The Abduction from the Seraglio, K. 384, Act II: Tra-la-le-ra, Tra-la-le-ra (Osmin, Belmonte)

Lyrics: Joan Cross/Anne Wood/Gottlieb Stephanie/Hugh Mills Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Osmin is sitting on a garden divan, with a low table in front of him laden with fruit and sweetmeats. Blonda stands fanning him.) OSMIN: Tra-la-le-ra. Tra-la-le-ra. Why are these grapes not cooled? Why have you not peeled them? BLONDA: You! Will you never stop grumbling and bullying? OSMIN: Ha, ha, ha! BLONDA: Oh! Leave me alone! OSMIN: I’ll do what I like. BLONDA: Not with me, you won’t. OSMIN: You seem to forget that you’re in Turkey now and I’m your master. BLONDA: Oh, nonsense! OSMIN: But it isn’t nonsense – the Pasha gave you to me! BLONDA (withering): ‘Gave’ me to you? What do you think I am? A box of Turkish Delight? OSMIN: He gave you to me. Don’t you understand? You’re my slave! BLONDA: Well, you’d better not treat me like one. You’ll get nothing out of me by barking commands.