| | |
| (Note. - Twelve years are supposed to elapse between the first and second act.) | |
| |
|
Scene the first |
Street in Presburg, by moonlight. - Tent of the Queen of the gipsies, large curtains at the back - it is lighted by a lamp. On the opposite side of the stage are houses - one of which, a hotel, is lighted up. Arline is discovered asleep on a tiger's skin - Thaddeus is watching over her. As the curtain rises a Patrol of the city guard marches by, and as soon as they are gone off, Devilshoof and a party of Gipsies, wrapped in cloaks, suddenly appear. |
 Q 
Arline, Thaddeus, Patrol
Patrol ->
<- Devilshoof, Gipsies
|
| | |
| [N. 8 - Silence! silence! ~ the lady moon] | N
|
| | |
|
CHORUS
Silence! silence! ~ the lady moon
is the only witness now awake,
and weary of watching, perchance she soon
to sleep will herself betake.
Silence! silence! from her throne in air
she may look on and listen, for aught we care;
but if she attend unto our behest,
she will quietly go to her rest.
| |
| | |
| Solo. | |
|
DEVILSHOOF
There's a deed to do whose gains
will reward the risk and pains ~
| |
| | |
| (The Gipsies all draw their daggers, and appear delighted.) | |
| | |
|
Fie! fie! to a gentleman when you appeal,
you may draw his purse without drawing your steel;
with bows, and politeness, and with great respect,
you may take more than he can at first detect.
(Pointing to the lighted windows of the hotel.)
See, where in goblets deep
what sense they have, they sleep ~
watch here! and the goglet's foam
will make each an easy prey!
Silence! silence! this way, this way!
| |
| | |
| (As the gipsies retire up the stage, Florestein staggers out of the hotel - he is elegantly dressed with chain, rings, etc., and a rich medallion round his neck.) | <- Florestein
|
| | |
| [N. 9 - Wine! wine! if I am heir] | N
|
| | |
|
FLORESTEIN
Wine! wine! if I am heir
to the count ~ my uncle's ~ line, ~
(Hiccup.)
where's the fellow ~ will dare
to refuse his nephew ~ wine?
(Hiccup.)
That moon there, staring me on my way,
can't be as modest as people say,
for meet whom she will, and in whatever spot,
she often looks on, at what she ought not.
Wine! wine! wine!
| |
| | |
| (The Gipsies have by this time advanced and Devilshoof goes politely up to Florestein.) | |
| | |
DEVILSHOOF |
My ear caught not the clock's last chime,
and I beg to ask the time?
| |
FLORESTEIN |
(reels, recovers a little, and after eyeing Devilshoof)
(Aside.)
If the bottle has prevail'd,
yet whenever I'm assail'd,
though there may be nothing in it,
I am sobered in a minute. ~
(to Devilshoof)
You are really so polite,
(pulling out his watch)
that 'tis late into the night
| |
DEVILSHOOF |
(Taking the watch and putting it in his fob.)
You are very kind ~ can it really be!
Are you sure it is so late?
| |
FLORESTEIN |
(assuming courage)
May I beg to ask ~ ?
| |
DEVILSHOOF |
I am griev'd to see
any one in such a state,
and will gladly take the utmost care
of the rings and chains you chance to wear.
| |
| | |
| (Taking from Florestein his rings, chain, and the rich medallion.) | |
| | |
| (Florestein draws his sword.) | |
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
What I thought was politeness, is downright theft,
and at this rate I soon shall have nothing left.
| |
| | |
| (At a sign from Devilshoof the Gipsies instantly surround Florestein, and take every valuable from him.) | |
| | |
GIPSIES |
Advance with caution, let ev'ry man
seize on and keep whatever he can.
| |
| | |
| (During the chorus, Devilshoof makes off with the medallion, and the others are dividing the rest of the spoil, when a female appears in the midst of them, drops her cloak, and discovers their Queen. The Gipsies appear stupefied.) | <- Queen
|
| | |
QUEEN |
To him, from whom you stole,
surrender back the whole.
| |
| | |
| (The Gipsies return the different things to Florestein.) | |
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
(trembling and looking over the things)
Thanks madam, ~ lady ~ but might I request
a medallion in diamonds, worth all the rest.
| |
| | |
| (At a sign from the Queen, who seems to command its restitution) | |
| | |
GIPSIES
(of Gipsies) |
On our chieftain's share we ne'er encroach,
and he fled with that prize at your approach.
| |
QUEEN
(to Florestein) |
| |
FLORESTEIN
(trembling) |
| |
QUEEN
(to Gipsies) |
Follow, and list to your queen's commands.
| |
GIPSIES |
Yes, we will list to our queen's commands.
| |
| | |
| (Exeunt Queen holding Florestein all of a tremble, in one hand, and beckoning the Gipsies to follow with the other. As soon as they have gone off, Arline who has been awakened by the noise comes, from the tent, followed by Thaddeus.) | Queen, Florestein, Devilshoof, Gipsies ->
|
| | |
ARLINE |
Where have I been wandering in my sleep? and what curious noise awoke me from its pleasant dream? Ah, Thaddeus, you would not like to know my dream! well, I will tell it you.
| |
| | |
| [N. 10 - I dreamt that I dwelt in marble halls] | N
|
| | |
| The gipsy girl's dream. | |
|
ARLINE
I dreamt that I dwelt in marble halls,
with vassals and serfs at my side,
and of all who assembled within those walls
that I was the hope and the pride.
I had riches too great to count ~ could boast
of a high ancestral name
and I also dream'd, which charm'd me most
(taking both his hands in hers)
that you lov'd me still the same.
I dreamt that suitors besought my hand,
that knights upon bended knee
and with vows no maiden heart could withstand,
that they pledged their faith to me.
And I dream'd that one of that noble host
came forth my hand to claim;
yet I also dream'd which charm'd me most
that you lov'd me still the same.
| S
 (♦)
(♦)
|
| | |
| (At the end of the ballad, Thaddeus presses Arline to his heart.) | |
| | |
ARLINE |
And do you love me still?
| |
THADDEUS |
| |
ARLINE |
Yet is there a mystery between our affections and their happiness that I would fain unravel.
(pointing to her arm)
The mark on this arm which I have seen you so often contemplate, is the key to that mystery. By the love you say you bear me, solve it.
| |
| | |
| Duet. | |
| | |
THADDEUS |
(taking her hand and pointing to the mark)
That wound upon thine arm,
whose mark through life will be,
in saving thee from greater harm
was there transfixed by me.
| S
|
ARLINE |
| |
THADDEUS |
E'er on thy gentle head
thy sixth sun had its radiance shed,
a wild deer who had lain at bay
pursued by hunters crossed the way,
but slaying him I rescued thee,
and in his death throes agony
that tender frame by his antler gor'd,
this humble arm to thy home restor'd.
| |
ARLINE |
Strange feelings move this breast
it never knew before,
and bid me here implore
that you reveal the rest.
| |
| | |
| [N. 11 - The secret of her birth] | N
|
| | |
|
THADDEUS
The secret of her birth
to me is only known,
the secret of a life whose worth
I prize beyond my own.
|
Together
ARLINE
The secret of my birth
to him is only known,
the secret of a life whose worth,
I prize beyond my own.
|
| |
| | |
ARLINE |
Speak, tell me ~ ease my tortur'd heart,
and that secret evil, or good impart.
| |
THADDEUS |
I will tell thee, although the words may sever
one who so loves thee, from thy love for ever.
| |
|
ARLINE
Where is the spell hath yet effaced
the first fond lines that love hath traced,
and after years have but imprest
more deep in love's confiding breast.
|
Together
THADDEUS
And yet few spells have e'er effaced
the first fond lines that love hath traced,
and after years have but imprest
more deep in love's confiding breast.
|
| |
| | |
| (At the end of the duet, Thaddeus throws himself, in an ecstasy, at the feet of Arline, and is bathing her hand with kisses, when the back curtains of the tent are withdrawn, and the Queen appears, pale and trembling with passion.She advances toward Arline, and pointing to Thaddeus -) | <- Queen
|
| | |
QUEEN |
And dare you aspire to the love of him who possesses the heart of your queen?
| |
ARLINE |
I possess his heart, and will yield the possession to no one. He is the savior of my life, and the only friend I have in all the tribe: he has sworn how much he loves me.
| |
QUEEN |
| |
ARLINE |
Yes; let him speak for himself, and choose between us.
| |
QUEEN |
| |
| | |
| (Thaddeus, who has been anxiously watching the two, here runs and embraces Arline. She surveys the Queen with an air of triumph.) | |
| | |
ARLINE |
(to the Queen)
I made no idle boast.
(then to Thaddeus)
Summon our comrades hither.
| |
| | |
| (The Queen is standing in the center, while Thaddeus calls the Gipsies together, who enter on all sides and surround the Queen, and appear to ask what is going on.) | <- Gipsies, Devilshoof
|
| | |
| Concerted piece. | |
|
ARLINE
Listen, while I relate
the hope of a gipsy's fate;
I am loved by one, by one I love
all other hearts above,
and the sole delight to me
(Taking the hand of Thaddeus.)
is with him united to be.
| |
| | |
| [N. 12 - Happy and light of heart be those] | N
|
| | |
CHORUS |
Happy and light of heart be those
who in each bosom, one faith repose!
| |
DEVILSHOOF
(aside) |
(maliciously pointing to the Queen)
A rival's hate you may better tell
by her rage than by her tears,
and it, perchance, may be as well,
to set them both by the ears.
(To the Queen.)
As queen of the tribe, 'tis yours by right,
the hands of those you rule to unite.
| |
CHORUS |
(To the Queen, who draws back and hestitates.)
In love and truth, by thee
their hands united be.
| |
ARLINE |
(Partly inclining in supplication.)
A rival no more, but a subject see,
asking thy blessing on bended knee.
| |
THADDEUS |
(Rising her.)
Debase not thyself, but rather lose
the boon, and a fate less wayward choose.
| |
CHORUS |
(Urging the Queen.)
In love and truth, by thee
their hands united be.
| |
QUEEN |
(Haughtily advancing and taking the hands of Arline and Thaddeus.)
Hand to hand, and heart to heart,
who shall those I've united part?
By the spell of my sway,
part them who may.
(Joining their hands.)
| |
CHORUS |
Happy and light of heart are those
who in each bosom faith repose!
| |
| | |
| (During this scene the stage has been growing somewhat lighter.) | |
| | |
| (Gipsy enters.) | <- First gipsy
|
| | |
FIRST GIPSY |
Morning is beginning to dawn, and crowds of people are already flocking towards the fair: the sports begin with daylight.
| |
QUEEN |
Summon the rest of the tribe, and meet me forthwith in the public square.
(To devilshoof.)
Do you remain to bear my further orders.
| |
| | |
| (Exeunt Thaddeus and Arline hand in hand, followed by the other Gipsies repeating chorus.) | Thaddeus, Arline, Gipsies, First gipsy ->
|
| | |
| Duet. | |
| | |
QUEEN |
This is thy deed ~ seek not to assuage
my jealous fear, a rival's rage.
| |
DEVILSHOOF |
I neither fear nor seek to calm ~
| |
QUEEN |
(aside to Devilshoof)
Revenge is the wounded bosom's balm,
that jewel with which thou hast dared to deck
thy foredoomed neck,
answer me ~ where didst thou get it ~ where?
| |
DEVILSHOOF |
'Twas entrusted to my care.
| |
QUEEN |
This very night, on this very spot
thy soul for once its fears forgot,
and a drunken galliard who cross'd thy way,
became thy prey ~
| |
DEVILSHOOF |
Fiend born, 'twere vain to fly
the glance of her searching eye!
| |
|
QUEEN
Down on thy knee and that gem restore
e'en in thy shame amazed,
or long years of sin, shall deplore
the storm which thou hast rais'd.
|
Together
DEVILSHOOF
(aside)
It best might be the prize to restore,
much as I seem amaz'd,
or hereafter I may deplore
the storm which I have rais'd.
|
| |
| | |
DEVILSHOOF |
(Kneeling and presenting the medallion to the Queen.)
Queen, I obey.
| |
QUEEN |
'Tis the wisest thing
thy coward heart could do.
(Takes medallion.)
| |
DEVILSHOOF
(aside) |
Who from my grasp such prize could wring,
the doing it may rue.
| |
QUEEN |
Depart, and join the rest.
| |
DEVILSHOOF |
I do thy high behest ~
(Aside.)
| |
|
DEVILSHOOF
The wrongs we forgive not and cannot forget,
will the edge of our vengeance more sharply whet.
|
Together
QUEEN
The wrongs we forgive not and cannot forget,
will the edge of our vengeance more sharply whet.
|
| |
| | |
| (Exeunt the Queen and Devilshoof at separate sides.) | Queen, Devilshoof ->
|
| | |
| | |
| |
|
Scene the second |
Another street in Presburg. Daylight. Enter Arline in a fanciful dress, followed by a troop of Gipsies. She has a tambourine in her hand. |
Q
(nobody)
<- Arline, Gipsies
|
| | |
| [N. 13 - In the gipsies' life you may read] | N
|
| | |
| | |
CHORUS |
In the gipsies' life you may read
the life that all would like to lead.
| |
| | |
| Song. | |
|
ARLINE
Come with the gipsy bride!
And repair
to the fair,
where the mazy dance
will the hours entrance,
where souls as light preside!
Life can give nothing beyond
one heart you know to be fond,
wealth with its hoards cannot buy
the peace content can supply:
rank in its halls cannot find
the calm of a happy mind. ~
So repair
to the fair,
and they all may be met with there. ~
Love is the first thing to clasp,
but if he escape your grasp,
friendship will then be at hand,
in the young rogue's place to stand;
hope too will be nothing loath
to point out the way to both!
So repair
to the fair,
and they all may be met with there!
| |
| | |
CHORUS |
In the gipsies' life you read,
the life that all would like to lead.
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
|
Scene the third |
A grand fair in the public plaatz of Presburg. On one side a large hotel over which is inscribed "The Hall of Justice". Various groups of Gentry, Soldiers, Citizens, Peasantry, cover the stage. Foreign shops are seen in various parts, curious Rope-dancers, Showmen, Waxwork, a quack Doctor, Exhibitions, etc., etc., are dispersed here and there. Flags hung out of the windows, and ringing of bells, enliven the scene. |
Q
Gentry, Soldiers, Citizens, Peasantry, Rope-dancers, Showmen, Waxwork, Florestein
|
| | |
| [N. 14 - Life itself is, at the best] | N
|
| | |
|
CHORUS
Life itself is, at the best
one scene in mask of folly drest;
and there is no part of its wild career
but you will meet with here!
To these symbols of life your voices swell
vive la masque, et vive la bagatelle.
| |
| | |
| (At the end of the chorus, and during the symphony, a movement is perceived at the further end of the place, which is followed by the entrance of a double party of men Gipsies, headed by Devilshoof and Thaddeus who force a passage down the center of the stage, which they occupy; they then open their ranks, when another file of female Gipsies headed by their Queen and Arline, pass down them. Florestein and a party are seen watching them with great curiosity.) | <- Gipsies, Devilshoof, Thaddeus, Arline, Queen
|
| | |
| Quartette. | |
|
ARLINE, QUEEN, THADDEUS, DEVILSHOOF
From the valleys and hills
where the sweetest buds grow,
and are watered by rills
which are purest that flow,
come we! come we!
| |
| | |
CHORUS |
Light of heart, fleet of foot, reckless of slight or gibe,
who can compare with the free happy gipsy tribe!
| |
| | |
| (During this, some of the Gipsies have been enacting characteristic dances, when Arline carrying a flower basket in her hand, glides round to the assembled company and sings.) | |
| | |
| Solo. | |
|
ARLINE
Sir knight, and lady, listen!
That bright eye seems to glisten
(To a lady.)
as if his trusted tale
did o'er they sense prevail!
(To another - pointing to her heart.)
Pretty maiden take care, take care,
love is making havoc there,
what havoc love maketh there!
(To a third - pointing to a ring on her finger.)
And this token, from love you borrow,
is the prelude of many a sorrow:
there are those who have lived, who knew
the gipsy's words are true!
| |
| | |
CHORUS |
(As the dance of other gipsies continues.)
Light of heart, fleet of foot, reckless of slight or gibe,
who can compare with the free happy gipsy tribe!
| |
| | |
| (At the end of the dance and chorus Count Arnheim and some Officers of state enter; his hair has become grey, his step is slow, and his appearance is that of sorrow. He is accosted by Florestein.) | <- Count, Officers
|
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
My dear uncle, it delights me to see you amongst us, and here is a little gipsy girl that would delight you still more,
(aside)
if you had my blood in your veins: she's positively a charming creature.
| |
COUNT |
I have lost the taste of joy, and the sight of youth and beauty recalls to my memory that treasure of both, my loved and lost Arline.
| |
| | |
| (He gazes attentively at Arline, sighs heavily, then exits with his retinue into the Hall of Justice.) | Count, Officers ->
|
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
(to a party of his friends)
It's no use restraining me ~ I'm positively smitten. (Breaks from them and goes up to Arline.) Fair creature, your manner has enchanted me, and I would take a lesson from you.
| |
ARLINE |
Of politeness, sir? By all means: to begin, then, whenever you address a lady, take your hat off.
| |
FLORESTEIN |
Very smart
(with a titter)
'pon my word, very smart. Your naivetè only increases the feelings of admiration and devotion which a too susceptible heart ~
| |
ARLINE |
(bursting out laughing)
Ha! ha! ha!
| |
FLORESTEIN |
Your indifference will drive me to despair.
| |
ARLINE |
| |
FLORESTEIN |
Do not mock me, but pity my too susceptible nature, and let me print one kiss upon ~
| |
| | |
| (Here Arline gives him a violent slap on the face; the Queen, who has gone up the stage with Thaddeus, now brings him on one side and points out the situation of Arline and Florestein, he is about to rush upon Florestein just as Arline has slapped his face; on receiving it, he turns round and finds himself between the two, and both are laughing in his face.) | |
| | |
QUEEN |
(eyeing Florestein)
It is the very person from whom they stole the trinkets, I made them give back again.
(Taking the medallion from her bosom.)
This too is his, and now my project thrives.
(Florestein turns up the stage to join his party, and the Queen crosses to Arline.)
You have acted well your part, and thus your Queen rewards you.
(Places the medallion around her neck.)
Forget not the hand that gave it.
| |
ARLINE |
(kneeling, and kissing the Queen's hand)
Let this bespeak my gratitude.
| |
QUEEN |
And now let our tribe depart.
| |
| | |
| (Chorus and dance repeated, and the Gipsies are all about to march off. Thaddeus and Arline bringing up the rear of their body; and as they are going off Florestein, who with his friends has been watching their departure, perceives his medallion on the neck of Arline - he breaks through the crowd and stops her - she and Thaddeus come forward.) | |
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
Though you treated me so lightly some moments past, you will not do so now. That medallion is mine, my friends here recognize it.
| |
ALL |
| |
| | |
| (Here Devilshoof is seen to steal off.) | |
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
And I accuse you of having stolen it.
| |
ARLINE |
Stolen! It was this instant given me by our Queen, and she is here to verify my words.
| |
| | |
| (Arline runs about looking everywhere for the Queen.) | |
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
That's an every day sort of subterfuge.
(to the crowd)
Worthy people and friends, that medallion on her neck belongs to me, and I accuse her or her accomplices of having robbed me.
| |
| | Florestein ->
|
| Concerted piece. | |
| | |
CHORUS |
(of populace surrounding Arline)
Shame! shame! let us know the right,
and shame on the guilty one light!
| |
THADDEUS |
(rushing before Arline to shield her)
He who a hand on her would lay,
through my heard must force his way.
| |
CHORUS |
Tear them asunder, but still protect
until they can prove, what they but suspect.
| |
| | |
| (Florestein who has during this movement entered the Hall of Justice, is now seen returning, followed by a strong Guard who file off on each side of the steps.) | <- Florestein, Captain, Guards
|
| | |
| [N. 15 - To the hall, to the hall] | N
|
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
(To Captain of the guard, pointing at Arline.)
There stands the culprit, on you I call
conduct her away to the hall ~ to the hall.
| |
| | |
| (Arline looks at him with great contempt; the Gipsies perceiving her danger range themselves around her. Thaddeus breaks from those who are holding him, and rushes up to her. Florestein has got behind the Captain of the guard, who gives orders for his body to seize Arline, upon which the Gipsies draw their daggers, a conflict ensues in which the Guard maintains possession of Arline, a body of the populace reseige Thaddeus, and the Gipsies are routed.) | |
| | |
|
CAPTAIN
They who would brave the law,
against themselves but draw
the aid of which they stood in need,
and aggravate their guilty deed.
THADDEUS
Free me, or else the law
upon your heads you draw,
it's aid you may live to need,
who smile upon this daring deed.
GIPSIES
Why should we fear the law,
or all the arms you draw,
while of our aid she stands in need,
and guiltless is of such a deed?
|
Together
FLORESTEIN
Now it is with the law,
I beg leave to withdraw,
a glass of wine I greatly need
for it has hurt my nerves indeed.
GUARDS
If ye dare brave the law,
upon your heads ye draw
the aid of which ye stand in need,
and aggavate their guilty deed.
|
| |
| | |
| (Arline is conducted by a file of the guard, led by the Captain, and preceded by Florestein and his party into the Hall of Justice, the people follow in a mass, while Thaddeus is detained by those who first seized him, and as Arline is going up the steps, the figure of the Queen is seen, in an attitude of triumph over her rival's fall.) | Arline, Captain, Guards ->
|
| | |
| | |
| |
|
Scene the fourth |
Interior of Count Arnheim's apartment in the Hall of Justice - a view of the last scene visible through one of the windows at the back. A full-length portrait of Arline, as she was in the first act, hangs on the wall - state chairs, etc - an elevation or dais on the O.P. side. |
Q
(nobody)
<- Count
|
| | |
| (Count Arnheim enters thoughtful and dejected; he contemplates Arline's portrait, and wipes the tears from his eye.) | |
| | |
COUNT |
Whate'er the scenes the present hour calls forth before the sight,
they lose their splendor when compared with scenes of past delight.
| |
| | |
| [N. 16 - The heart bow'd down by weight of woe] | N
|
| | |
| Song. | |
|
COUNT
The heart bow'd down by weight of woe
to weakest hope will cling,
to thought and impulse while they flow,
that can no comfort bring,
that can, that can no comfort bring.
With those exciting scenes will blend
o'er pleasure's pathway thrown,
but mem'ry is the only friend,
that grief can call its own.
The mind will in its worst despair
still ponder o'er the past,
on moments of delight that were
too beautiful to last.
To long departed years extend
its visions with them flown;
for mem'ry is the only friend
that grief can call its own.
| S
|
| | |
| (At the end of the song, a confused noise is heard outside, when the Captain of the guard enters.) | <- Captain
|
| | |
CAPTAIN |
A robbery has been committed, and the accused is now in the hall awaiting the pleasure of your lordship, as chief magistrate of the city, for examination.
| |
COUNT |
Bring the parties before me. (The Captain arranges the magisterial chair O.P., bows and exits) Anything to arouse me from these distracting thoughts, though the sole happiness I now enjoy is in the recollection of my long-lost child.
| |
| | |
| (Seats himself, when the doors are violently opened, and a mob of Citizens, Guards and Gentry enter. Florestein, who is in the midst of them, instantly rushes up to the Count.) | Captain ->
<- Citizens, Guards, Gentry, Florestein, Arline, Devilshoof
|
| | |
FLORESTEIN |
It is your lordship's nephew - I, who have been robbed!
| |
COUNT |
Some folly of yours is forever compromising my name and that of your family.
| |
FLORESTEIN |
But I am in this instance the victim - I have been robbed, and there stands the culprit
| |
| | |
| (Pointing to Arline standing in the centre, pale and with dishevelled hair, but still haughty in her demeanour.) | |
| | |
COUNT |
(aside)
'Tis she I saw but now in the public square. That girl, so young, so beautiful, commit a robbery, Impossible!
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FLORESTEIN |
She stole this medallion belonging to me - we found it upon her.
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COUNT |
(addressing Arline)
Can this be true?
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ARLINE |
(looking contemptuously at Florestein, and turning with dignity to the Count)
Heaven knows I am innocent, and if your lordship knew my heart, you would not deem me guilty.
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COUNT |
(aside)
Her words sink deep into my breast. Childless myself, I fain would spare the child of another.
(To Florestein.)
What proofs have you of this?
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FLORESTEIN |
(pointing to his friends)
My witnesses are here, who all can swear they saw it on her neck.
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ALL |
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COUNT |
Still does my mind misgive me.
(To Arline, in a kind tone.)
My wish is to establish your innocence - explain this matter to me, and without fear.
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ARLINE |
That medallion was given to me by the queen of the tribe to which I belong - how it came into her possession, I know not! but a light breaks in upon me - I see it all - I chanced to incur her displeasure, and to revenge herself upon me, she has laid for me this shameless snare, into which I have innocently fallen, and of which I have become the victim.
(Hidings her face in her hands and weeping.)
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COUNT |
(with a struggle)
I believe your tale, and from my heart I pity the inexperience which has led to the ruin of one, who seems above the grade of those she herds with - but in the fulfillment of duty I must compromise the feelings of nature, and I am forced to deliver you into the hands of justice.
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ARLINE |
(to the Count)
To you my earthly, to him, my heavenly judge, I reassert my innocence. I may be accused, but will not be degraded, and from the infamy with which I am unjustly threatened, thus I free myself.
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| (She draws a dagger from beneath her scarf, and is about to stab herself, when Count Arnheim rushes forward, seizes her arm, and wrests the dagger from her.) | |
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| [N. 17 - Hold! hold! / We cannot give the life we take] | N
|
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| Finale. | |
COUNT |
Hold! hold!
We cannot give the life we take,
nor reunite the heart we break,
sad thing ~
(Taking the hand of Arline, and suddenly seeing the wound on her arm.)
what visions round me rise,
and cloud, with mists of the past, mine eyes?
That mark! those features! and thy youth!
(Dragging Arline forward, and in great agitation.)
My very life hangs on thy truth. ~
How came that mark?
| |
ARLINE |
(Recollecting Thaddeus's words.)
E'er on my head
my sixth sun had its radiance shed,
a wild deer, who had lain at bay,
pursued by hunters, cross'd my way;
my tender frame, by his antler gor'd,
an humble youth to my home restor'd:
the tale he but this day confess'd,
and is near at hand to relate the rest.
| |
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| (Here a tumult is heard and Thaddeus, having escaped from those who confined him, breaks into the room, and rushes into the arms of Arline. The Count, on seeing him, reels back. General excitement prevails.) | <- Thaddeus
|
| | |
COUNT |
With the force of fear and hope
my feelings have to cope!
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ARLINE |
(Approaching the Count and pointing to Thaddeus, who starts on beholding him.)
'Tis he the danger brav'd;
'tis he my life who saved.
| |
| | |
| Solo. | |
|
COUNT
(Seizing Arline in his arms in a transport of joy.)
Mine own, my long-lost child!
Oh, seek not to control
this frantic joy, this wild
delirium of my soul!
Bound in a father's arms,
and pillow'd upon his breast,
bid all the rude alarms
that assail'd thy feelings, rest.
| |
| | |
| (Count clasps Arline to his heart - kisses her head, hands, hair, and shedding tears of joy.) | |
| | |
ARLINE |
(Bewildered starts from the Count and runs to Thaddeus.)
Speak ~ speak! this shaken frame,
this doubt, this torture, see. ~
My hopes ~ my very life ~ my fame
depend on thee.
| |
THADDEUS |
(Pointing to Count Arnheim, with deep emotion. Aside)
Dear as thou long hast been,
dear as thou long wilt be,
mourned as this passing scene
will be through life by me,
though his heart, and none other, like mine can adore thee,
yet
(aloud)
thou art not deceiv'd ~ 'tis thy father before thee!
| |
| | |
| (Arline staggers, and then rushes into the Count's arms.) | |
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|
CHORUS
Prais'd be the will of heav'n
whose light on them smil'd,
and whose bounty hath giv'n
the father his child!
ARLINE
Prais'd be the will of heav'n
whose light o'er me smil'd,
and whose bounty hath giv'n
a father his child!
DEVILSHOOF
(Suddenly emerging from the crowd and dragging Thaddeus away.)
Better to go now 'ere driv'n,
than e'er be revil'd,
for the bounty thus hath giv'n
the father his child!
|
Together
COUNT
Prais'd be the will of heav'n
whose light o'er me smil'd,
and whose bounty hath giv'n
a father his child!
THADDEUS
Though from this bosom riv'n,
that heart is beguil'd,
the bereavement hath giv'n
the father his child!
(Thaddeus hides his face in his hands much moved.)
CHORUS
Prais'd be the will of heav'n!
whose light on them smil'd,
and whose bounty hath giv'n
the father his child!
|
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| End of the second act. | |
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