The Tales of Hoffmann Part 4

'Tis to-morrow we will make it hot, Tire lan laire, Tire lan la.

NICKLAUSSE.

Very good, indeed. At least we are pruned With reason and practical sense!

Away with languorous hearts.

NATHANAEL.

Let's wager that Hoffmann's in love.

HOFFMANN.

What then?

NATHANAEL.

You need not blush, I imagine Our friend Wilhelm who's there, Burns for Leonor and finds her divine.

Hermann loves Gretchen and I am near ruined For the Fausta.

HOFFMANN (to Wilhelm).

Yes, Leonor, thy virtuose.

(To Hermann.)

Yes, Gretchen, thy doll inert, of icy heart.

(to Nathanael.)

And thy Fausta, poor insensate, The courtezan with front of bra.s.s.

NATHANAEL.

Morose spirit, Many thanks for Fausta, Gretchen and Leonore!...

HOFFMANN.

Pish. They are all alike.

NATHANAEL.

Then your mistress is such a treasure That you despise so much our own?

HOFFMANN.

My mistress, no, no, say rather three Charming trio of enchantresses.

Who are dividing my days.

Would you like the story of my crazy loves?...

CHORUS.

Yes, yes!

NICKLAUSSE.

What are you saying of three mistresses?

HOFFMANN.

Smoke!...

Before this dead pipe is relighted You will have comprehended, You who in this play where my heart was consumed In good sense took the first prize!

(All the students go to their places.)

CHORUS.

Listen. It is nice to drink, To the telling of a crazy tale, While following the fragrant cloud, That a pipe throws in the air.

HOFFMANN (sitting on corner of table).

I begin.

CHORUS.

Silence.

HOFFMANN.

The name of the first was Olympia...

(The curtain falls as Hoffmann is speaking.)