from Act II, Scene 3 of the English opera The Rake's Progress by Igor Stravinsky

Libretto: W.H. Auden

Role: Baba the Turk, a bearded lady

Voice Part: mezzo-soprano       Fach: dramatic mezzo

Setting: the morning room of Tom's London house which is filled with statues, stuffed animals and other knick-knacks, England, 18th century

Synopsis: Baba the Turk and Tom have married, although Tom isn't too happy about it. He has only married her because he was trying to free himself from the bonds of love. They sit at breakfast and Baba babbles on and on about her collection of knick-knacks that have been given to her from various places around the globe. She doesn't notice until the end that Tom isn't really listening to her.