suit her Bring the kingdom back to health And I'll wear the crown, for how could I refuse? Raise every glass and rouse every cheer Praise that the reign of Preminger is here Master in charge of all that I see All hail me! And by marrying the princess I get all that I desire Like a moat, an ermine coat and palace views Even though she treats me coldly It's a sign of inner fire For inside, she's thinking, "How can I refuse?" [NACK, spoken] Right, except for this one little problem, boss [PREMINGER, spoken] Prince Boss to you! [NACK, spoken] Right, the queen decided to marry her off to the king of Dulcinea next week [PREMINGER, spoken] What? Making a decision without me? Who does she think she is? [NICK, spoken] Uh, the Queen? [PREMINGER, spoken] You, simpering simpleton! [NICK, spoken] Well, she is the Queen She's got a crown and a scepter and sits in her big fancy chair and always— [PREMINGER, spoken] Silencio! (sung) No! I won't let go! This peasant's son won't turn and run because some reckless royal chose another beau Ah! It's a temporary setback It's a momentary lapse But conveniently my ego doesn't bruise And the moment that I get back I will show them who's the boss You can bet your bullion there'll be no "I do's" Yes, suppose the girl goes missing So the king says "Au revoir" Then I find her, bring her back and make the news Then the queen will be so grateful That she'll pledge the heir to moi And I'll humbly tell her, "How can I refuse?" [NICK, spoken] Yeah [PREMINGER] When our ceremony's over I'll arise and take the throne And that nitwit Anneliese can kiss my shoes For the kingdom and the castle Will be mine and mine alone If the crown should fit, then how can I refuse? [All, PREMINGER, NACK & NICK] So get ready with the roses And stand by with the champagne When you've got a brilliant plan, you never lose Yes, before this chapter closes I'll (He'll) be big as Charlemagne It's a thankless job, but how can I (he) refuse? How can I (he) refuse? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!