from Act II, Scene 1 of the English opera The Rake's Progress by Igor Stravinsky

Libretto: W.H. Auden

Role: Nick Shadow, a mysterious fellow who is actually a minion of Hell

Voice Part: baritone       Fach: dramatic baritone

Setting: the morning room of Tom's London house, England, 18th century

Synopsis: Tom wishes that he was happy. At that instant, Nick appears, carrying a picture of the bearded lady at the fair named Baba the Turk and urges Tom to marry her. When Tom asks why he would ever want to marry such a horrendous creature, Nick replies that Tom is driven by the pursuit of beauty. By marrying an ugly woman, Tom is sure to break free from the chains of desire that bind most of mankind. Only then will Tom be able to experience true freedom and happiness.