A Little Gossip

Your Reverence, could I talk to him?
I'm afraid he won't hear you
(moving toward the bed)
Then, I won't say much
And no mention of knight-errantry!

Of course not. Does one speak of the rope
In the house of the hanged?
Just a few words... To lighten his heart.

A little gossip... A little chat
A tittle idle talk of this and that
I'll tell him all the troubles I have had
And since he doesn't hear
At least he won't feel bad.

(to Don Quixote)
When I first got home my wife Teresa beat me
But the blows fell very lightly on my back
She kept missing ev'ry other stroke
And crying from the heart
That while I was gone
She'd gone and lost the knack!

Of course, I hit her back, Your Grace
But she's a lot harder than I am
And you know what they say...
"Whether the stone hits the pitcher
Or the pitcher hits the stone
It's going to be bad for the pitcher"
So i've got bruises from here to.

(to the Padre)
A little gossip... A little chat
A little idle talk of this and that
If no one listens
Then it's just as well
At least I won't get caught in any lies I tell!

(to Don Quixote)
Oh, I haven't fought a windmill in a fortnight
And the humble joys get duller ev'ry day
Why, when I'm asleep a dragon
With his fiery tongue a-waggin'
Whispers, "Sancho
Won't you please come out and play?"