DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

Astrofiammante, QUEEN OF THE NIGHT.

PAMINA, her daughter.

PAPAGENO, a bird-catcher.

TAMINO, a handsome Egyptian prince.

MONOSTATOS, chief slave of the temple.

SARASTRO, high priest of Isis.

PAPAGENA.

Three Ladies-in-Waiting to the QUEEN OF THE NIGHT; Three Youths of the Temple; Priests, Priestesses, Slaves, etc.



ACT II. SCENE V.

PAMINA in haste, and the same.



PAMINA.

Ah prince! ah husband! I return to you. I heard that sound, and came panting to you. But why do you look so sad, and refuse to answer me? Well then, I will go! Ah, have I then so little interest in your heart? (Tamino sighs, and makes signs to Pamina to go.) Pray, Papageno, tell me what is the matter with my beloved? How tormenting!



"WRETCH THAT I AM."

Air.



PAMINA.

Wretch that I am. loo well I know

Naught now is left me but to mourn

Condemned to drain the cup of woe,

Joy to me will never return.

Oh, Tamino, if for thee

My sighs and bitter tears are in vain.

Come, kind death, in pity free

My weary bosom from its pain.



ACT II. SCENE VI.

A subterranean place. Priests bearing on their shoulders an Illuminated Pyramid. SARASTRO, followed by the Orator and another Priest, all holding lighted torches in their hands.



Chorus of Priests.

Great Isis and Osiris! Lo, the ray

Of rising Phoebus drives the gloom away,

The altar and the sacred rites behold.

Now let the youth approach in virtue bold.

He steps while truth

And virtue lead,

Worthy the youth

Of this high meed.



ACT II. SCENE VII.

The same. SARASTRO, TAMINO, then PAPAGENO both having their heads veiled and being led by the hand.



SARASTRO.

Noble youth, the goat is near. Only two more trials remain. May virtue direct you; may love inspire you. may the gods be with you. {Takes TAMINO by the hand.) Let Pamina approach.

[To a Priest, who goes to conduct her. A deep silence reigns.]



PAMINA.

Where would you lead me? What silence all around! Nature herself seems mute. Oh, if out a zephyr, an echo, could discover to me where my lover is?



SARASTRO.

He expects you here to take a last adieu.



PAMINA.

Last adieu. Alas! is it so? then let someone conduct me to him.



SARASTRO.

He is before you.

[Taking off her veil.]



PAMINA.

Ah, come, Tamino, joy of my heart!



TAMINO.

Stay, Pamina. I must go. Adieu!

[With a solemn air.]



PAMINA.

Shall I then behold my love no more?



SARASTRO.

If such your wish let it be the reward of our virtue.



PAMINA.

Ah, how severe the danger to which he is exposed.



SARASTRO AND PAMINA.

Merciful heaven will give him counsel.



PAMINA.

I know that the unhappy youth goes to meet is doom! My afflicted heart forebodes it.



SARASTRO AND PAMINA.

Death is sweet to the valiant. They can welcome it with a smile.



PAMINA.

If he felt a love like mine, he would learn to tremble.



SARASTRO AND PAMINA.

His/My heart is no less faithful than yours, but he teaches you to merit before you expect a reward.



SARASTRO.

The hour has stuck. The moment is sacred. The lover must now be forgotten.



TAMINO AND PAMINA.

Alas! who could do this? Those who are capable of it can never have loved!



SARASTRO.

He has sworn it. (To Pamina, pointing at Tamino.) You must go. (To Tamino.)



TAMINO AND PAMINA.

Yes, I/he will go. Oh gods! The very idea is death to me.



SARASTRO.

Remember! (To Tamino.) He will shortly return to you again. (To Pamina.)



TAMINO AND PAMINA.

When will my torments end?

[Exeunt Sarastro, Tamino, and Priest, one way and Pamina another.]



ACT II. SCENE VIII.

PAPAGENO running. The Orator, with a torch, comes to meet him /from the side by which PAMINA went out.



PAPAGENO.

My breath is gone: a stag could not overtake him. Perhaps he took another road. Oh, you are the very person I wanted. [To the Speaker.] Have you seen him? Which way has Tamino taken?



SPEAKER.

Do you ask me? Why did you leave him?



PAPAGENO.

It was only for a moment, but he is as fleet as the wind!



SPEAKER.

Heaven in pity forgive your faults, but hope not to partake of the happiness of the elect.



PAPAGENO.

Give me but good wine, and I am satisfied.



SPEAKER.

Have you no other wish?



PAPAGENO.

Not at present.



SPEAKER.

Go, silly man. Well, you shall have your wish.

[Exeunt.]



PAPAGENO.

[At these words a cup of wine is seen, Papageno takes it, and drinks it with many gestures.]

Oh delightful! Oh land of plenty! Now it is alright! now I should find no difficulty to scale the sun or attempt the moon. The wine warms my veins. it raises, it elevates me, and I feel the god of love, all in flames, gliding into my heart.



"FOR MAIDENS FAIR AND LOVING."

Air.



PAPAGENO.

For maiden fair and loving

Does Papageno sigh,

A dove-like, gentle creature.

Like an angel from on high.

For maiden fair and loving,

Then never whilst eating nor drinking,

I'd envy e'en princes, I'm thinking,

For, living like this all my life.

Would quite an Elysium be,

For maiden fair and loving.

Wilt no one list my constant sighing.

Nor know that I of love am dying?

A kiss my slumbering peace would wake.

Will no kind maiden pity take.

For maiden fair and loving.

Will no one listen to my wailing,

My prayers, my tears, are unavailing.

The favor, ladies, is but small.

Oh come, and I will love you all.

For maiden fair and loving.