The Tales of Hoffmann Part 15

HOFFMAN.

Ye G.o.ds with what bliss ye fire my heart?

Like a concert divine your voice does move me; With a fire soft yet burning my being is devoured; Your glances in mine have spent their flame, Like radiant stars And I feel, my well beloved, Pa.s.s your perfumed breath On my lips and on my eyes.

GIULIETTA.

Yet, to-day, strengthen my courage By leaving me something of you!

HOFFMAN.

What do you mean?

GIULIETTA.

Listen and don't laugh at me.

(She takes Hoffman in her arms and finds a mirror.)

What I want is your faithful image, To reproduce your features, your look, your visage, The reflection that I see above me bend.

HOFFMAN.

My reflection? What folly!

GIULIETTA.

No! for it can detach itself From the polished gla.s.s And come quite whole in my heart to hide.

HOFFMAN.

In your heart?

GIULIETTA.

In my heart. 'Tis I who beg thee, Hoffman, give me my wish.

HOFFMAN.

My reflection?

GIULIETTA.

Your reflection. Yes, wisdom or folly, I await, I demand.

(Ensemble.)

HOFFMAN.

Ecstasy, unappeased bliss, Strange and soft terror, My reflection, my soul, my life To you, always to you!

GIULIETTA.

If your presence I lose, I would keep of you Your reflection, your soul, your life; Dear one, give them me.

GIULIETTA (suddenly).

Schlemil!

(Schlemil enters followed by Nicklausse, Dapertutto, Pittichinaccio and others.)

SCHLEMIL.

I was sure of it! Together!

Come, gentlemen, come, 'Tis for Hoffman, it seems to me That we are abandoned.

(Ironic laughter.)

HOFFMAN.

Monsieur!

GIULIETTA (to Hoffman).

Silence!

(Aside) I love you, he has my key.

PITICHINACCIO (to Schlemil).

Let us kill him.

SCHLEMIL.

Patience!