DR. VOLTAIRE. After the earthquake which destroyed three-quarters of Lisbon, the Holy Inquisition discovered an infallible remedy for preventing such disasters in future. And the remedy? To purge the city of its heretics in a splendid auto da fe for the Glory of God and the edification of the general public.
(As he speaks, on the large uncurtained stage, we see the public square in Lisbon. There is a raised dais for the Grand Inquisitor and his attendant judges. A gibbet and a whipping post. Two heretics in tall penitente hoods, kneel before the dais. The populace is excitedly milling around and singing:)
(As he speaks, on the large uncurtained stage, we see the public square in Lisbon. There is a raised dais for the Grand Inquisitor and his attendant judges. A gibbet and a whipping post. Two heretics in tall penitente hoods, kneel before the dais. The populace is excitedly milling around and singing:)
| ONE GROUP. What a day, what a day, For an autodafe! What a sunny summer sky! What a day, what a day, For an autodafe! It's a lovely day for drinking And for watching people die! What a perfect day to be a money lender! Or a tradesman, or a merchant or a vendor! At a good exciting lynching People stop their penny pinching And the tightest fellow turns into a spender! | SECOND GROUP. What a day, what a day, For an autodafe! What a lovely day to die! Tourist trade, tourist trade, Will be coning our way! It’s a bonnie day for business, Better raise the prices high! For an inquisition day this is a wonder! Not a raindrop, not a cloud or sound of thunder! So we’ll gaily get polluted Watching sinners executed! It’s a perfect bit of weather to get under! |
(Voltaire e Lisboa - Candide)
