The Bohemian Girl (1843)

Act the first

[Ouverture]

Scene the first

The chateau and grounds of count Arnheim, on the Danube, near Presburg. On one side, the principal entrance to the castle; opposite is a statue of the emperor, above which a party is employed raising the Austrian flag.

Retainers

(On the rising of the curtain, the Retainers of Count Arnheim are discovered preparing for the chase.)

[N. 1 - Up with the banner, and down with the slave]

CHORUS

Up with the banner, and down with the slave

who shall dare to dispute the right,

wherever its folds in their glory wave,

of the Austrian eagle's flight;

its pinion flies

free in the skies,

as that of the airy king,

and thro' danger fleets

as heart that beats

beneath his plumed wing.

(After they have fixed the flag, they all come forward.)

Now the foeman lies low, and the battle-field's won,

we may honor in peace what in war we have done.

The stirring chase, the festive board,

the varied charms which each afford,

shall the day and night beguile:

and care shall be drowned in that glass

which nothing on earth can surpass,

but a lovely woman's smile.

Then up with the banner, and down with the slave

who shall dare to dispute the right,

wherever its folds in their glory wave,

of the Austrian eagle's flight.

(At the end of the chorus, Count Arnheim and Florestein enter from chateau (S. E. L.) followed by various neighbouring Nobles, Pages, Huntsmen, etc., and his child, Arline, attended by Buda, etc.)

<- Count, Florestein, Nobles, Pages, Hunters, Arline, Buda

COUNT

A soldier's life

has seen of strife,

in all its forms so much,

that no gentler theme,

the world will deem,

a soldier's heart can touch.

CHORUS
(of Retainers)

Hail to the lord of the soil,

his vassal's love is the spoil

that lord delights to share.

CHORUS
(of Hunters)

Away to the hill and glen,

where the hunter's belted men,

with bugles shake the air!

(The Count, after bowing to his friends, sees Arline, and takes her in his arms.)

COUNT

Ah! who can tell save he who feels,

the care a parent's love reveals,

how dear, fond thing, thou art

to this lone, widowed heart!

CHORUS

Away to the hill and glen,

where the hunter's belted men,

with bugles shake the air!

(During this, a retainer brings down (R.) a rifle to Florestein, who puts it away from him. Count Arnheim exit into chateau. Nobles and Hunters ascend rocks and exeunt. Arline petitions Buda to let her accompany them, and goes off by a footpath, at side of rocks, with her and Florestein.)

Count, Nobles, Hunters, Retainers, Arline, Buda, Florestein, Pages ->

(Enter Thaddeus, breathless and exhausted, in a state of great alarm.)

<- Thaddeus

THADDEUS

A guard of Austrian soldiers are on my track, and I can no longer elude their vigilance. An exile from my wretched country, now a prey to the inveterate invader, my only hope is in some friendly shelter.

(Sees the statue of the emperor.)

Ah! that tells me I am here on the very threshold of our enemies!

(recitative)

Without a country, without a home, without friends, and without fortune! ~ Oh, what will become of the proscribed orphan, Thaddeus of Poland!

[N. 2 - Cavatina: 'Tis sad to leave our father-land]

THADDEUS

'Tis sad to leave our fatherland,

and friends you loved there well,

to wander on a stranger strand,

where friends but seldom dwell.

Yet, hard as are such ills to bear,

and deeply though they smart,

their pangs are light to those who are

the orphans of the heart!

Oh! if there were one gentle eye,

to weep when I might grieve,

one bosom to receive the sigh,

which sorrow oft will heave,

one heart the ways of life to cheer,

though rugged they might be,

no language can express how dear

that heart would be to me!

(At the end of song, a troop of Gipsies, headed by Devilshoof, their leader, suddenly appear (R. H.) and are about to seize and rob Thaddeus, but presuming, by his dress, that he is a soldier, they stop and examine him.)

<- Gipsies, First gipsy, Devilshoof

[N. 3 - In the gipsy's life you may read]

CHORUS

In the gipsy's life you may read

the life that all would like to lead:

through the wide world to rove,

be it sunny, or drear,

with but little to love,

and still less to fear:

sometimes under roof, and sometimes thrown

where the wild wolf makes his lair,

for he who's no home to call his own

will find a home somewhere.

'Tis the maxim of man,

what's another's to claim;

then to keep all he can,

and we do the same!

Thus a habit once, 'tis custom grown,

and ev'ry man will take care,

if he has'nt a home to call his own,

to find a home somewhere.

(♦) (♦)

THADDEUS

The sight of these wanderers has inspired me with a project.

(To Devilshoof.)

Your manner and habit please me. I should like to join your band. I am young, strong, and have, I hope, plenty of courage.

DEVILSHOOF

Who are you?

THADDEUS

One without money, without home, and without hope.

DEVILSHOOF

You're just the fellow for us, then!

FIRST GIPSY

(who is on the lookout on rock)

Soldiers are coming this way.

THADDEUS

'Tis me they are in search of.

DEVILSHOOF

Indeed! then they'll be cunning if they find you.

(In a moment they strip the soldier's dress off Thaddeus, and as they are putting a gipsy's frock, etc., over him, a roll of parchment, with seal attached, falls at the feet of Devilshoof, who seizes it.)

DEVILSHOOF

What's this?

THADDEUS

My commission! It is the only thing I possess on earth, and I will never part with it.

(He snatches and conceals it in his bosom, and has just time to mix himself with the Gipsies, when a body of the emperor's Soldiers enter in pursuit.)

<- Officer, Soldiers

OFFICER

(scrutinizing Gipsies)

Have you seen anyone pass this way ~ any stranger?

DEVILSHOOF

No one ~ stay ~ yes, a young Polish soldier ran by just now, and passed up those rocks.

OFFICER

That's him ~ thanks, friend! ~ forward!

(Exeunt Soldiers up rocks.)

Officer, Soldiers ->

DEVILSHOOF

Comrade your hand,

we understand

each other in a breath.

(Shaking his hand.)

This grasp secures

its owner yours

in life, and until death.

THADDEUS

Long as it hold,

with friendly fold,

mine shall cling to it.

(Aside)

By death he means, but

if ther's a throat to cut,

why you must do it!

CHORUS

In the gipsy's life you may read

the life that all would like to lead.

THADDEUS

My wants are few ~

DEVILSHOOF

Want we ne'er knew

but what we could supply.

THADDEUS

Then what is worse

I have no purse ~

DEVILSHOOF

We nothing have to buy.

THADDEUS

My heart 'twill wring ~

DEVILSHOOF

That is a thing

in which we never deal.

THADDEUS

But all I need ~

DEVILSHOOF

'Twere best indeed

to borrow, beg, or steal.

CHORUS

In the gipsy's life you may read

the life that all would like to lead.

DEVILSHOOF

Then rest ye here while we

explore each spot, and see

what luck there is in store.

Together

THADDEUS

The scenes and days to me,

which seemed so blest to be,

no time can e'er restore.

CHORUS

Oh, what is the worth of the richest man's wealth,

which the chances are likely he came to by stealth,

unless he can rove abroad in the free air,

as free as are we, from all sorrow and care.

(All exeunt R. - Loud shouts and alarms are heard, which become more and more distinct, when a body of Huntsmen are seen to cross the trees over the rocks, etc. and exeunt by the path where Arline, etc., went off. Alarms continue, when Florestein rushes in, apparently frightened to death.)

Thaddeus, Devilshoof, Gipsies, First gipsy ->

<- Huntsmen

Huntsmen ->

<- Florestein

[N. 4 - Song: Is no succour near at hand?]

FLORESTEIN

Is no succour near at hand?

For my intellect so reels,

I am doubtful if I stand

on my head or on my heels.

No gentleman, it's very clear,

such shocks should ever know,

and when I once become a peer,

they shall not treat me so!

Then let ev'ry vassal arm,

for my thanks he well deserves,

who from this state of alarm,

will protect my shattered nerves!

To think that one unused to fear,

such a fright should ever know,

but let them make me once a peer,

they shall not treat me so!

(At the end of song, Thaddeus and Peasantry rush in, evincing the greatest state of alarm and terror.)

<- Thaddeus, Peasantry

THADDEUS

What means this alarm?

PEASANT

The count's child and her attendant have been attacked by an infuriated animal, and are probably killed ere this!

THADDEUS

What do I hear?

(He perceives the rifle that Florestein has left on the stage, utters an exclamation, seizes it, runs up the rocks, aims, fires, and instantly rushes off. The discharge of the rifle, and the alarm of the peasantry, bring Count Arnheim and his party to the spot. Devilshoof enters at one side, at the same time watching.)

Thaddeus ->

<- Count, Nobles, Devilshoof

COUNT

Whence proceed these sounds of fear, and where is my darling child?

(All maintain a painful silence, when Thaddeus is seen rushing in, conveying Arline, who is wounded in the arm, and seems faint.)

<- Thaddeus, Arline, Buda

BUDA

(falling at the Count's feet)

We were pursued by the wild deer they were chasing, and, but for the bravery of this young man,

(pointing to Thaddeus)

the life of your child would have been sacrificed.

COUNT

(clasping his child in his arms)

Praised be providence! her life is saved, for she is all that renders mine happy. (Looking at her arm, then addressing Buda) Let her wound have every attention, though it presents no sign of danger.

(Buda goes into the castle with Arline, and Count Arnheim advances to Thaddeus.)

Buda, Arline ->

COUNT

Stranger, accept the hand of one who, however different to you in station, can never sufficiently thank you for the service you have rendered him.

DEVILSHOOF
(aside)

First to serve, and then be thanked by the persecutor of his country. The fellow's mad!

COUNT

I trust you will remain, and join the festivities we are about to indulge in; and 'twill gratify me to know how I can be useful to you.

THADDEUS

I thanks your lordship; but ~

COUNT
(to the nobles)

Pray, my friends, join your entreaties to mine.

(Here the Nobles all surround the Count and Thaddeus; and Florestein, coming up to him, says ~)

FLORESTEIN

I am extremely obliged to you for not shooting me as well as my little cousin ~ and I beg you'll ~ aw ~ stay. ~

(aside)

A very common sort of personage, apparently.

THADDEUS
(to the Count)

Be it as your lordship wishes.

COUNT

Then be seated, friends, and let the fête begin.

(They all seat themselves at the tables which have previuosly been laid, in the O.P. opposite the Castle. Thaddeus takes his seat at the farther end. Florestein occupying a prominent position. When they are seated, a variety of dances are introduced, during which Buda is seen at one of the windows holding on her knee the child, whose arm is bound up. At the termination of the dancing, the Count rises.)

<- Dancers

COUNT

I ask you to pledge but once, and that is, to the health and long life of your emperor.

(Here the guests fill their glasses, rise, and turning toward the statue of the emperor drink, while the Peasantry surround it respectfully. Thaddeus alone keeps his seat, on perceiving which, Florestein goes up to the Count and points it out to him.)

FLORESTEIN

Your new acquaintance, my dear uncle, is not overburthened with politeness or loyalty, for he neither fills his glass, nor fulfills your wishes.

COUNT

(Filling a glass and going up to Thaddeus.)

I challenge you to empty this to the health of our emperor.

THADDEUS

(Taking the glass.)

I accept the challenge, and thus I empty the goblet.

(Goes up to the statue and throws down the glass with the utmost contempt. A general burst of indignation follows. Chorus of guests, rising, drawing their swords, and rushlng toward Thaddeus.)

[N. 5 - Down with the daring slave]

CHORUS

(rising, drawing their swords and rushing towards Thaddeus)

Down with the daring slave,

who disputes the right

of a people's delight,

and would their anger brave!

COUNT

(to the Nobles and Guests, interposing between them and Thaddeus)

Although 'tis vain to mask

the rage such act demands,

forgive me if I ask

his pardon at your hands;

if from your wrath I venture to have craved

the life of one, my more than life who saved.

(to Thaddeus)

Stranger, I answer not

one moment for your life;

quit, while you may, a spot

where you have raised a strife.

Your longer presence will more excite,

and this will the service you did me requite.

(Throws Thaddeus a purse of gold.)

(Devilshoof rushes in.)

DEVILSHOOF

Where is the hand will dare to touch

one hair of a head I prize so much?

(Taking the hand of Thaddeus.)

(to Count)

That pulse of pride you boast

within me beats as high,

you and your titled host,

proud lord I do defy.

FLORESTEIN

(aside, with a glass in one hand, and a leg of a bird in the other)

Upon my life 'tis most unpleasant,

just as one had attacked a pheasant.

(Thaddeus who has taken up the purse, and seeing himself and Devilshoof surrounded by the Nobles and Guests, throws the purse at the Count's feet.)

THADDEUS

Take back your gold, and learn to know

one ~ above aught you can bestow.

CHORUS
(of Nobles etc.)

Down with the daring slave

who would our fury brave.

DEVILSHOOF

Stand back ye craven things,

who dares obstruct our path,

upon his rashness brings

the vengeance of of my wrath.

(Devilshoof defending Thaddeus retreats, pressed upon by the Nobles, Guests, etc., when the Count orders a party of his Retainers to divide them, they seize Devilshoof, and take him into the castle.)

DEVILSHOOF

(As they are dragging him off.)

Tho' meshed by numbers in the yoke

of one by all abhor'd,

yet tremble worthless lord,

at the vengeance you thus provoke.

CHORUS

Down with the daring slave

who would our fury brave.

Stand back ye craven things,

who dares obstruct our path,

upon his rashness brings

the vengeance of my wrath.

(Devilshoof defending Thaddeus retreats, pressed upon by the Nobles, Guests, etc., when the Count orders a party of his retainers to divide them, they seize Devilshoof and take him into the castle.)

DEVILSHOOF

(as they are dragging him off)

Tho' meshed by numbers in the yoke

of one by all abhorr'd,

yet trmble worthless lord,

at the vengeance you thus provoke.

CHORUS

Down with the daring slave,

who would our fury brave.

(Devilshoof is dragged off into the castle, the Count, Nobles, etc., reseat themselves, when other dances are introduced, and the festival contiues; Buda is seen to leave the window at which she has been seated with Arline, and she enters and converses with the Count. In the midst of the most joyous movements of the dance Devilshoof is seen descending from the roof of the castle until he reaches the window of Arline's chamber, into which he is seen to enter, and to shut it immediately. Buda then enters the castle, and in a minute afterward the festivities are interrupted by a violent shrieking, the window is thrown open, and Buda, pale, and with dishevelled hair, signifies by gestures that Arline has disappeared.)

<- Buda

Buda ->

[N. 6 - What sounds break on the air?]

CHORUS

What sounds break on the air?

What looks of wild despair

a grief as wild impart?

COUNT

My child! that word alone

with agonizing tone

bursts in upon my heart!

(Count and Nobles dash into the castle, a general movement of all - some are seen at the window of Arline's chamber, signifying that she is gone.)

Count, Nobles ->

CHORUS

Be every hand prepared

their liege lord's halls to guard,

and with devotion whose bond

all ties is beyond.

FLORESTEIN

(kneeling, and appearing greatly alarmed)

Why what with dancing, screaming, fighting,

one really is a shocking plight in,

and it puzzles quite one's wit

to find a place to pick a bit.

(The Count rushes from the castle, dragging Buda and followed by Nobles. Buda, trembling, falls on her knees.)

<- Count, Nobles, Buda

COUNT

Wretch! Monster! give me back

the treasure of my soul;

the treasure of my soul!

Go ~ all ~ the spoiler's footsteps track

that treasured prize who stole.

But no, vain hope! unless we pray to him

who healeth all sorrow, with suppliant limb.

Prayer.

Thou, who in might supreme,

o'er the fate of all reignest,

thou, who hope's palest beam

in the mourner sustainest!

Vouchsafe to lend an ear

to the grief of the wailer,

cut short the dark career

of the ruthless assailer.

(During the prayer, Devilshoof is seen climbing up the rocks with Arline in his arms.)

[N. 7 - Follow, follow with heart and with arm]

CHORUS

Follow, follow with heart and with arm,

follow, follow and shelter from harm

the pride of Arnheim's line,

where all its hopes entwine.

Follow, follow

o'er brake and through hollow!

Climb the hill, ford the stream,

high in air weapons gleam!

Dash through where danger lies!

Danger ~ aye, death, despise!

To save let all combine

the pride of Arnheim's line.

(At the most animated part of the chorus, bodies of Gentry, Retainers, Servants, etc., are seen rushing toward the rocks, and over every part, in pursuit of Devilshoof who perceiving his situation, knocks away, the moment he has crossed it, the trunk of the tree, which serves as a bridge between the two rocks, and thus bars their passage. Count Arnheim in his distraction is about to throw himself into the gulph - he is held back by attendants into whose arms he falls senseless. Some are in attitude of prayer - others menace Devilshoof, who folding Arline in his large cloack, disappears in the depths of the forest.)

End of the first act.

The end (Act the first)

Act the first Act the second Act the third