Music: Gian Carlo Menotti
"Where, oh, where
Is my new golden spindle and thread?
If I don't bring them home
The King will strike me dead!"
Thus spoke the weeping queen to the gnome.
"Where, oh, where is my spindle and thread?"
Oh! Toby, you foolish boy'
Baba will soon be home and nothing, nothing is ready!
Besides, you know she'll beat you
If you touch her things.
"Queen, fair queen,
If you give me the crown on your head,
I'll tell you where I have seen
Your golden spindle and thread."
Thus spoke the wicked gnome.
Oh! Toby, how handsome you are!
Behold the King of Babylon
On his purple throne!
I shall be your servant,
I shall be your princess,
I shall be your foreign bride
Come from distant northern seas.
How d'you do, my master,
How d'you do, my King,
How d'you do, my love?
Ah! Toby, if you only could speak'