Things are Seldom What They Seem
Gilbert and Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore Lyrics
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Things are seldom what they seem,
Skim milk masquerades as cream;
Highlows pass as patent leathers;
Jackdaws strut in peacock's feathers.
Captain. (puzzled)
Very true,
Buttercup.
Black sheep dwell in every fold;
All that glitters is not gold;
Storks turn out to be but logs;
Bulls are but inflated frogs.
Captain. (puzzled)
So they be,
Frequentlee.
Buttercup.
Drops the wind and stops the mill;
Turbot is ambitious brill;
Gild the farthing if you will,
Yet it is a farthing still.
Captain. (puzzled)
Yes, I know.
That is so.
Though to catch your drift I'm striving,
It is shady — it is shady;
I don't see at what you're driving,
Mystic lady — mystic lady.
Both. (aside)
Stern conviction's o'er me/him stealing,
That the mystic lady's dealing
In oracular revealing.
Captain.
Yes, I know —
Buttercup.
That is so!
Captain.
Though I'm anything but clever,
I could talk like that for ever:
Once a cat was killed by care,
Only brave deserve the fair.
Buttercup.
Very true,
So they do.
Captain.
Wink is often good as nod;
Spoils the child who spares the rod;
Thirsty lambs run foxy dangers;
Dogs are found in many mangers.
Buttercup.
Frequentlee,
I agree.
Captain.
Paw of cat the chestnut snatches;
Worn-out garments show new patches;
Only count the chick that hatches;
Men are grown-up catchy-catchies.
Buttercup.
Yes, I know,
That is so.
(aside)Though to catch my drift he's striving,
I'll dissemble — I'll dissemble;
When he sees at what I'm driving,
Let him tremble — let him tremble!
Both.
Tho' a mystic tone I/you borrow,
He will/I shall learn the truth with sorrow;
Here today and gone tomorrow.
Captain.
Yes, I know.
Buttercup.
That is so!
(Exit Little Buttercup.)
DIALOGUE
Captain.
Incomprehensible as her utterances are, I nevertheless feel
that they are dictated by a sincere regard for me. But to what
new misery is she referring? Time alone can tell!
(Enter Sir Joseph.)
Sir Joseph.
Captain Corcoran, I am much disappointed with your daughter.
In fact, I don't think she will do.
Captain.
She won't do, Sir Joseph!
Sir Joseph.
I'm afraid not. The fact is, that although I have urged my suit
with as much eloquence as is consistent with an official utterance,
I have done so hitherto without success. How do you account for this?
Captain.
Really, Sir Joseph, I hardly know. Josephine is of course sensible of
your condescension.
Sir Joseph.
She naturally would be.
Captain.
But perhaps your exalted rank dazzles her.
Sir Joseph.
You think it does?
Captain.
I can hardly say; but she is a modest girl, and her social position
is far below your own. It may be that she feels she is not worthy of you.
Sir Joseph.
That is really a very sensible suggestion, and displays more knowledge
of human nature than I had given you credit for.
Captain.
See, she comes. If your lordship would kindly reason with her and
assure her officially that it is a standing rule at the Admiralty that
love levels all ranks, her respect for an official utterance might
induce her to look upon your offer in its proper light.
Sir Joseph.
It is not unlikely. I will adopt your suggestion. But soft, she is here.
Let us withdraw, and watch our opportunity.
In the lyrics of "Things are seldom what they seem" from Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore, Buttercup sings about the deceptive nature of appearances and the hidden truths behind them. She starts by pointing out examples like skim milk pretending to be cream and highlows passing as patent leathers, emphasizing that things may not always be as they appear at first glance. The Captain acknowledges this observation but is puzzled by it, indicating his initial confusion.
Buttercup continues with more examples, such as black sheep among the flock and the idea that not everything that glitters is gold. She talks about how storks may turn out to be logs and how bulls can be inflated frogs, further illustrating the theme of things being deceptive on the surface. The Captain, still puzzled, agrees with her, showing his slow understanding of her cryptic messages.
The conversation between Buttercup and the Captain takes a humorous and nonsensical turn as they discuss various sayings and proverbs that reflect the idea of things not always being what they seem. They exchange witty remarks and contradictions, showcasing a playful banter between them. The Captain tries to follow Buttercup's train of thought but struggles to fully grasp her mysterious language, adding to the comic effect of the scene.
As the dialogue progresses, both characters acknowledge the obscure and enigmatic nature of their exchange, with the Captain admitting his confusion and Buttercup maintaining a mysterious tone. They both seem to enjoy the wordplay and riddles, even as they recognize the deeper meaning behind their words. The scene ends with them both affirming the truth in their cryptic communication, leaving an air of intrigue and amusement lingering between them.
Overall, the lyrics of "Things are seldom what they seem" capture a whimsical and clever exchange between Buttercup and the Captain, highlighting the theme of deception and hidden truths in an entertaining and light-hearted manner. The playful wordplay and cryptic messages add depth to the characters' interactions and contribute to the comedic charm of the song.
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