THE MAGIC FLUTE
OVERTURE
ACT I
Oh, help me, ye gods, will my prayers never reach you?
Deliver me now from this beast, I beseech you
Ye gods, show me mercy
It's drawing so near
So terribly near...
Oh, help me now
Oh help and protect me now
Die, vicious beast, die by the spear
Oh joy!
Now all his fear can desappear
He is released
Our valor saved him from the beast
This is indeed a youth most fair
Such beauty in a man is rare
Indeed, he has a graceful air
could I by love enchanted be
this youth alone could capture me
Now to the queen. We must not linger
This joyful message we must bring her
Would that this youth a way could find
to give her back her peace of mind
So hasten now, you two. I'll guard him here for you
No, you go. I must say it's better that I stay
What is this all about? I'll do the watching out
I'll guard him here for you
- It's better that I stay - I'll do the watching out
- I'll guard him - I'm staying
I'll watch him
Is that so?
I am to go?
Oh no!
Oh no-ah, that is so? I am to go?
She would thus be rid of us
Oh no!
Oh no, I shall not go
To have him for my very own now
if we were only left alone now
if they would leave him here with me
But no-alas. It shall not be
And if that's so I'd better go
I'll go, I'll go
Adonis, keeper of my heart
Now fare thee well for we must part
Farewell, we'll meet again
Farewell
We two will meet anew
A fowler gay in me you see
There are not many more like me
I am a well-known person here
belov'd wherever I appear
I play my pipe and at the sound
all kinds of birds do flock around
By catching birds I earned my fame
and Papageno is my name
Of course I'm happy in my trade
but I get Ionesome for a maid
Alone I wander all day long
and only birds a can hear my song
No girls come flocking around my feet
although my melody is sweet
I want a maiden of my own
to have and keep for me alone
Now you frightened him.
I catch birds for the queen of the night
So this is her territory? Have you ever seen her?
You must be mad. She wouldn't show herself to just anybody
- What are you staring at? - Of course.
You saved me from the dragon.
Dragon, indeed.
Well, the main thing is someone killed it.
- But how? You're unarmed. - I've got a strong fist.
Papageno!
No wine today. Only water...
And no cake. But you may have a stone.
No sweet figs either. But pray accept this padlock for your lips.
Prince Tamino, be still.
Our Queen sends you this locket with her daughter's picture.
If you are not indifferent to her features...
then bliss, honor, and fame await you.
The beauty of this wondrous face
divine in all its tender grace
a feeling is aroused in me
A hope of bliss and ecstasy
I can't comprahend this wistful yearning
But my be wildered heart is burning
Can it be love, this mystery?
It is
I know that it must be
I know it, I know it
What else but love could it be?
Where does she dwell, my heart's desire?
How might I best her love inspire?
If only now my dream came true
What is my dream?
That she were here so I could face her
And with a lover's gentle arms embrace her
Then she would be forever mine
then she would be forever mine
- The path fortune lies open. - Our Queen has heard every word.
She has read your heart
At last, she feels certain her daughter can be rescued.
Pamina was abducted by a mighty sorcerer.
She lay asleep under the cypresses one day...
when Sarastro crept up to her.
Yes, he is a devillishly cunning man...
with many defferent guises...
and he kured Pamina away.
I shall rescue her, I swear by my love.
Listen, Tamino. Do you hear a distant thunder?
- Night falls over the mountain. - Our Queens is coming.
No need to fear, my dearest friend
Your heart is gentle
daring
pure
And you alone have the strength and power
to aid a mother un her darkest hour
Life holds for me but grief and sorrow
since my dear child was lured away
Now gray and cloudy dawns each morrow
A wanton deed
destroyed my peace of yesterday
The memory still daunts me
Forever it haunts me
Her vain protestation
her sad lamentation
I heard her crying in the distance
Oh, help!
In vain she had to plead
I could not come to her assistance
I failed her in her hour of need
My power failed me
in her hour of need
You must go
through hell and through high water
Perilous land you must explore
Yes, perilous land you must explore
But if you bring me back my daughter
then she is yours forever more
Then she is yours...
forever more
Do I sleep or do I wake?
Is this a dream or reality?
Your punishment was prompt indeed
but I think they were too hard on you
It's hardly pity that you need
but alas, there's nothing I can do
Our Queen, so merciful and wise now pardons you for tellings lies
- Hey listen... Papageno's talking. - Now do beware of tellings lies.
- I'll never tell another lie. - The padlock is your reason why.
The padlock is my reason why.
Oh that the lips of every liar
could thus be sealed and locked for good
Instead of malice, hate, and ire
We would have love and brotherhood
My prince, accept this gift from me, a present from Her Majesty
A magic flute she now has sent you
for your protection on this venture
just play, and you may take for granted
your listeners wil be enchanted
The sad will feel the joy of life
The bachelor will seek a wife
Such a magic flute is
a treasure of tremendous worth
For by its sound man is inspired
to love in peace with all on earth
It is time for me to go now
- Ladies. Now goodbye to you. - Not so fast
We'll let you know now what our Queen wants you to do
With the Prince, go on your way now to Sarastro. No delay now
No, indeed, I must decline. That's not really in my line
To Sarastro... Thank you, no. If our venture should miscarry
he would have me plucked and roasted and then feed me to the crow
Why feel alarm? The Prince will keep you safe from harm
Oh that the Prince would go to blazes. My life is clear to me
I do not trust their pretty phrases. They are no guarantee
- A small advance is only fair - Well, well, what is in there?
These little bells that sweetly tingle
And could I also make them jingle?
But of course, yes, certainly!
Flute of magic, bells of vision
keep us safe upon our missien
Now good luck, you fearless men
Now farewell, we'll meet again
But we don't know the way. Pray tell
where does this vile Sarastro dwell?
We are three spirits to attend you
Our help and counsel we will lend you
Just keep in mind that you'd be wise
always to do as we advise
They are three spirits to attend us
Their help and counsel they will lend us
Just keep in mind that you'd be wise
always to do as we advise
It's time that we went on our way
Farewell, we'll meet another day
We'll meet again
- Now, Pamina. Caught at last - Oh, my heart, don't beat so fast
- Don't think you'll ever leave - It's not for myself I grieve
But my poor mother'll die, I fear
from losing one she held so dear
Pamina, you will be locked in so that you can't escape us
I'd rather have you like me
Barbarian! Now strike me down
Away, away! Now let us be alone
This puzzles me... whose house is this?
But look... there is Pamina. This is too good to miss
Good evening my dear girl Say, what is going on here?
This surely is the fiend himself
Yes, this must be the fiend himself
- Have mercy! - Me? Mercy?
- Please spare me now! - I? Spare you now?
Go
- Who are you? - The Queen of the Night sent me.
- My mother... What's your name? - Papageno. But let me check first.
"Beautiful eyes"...yes
Though a little red.
"Fair hair"...it is fair.
"Red lips"...your lips are red.
Everything's right
Except the feet. According to this picture, you don't have feet.
Where did you get that?
A long story. I'm keeping it for the Prince.
- What Prince? - I'm not sure.
But here is his picture.
Your mother took to him at once and asked him to free you from Sarastro.
I've come before him.
Tamino is in love with you.
Tamino, in love with me?
Then why is he not here?
We've been looking separately. A bird showed me the way.
What time is it? Sarastro will be home any minute now. Come.
- Sarastro? Was he the cad? - No. His servant, Monostatos.
- Lf you knew. - I can imagine. He looked a real...
So he is. Come, we must hurry.
How do I know you're not one of Sarastro's evil spirits?
Me? Why, I'm the best spirit in the world.
- You do look good-hearted. - That's for sure. But hurry now.
Anyway, what do I want with a heart?
When I think that Papageno still has no Papagena...
Not even a girlfriend to share my merry moments with.
- You'll soon find a sweetheart. - I'll tell you one thing. Though...
A man by gentle love inspired
will have a heart that's kind and good
to listen to his heart's desires
How sweet the lot of womanhood
For love will warm us day and night
Love is the source os true delight
Love brings relief in pain and sorrow
It soothes a soul in misery
Love holds the key to each tomorrow
In it is Born Eternity
For love's sweet sake the world began
Woman and man, thus love began
Love is pure
and love is bright
Lover's are each other's light
Heaven both them both unite
This path will lead you to your goal
If you pay heed to this expedient
Here are the rules; don't lose control
Be steadfast
silent
and obedient
But listen, tell me first, you three
When will Pamina be set free?
We must not tell, no use to plead
Be steadfast, silent and obedient
Obey the rules and you will succeed
if you make use of this expedient
I strongly feel it would be wise
for me to do as they advise
Where am I now? Which path is right?
And could this be a godly site?
The gates and the columns, their towering beauty
would point to a reign of art, wisdom and duty
Where art is protected and beauty may dwell
the people are happy, the master rules well
Alone I shall venture to open the door
My purpose is noble, my motives are pure
Sarastro,, ark these words, you scum
To save Pamina
I have come
Stand back
Stand back?
I'll try another door
Stand back
The same words as before
One single entrance is left. Now shall I be dismissed once more?
Bold stranger, pray, what do you want?
What brings you to this sanctuary?
I seek the mistress of my heart
A worthy cause, it would appear
And yet you will not be admitted
It isn't love that brings you here
To evil powers you have submitted
Revenge on the barbarian!
In our company you won't find him
Sarastro, is he not your leader?
Oh yes, Sarastro rules these parts
But surely not the Temple here?
Oh yes, he rules the Temple here
Then all must be hypocrisy
So you would leave us now?
I want to leave. Yes, begone...
gone from deceit and fraud
What do you mean by that? Will you explain yourself?
Sarastro rules here. That's enough for me.
If life is dear to you, then speak now. Tell me all
- Sarastro you abhor? - I loathe his very name
He is a great and holy man - He is a tyrant and a brute
You suffer from a misconception
The victim of his vile deception told me Sarastro stole her child
That woman would have you beguiled
Her venom poisons every word
And you believe what you have heard?
If Sarastro now were here
then he could make his purpose clear
Well, it's obvious to me
Am I erroneously instructed? Pamina, was she not abducted?
That's correct, yes I agree
Where is she? Still alive and well?
Or is she dead? What have they done?
Be patient yet a while, my son
I am instructed not to tell
Explain this puzzle. Tell me now
I'm still obliged to keep my vow
But when am I to know the answer?
As soon as it is understood
that you shall join
our brotherhood
Oh endless night
you never lighten
When will the darkness ever brighten?
Soon or never
evemore...
Soon or never, did they not say?
You hidden spirits, answer me if yet Pamina lives
Pa mi na
is alive
Yet alive? I thank you for that word
Oh that my voice in jubilation
could sing your praise and exaltation...
Almighty Ones, I'd thus impart
the feeling of relief
in my heart
What power in your gentle voice
sweet flute of magic
For your tones so soft and tender
a heaven here on earth engender
what power in your gentle sound
Your voice is full of magic splendor
For your tones so soft engender
on earth a blissful heaven...
But... my Pamina
My Pamina does not hear
My Pamina is not here
Pamina!
Hear me, hear me now
In vain...
Where?
Where? Pray tell, where can you be?
Ah, that is Papageno's flute
Perhaps she's coming here with him Yes, she has heard my melody
she heard my flute
My darling will be free
The flute will bring her here to me
Fearless heart and nimble feet make for a discreet retreat
Oh, Tamino, hurry now, or they'll get us anyhow
Oh Tamino, hurry, hurry now
Or they'll get us, get us, get us anyhow
Come, Tamino
Wait a minute, maybe we should take a chance here
Oh what joy to hear him answer. He has heard us, he is near
And his flute is pure and clear
Could this be the end of worry?
Better hurry better hurry
Ha! Seems like you both are caught!
Bring me manacles ans fetters... you have lost out to your betters
Now I'll teach you to deceive me. You will smart for this, believe me
Hurry up with chains and rope
- Shal we really give up hope? - Hurry up with chains and rope
Faint hearts never won a single thing
Little bells, let's hear you ring. We must really take a chance
Let us risk a sing and dance
How sweet is their tinkle, how tender and gay
If only forever the music would play
sweetly chiming bells, your worth is beyond all measure
Would that every man on earth owned so dear a treasure
Then to your harmonious sound love would fiourish all around
It would mean the end of strife, fear and violations
Man would lead a peaceful life
Love would heal the nations
We praise thee, Sarastro. Long live our master
What now will befall us? What awful disaster?
My friend, this is the end, I fear
We soon shall have Sarastro here
Oh, if I were a mouse I'd find hole to hide in
Or if a snail, I'd glide into my little house
Oh dear
Whatever shall we say?
Be honest
and truthful
Honest, come what may
Long life to Sarastro. We praise his decisions
We hail our master, his heavenly visions
He wisely decides and gladly obey
he is our prophet, he shows us the way
Sir...
I confess, I disobeyed...
escaped, because I was afraid
The blame, though, should not rest with me
The wicked Moor sought to abuse me
and that is why I tried to fiee
Arise, you have no need to fear me
I do not ask for a confession
a reason why you would depart
I know the secret of your heart
yes, the secret of your heart
You acted under love's impression
and yet I cannot set you free
You acted under love's impression
and...
and yet I cannot set you free
My mother grieves for losing me
Oh, my poor mother
She is within my power
Your life is wasted from the hour that you are left to her devices
She is my mother, that suffices
I love her
She is proud and weak
It is a man you need to guide you
Advice from me you now must seek
My proud youngster, come this way, our lord Sarastro to obey
- It's he. - It's he.
Yes, it is he
Oh, can it be
My arms must reach out to you
and if I die for what I do...
- This is peculiar. - Have you no shame at all?
This is indecent, let go at once!
See your servant kneel before you
For my reward I now implore you to punish the audacious lad
You must know the plans he had?
To snatch her was his foul intention
until made my intervention
- I beg you, hear me now, o Lord. - Yes, you deserve a just reward.
- For this good man I will allow. - Accept my gratitude, O Lord.
Forty lashes now
Oh no
Spare me your thanks, It is but my task.
Long life to Sarastro. We praise his decisions
We hail our master his heavenly visions
Now for probation lead these two into the Temple to be tried
And let their eyes be veiled from sight
until their hearts are purified
Where virtue and benevolence
are given such preeminence
this heavenly affinity
yes, heavenly affinity
does Grant to man divinity
ACT II
Friends and brothers
I solemnly declare this assembly to be of the utmost importance.
Tamino is waiting by the north gate.
He intensely desires to find a goal and purpose in life...
and aspires to become a member of our brotherhood.
- Is he virtuous? - He is.
- Is he fearless? - He is.
Is the reticent?
You deem him worthy, do you not?
Yes.
For Tamino, I have destined my daughter Pamina.
Therefore I took her away from her mother, the arrogant creature.
She would have our Temple reduced to ashes...
and destroy the holy writ of wisdom!
Her ultimate purpose is to control the world.
Pamina and Tamino shall protect our holy principles.
You want them to rule together over our alliance and our kingdom?
In true love you shall find the origin of wisdom.
That is why I shall resign my power to Pamina and Tamino...
if they show themselves worthy and endure their appointed trials.
Brothers, do you approve of my decision?
Yes.
Ye gods of light for your assistance
to this young pair we now appeal
Lend them your wisdom and persistence
Thus guide them through their harsh ordeal
For their pains
richly requite them
But if the scythe of Death
should smite them...
let them when mortal life shall cease
dwell in your everlasting peace
Let Tamino and his companion be brought to the House of Trials.
You may still turn back, but one more step... and it is too late.
I strive for wisdom. Pamina's love will be my reward.
You are prepared, then to endure the three trials?
Would you, too strive to obtain wisdom?
Pardon? What was that again...?
- Would you atrive to abtain wisdom? - No thank you.
A good night's sleep. Good food and drink, that'll do me.
But suppose we could find you a pretty and virtuous wife?
Yes.
Well, no thanks.
Not even is Sarastro has a girl lined up for you...
one quite like yourself in coloring and dress?
Like me?
- Is she Young? - Young and pretty.
What's her name?
Papagena
Really? I'd like to see her.
Yes, but you must not speak to her until your three trials are over.
Will you be steadfast enough to curb your tongue?
Then you shall see her. Come in here.
The people he sends me.
Soon, you shall meet your first trial.
Tamino, isn't it awfully dark?
Why, are you fools enough to stay?
Tamino, you are bound to die now.
You Papageno, too, better fly now.
- No, don't tell me things like that. - Papageno, no more chat.
This is only a temptation. Don't engage in conversation.
- We are lost! Did you not hear? - Do not talk and do not fear.
Do not talk and do not fear.
Soon you shall see Her Majesty for she has come here secretly
- She Has? Then where is she? - Be quiet, do not talk.
Think about the oath you swore now and don't break it any more now.
Tamino, don't be so confiding. The Queen's advice to you was good
An evil spirit is presiding over this "sacred"brotherhood
A wise man trusts himself alone and forms opinions of his own
It's also said the Devil feasts upon the victims of the priests
The Devil feasts down there below
Tamino, is that so?
A wise man feels no need to talk because of vile, malicious talk
- To trust the Queen I am inclined. - A Queen still has a woman's mind.
Trust me instead and speak no more
Think of the solemn oath you swore
Your manner seems aloof and distant
Why, Papageno, so resistant?
- It isn't that I would... - Hush!
- But he believes I should... - Hush!
Oh, what a difficult position
My sense of duty is too small
This is indeed a hopeless mission
They cannot be provoked at all
They have indeed a hopeless mission
We cannot be provoked at all
The strong are different from the weak...
in that they think before they speak
They always think before they speak
Our sanctuary desecrated! To suffer in hell you are fated
Oh woe, oh woe, is me
What's the matter?
Pull yourself together now. Be a man.
Man be damned! Why must I endure all these torments?
If gods intend Papagena for me, why all these nightmares?
Come now. I have orders to lead you on.
On this endless journey love may be lost on the way
Come on
I don't trust him
Everywhere in sweet seclusion lovers cuddle, bill, and coo
I alone must face exclusion for my skin's a darkish hue
Must I be forever burning and be scoffed at for my lust?
Women spurn my ardent yearning, It arouses but disgust
Oh, to have this maiden love me though of course she is taboo
Gentle moon up there above me she is white and fair like you
Though she find me reprehensive I shall own her here tonight
Should you think it too offensive gentle moon, put out your light
Mother, have you come to take me home?
What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?
It makes me frightaned, Mother
Revenge and hate are raging in my bosom
With desperation...
With desperation I am torn apart
You now must kill Sarastro to avenge me
Yes, kill him to avenge me
or be disowned forever in my heart
Disowned by me
forever you shall be
You shall be disowned by me
Forever you shall be
disowned by me
You shall be plagued forever
cursed and renounced forever
I ruthlessly shall sever
every bond between us both
I'll curse you forever
I shall sever
every bond between us both
If by your hand
Saratro does not perish
Gods of vengeance
hear a mother's oath
Confide in me now
What are you afraid of?
My love?
- Or your plans of murder? - Then you know?
Everything. You and your mother are in my power now
There is only one way to save yourself and her
or you must die
Pamina, what's the matter?
Father, do not revenge yourself on my mother.
Revenge?
You must have had a nightmare.
I'll sit here beside you until you've calmed down.
Within these sacred portals...
revenge and hate must cease.
The souls os straying mortals...
in love will find release.
When guided by a brother's hand...
they soon shall find a better land
No wrath may be permitted...
within those sacred walls
No guille may be admitted...
into these hallowed halls
He who will not forgive his foe
condemns himself to grief and love
The time has come for your second trial. Don't forget: "Silence"
- Where is Pamina, then? - You will soon see her.
But you must not speak to her.
Papageno, whoever breaks the silence here is punished by the gods.
Yes, but...
- Tamino, have you seen... - Ssh!
I wish I were back in the woods. At least I might hear a bird.
There is a missing feature...
in Papageno's life
A tender little creature
to be my wedded wife
her kiss would prevent me from thinking
of trifles like eating and drinking
Oh, love is a marvelous thing
A beggar may feel like a king
Why bother with eating
and drinking
Oh, love is a marvelous thing
A beggar may feel like a king
I shall feel like a king
There is a missing feature
in Papageno's life
A tender little creature
to be my wedded wife
But nobody seems to select me
In fact, they all seem to neglect me
To end up as nobody's groom...
Oh my, what a picture of gloom
I wonder why they all
reject me?
To end up as nobody's mate
Oh my, what a tedious fate
How long must I wait?
Not even a drop of water to drink
For me?
Is this a treat you offer all strangers?
I suppose visitors don't pften bother you, then.
That's what I thought.
Come, keep me company. Lessen my boredom.
How old are you?
How old?
Eighteen years and two minutes.
As young as that?
- I suppose you have a sweetheart? - You bet.
Is he also as young as you?
Well, he is about ten years older.
Ten years older... that's love for you.
What his name, then?
His name is Papageno.
Where is he then, your Papageno?
Right here.
Then I am your sweetheart.
What's your name?
My name is Papagena.
Papagena!
But you are sad?
Why won't you speak to your Pamina?
Tamino, don't you love me any more?
Don't you love me any more?
Brief and bitter
seems my rapture
for my bliss
will not last
If your heart I failed to capture
joy must be forever past
I am weary
and my heart is full of grief
If my love be unrequited
only death, then
only death may bring relief
Sweet relief...
Soon golden rays in sweet profusion
will drive away the night
Disperse tha clouds of dark delusion
let wisdom shine its light
Oh, blissful peace, have pity on us
Descend and shine your light upon us
This heavenly affinity
does grant to man divinity
Yes, grant to man divinity
Yet look, despair torments Pamina
So desperate we've never seen her
She feels rejected and forsaken
and does not know she is mistaken
Poor girl, it really is a shame
If only her dear Tamino came
Oh well, perhaps we'd better stand aside
to see what she might now decide
So you are now my groom-to-be
Well then, sweet dagger, set me free
Although her meaning is not plain
she seems to verge on the insane
Beloved, we shall never part
Forever now I'll keep you safety in my heart
She is utterly demented
Suicide must be prevented
Dear Pamina
Iook at us
No, I will be severed thus
from the man who did so hurt me
and did bitterly desert me
Mother gave me this knife
It's a sin to take one's life
I prefer the shorter anguish. Under grief I'll slowly languish
Mother, mother you sacrifice me
From your curse I cannot fiee
Come with us and all is well
No, I hear the distant knell
You who failed me, now farewell
Soon Pamina's death you'll see
Then you'll have murdered her
Stop! A warning's overdue
If Tamino saw your error
he would simply die of terror
for he loves no one but you
If he loves me, then how could he turn his back on me, why would he?
Yes, why did he turn away?
And why would he never answer?
We may give no explanation
but a sample illustration of this ardor we may show
Come and see what he endures
for the sake of you and yours
- To Tamino let us go. - Hurry now, I miss him so
Two hearts that love have conjugated
cannot by man be separated
They need not even fear a foe
The gods protect them where they go
Dearest, darling little sweetheart
It's futile. Woe, now she has vanished
Through my own fault now I am banished
I plain forgot talking was unauthorized
therefore have I been penalized
Since she appeared before my sight since I was pierced by Cupid's dart
throbbing away both day and night is my poor heart
Papagena, hear my plea
Papagena, come to me
No, she doen't care about me. Seems they all can do without me
I did hope to get a wife... Now a rope shall end my life
Now this tree will do me nicely
Suits my purposes precisely
This will be my last adieu. Cruel world, goodbye to you
You could tease me and torment me but not with a girl present me
I'm as wretched as can be. Pretty maidens, think of me
Will not one among you take me? Think how happy it would make me
There is time to snatch me yet
Now what answer shall I get?
There's no answer, no replying
nobody replying. No one cares that I am dying
Papageno, now's the time. Face your death and start to climb
I make no move. I still make no move
Now, let's see. If I should but count to three
One
Two
Now, what am I waiting for?
I must hesitate no more
I shall on earth no longer dwell
Now you faithless world, farewell
You fool
Oh Papageno, stop it. Why?
Your only life is lost if you should die
Spare me your witty moralizing
You wouldn't be so patronizing if you were old enough to know
Maybe you wouldn't feel so tragic
if you had used your bells of magic
Now, how could I forget about them?
No wonder that I fail without them
My little bells, ring sweetly for me
and call my darling girl to me
Tingle bells, and jingle. Bring my little dove
Tingle bells, and jingle. Bring my only love
Now, Papageno, turn and see
- Will you now be mine forever? - I belong to you forever
- Then I'll be your tender hubby - And I'll be your little missus
Oh, to think of future joys
If the gods their Grace award us
in due time they will accord us
a lovely brood of girls and boys girls and boys
- First comes a little Papageno - Then comes a little Papagena
- Then yet another Papageno - Then yet another Papagena
We do not need a lucky penny
With many, many, many, many, Papagenos, Papagenas
we shall be fortunate indeed
Your father permits you to visit Tamino in the House of Trials
You are to give him his flute
My task is to show you the way. Come
Oh, comrades
in our brotherhood
see what splendor
when clouds of night
to conquering light surrender
Fair dawn, to your delight
our friend Tamino wakes
Soon to our sacred band
he swears allegiance
He is a bold
and virtuous youth
Soon...
Soon he'll be worthy
of the Truth
Tamino, your third and most difficult task remains
Let him who seeks the light
the truth shall aspire
progress through
earth and water
air and fire
He who endures
this deadly passage to the end
thus purified
to heaven will ascend
The gods of wisdom
shall his eyes unseal
and thus to him
the mystery of life reveal
I do not fear the unknown yonder
The virtuous path I long to wander
O Death, unlock your fearful gate
Your trials boldly I await
Tamino, stay
I'll go with you
Do I hear Pamina calling?
Oh yes, that was Pamina calling
Oh joy... now she will come with me
Now each will keep the other's heart
in life or death no more to part
Do I still have to keep my silence?
No, you are now released from silence
What joy to wander hand in hand
into a truly promissed land
Two lovers who have death defied
to them no favors are denied
Tamino mine
Oh, bliss divine!
Pamina mine
Oh, bliss divine!
Beyond these gates I fear we
shall see black death abide
But I shall have you near me
and face him by your side
Let me your guardian be
My love is leading me
Our path with roses love adorns
There must be roses with the thorns
Now take your magic flute and play
It will protect us on our way
My father once a midnight hour did wander
in the sacred bower
He carved it from the ancient oak
mid termpest roar and thunderstroke
So threfore take the flute and play
for it will shield us on our way
Enlivened by its magic might
we'll wander through the realm of night
Our passage through the scorching fire
the flute did aid us to endure
Against the waves we would require
its help again to feel secure
O Gods! A moment such as this
inaugurates eternal bliss
Rejoice. Rejoice, triumphant pair!
You have subdued death and despair
and shall initiated be!
Advance, advance
Advance into our sanctuary
Be quiet now, be quiet
Soon we shall break into the shrine
My queen, now keep your word
and grant me that your Pamina will be mine
I'll keep my word
and I will shortly
to you Pamina's hand assign
Hush, do you hear a dreadful rumbling
as of a roaring waterfall?
Or as if stones and rocks were tumbling
an echo of a thundering braw!
Sarastro shall regret my lashes
His temple shall be burnt to ashes
He and his sighteous brotherhood
are soon to be destroyed for good
Queen of the night, just raise your hand
We will obey every command
Our power is shattered, our might is destroyed
Our bodies are hurled into the void
The radiant sun overpowers the night
and darkness surrenders
to wisdom and light
Hail, ye true and faithful
Your glory prevails
Thanks
Thanks to you, Sarastro
We bid you farewell
Victorius Truth will enhance His renown
with Beauty and Virtue both sharing his crown