ACT ONE Scene ​Three
"IF I WERE"
Jardin Luxembourg

DANIEL, MANON, and CLARISSE have a picnic on their third secret meeting at Jardin Luxembourg. DANIEL and MANON are falling ln love.

DANIEL & MANON  sing "IF I WERE" ​

DANIEL

If I were a painter
I'd brush a tableau
of you in a garden all dappled with snow
I'd imagine a Renoir or perhaps a Corot
If a painter I only could be

MANON

If I were an archer, and my aim were true
I'd send my heart soaring to be there with you
And my quiver would tremble with kisses for you
If an archer I only could be

DANIEL

If I could write music I'd fashion a song
With chords and arpeggios in words that belong
I would add allegretto and a tender adagio
If a writer I only could be

MANON

If I were a Captain commanding my crew
I'd sail seven oceans bring treasure to you
I would face any danger, any dark angry sea
If a Captain I only could be

TOGETHER

I would face any danger any dark angry sea
If I knew you would be there with me