Act I

Overture

Scene One: - The House of Emmaretta in London, a well respected establishment, not too expensive, but still selective as to the type of clients that are encouraged. Emmaretta decides to instigate a ‘reconnaissance mission’ to the surrounding taverns, as business is slow for the time of year. Halia and Sophonisba emerge from their respective boudoirs, the air thick with perfume and powder.

Emmaretta - When shall we three meet again?

Halia - When should we from our joys refrain?

Sophonisba - When shall we be free from pain…

All - …if all of our pleasures rely on men?

Emmaretta - Where shall we our evening spend?

Halia - Where should we choose our ways to wend?

Sophonisba - How should we make our cares to mend…

All - …if all of our pleasures rely on men?

Emmaretta - Who shall treasure all of our virtues lent?

Halia - Who shall merit all the time that we’ve spent?

Sophonisba - Who shall help us pay our monthly rent…

All - …if all of our pleasures rely on men?

Emmaretta - Halia! It is time that we were gone,

For so does the eveningtide move on.

Halia - Emmaretta, I am ready now to go

And Sophonisba seems to be prepared also.

Sophonisba - But wait, Emmaretta; hold still cousin Halia -

We cannot leave without dear Carronvalia.

She may not have the wealth that we have to burn,

But we must wait until she does return.

Her soul inspires all hearts to live.

Her beauty shines in all she knows.

Her love is all that she can give,

Yet people smile where’er she goes.

In joy of kissing, men obey;

In fear of losing, some dismay.

In friendship’s blessing, we are glad

To share the times that we have had.

Halia - Her clients never pay her rent

And so on fin’ry all is spent,

Yet she’s the first one to complain

If we’re untidy or too vain.

In joy of spending, she has fun;

In fear of debts, she is undone.

In friendship’s blessing, we are mad

To share the times that we have had.

Emmaretta - Her time is wasted, deep in drink -

It never leaves her time to think.

Though one small gin goes to her head,

She is the last to go to bed.

In joy of drink, she keeps awake,

In fear for her sobriety’s sake.

In friendship’s blessing, we are sad

To share the times that we have had.

Carronvalia - So that is what you think of me?

There’s more than greed or drink to me.

Go out without me, I don’t care;

At least you’ve made me more aware.

Halia - Come, Emmaretta, let’s begone…

Emmaretta - …and leave the misery on her own.

Sophonisba - I think I’ll spend the night at home.

Carronvalia - Why don’t you all just leave me alone?

Scene Two : - Carronvalia’s bedroom. Carronvalia sits upon the bed, surrounded by dolls, toy animals and boxes of chocolates given her by admirers. Her wardrobe is bursting with expensive dresses and the shelves are filled with souvenirs, more toys and other such trinkets. It becomes obvious to the casual observer that whilst she has received many gifts, Carronvalia has very little of value. In her hand she clutches a small book which she waves at Sophonisba upon her arrival in her room.

Carronvalia - I shall show them who I am,

For, today, I met a man;

He gave me this book I hold,

In payment for my favours sold.

Within lies the secret key

To win the Natioanal Lottery.

A magic code provides the clues

To which numbers I should choose.

Sophonisba - Don’t mess with such dang’rous things -

Remember what ill luck it brings,

Like when you cast a spell on one,

But won the love of everyone.

If you play with this, I fear

Evil forces may appear.

So say your prayers and go to bed -

Remove this scheme from your head.

Carronvalia - The book was own’d by a lass

Who, like me, was short of cash.

When she had turn’d twentinine,

It seem’d that things would turn out fine.

She won over fifty pounds,

But then the people had her drown’d.

But nowadays, such fates are miss’d -

Witchcraft no longer exists.

Don’t worry, Sophonisba, I shall not raise the dead.

Sophonisba - I think that the main problem is chiefly in your head.

Could you not take more trouble and work to pay your debts

Instead of risking all on ‘magic bets’?

Carronvalia - I shall not ply my magic here,

But wait until Christmas is near;

Then shall I win my money due,

Clear all my debts and start my life anew.