Title

Two Cousins

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1859

Comments

The Two Cousins
C.W.Glover

One of sixty-eight pieces bound in “The Shower of Pearls : A collection of the most beautiful duets, for two sopranos, soprano and alto, soprano and tenor, soprano and bass, and tenor and bass, arranged with an accompaniment for the piano-forte.”

Boston. Published by Oliver Ditson & Co. 277 Washington Street

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

Jane and Kate verse 1
Well! It was, after all, a most exquisite ball,
The music, the dancing, the whole how divine;
I could waltz day and night in a whirl of delight,
If partners were all like that last one of mine,
If partners were all like that last one of mine.

Jane and Kate verse 2
Well! It was, after all, a most fortunate ball,
The music, the dancing, the whole how diving;
Yes, we both with delight may look back on tongith,
As we've both "turned the tables," let neither repine,
As we've both "turned the tables," let neither repine.

Jane. Gravely.
One word, my giddy cousin, but now mind, and don't be hurt,
You really should be careful, dear, you're growing quite a flirt.
You encouraged every coxcomb that you danced with thro' the night,
To say all sorts of silly things - you know it is not right,
To say all sorts of silly things - you know it is not right.

Kate. With nonchalance.
Of course, my usual lecture, Coz, or it would not be you,
I'll wager I could tell who did their share of flirting too;
I would not for the world one word to hurt your feelings say,
But coz, dear, did not you indulge? just in a quiet way?

Jane. Angrily.
You don't meant to insinuate!

Kate. Archly.
O dear, no! not at all;
I only mean to say it was a very pleasant ball.

Jane. Tartly.
Kate, it's notorious, Really I'm shocked at the flirtings I've seen;
Kate you know well enough- Somebody blushes - why what can she mean?
Somebody blushes - why, what can she mean?

Kate. Coxingly.
Don't be so censorious, So could some others at what they have seen;
Some folks could tell enough - Somebody blushes - she know what I mean!
Somebody blushes - she knows what I mean!

Kate. Archly.
When people take to balconies because the rooms are warm,
And lingering, let the dance go by, and still keep arm in arm,
When gentlemen with dark moustache will not let go your hand,
When ladies turn their heads away - ahem! you understand.

Jane
What! cousin; playing eavesdropper! O, I should be ashamed-

Kate
If people wont be more discreet, the hearers can't be blamed.

Jane
Were you out in that balcony?

Kate
Not quite, but pray were you?

Jane
Why yes, I was-

Kate
And leaning on the arm of I know who.

Jane
You saw and heard?

Kate
I saw and heard-

Jane
Well, never mind the rest,
Since you have learnt my secret, coz, why- keep it in your breast.

Kate
Coz, I'll do more; I'll my flirting give o'er,
And be a good girl for the rest of my life;
And perhaps it may chance that at some future dance,
I may make up my mind to be somebody's wife.

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