Better than the method old, Which was coarse and cruel, Is the plan that we've extolled. Sing thy virtues manifold (Better than refined gold), Statutory Duel! Sing song! Sing song! Sword or pistol neither uses— Playing card he lightly chooses, And the loser simply loses! Ha! ha! ha! ha! simply loses. Sing song! Sing song! Some prefer the churchyard mould! Strange the views some people hold! NOT. (offering a card to ERNEST). Now take a card and gaily sing How little you care for Fortune's rubs— ERN. (drawing a card). Hurrah, hurrah!—I've drawn a King: ALL. He's drawn a King! He's drawn a King! Sing Hearts and Diamonds, Spades and Clubs! ALL (dancing). He's drawn a King! How strange a thing! An excellent card—his chance it aids— Sing Hearts and Diamonds, Spades and Clubs— Sing Diamonds, Hearts and Clubs and Spades! NOT. (to LUDWIG). Now take a card with heart of grace— (Whatever our fate, let's play our parts). LUD. (drawing card). Hurrah, hurrah!—I've drawn an Ace! ALL. He's drawn an Ace! He's drawn an Ace! Sing Clubs and Diamonds, Spades and Hearts! ALL (dancing). He's drawn an Ace! Observe his face— Such very good fortune falls to few— Sing Clubs and Diamonds, Spades and Hearts— Sing Clubs, Spades, Hearts and Diamonds too! NOT. That both these maids may keep their troth, And never misfortune them befall, I'll hold 'em as trustee for both— ALL. He'll hold 'em both! He'll hold 'em both! Sing Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades and all! ALL (dancing). By joint decree As {our/your} trustee This Notary {we/you} will now instal— In custody let him keep {their/our} hearts, Sing Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades and all! [Dance and exeunt LUDWIG, ERNEST, and NOTARY with the two Girls. March. Enter the seven Chamberlains of the GRAND DUKE RUDOLPH. CHORUS OF CHAMBERLAINS. The good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig, Though, in his own opinion, very very big, In point of fact he's nothing but a miserable prig Is the good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig! Though quite contemptible, as every one agrees, We must dissemble if we want our bread and cheese, So hail him in a chorus, with enthusiasm big, The good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig!