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Tamino - tenor Papageno - baritone Pamina - soprano The Queen of the Night - coloratura soprano Sarastro - bass Three ladies - 2 sopranos, mezzo-soprano Monostatos - tenor Three boys - treble, alto, mezzo-soprano Speaker of the temple - bass-baritone Three priests - tenor, 2 basses Papagena - soprano Two armoured men - tenor, bass Three slaves - 2 tenors, bass Priests, women, people, slaves, chorus Overture The scene is a rocky area, here and there overgrown with trees, on both sides are smallish hills; there is also a round temple. (Tamino descends from a rock to the right, in splendid Japanese hunting-costume, carrying a bow but no arrows; a serpent pursues him.) No.1: Introduction TAMINO Help me! oh, help me! or I am lost, condemned as sacrifice to the cunning serpent – Merciful gods! It’s coming closer! Ah! save me, ah! defend me! (He faints; immediately the door to the temple opens; three veiled ladies come out, each carrying a silver spear.) THE THREE LADIES Die, monster, by our power! Victory! Victory! Accomplished is the heroic deed! He is free, thanks to our bravery. FIRST LADY (observing him) A pleasing youth, gentle and fair! SECOND LADY The fairest I have ever seen. THIRD LADY Yes, that’s true, pretty as a picture. ALL THREE If I ever gave my heart away, it could be to none but this youth. Let us hasten to our Queen and report this news to her. Perhaps this handsome man can restore her peace of mind. FIRST LADY You go and tell her, then; meanwhile, I’ll stay here. – SECOND LADY No, no, you go ahead; I’ll keep watch over him! THIRD LADY No, no, that may not be; I’ll protect him! FIRST LADY Meanwhile, I’ll stay here... SECOND LADY I’ll keep watch over him... THIRD LADY I’ll protect him myself... FIRST LADY ...I’ll stay... SECOND LADY ...I’ll keep watch... THIRD LADY ...I’ll protect him... FIRST LADY ...I! SECOND LADY ...I! THIRD LADY ...I! ALL THREE (each to herself) Then I must go! Aha, very nice! They want to be alone with him. No, no, that’s out of the question! What would I not give to live with this youth! If only I had him to myself! Still no one goes; it is not to be. I had better go. O youth so fair and loveable, O faithful youth, farewell until I see thee again. (The Ladies depart. Tamino comes to, and sees the dead serpent at his feet; but hearing someone else approach, he hides. Enter Papageno, dressed in a coat of feathers, bearing large bird cage on his back and carrying a panpipe.) No.2: Aria PAPAGENO The birdcatcher am I – and always merry, tra la la! As the birdcatcher I am known by old and young throughout the land. I know how to set decoys and whistle just like my prey! So merry and carefree can I be, knowing all the birds belong to me. The birdcatcher am I – and always merry, tra la la! As the birdcatcher I am known by old and young throughout the land. I wish I had a trap for girls – I’d catch them by the dozen then. I’d keep them in a cage at home, and all the girls would be mine alone. If all the girls were mine alone, some I’d trade for high-grade sugar, then to the one I liked the best I’d give all the sugar she wanted. And if she then kissed me tenderly, she’d be my wife and I her husband. She would sleep beside me and I would rock her like a child. (As Papageno is setting down his bird cage, Tamino steps forward, and learns that Papageno is a simple fellow, whose awareness of the world is confined to his little straw hut and his livelihood – he exchanges the birds he catches for food and drink brought him by three Ladies of the Queen of the Night, whose realm this is. Tamino, on the other hand, is a prince, whose father rules many lands and peoples. Papageno, really terrified at the sight of the dead serpent, pretends to have slain it, until the Ladies enter, masked, to punish him. They give him water instead of wine, a stone instead of sugarloaves, and a lock over his mouth in place of figs. They give Tamino a portrait of the Queen’s beautiful daughter, and promise that happiness can be his if he can love her; they go, followed by Papageno, leaving Tamino alone, gazing at the portrait.) No.3: Aria TAMINO This portrait is bewitching, no eye has ever seen its like before. I feel as if this angelic picture were filling my heart with a new emotion. This something I cannot name, but I feel it burning here. Can this sensation be love? Yes, yes! This can only be love. Oh, if only I might find her! If only she stood before me! I would – would warmly – chastely – what would I do? I would, in ecstasy, press her to my ardent heart, and she would be mine forever! (He is about to go when the Ladies return, announcing the arrival of their Queen. She has observed his emotions, and commissions him to rescue her daughter from captivity by Sarastro, High Priest of Isis and Osiris. Darkness; the Queen appears from beneath the mountains amid thunder and lightning.) No.4: Recitative and Aria QUEEN O tremble not, beloved son, you are guiltless, wise and good – A youth such as you can best console this overburdened maternal heart. – I am condemned to grief, for my daughter has been taken from me. With her, all my happiness was lost; a villain abducted her. I can see her trembling with fearful agitation, shaking with fear, feebly struggling. I saw her taken from me. “Ah, help me!” was all she could say – but her appeals were in vain, for my aid was not strong enough. You shall go to set her free, you shall be my daughter’s saviour. And if you succeed, she shall be yours forever. (She disappears amid more rolls of thunder, with her Ladies. The light is restored. Tamino is about to depart when Papageno stops him, pointing sadly to the padlock on his mouth.) No.5: Quintet PAPAGENO (pointing sadly to the padlock on his mouth) Hm! hm! hm! hm! TAMINO The poor fellow can well speak of punishment when it has robbed him of the power of speech! PAPAGENO Hm! hm! hm! hm! TAMINO I can do nothing but sympathise, for I am powerless to help! FIRST LADY The Queen has had mercy on you, and she sent me to release you. – (She takes the padlock from Papageno’s mouth.) PAPAGENO Now Papageno can chatter again! SECOND LADY Chatter yes – but never lie again! PAPAGENO I will never tell another lie, no, never! LADIES Let this lock be a warning to you! PAPAGENO Let that lock be a warning to me! ALL If only every liar had a lock like this upon his mouth: then would hate, calumny and rancour be replaced by love and brotherhood! FIRST LADY O Prince, accept this gift sent to you by our Queen. (gives Tamino a golden flute) This magic flute will protect you even in the gravest misfortune. LADIES This flute will confer great power upon you, to transform the sorrows of mankind; the mourner will become merry, the bachelor a lover. ALL A flute like this is worth more than gold or crowns, for by its power will human joy and contentment be increased. PAPAGENO Now, fair ladies, will you excuse me? If so, I take my leave. LADIES You may certainly depart, but our lady has chosen you to accompany the prince immediately to Sarastro’s castle. PAPAGENO No! I thank you very much. You yourselves have told me that he is as fierce as a tiger. Sarastro, I’m sure, would not hesitate to have me plucked and roasted and thrown to the dogs. LADIES The Prince will protect you, trust him, so then you will be his servant. PAPAGENO (aside) The Prince can go to the devil. I value my life, and now, by my honour, it’s likely he will steal away from me like a thief. – FIRST LADY (gives Papageno a chest of bells) Here, take this treasure, it is yours. PAPAGENO Aha! What can it be? – LADIES There are bells inside it! PAPAGENO And shall I be able to play them? LADIES Oh, certainly! yes, certainly! ALL Silver bells and magic flute are needed for your/our protection! Farewell! We must leave now! Farewell! – till we meet again. (All turn to go.) TAMINO But tell me, fair ladies... PAPAGENO ...how shall we find the citadel? TAMINO and PAPAGENO ...how shall we find the citadel? LADIES Three boys, young, fair, gentle and wise, will appear to you on your journey. They will be your guides; follow their counsel and theirs alone. TAMINO and PAPAGENO Three boys, young, fair, gentle and wise, will appear to us on our journey? – LADIES They will be your guides; follow their counsel and theirs alone. TAMINO and PAPAGENO So farewell! we must leave now; farewell, farewell, until we meet again! ALL So farewell! we must leave now; farewell, farewell, until we meet again! (Change of scene: a splendid chamber in the Egyptian style.) (Two slaves carry in beautiful cushions and an elaborate Turkish table and spread carpets upon the floor. Monostatos enters, followed by Pamina who is led by slaves.) No.6: Terzetto MONOSTATOS My fine little dove, step inside. PAMINA Oh, what suffering! What pain! MONOSTATOS You are doomed to die. PAMINA Death does not frighten me, I only worry about my mother; she will surely die of grief. MONOSTATOS Hey, slaves, bind her in chains; my hate will be your ruination! (Pamina is put in chains.) PAMINA O let me rather die, for nothing will move you, you barbarian. (She falls unconscious on the sofa.) MONOSTATOS Get out, now, get out! Leave me alone with her. (The slaves hurry away. Papageno outside at the window, without at first being seen.) PAPAGENO Where am I? Wherever am I? Aha! someone’s there. Courage! I’ll go in. (He enters.) Pretty maiden, young and fair, whiter than chalk... (Papageno and Monostatos see one another – each frightens the other.) PAPAGENO and MONOSTATOS Oo! – – that must be – the devil himself! Have pity – spare me – Oo – Oo – (They flee in opposite directions. As Pamina regains consciousness, Papageno returns and identifies her. He tells her that a handsome prince loves her and is being sent by her mother to the rescue. The delighted Pamina commiserates with the bird-catcher, who has not yet found a wife to love him.) No.7: Duet PAMINA A man who can feel love must have a good heart. PAPAGENO To share the sweet emotion is woman’s foremost duty. BOTH Gladly we rejoice in love and live by love alone. PAMINA Love sweetens every trouble; all creatures sacrifice to her. PAPAGENO She seasons our daily lives and helps Nature’s wheels go round. BOTH Her higher purpose is our guide, and nothing is nobler than Wife and Man. Man and Wife, and Wife and Man, attain divinity. (They both leave.) (The scene changes to a grove. Right at the back of the stage is a beautiful temple, upon which are inscribed these words: “Temple of Wisdom”; this temple leads via pillars to two other temples, the one on the right bearing the inscription “Temple of Reason”, the one on the left “Temple of Nature”.) (Three boys lead in Tamino, each bearing a silver palm frond.) No.8: Finale THE THREE BOYS This path will lead you to your goal, but, youth, you must strive like a man. So give heed to our teaching: be steadfast, patient and discreet! – TAMINO Gracious boys, tell me first: shall I be able to rescue Pamina? – THE BOYS That we may not divulge. Be steadfast, patient, and discreet; remember this; in short, be a man. – Then, youth, you will strive manfully. (They leave.) TAMINO May the wise teaching of these boys be engraved forever upon my heart. Where am I now? – What will happen to me? Is this the domain of the gods? – These portals, these columns prove that skill, industry and art reside here. Where action rules and idleness is banned, vice cannot easily retain control. I will pass boldly through that portal; my task is noble, straightforward and pure. Tremble, cowardly villain! My duty is to save Pamina! (He goes to the door on the right and opens it; as he is about to enter, a distant voice is heard.) FIRST VOICE Go back! TAMINO Go back? go back? – then I will try my luck here. (He goes to the door on the left.) SECOND VOICE (from within) Go back! TAMINO Here too they say “go back”? (He looks around.) One door still remains. Perhaps I may enter there. (He knocks; an old priest appears.) SPEAKER Where would you enter, bold stranger? What do you seek in this holy place? – TAMINO Whatever belongs to Love and Virtue. SPEAKER Your words are lofty – but how do you expect to find these? You are not guided by Love and Virtue but goaded by Death and Vengeance. TAMINO Vengeance only against the villain. SPEAKER You will find no such person among us. TAMINO Does Sarastro rule here? SPEAKER Yes, indeed, Sarastro rules here. TAMINO But not in the Temple of Wisdom? – SPEAKER He rules in the Temple of Wisdom! – TAMINO Then all this is hypocrisy! – SPEAKER Do you wish to go on your way? TAMINO Yes, I shall go, happy and free – never to see your temple! – SPEAKER Explain yourself further; some deceit has misled you! – TAMINO Sarastro resides here, that is quite enough for me! – SPEAKER If you value your life, say so and stay! – Do you hate Sarastro? TAMINO I shall hate him forever! – SPEAKER Give me your reasons then! – TAMINO He is inhuman, a tyrant! – SPEAKER Has what you say been proved? TAMINO By an unhappy woman, oppressed by sorrow and pain! SPEAKER Has a woman so deceived you? – A woman does little, gossips much; you, youth, believe in wagging tongues? – If only Sarastro could reveal to you the purpose of his stratagem. – TAMINO His purpose is all too clear! Did not the robber snatch Pamina pitilessly from her mother’s arms? – SPEAKER Yes, young man, what you say is true! – TAMINO Where is she whom he stole from us? Perhaps she has been already sacrificed? – SPEAKER To tell you this, dear son, is not for me to say at present. – TAMINO Explain your riddle, don’t deceive me! SPEAKER Oath and duty bind my tongue! TAMINO When will this darkness be cast aside? – SPEAKER As soon as friendship’s hand has led you into the shrine for everlasting union. (He leaves.) TAMINO O endless night! When will you vanish? When shall my eyes see light? – PRIESTS (from within) Soon, youth, or never! TAMINO Soon, you say, or never? – You unseen voices, tell me: is Pamina still alive? – PRIESTS Pamina is still alive! TAMINO Alive! She is alive! Thank you for that news. (He takes out his flute.) Oh, would that I could thank you for that news. Almighty One, honour thee and show how every note stems (pointing to his heart) from the gratitude in my heart. (He plays. Wild beasts of all kinds come forth and listen to him. He ceases, and they depart. Birds sing to his playing.) How powerful is your magic music, sweet flute, for when you sound even wild beasts feel joy. Yet Pamina stays away. Pamina! Pamina! hear me! – In vain, in vain! – Where, ah, where shall I find you? – (Papageno answers with his pipes.) Ha! That was Papageno’s call! – Perhaps he has already seen Pamina! – Perhaps she is hastening here with him! – Perhaps the sound will lead me to her! (He leaves.) PAMINA and PAPAGENO Swift feet and ready courage protect us from the craft and rage of enemies. If only we could find Tamino, or else we may be captured yet! PAMINA Gentle youth! – PAPAGENO Hush, hush, I have a better way! – (Papageno plays on his pipes; Tamino answers from within on his flute.)p> PAMINA and PAPAGENO What joy could be greater than this? Friend Tamino has already heard us; we heard his flute reply. What happiness to find him. We must hurry, hurry! (are about to enter) MONOSTATOS (mocking them) You must hurry, hurry... Ha! I’ve caught you now! Bring me swords and fetters; just wait, I’ll teach you manners! I’ll teach you to trick Monostatos! – Bring me chains and ropes, hey, you slaves, come here! – PAMINA and PAPAGENO Ah, now we’re done for! MONOSTATOS Hey, you slaves, come here! (Slaves enter with chains.) PAPAGENO He who dares much has much to gain! Come, my pretty set of chimes, let your bells ring out, ring out, so that their ears sing. (He plays upon his instrument.) MONOSTATOS and SLAVES That sounds so pretty, that sounds so fine! La ra la la la la la ra la la la la ra la. Never did I hear and see anything like it! La ra la la la la la ra la la la la ra la. (They exit, marching.) PAMINA and PAPAGENO (laughing) If every good man could find such bells, he could easily dispose of his enemies, and, without them, lead a peaceful life. Only friendship’s harmony eases all hardships, and without this sympathy there is no joy on earth. ATTENDANTS (from within) Long live Sarastro! Sarastro, all hail! – PAPAGENO What can that mean? I’m shivering and shaking! – PAMINA Oh, my friend, now we’re finished! This announces Sarastro’s approach! PAPAGENO If only I were a mouse, how I’d hide myself – if only I were tiny as a snail, I’d creep into my house! – My child, what shall we say? – PAMINA The truth – the truth, even though it be a crime! – (A procession of attendants; Sarastro enters last in a triumphal chariot drawn by six lions.) ATTENDANTS Long live Sarastro, Sarastro all hail! To him we consecrate ourselves with joy! May he always enjoy his sage’s life! – He is the master to whom we are dedicated! PAMINA (kneeling) My lord! I have transgressed! – I wished to escape from your power. – Yet the guilt is not mine! The wicked Moor demanded love, and therefore, my lord, I ran away! – SARASTRO Arise, be of good cheer, beloved one, for even without questioning you I know more from your very own heart: you love another deeply. I will not force your affection, yet I will not grant you freedom either. PAMINA I am bound by filial duty, because my mother – SARASTRO lies in my power. Your happiness would be destroyed forever if I delivered you into her hands. – PAMINA How sweet the name of mother sounds. She is – she is – SARASTRO she is an arrogant woman. – A man must guide your heart, for without that, every woman tends to overstep her natural sphere. MONOSTATOS Now, proud youth, come here! Here is Sarastro, our master! – PAMINA It is he, TAMINO It is she, PAMINA I can hardly believe it, TAMINO it is she, PAMINA it is he. TAMINO I’m not dreaming. PAMINA and TAMINO I shall embrace him/her, even if it means my death! ATTENDANTS What are they thinking of? MONOSTATOS What impertinence! Keep quite apart, you go too far! (He separates them and then kneels.) Your slave lies at your feet: let the rash wanton be punished! Think how bold the boy is! With the help of this strange bird’s cunning, he meant to steal Pamina away, and I alone succeeded in tracking him. You know me! – my vigilance – SARASTRO merits that laurel-leaves be strewn before you! Ho! Give unto the worthy man at once – MONOSTATOS Your favour already makes me rich! – SARASTRO only seventy-seven strokes on his feet. MONOSTATOS Ah, sir! I wasn’t expecting a reward. SARASTRO Do not thank me! It is my duty! (Monostatos is led away.) ATTENDANTS Long live Sarastro, the divinely wise, he rewards and punishes in equal degree. SARASTRO Take these two strangers into our temple of trial; cover their heads – for first they must be purified. (Two priests bring in a kind of sack and cover the heads of the two strangers.) ATTENDANTS If virtue and righteousness pave the Great Path with honour, then earth will be a paradise and mortals resemble gods. The stage is a palm-grove; all the trees are silvery, the leaves of gold. 18 seats of leaves; on each seat there stands a pyramid and a large black horn set with gold. The largest pyramid and the largest trees are in the middle. No.9: March (Sarastro and his Priests enter in stately procession, carrying palm fronds; when they have taken their positions they sound three blasts on their trumpets. Sarastro announces that he has sponsored the initiation of Tamino into their order to strengthen it against the wicked ambitions of the Queen of the Night. The Prince’s virtue will be rewarded with the hand of the Queen’s own daughter, whom Sarastro has taken captive.) No.10: Aria with Chorus SARASTRO O Isis and Osiris, grant the spirit of wisdom to the new-formed couple! Direct the Wanderer’s steps to them, strengthen them with patience when in peril. PRIESTS Strengthen them with patience when in peril. SARASTRO Let them see the benefits of their trial; but if they should succumb, reward their courageous course and admit them to thy dwelling! PRIESTS Admit them to thy dwelling. (Change of scene: Night, in the court before the northern temple.) (Two Priests lead in Tamino and Papageno, still veiled, then remove their veils and go away. Papageno confesses his fears, but Tamino reproaches him for lacking courage. The two Priests return to challenge their intrusion and to test Tamino’s determination to rescue Pamina; his answers prove quite satisfactory. Papageno, if less brave, is encouraged by the promise of a wife; both men must take vows of silence, however, in the presence of their sweethearts.) No.11: Duet TWO PRIESTS Guard yourself from women’s tricks; this is the first duty of our Order. Many a wise man has been deceived, has failed and never seen his error; finding himself at last abandoned, his loyalty repaid with scorn! – In vain were all his efforts: death and despair were his reward. (The Priests leave. All remain in darkness until the three Ladies of the Queen of the Night appear from below, carrying torches.) No.12: Quintet LADIES What? What? Why are you in this frightful place? Never! never! never! will you escape from it alive! Tamino! your doom is sealed! Papageno, all hope for you is lost! PAPAGENO No, no, that is too much. TAMINO Papageno, be quiet! Will you break your vow never to speak with women here? PAPAGENO You heard them; we are done for! TAMINO Quiet, I say – be quiet! PAPAGENO Always quiet! Always quiet! LADIES The Queen is quite close to you, she has entered the temple secretly! – PAPAGENO What’s that? She’s in the Temple? TAMINO Quiet, I say – be quiet! – Are you so presumptuous as to always forget your sworn duty? – LADIES Listen, Tamino, you are lost! Think of the Queen! There are many rumours concerning the wicked ways of these priests! TAMINO (aside) A wise man seeks proof and disregards what the common rabble say. LADIES There are many rumours concerning the wicked ways of these priests! They say that whoever joins their order goes straight to Hell, lock, stock and barrel. PAPAGENO The devil they do! That’s outrageous! Tell me, Tamino, is it true? TAMINO Only idle women’s talk, but invented by deceivers. PAPAGENO Yet the Queen says the same! TAMINO She is a woman, with a woman’s mind! Be quiet, let my word suffice; remember your duty and be prudent. LADIES (to Tamino) Why are you so sharp with us? Papageno is silent too? – Speak! PAPAGENO Gladly I would...indeed – TAMINO Hush! PAPAGENO As you see, I may not! – TAMINO Hush! PAPAGENO I am really ashamed that I cannot give up chattering! TAMINO You should be ashamed that you cannot stop chattering! LADIES We must withdraw in shame, for no one will speak to us. TAMINO and PAPAGENO You must withdraw in shame, for no one will speak to you. ALL A man is strong in spirit; he considers what he may say! INITIATES (from within) The sacred threshold is defiled! Away with the women, to Hell! (thunder, lightning; simultaneous mighty thunder) LADIES Alas! Alas! PAPAGENO Alas! Alas! (The stage darkens; thunder and lightning. The three Ladies drop out of sight, and Papageno falls on the ground. The Priests return to congratulate Tamino on his first trial, and to lead the two men on to their next.) (Change of scene: a garden. ) (Pamina lies sleeping on a couch, shaded by rose bushes. Monostatos is watching her.) No.13: Aria MONOSTATOS Every creature feels the joy of love, and bill and coo and hug and kiss – but I must forego love because a black man is ugly! Have I not been given a heart? Am I not flesh and blood? To live forever without a wife would really be like hellfire. So, because I live, I will bill and coo, kiss, be tender! – Dear, good moon, forgive me: a white skin has seduced me! White is beautiful, I must kiss her: therefore, moon, hide your face from me! – If this upsets you too much, then close your eyes. (He steals forward towards Pamina. Thunder and lightning: the Queen of the Night appears, and Monostatos withdraws to observe her. The Queen offers her daughter a dagger with which she must kill Sarastro.) No.14: Aria QUEEN Hell’s vengeance seethes in my heart; the flames of death and despair engulf me! If Sarastro dies not by your hand, you will be my daughter no more. Forever repudiated, forever abandoned, forever destroyed be all the ties of nature if Sarastro’s blood is not shed by your hand! – Hear, hear, hear me, ye gods of vengeance – hear! – a mother’s vow! – (She disappears; more thunder. Monostatos returns and snatches the dagger from the stunned Pamina. If she will love him, he says, he will save her life. She refuses, and Monostatos is about to stab her when Sarastro appears, stops him and sends him away. The Moor rushes off to join with the Queen of the Night in subverting Sarastro’s order. Pamina begs Sarastro not to punish her mother, but Sarastro replies that he must have his own form of revenge.) No.15: Aria SARASTRO Within these sacred halls revenge has no place! And if a man should fall, Love leads him back to duty. Then, hand in hand with a friend, he goes, content and happy, to a better land. Within these sacred walls, where each man loves his neighbour – no traitor can lurk, for enemies are forgiven. If one delights not in this teaching, he is unworthy of the name of Man. (The stage is transformed into a hall.) (Tamino and Papageno, without veils, are led in by the two priests, commanded to keep silent and then left alone. An ugly old woman – Papagena in disguise – hobbles in and chats with Papageno, telling him that she is eighteen years old and that she has a sweetheart named Papageno. Just as she is about to reveal her name, a loud peal of thunder sends her hobbling off. The three Boys bring in the magic flute and bells.) No.16: Terzetto THE BOYS Welcome for the second time, you mortals, in Sarastro’s realm! – He sends you what was taken from you, your flute and your chime of bells. (A table with food and drink rises from the ground.) If you do not scorn food, then eat and drink of it with pleasure! – When we meet for the third time, joy will reward your courage! Tamino, take heart! – Your goal is near! You, Papageno, keep quiet! – (They give the magic instruments to Tamino and Papageno, and withdraw. Papageno is eating and Tamino playing on his flute when Pamina enters, drawn by the sound. Recognising her lover, she questions him, but he holds to his vow of silence and motions her away. Even Papageno is silent, for his mouth is full.) No.17: Aria PAMINA Ah, I feel that the joy of love has gone for evermore! – Never will happiness return to my heart! See, Tamino, see these tears that flow, beloved, for you alone. If you do not feel love’s yearning – I must seek peace in the grave! – (She goes out slowly and sadly. Papageno and Tamino hear trumpets calling them onward; the bird-catcher is forcibly led away by his master.) (Change of scene: The interior of a pyramid.) (The Priests march in, led by Sarastro.) No.18: Chorus of Priests CHORUS O Isis and Osiris! What delight! The dark night retreats from the light of the sun! – Soon will the noble youth experience a new life, soon will he be wholly dedicated to our Order. His spirit is bold, his heart is pure, soon will he be worthy of us. (Tamino is brought in, and Sarastro commends him on his steadfastness. Pamina too is led in and unveiled, but then commanded to bid Tamino a last farewell.) No.19: Terzetto PAMINA Shall I, beloved, never see you again? – SARASTRO There will be a happy reunion! – PAMINA Deadly dangers await you! TAMINO The Gods will protect me! PAMINA Deadly dangers await you! – TAMINO The Gods will protect me! SARASTRO The Gods will protect him! PAMINA You will not escape death, I have a premonition. TAMINO The will of the Gods be done, their prompting shall be my law! SARASTRO The will of the Gods be done their prompting shall be his law. PAMINA Oh, if you loved as I love you, you would not be so calm. TAMINO Believe me, I share your desire, and will be forever true. SARASTRO Believe me, he shares your desire, and will be forever true. The hour has come for you to part! PAMINA and TAMINO How bitter separation is! SARASTRO Tamino must go on his way! The hour has come for you to part, Tamino must go on his way! He must go on his way! TAMINO Pamina, now I must be on my way! How bitter separation is! Pamina, now I must be on my way! I must be on my way! PAMINA Tamino must really be on his way! Tamino! Tamino! must you go? TAMINO Pamina! farewell! PAMINA Tamino! farewell! SARASTRO Hasten on, your vow summons you! The time has come; we shall meet again! PAMINA and TAMINO Ah, sweet contentment, return! Farewell! (Two Priests lead Pamina away. Sarastro leads off Tamino in the opposite direction, and the other Priests follow them. Darkness. Papageno enters and finds himself locked in the chamber by walls of flame. He wishes nothing more than a cup of wine, he tells his unseen guardians, but when that appears and he drinks it, he is suddenly overcome by new emotions in his heart. He opens the bells and plays during the following.) No.20: Aria PAPAGENO A sweet heart or a wife is what Papageno wants! Oh, a soft little dove would be bliss! Then food and drink would be pleasant, and I could match wits with a prince, enjoy life as much as a sage and think myself in Heaven! A sweetheart, etc. Ah, can I not please even one of all the charming girls in the world? One must come to my aid, or else I shall surely die of grief. A sweetheart, etc. If none will offer to love me, the flames of desire will consume me; but if I am kissed by a woman – I shall be happy once more. (The old woman dances in, supporting herself with a walking stick. She tells Papageno that he must accept her or die alone, and he agrees to be faithful to her. The disguise falls and Papagena is revealed in her true form, feathered exactly like Papageno. But she is led away by the Speaker, for he has not yet proved himself worthy of her.) (Change of scene: a small garden among palm trees, shortly before dawn.) (The three boys watch over Pamina from a distance.) No.21: Finale THE BOYS The sun, the splendid herald of the morn, will soon set off upon his golden course – soon will doubts disappear, soon the wise man will triumph! – O sweet contentment, descend upon us, return to human hearts; then earth shall be a paradise and mortals be like Gods. FIRST BOY But see, Pamina is troubled by some doubt! – SECOND and THIRD BOYS Where is she now? FIRST BOY She is bereft of reason! – THE BOYS The sorrow of rejected love torments her. Let’s try to comfort the poor girl! – Truly, her fate is close to our hearts! – Oh, if only her young man were here! – She’s coming; let’s hide and see what she intends to do. (Pamina, half out of her senses, comes in with a dagger.) PAMINA You will, then, be my bridegroom – With you I shall end my grief! – THE BOYS (aside) What did those sinister words portend? – The poor girl is close to madness! – PAMINA Patience, beloved, I am yours – and soon we shall be wed! THE BOYS Madness rages in her brain – suicide is writ in her face – (to Pamina) Dear maiden, look at us! PAMINA I mean to die – for the man, whom I could never, never hate, was able to leave his dear one! – (showing them the dagger) My mother gave me this – THE BOYS God will punish your suicide! – PAMINA Better to die by this dagger then be ruined by love’s sorrow. – Mother! because of you I suffer, and your curse pursues me! THE BOYS Maiden, will you come with us? PAMINA Ha! The measure of my pain is full! False youth, farewell! See, Pamina dies because of you! (attempting to stab herself) Let this dagger kill me! – THE BOYS (restraining her arm) Ha! Unhappy girl, forbear! Should your young man see this, he would die of grief, for he loves only you. – PAMINA (recovering) What? Did he return my love yet hide his feelings from me – and turn away his face? Why did he not speak to me? – THE BOYS We may not tell you, but we will show him to you, and you will see with wonder that his heart is wholly yours, and that he would risk death for you! Come, let’s go find him. PAMINA Lead on, for I must see him. ALL Two hearts aflame with love can never be parted by human weakness. – Their enemies strive in vain, for the Gods themselves protect them. (They all leave.) (The scene is transformed into two large mountains; one with a thundering waterfall, the other belching out fire; each mountain has an open grid, through which fire and water may be seen; where the fire burns the horizon is coloured brightly red, and where the water is there lies a black fog. The wings represent rocks, each with a closed, iron door. ) (Tamino is lightly clad, without sandals. Two men in black amour lead Tamino in. Fire burns on their helmets; they read him the transparent words inscribed on one of the pyramids. This stands centre-stage, raised high, close to the grid.) ARMED MEN (Their melody is that of the choral tune `Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein', set to Luther’s versification of the 12th Psalm. Luther’s poem was the basis for the text for Bach’s Cantata BWV2.) He who travels these laborious paths will be purified by fire, water, air and earth. If he overcomes his fear of death, he will raise himself from earth, soar heavenwards! in the light of this higher level he can dedicate himself wholly to Isis’s mysteries. TAMINO I fear not to face death like a man, nor to tread the path of duty! – Unlock the gates of fear – I gladly dare the perilous road! – (He is about to leave.) PAMINA (from within) Tamino, Stop! I must see you! TAMINO What was that? Pamina’s voice? – ARMED MEN Yes, yes, that is Pamina’s voice! – TAMINO What happiness, now she can go with me! Now no fate can part us ever again even though death should be our lot. ARMED MEN What happiness, now she can go with you! Now no fate can ever part you again, even though death should be your lot. TAMINO Have I permission to speak to her? – ARMED MEN You have permission to speak to her! TAMINO What joy to meet again and enter the temple happily, hand in hand. A woman who does not fear darkness and death is worthy and will be made initiate. ARMED MEN What joy to meet again and enter the temple happily, hand in hand. A woman who does not fear darkness and death is worthy and will be made initiate. (The door is opened, Tamino and Pamina embrace.) PAMINA My Tamino! Oh, what happiness! TAMINO My Pamina! Oh, what happiness! Here are the gates of fear, that threaten me with danger and with death. PAMINA Wherever you go, I shall be at your side. – I myself shall lead you – Love is my guide – (takes him by the hand) She will strew the way with roses, for roses are always found with thorns. Play on your magic flute; it will protect us on our way. In a magic hour, my father cut it from the deepest roots of a thousand-year-old oak amid thunder, lightning – storm and rain. – Come, now, and play the flute! It will guide us on the dread path. PAMINA and TAMINO We walk, by the power of music, in joy through death’s dark night. ARMED MEN You walk, by the power of music, in joy through death’s dark night. (The doors are closed behind them; Tamino and Pamina are seen making their way. Tamino plays on his flute. As soon as they have emerged from the fire they embrace one another and remain at the centre of the stage.) PAMINA and TAMINO We passed through the glowing fire and bravely faced the danger. May your music protect us in the flood as it did in the fire. (Tamino plays; they are seen making their way down and after a time coming up again; immediately a door opens; the entrance to a brightly lit temple is revealed.) PAMINA and TAMINO Ye Gods, what a joyful moment! The joy of Isis is accorded to us! – ATTENDANTS and PRIESTS (from within) Victory, victory, victory, o noble pair, You have overcome the danger! Isis’s rites are now yours! Come, come, enter the Temple. (The scene changes back to the previous garden.) PAPAGENO Papagena! Papagena! Papagena! (playing his pipes) Little wife! my dove! my beauty! – In vain! Ah, she is lost! I was born to be unlucky! – I chattered, and that was naughty, so I got what I deserved! – Ever since I tasted that wine – ever since I saw that pretty girl, my heart has been burning and it pinches me here and there! Papagena! Wife of my bosom! Papagena, dearest dove! It is in vain, all useless! I am weary of life! Death puts an end to love when it burns your heart like this. (takes a rope from around his waist) I shall ornament this tree by hanging myself from it because my life has gone all wrong. Goodnight, deceiving world! – You treated me badly and denied me a pretty mate, so it is all over, so I shall die. Pretty maiden, think of me! – If someone takes pity on me, poor wretch, before I hang myself – I will let it go this time! Speak up: yes, or no! – No one hears me; all is silent! So this, then, is your decision! Papageno, get on with it and end your weary life. I’ll wait a little longer – while I count: one, two, three! (He pipes, looking around him.) one! two! three! Well, that’s it, then! As no one holds me back, good night, deceiving world! (He is about to hang himself.) THE BOYS (flying down) Stop, Papageno, and be wise! You only live once, let that suffice! PAPAGENO Well may you counsel, well may you laugh; but if your hearts were burning like mine, you too would be looking for girls. THE BOYS Then play your bells; they will bring your mate along. PAPAGENO What a fool I am I forgot the magic instrument! (takes out his instrument) Resound, magic bells, resound, I must see my darling girl! (The boys run to their flying-gondola and bring out the woman.) Ring, little bells, ring, send my sweetheart here to me! Ring, little bells, ring, bring my mate here! Ring, little bells, ring, bring my little wife here! Bring her here! my sweetheart, my little wife! THE BOYS Hey! Papageno, look over here! (They fly up. Papageno looks around.) PAPAGENO Pa-pa-ge-na! PAPAGENA Pa-pa-ge-no! PAPAGENO Do you pledge yourself to me? – PAPAGENA Yes, I pledge myself to you! PAPAGENO So, now you’re my little dear wife! PAPAGENA So, now you’re my heart’s little dove! BOTH How happy we will be if the Gods are gracious and bless our love with children, with darling little children! PAPAGENO First a little Papageno! PAPAGENA Then a little Papagena! PAPAGENO Then another Papageno! PAPAGENA Then another Papagena! PAPAGENO Papageno! PAPAGENA Papagena! BOTH The greatest joy of all will be when many Papagenas/Papagenos bless their parents! (They leave. The Moor, and the Queen with her three Ladies enter from the two trap doors. They carry black torches in their hands.) MONOSTATOS Now softly! softly! softly! soon we will be within the Temple! QUEEN and LADIES Now softly! softly! softly! soon we will be within the Temple! MONOSTATOS But Lady, keep your promise! that your child shall be my wife! – QUEEN I shall keep my word, it is my will, my child shall be your wife! LADIES Her child shall be your wife! (Muffled thunder and the sound of rushing water are heard.) MONOSTATOS But hush, I hear a fearful rushing noise, like rolling thunder and cascading water. – QUEEN and LADIES Yes, that rushing noise is terrifying, like the distant echo of thunder! – MONOSTATOS They are in the hall of the Temple. ALL We will attack them there, stamp out the bigots from the earth with fierce fire and mighty sword! MONOSTATOS and LADIES (kneeling) To see, great Queen of the Night, our revenge shall be brought as an offering! (thunder, lightning, storm) ALL Our power is shattered, we are all cast down into eternal night! (They sink into the ground.) (The entire stage is immediately transformed into a sun. Sarastro stands elevated; Tamino and Pamina are both in priestly raiment. The Egyptian priests stand either side of them. The three boys are holding flowers.) SARASTRO The rays of the sun chase night away; the hypocrite’s surreptitious power is utterly destroyed! CHORUS Hail to the initiates! You have penetrated the darkness! Thanks be to thee-, Osiris! Thanks to thee, Isis! Fortitude is victorious, and, in reward, crowns Beauty and Wisdom with its eternal diadem! English translation © Capitol Records Inc. |