from Scene VI of the English opera The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian-Carlo Menotti

Libretto: Gian-Carlo Menotti

Role: Laetitia, Miss Todd's maid

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: lyric soprano

Setting: The Kitchen of Miss Todd's house, 20th century

Synopsis: Miss Todd and Laetitia believe that their guest, Bob, is an escaped thief from a nearby prison. They want to get rid of him but don't know how without danger to themselves. So they decide to put out money for him to take and, eventually, they believe he will leave their house or he will be caught taking the money and they will be rid of him. After a week, though, Laetitia declares that he has taken all the money but he hasn't left. She also says what she really wants : to go away with Bob and begin to live life before she grows old.