Les Trois Valses Distinguées du Précieux Dégoûté
No. 1 - Sa Taille
by Erik Satie

Note: This text is not part of the performance. It merely appears on the music. The story below it is written slowly over the course of the tune, each line coming with every change in the music. For English translations, see below.

I. Sa Taille

à Roland MANUEL

Ceux qui nuisent à réputation ou à la fortune des autres, plutôt que de perdre un bon mot, méritent une peine infamante.

Cela n'a pas été dit, et je l'ose dire.

(La BRUYERE: "Les Caractères" ou Les mœurs de ce siècle, d'après l'édition de M.M. G. SERVOIS et A. REBELLIAU)



Il se regarde.

Il fredonne un air du XVe siècle.

Puis, il s'adresse un compliment tout rempli de mesure.

Qui osera dire qu'il n'est pas le plus beau?

Son cœur n'est-il pas tendre?

Il se prend par la taille.

C'est pour lui un ravissement.

Que dira la jolie marquise?

Elle luttera, mais sera vaincue.

Oui, madame.

N'est-ce pas écrit?

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Three Distinguished Waltzes of a Jaded Dandy

1. His Figure

to Roland Manuel

Those wits who would harm the reputation or the well-being of others rather than forego a bon mot deserve a degrading punishment.

This has not been said, and I dare to say it.

(La Bruyere: "Les Caractères" or The Mores Of This Century, after the edition of Messrs. G. Servois and A. Rebelliau)



He looks himself over.

He hums a 15th-century tune.

Then he bestows upon himself a restrained compliment.

Who would dare to say that he is not the most handsome?

Is his heart not tender?

He places his hands on his hips.

He is delighted with himself.

What will the pretty marquise say?

She'll fight, but she'll be conquered.

Yes, madame.

Is it not written?