the cricket plays her old guitar

to be and not to seem that's the true end
our anger and our joy must be held down
the foulest one may turn out our fair friend

we aren't allowed to posture nor pretend
speak in the country as we do in town
to be and not to seem that's the true end

whatever we understand we must defend
the hero has the same rights as the clown
the foulest one may turn out our fair friend

it never matters what any might intend
we show a smile we also show a frown
to be and not to seem that's the true end

we're told to borrow and we're told to lend
the judge's robe becomes the scholar's gown
the foulest one may turn out our fair friend

what we receive will not be what we send
the workman's cap will not become a crown
to be and not to seem that's the true end
the foulest one may turn out our fair friend