Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquillity)

We wish, no must, make our disgust

At this abuse perfectly clear.

We're here for chess -- are the U.S.?

If so, why foul the atmosphere?

I must protest -

Our delegation has a host of valid points to raise,

Our player's sporting attitude's beyond all praise,

As any neutral would attest

But we concede the fact his masters bend the rules is not a player's fault

We'll overlook their crude political assault

And under protest will proceed

If your man's so sweet

Then why his fighting talk?

If he's not a cheat

Then why on earth

Did he go take a walk?

Why let him loose?

He'll soon reduce

This great event

To a brawl

It's very sad

To see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be

A model of decorum and tranquillity

Become like any other sport

A battleground for rival ideologies

To slug it out with glee

Through the elegant yelling

Of this compelling dispute

Comes the ghastly suspicion

My opposition's a fruit

I don't suppose

You'd understand the strain and pressure

Getting where he's got

For then you'd simply call him

Highly strung and not

Imply that he was one of those

It seems to us

There's little point in waiting here all night for his return

And since a peaceful match is our sole concern

We won't make an official fuss

In short we rise

Above your guy's

Tantrums, dramas,

Dirty tricks

I can only say

I hope your dream comes true

Till that far-off day

I hope you cope

With helping number two.

It's very sad

To see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be

A model of decorum and tranquillity

Become like any other sport

A battleground for rival ideologies

To slug it out with glee