Paulo Lowndes Marques was, since the establishment of the Association of the Friends of Monserrate, one of its main figures. His knowledge and legal expertise, his good sense and humour, manifested during the exercise of the function of President of the General Assembly, will always be remembered by his friends and by the Friends of Monserrate. By precisely revisiting his knowledge and his humour, keeping him present in the life of the Association, we will regularly publish some of the quotations, poems and stories which he collected and which he included in the yearly edition of “Um sapatinho de Natal”, book he presented his friends on the occasion of the Christmas holidays.

This Broadway song of the 50s, extracted from the 2008 edition, appeared together with a comment on its appropriateness for the global financial crisis of that period. In the midst of the euro crisis, it maintains its complete actuality.

"The bells are ringing"

The party's over, it's time to call it a day.

They've burst your pretty balloon and taken the moon away.

It's time to wind up the masquerade.

Just make your mind up, the piper must be paid.

The party's over, the candles flicker and dim.

You danced and dreamed through the night,

It seemed right just being with him.

Now you must wake up, all dreams must end.

Take off your make up, the party's over,

It's all over, my friend.