The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #20774 Message #1015477
Posted By: Rara Avis
09-Sep-03 - 11:05 AM
Thread Name: How many fallen women does it take? (songs)
Subject: Lyr Add: THE RUINED MAID (Thomas Hardy)
The monologue mentioned in the post by MAG (inactive) 26 Apr 00 "that's how we're ruined..." can be found on the Elsa Lancaster Sings Bawdy Cockney CD. The monologue was based on this poem, which points out certain advantages to being a fallen woman:
THE RUINED MAID (1866) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
" 'Melia, my dear, this does everything crown! Who could have supposed I should meet you in Town? And whence such fair garments, such prosperi-ty?" "O didn't you know I'd been ruined?" said she.
"You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks, Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks; And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three!" "Yes: that's how we dress when we're ruined," said she.
"At home in the barton you said `thee' and `thou,' And `thik oon,' and `theƤs oon,' and `t'other'; but now Your talking quite fits 'ee for high compa-ny!" "Some polish is gained with one's ruin," said she.
"Your hands were like paws then, your face blue and bleak But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek, And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy!" "We never do work when we're ruined," said she.
"You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream, And you'd sigh, and you'd sock; but at present you seem To know not of megrims or melancho-ly!" "True. One's pretty lively when ruined," said she.
"I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown, And a delicate face, and could strut about Town!" "My dear -- a raw country girl, such as you be, Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined," said she.