Peter Grimes (1945)

Peter: They listen to money,
These Borough gossips.
I have my visions,
Fiery visions.
They call me dreamer,
They scoff at my dreams
And my ambition,
But I know a way
To answer the Borough;
I'll win them over.

Balstrode: With the new prentice?

Peter: We'll sail together.
These Borough gossips
Listen to money
Only to money:
I'll fish the sea dry,
Sell the good catches -
That wealthy merchant
Grimes will set up
Household and shop.
You will all see it!
I'll marry Ellen!

Balstrode: Man  -  go and ask her.
Without your booty,
She'll have you now.

Peter: No  -  not for pity!...

Balstrode: Then the old tragedy
Is in store:
New start with new prentice
Just as before.

Peter: What Peter Grimes decides
Is his affair.

Balstrode: You fool, man, fool!

Peter: Are you my conscience?

Balstrode: Might as well
Try shout the wind down as to tell
The obvious truth.

Peter: Take your advice  -
Put it where your money is.

Balstrode: The storm is here. O come away.

Peter: The storm is here and I shall stay.
What harbour shelters peace,
Away from tidal waves, away from storms?
What harbour can embrace
Terrors and tragedies?