ACT ONE
Overture
FIRST SCENE
Marzellina, Jaquino.
No. 1 - Duet
JAQUINO
Now, Sweetheart, at last we are alone
Let us have now a quiet chat.
MARZELLINA
It cannot be all that important,
I must go on, with my work.
JAQUINO
One word, you obstinate girl!
MARZELLINA
Go on then, I'm listening to you.
JAQUINO
If you don't look friendlier at me
I shall not be able to talk.
MARZELLINA
Put up with me as l am,
Or else I shan't Iisten at all.
JAQUINO
One minute, please, hear what I say,
Thereafter I'll leave you in peace.
MARZELLINA
You never will leave me in peace,
Let hear me what you've got to say.
JAQUINO
I've chosen you for my wife,
You understand?
MARZELLINA
This is quite clear.
JAQUINO
And if you did only consent -
You follow?
MARZELLINA
We're husband and wife.
JAQUINO
We could within very few weeks -
MARZELLINA
How nicely you've worked it all out.
JAQUINO
To Hell with this continuous knocking!
MARZELLINA
At last he will leave me in peace.
JAQUINO
I was getting so nicely along -, -
Again she has slipped through my net.
MARZELLINA
His love, how sad does it make me,
The hours seem never to end.
I know that the poor devil suffers
And I am so sorry for him.
Fidelio's the one I have chosen,
To love him makes happy my life.
JAQUINO
Where was I - she's looking away.
MARZELLINA
Here he is - he'll start it again.
JAQUINO
When will you give me your consent?
It easily could be today.
MARZELLINA
Oh dear, he embitters my life.
Once and for ever, no!
JAQUINO
Your heart is as hard as a stone!
Unmoved by my wishes, my prayers.
MARZELLINA
I must be so cruel with him,
Not give him a glimmer of hope.
JAQUINO
Is there nothing that would change your mind?
Do tell me!
MARZELLINA
Please, leave me alone.
JAQUINO
To look at you, you can't forbid me,
Or will you?
MARZELLINA
Stay here, if you want to!
JAQUINO
How often you've given your promise -
MARZELLINA
My promise? No, this goes too far!
JAQUINO
To Hell with this continuous knocking!
MARZELLINA
At last he will leave me in peace!
JAQUINO
She really seemed quite concerned,
Who knows, I might win her at last.
MARZELLINA
How welcome this sound is to me,
I almost got frightened to death.
ROCCO
Jaquino, Jaquino!
MARZELLINA
Listen, Father is calling!
JAQUINO
I'm coming! I'm coming!
MARZELLINA
Poor Jaquino, I'm sorry for him. I used to be quite fond of him. But then Fidelio came into our house, and since then everything around me and within me has changed.
SECOND SCENE
Marzellina alone
No. 2 - Aria
MARZELLINA
I wished we were united yet
And I could husband call you!
A girl may never what she thinks,
Tell anyone aloud.
But when I never have to blush
From kisses of a loving heart,
When nothing ever will us part -
And hope already swells my chest
With untold sweet desire,
How happy shall I be then!
In peace and quiet homeliness
I'll wake up every morning,
We greet each other tenderly,
Hard work dispels anxiety.
And when the day's work has been done,
The gentle night will quietly fall,
Then we shall rest from all our toil.
And hope already swells my chest
With untold sweet desire,
How happy shall I be then!
THIRD SCENE
Marzellina, Rocco, Jaquino.
ROCCO
Good morning, Marzellina. Has Fidelio not returned yet?
MARZELLINA
No, Father!
ROCCO
I'm waiting for him with impatience.
MARZELLINA
Here he is, here he is!
FOURTH SCENE
The former, Leonora.
ROCCO
Well, Fidelio?
LEONORA
The blacksmith took so much time over mending the chains. Here is the receipt.
ROCCO
Very good, you buy much cheaper than I.
LEONORA
I'm trying my best.
ROCCO
Yes, you are good and you shall have your reward.
LEONORA
Please, do not believe it is because of a reward that I …
ROCCO
Hush! Do you think I could not see into your heart?
No. 3 - Quartet
MARZELLINA
A feeling never known,
It tightly grips my heart,
He loves me, it is clear,
Happy I shall be.
LEONORA
How great the danger is,
The rays of hope so weak!
She loves me, it is clear,
My sufferings never end.
ROCCO
She loves him, it is clear;
Yes, girl, he will be yours.
A couple, young and good,
Happy they will be.
JAQUINO
My hair, it stands on end,
The father will consent;
A feeling never known,
There's nothing I can do.
ROCCO
Listen, Fidelio, as soon as the governor has departed for Sevilla, I shall make you my son-in-law. The day after I shall join you in wedlock.
MARZELLINA
The day after his departure? Oh yes, dear Father!
ROCCO
Well, my children, you love each other, don't you? But for good housekeeping one also needs …
No. 4 - Aria
ROCCO
Unless there is gold to live on,
Quite happy you will never be;
Sadly life will carry on,
Many a sorrow will set in.
But if in the pockets it tinkles and rolls,
The fate you will have at your mercy,
And gold will provide you with power and love,
Will still your boldest desires.
You pay for luck to serve you well,
It is a wonderful thing, the gold.
If nought and nought is put together,
The total is and will be small;
If you find only love at table,
You'll be hungry afterwards.
So may fortune prove to you gracious and kind
And bless and guide your striving;
The beloved at your side, the gold in your purse,
For many a year you may live thus.
You pay for luck to serve you well,
It is a mighty thing, the gold.
LEONORA
It is for you to say this, Father Rocco, but I maintain that the union of two like-minded hearts is the fount of true happiness in marriage. There is, however, something no less dear to my heart.
ROCCO
And this is?
LEONORA
Why do you not allow me to accompany you into the underground vaults?
ROCCO
You know that I have the strictest orders not allow anyone near the prisoners of state.
MARZELLINA
But you work yourself to death, dear Father.
ROCCO
Yet, Fidelio, there is one prison into which I shall probably never be allowed to take you.
MARZELLINA
Probably where the prisoner is ...
ROCCO
Yes, yes
LEONORA
I believe it must be a long time since he has been taken prisoner?
ROCCO
More than two years.
LEONORA
Two years, you said? He must be a great criminal?
ROCCO
Or he must have great, enemies. He cannot last much longer. Now, on Pizarro's orders, he gets no more than a little bread and water, no light, no straw, nothing.
MARZELLINA
Dear Father, please, don't lead Fidelio to him. He could not stand his sight.
LEONORA
Why not? I have courage and strength.
No. 5 - Terzetto
ROCCO
Good, my lad, good,
Courageous you must be,
Then you will master life;
The heart grows hard
If you can face
The horrors of this world.
LEONORA
Courage I possess!
With cold blood
Boldly I'll go down:
For high reward
Love will be able
To suffer greatest pain.
MARZELLINA
Your kind heart
Will many a pain
Suffer in those vaults;
Thereafter will return
Happiness of love
And many untold pleasures.
ROCCO
You'll build your fortune on firm ground.
LEONORA
In God and justice faith I'll have.
MARZELLINA
Why don't you look me into the eyes,
The power of love is by no means small.
Yes, happy we shall be.
LEONORA
Yes, happy I can still be.
ROCCO
Yes, happy you will be.
The governor shall today permit
That you share all my work with me.
LEONORA
You'll deprive me of all my peace
If till tomorrow you did wait.
MARZELLINA
Yes, dearest Father, ask him now,
Married we could then shortly be.
ROCCO
I soon shall be the prey of the grave,
I need assistance, this is true.
LEONORA
How long I've been the prey of grief!
Oh hope, do give me strength.
MARZELLINA
Father, dear, what did you say?
Our friend and councillor you must remain.
ROCCO
Be on your toes, then all ends well,
Your longing will be stilled.
Both take your bands, united be
In sweet tears of joy.
LEONORA
You are so good, give courage me,
My longing will soon be stilled …
aside
I gave my hand to the tender tie,
It costs me bitter tears.
MARZELLINA
Oh have courage! Oh what fire!
Oh what deep desire!
Firm be the tie with heart and hand,
Oh sweet, sweet tears!
No. 6 - March
FIFTH SCENE
Rocco, Pizarro, Officers, Guards.
PIZARRO
Captain! Three guards on the rampart, six men on the drawbridge, and anyone approaching the fortress will be brought to me at once. Rocco!
ROCCO
Sir?
PIZARRO
Where are the dispatches?
ROCCO
Here they are, Sir.
PIZARRO
Well - Always recommendations or reproaches. I know this hand-writing: "I wish to tell you that the Minister has learned that the state prisons illegally detain a number of victims. He will depart tomorrow for a surprise inspection." If he found that man Florestan whom he believes to be dead. But there is a way out - a courageous deed …
No. 7 - Aria with Chorus
PIZARRO
Ah, time has come now!
Revenge I'll take on him,
Your fate is calling you!
I shall probe his heart,
Oh joy, oh great delight!
I almost was in the dust,
At the sneering scoffer's mercy,
Knocked miserably down.
But come has now my chance,
To be the, murderer's slayer;
In his final hour,
The steel deep in his wound,
To shout into his ears:
Triumph! Victory is mine!
CHORUS OF THE GUARDS
He speaks of death and wounds!
Let's go on our rounds,
How important it must be!
He speaks of death and wounds!
Look out, when on your rounds!
How important it must be!
PIZARRO
Captain, these are my orders: Watch the road from Seville continuously and with the greatest care. As soon as you see a coach approaching, the bugler will sound the signal. Man your posts! - Rocco!
ROCCO
Sir!
No. 8 - Duet
PIZARRO
Old man, we've got to hurry,
A fortune will be yours,
A rich man you will be;
Take this for a start!
ROCCO
Please, tell me in a hurry
What I shall have to do.
PIZARRO
A man of cold blood are you,
Fearless and courageous
Years of service have made you.
ROCCO
What's my duty? Tell me!
PIZARRO
Murder!
ROCCO
What?
PIZARRO
Listen to me now!
You're trembling! Are you a man?
No time is to be lost;
In the interest of the state
The criminal subject must
Quickly be removed.
ROCCO
Sir ...
PIZARRO
Why hesitate?
He must no longer live,
My ruin it would be.
Pizarro were afraid?
You'll die - and I shall live.
ROCCO
Trembling I am all over;
How could I do such a thing?
I shall not take his life,
Whatever may happen to me.
No, Sir, committing murder,
My duty this is not.
PIZARRO
Then I myself shall do it
If you the courage lack;
Now hurry at this instant
To that man down below -
You know .
ROCCO
Who hardly lives
And like a shadow looks?
PIZARRO
To him, to him go down!
I'll wait not far away
Whilst you dig in the cistern
Very quickly a grave.
ROCCO
And then?
PIZARRO
Then I shall in disguise
Quietly enter the dungeon -
One stroke - and he'll,be dead!
ROCCO
Starving in his fetters
He suffered endless pains,
To kill him means salvation,
The dagger'll make him free.
PIZARRO
He die now in his fetters,
Too short his suffering was,
His death alone can save me,
I shall be quiet then.
Old man, we've got to hurry,
Have you understood me?
You give the signal!
Then I shall in disguise
Quietly enter the dungeon -
One stroke - and he'll be dead!
ROCCO
Starving in his fetters
He suffered endless pains,
To kill him, means salvation,
The dagger'll make him free.
PIZARRO
He die now in his fetters,
Too short his suffering was,
His death alone can save me,
I shall be quiet then.
SIXTH SCENE
Leonora alone.
LEONORA
No. 9 - Recitativo and Aria
You monster! Where will you go?
What have you planned in cruel fury?
The call of pity, the voice of mankind,
Will nothing move your tiger's wrath?
Though surge like ocean's waves
Ire and anger in your heart,
A rainbow on my path still shines,
Which brightly rests on sombre clouds:
It looks so calmy, peacefully at me,
Of happier days reminding me
And soothes thus my troubled heart.
Come hope, let not the last bright star
In my anguish be obscured!
Light up my goal, however far,
Through love I shall still reach it.
I follow my inner calling,
Waver I shall not,
Strength I derive
From faithfulness and love.
Oh you -,- for whom I bore so much,
If I could penetrate
Where malice has imprisoned you
And bring to you sweet comfort!
I follow my inner calling,
Waver, I shall not,
Strength I derive
From faithfulness and love.
SEVENTH SCENE
Marzellina, Jaquino.
JAQUINO
But Marzellina! Once I was your dear, good Jaquino, but since this Fidelio ...
MARZELLINA
I do not deny ...
EIGHTH SCENE
The former, Rocco, Leonora.
ROCCO
What have you two got to quarrel again?
MARZELLINA
Father, he keeps on following me. He wants that I should marry him.
ROCCO
No, Jaquino, there is no question of your marrying her now. I have other things in mind.
MARZELLINA
I understand, father, Fidelio…
LEONORA
Father Rocco, several times I have asked you to allow the poor prisoners into the fortress garden. Today the weather is so beautiful.
ROCCO
Without the governor's permission?
MARZELLINA
But he talked to you so long, perhaps ...
ROCCO
You are right, Marzellina, I can risk it. Come along, Jaquino and Fidelio, open the lighter prisons.
NINTH SCENE
Prisoners' Chorus.
No. 10 - Finale
PRISONERS' CHORUS
Oh what joy, in the open air
Freely to breathe again!
Up here alone is life!
The dungeon is a grave.
FIRST PRISONER
We shall with all our faith
Trust in the help of God!
Hope whispers softly in my ears!
We shall be free, we shall find peace.
ALL THE OTHERS
Oh Heaven! Salvation! Happiness!
Oh Freedom! Will you be given us?
SECOND PRISONER
Speak softly! Be on your guard!
We are watched with eye and ear.
ALL
Speak softly! Be on your guard!
We are watched with eye and ear.
Oh what joy, in the open air
Freely to breathe again!
Up here alone is life.
Speak softly! Be on your guard!
We are watched with eye and ear.
TENTH SCENE
Rocco, Leonora.
Recitativo
LEONORA
How did it go?
ROCCO
Quite well, quite well.
All my courage I plucked up
And put it all to him.
And would you believe it,
What he replied to me?
The marriage and that you help me, he will permit;
Today already I shall lead you down into the dungeon.
Duet
LEONORA
Today! Today!
What happiness, what great joy!
ROCCO
I can see your joy,
It'll only be one moment
And 'We shall go together -
LEONORA
Where?
ROCCO
To that man down below
To whom I gave for weeks
Less and less to eat.
LEONORA
Ah! - Will he be released?
ROCCO
Oh no!
LEONORA
Do speak!
ROCCO
Oh no, oh, no!
We have to - how shall'I say - free him,
He must within one hour -
No one else may know -
Be burried by us both!
LEONORA
So he is dead?
ROCCO
Not yet, not yet.
LEONORA
To kill him, is your duty this?
ROCCO
No, my deat boy, don't be afraid;
For murder Rocco won't be hired.
The governor himself comes down,
We two, we only dig his grave.
LEONORA
To dig perhaps the husband's grave,
Is there anything more cruel?
ROCCO
I'm not allowed to give him food,
The grave will be relief for him. -
We have to go to work at once,
You must assist me, come with me;
Hard is the jailer's life.
LEONORA
I follow you, were it to my death.
ROCCO
In the crumbling cistern
We easily dig the grave,
Believe me, I am loath to do it;
You, too, are shuddering, it seems.
LEONORA
I only am not used to it.
ROCCO
I wished, I could have spared you this,
For me alone it gets too much,
And so severe our master is.
LEONORA
Oh, what great grief!
ROCCO
I think, he's crying.
No, you stay here - I'll go alone,
I'll go alone.
LEONORA
Oh no, oh no!
I must see him; see the poor man,
If I should perish over this.
ROCCO, LEONORA
So let's no longer hesitate,
We have to do our cruel work.
ELEVENTH SCENE
The former, Jaquino and Marzellina.
MARZELLINA
Quick, Father, quick!
ROCCO
What is it now?
JAQUINO
No longer wait!
ROCCO
What's happened now?
MARZELLINA
Pizarro follows me furiously!
He's threatening you.
ROCCO
Keep calm, keep calm!
LEONORA
Hurry along!
ROCCO
Just tell me this:
He knows it all?
JAQUINO
Yes, he knows it all.
MARZELLINA
The officer
Told him what we
Have the prisoners allowed.
ROCCO
Let quickly all of them return.
MARZELLINA
We've seen him rage before
And know his anger well.
LEONORA
My heart is full of rage,
Indignant is my blood.
ROCCO
My heart, it gives me right,
May the tyrant rage.
TWELFTH SCENE
The former, Pizarro, later on the prisoners.
PIZARRO
Insolent old man! By what rights
Have you assumed such frivolous behaviour?
Does it befit a hired servant
To give the prisoners free?
ROCCO
Oh Sir!
PIZARRO
Speak up!
ROCCO
The spring's arrival,
The bright and warm sunshine,
And: Have you ever thought of it,
It might acquit me of my guilt?
His Majesty's birthday is today,
We celebrate it in this way.
The one below die - but let the others
Walk gaily to and fro;
For him be all your hatred spared.
PIZARRO
So hurry up and dig his grave,
Up here I will have strictest peace.
Lock the prisoners up again,
May you never be insolent!
THE PRISONERS
Farewell, warm sunshine,
Too quickly we must leave you;
Already night is falling down
From which so soon no morrow dawns.
MARZELLINA
How gaily did they greet the sun
And now they part so sadly.
The others whisper to themselves,
This is no place for joy and pleasure.
LEONORA
You heard the word, don't hesitate,
Return into your prisons now.
Anxiety makes me tremble,
Is there no justice for the wicked?
JAQUINO
You heard the word, don't hesitate,
Return into your prisons,
They whisper to each other,
I cannot hear what they all say.
PIZARRO
Now Rocco, no longer hesitate,
Descend down to the dungeon.
No sooner you'll return,
Ere I have judgement passed on him.
ROCCO
No, Sir, I shall not hesitate,
I'll hurriedly go down.
Trembling I am all over,
Oh dreadful, cruel duty!
ACT TWO
FIRST SCENE
Florestan (alone).
No. 11 - Recitativo and Aria
FLORESTAN
God! what darkness this! What terrifying silence!
I'm living in a desert. Death only reigns down here.
How hard my trials! -
But just is the Lord's pleasure!
I don't complain! What I've to suffer, You decree.
In the spring days of my life
Happiness deserted me!
Truth I dared to utter boldly
And the chains are my reward.
Willingly I bear my tortures,
End in ignomy my life;
To my heart this is sweet solace:
My duty I have always done!
And do I not feel soft whispering air?
What brightness shines into my grave?
I see how an angel fragrant like a rose
Comforting stands by my side,
An angel, Leonora, my wife so alike
To lead met to freedom, to the kingdom of God.
SECOND SCENE
Florestan, Rocco and Leonora.
No. 12 - Melodrama and Duet
Melodrama
LEONORA
How cold it is in this underground vault!
ROCCO
This is only natural; it is so deep.
LEONORA
I thought we should never find the entrance.
ROCCO
Here it is.
LEONORA
He seems quite motionless.
ROCCO
Perhaps he is dead.
LEONORA
Do you think so?
ROCCO
No, no, he is asleep. - We ought to make use of this and commence work at once; we must not lose any time.
LEONORA
It is impossible to make out his face. - God help me, if it is he!
ROCCO
Here, underneath this rubble there is the cistern I was telling you about. - There is no need to dig much to get at the opening. Give me a pick-axe and you stay here. You are trembling, are you afraid?
LEONORA
Oh no, it only is so cold.
ROCCO
Get on with it, when working you'll get warm.
Duet
ROCCO
Be quick and let us dig the grave,
It won't be long and he'll arrive.
LEONORA
You shall not have to complain of me,
You shall be satisfied with me.
ROCCO
Come, help to lift this stone with me -
Look out! Look out, it weighs a lot!
LEONORA
I help you - do not be afraid;
I promise you to do my best.
ROCCO
A little morel
LEONORA
Be patient!
ROCCO
It moves.
LEONORA
A little more!,
ROCCO
Hard work it is!
ROCCO
Be quick and let us dig the grave,
It won't be long and he'll arrive.
LEONORA
Let me regain a little strength,
We'll soon have finished our work.
By God! His prey you shall not be!
I surely will undo your chains,
And make you free, you poor, poor man.
ROCCO
Why hesitate about your work?
LEONORA
My Father, I'II go on with it.
ROCCO
Be quick and let us dig the grave,
It won't be long and he'll arrive.
LEONORA
You shall not have to complain of me,
Let me regain a little strength,
No work will be too much for me.
LEONORA
He's waking up!
ROCCO
He is waking up, you said?
LEONORA
Yes, he lifted his head.
ROCCO
I must talk to him alone. Well, have you been resting again for a few moments?
FLORESTAN
Resting? How could I find rest?
LEONORA
If I could- only see his face for one moment - God, it is him!
FLORESTAN
Tell me at last, who is the governor of this prison?
ROCCO
The governor of this prison is Don Pizarro.
FLORESTAN
Pizarro! Send someone to Seville as soon as possible and ask for Leonora Florestan, tell her that I am imprisoned here.
ROCCO
It is impossible, I tell you. I should ruin myself without accomplishing anything for you.
FLORESTAN
If it is my destiny then to end my life, do not let my slowly die of thirst. Give me just one drop of water.
ROCCO
All I can offer you is a drop of wine which I have left in my jar. Fidelio!
LEONORA
Here it is, here it is!
ROCCO
How agitated you are, Fidelio!
LEONORA
Who should not be? You yourself,
Master Rocco -
ROCCO
It is true, this voice -
LEONORA
Yes, it penetrates into the depth of the heart.
No. 13 - Terzetto
FLORESTAN
Reward be yours in better worlds,
You have been sent to me by God.
Oh thanks, you've sweetly me refreshed;
Your kindness I cannot repay.
ROCCO
I refreshed him gladly,
the poor man,
It will be over soon with him.
LEONORA
How furiously throbs my heart,
In joy it surges and stinging pain,
FLORESTAN
This youth I see so deeply moved,
Compassion also shows this man,
Oh God, fresh hope you've given me,
May it become true in the end.
LEONORA
The great and anxious hour nears,
Which brings salvation me or death.
ROCCO
I always act in duty bound,
But also hate all cruelty.
LEONORA
This piece of bread - yes, for two days
I've carried it around with me.
ROCCO
I want to, but believe you me,
This is to venture a great deal.
LEONORA
This poor man gladly you refreshed.
ROCCO
This cannot be, this cannot be.
LEONORA
It will be over soon with him.
ROCCO
So be it - yes, so be it - you may do it.
LEONORA
Here, take the bread - you poor, poor man!
FLORESTAN
Oh thanks to you! Oh thanks! Oh thanks!
Reward be yours in better worlds,
You, have been sent to me by God.
Oh thanks! You've sweetly me refreshed,
Your kindness I cannot repay.
LEONORA
May Heaven grant salvation you,
Then high reward will come to me.
ROCCO
Your suffering has often moved me,
But I've not been allowed to help.
I refreshed him gl adly, the poor man,
It will be over soon with him.
LEONORA
Oh, this is more than I can bear!
FLORESTAN
Oh that I can give you no reward!
ROCCO
Everything is ready. Fidelio, you stay here, I shall go to give the governor the signal.
FLORESTAN
Where does he go? Does this mean that my end has come?
LEONORA
Be calm and do not forget that there is providence everywhere - yes, there is a providence!
THIRD SCENE
The former, Pizarro.
PIZARRO
Is everything ready?
ROCCO
Yes, the cistern has only to be opened.
PIZARRO
Alright, the boy shall go away.
ROCCO
Go, Fidelio. - Shall I take the chains off the prisoner?
PIZARRO
No, but detach him from the stone. -There is no time to be lost.
No. 14 - Quartet
PIZARRO
He die - But first he shall be told
Who'll tear to pieces his proud heart.
The dark veil of revenge be torn.
Look here! Deceive me you could not!
Pizarro, whom you hoped to bring to fall,
Pizarro, whom you ought to fear,
As avenger he faces you.
FLORESTAN
A murderer faces me!
PIZARRO
Once more you shall recall
What you have done to me;
Only one short moment
And this steel -
LEONORA
Stand back!
FLORESTAN
Oh God!
ROCCO
What's up?
LEONORA
Pierce
You must first my heart;
Death I have sworn to you
For your murderous mind.
PIZARRO
Madman!
ROCCO
Stop it!
PIZARRO
Punished he shall be!
LEONORA
Kill first his wife!
ROCCO, PIZARRO
His wife?
FLORESTAN
My wife?
LEONORA
Yes, see here Leonora!
FLORESTAN
Leonora!
LEONORA
I am his wife, I vowed
Him help and death to you!
PIZARRO
What unheard-of courage!
FLORESTAN
My heart stops over-joyed!
ROCCO
My heart stops out of fear.
LEONORA
I shall defy his wrath.
PIZARRO
Shall I a woman fear?
LEONORA
I have sworn you death.
PIZARRO
Both shall my hatred's victims be.
LEONORA
This heart you must pierce first!
PIZARRO
You have shared your life with him,
You shall now share his death with him.
LEONORA
One more word - and you'll be dead!
Ah! You are saved! Great God!
FLORESTAN
Ah! I am saved! Great God!
PIZARRO
Ah! The Minister! Hell and Death!
ROCCO
Oh! What is this! Gracious God!
FOURTH SCENE
The former, Jaquino, soldiers
JAQUINO
Father Rocco, the Minister is arriving, his retinue is at the castle-gates already.
ROCCO
The Lord be praised! We are coming, yes, we are coming at once. And our men shall come down to accompany the governor up.
LEONORA / FLORESTAN
The hour of vengeance has come.
This means you shall be saved;
Our love, it will in union
With courage make you free.
PIZARRO
Damned be this fateful hour!
The traitors laugh at me;
Dispair, it will in union
With my revenge now be.
ROCCO
Oh hour full of horror!
Oh God, what's awaiting me?
I will not be in union
With this villain any more.
FIFTH SCENE
Leonora, Florestan.
FLORESTAN
My Leonora, what have you done for me!
LEONORA
Nothing, my Florestan!
No. 15 - Duet
LEONORA
Oh what boundless happiness!
My husband in my arms!
FLORESTAN
Oh what boundless happiness!
Leonora in my arms!
BOTH
After untold sorrows
Such unbelievable joy!
LEONORA
I hold you in my arms again!
FLORESTAN
Oh God, how great your mercy is!
BOTH
My wife, I hold her in my arms!
My husband I hold in my arms!
We thank you, Lord, for this great bliss!
FLORESTAN
You here!
LEONORA
I'm here!
FLORESTAN
Oh heavenly delight!
Leonora!
LEONORA
Florestan!
BOTH
Oh what boundless happiness!
My wife, I hold her in my arms!
My husband I hold in my arms!
We thank you, Lord, for this great bliss!
SIXTH SCENE
The Prisoners, Don Fernando, Pizarro, Marzellina and Jaquino.
No. 16 - Finale
CHORUS
of the prisoners and of the people
Blessed the day, blessed the hour,
We've been longing for with little hope,
Justice with graciousness in union
To the gate of our graves has come!
FERNANDO
Our gracious Majesty's will and pleasure
Has sent me here to you poor men,
That I disclose the crimes of darkness
Which, has enveloped all of you.
No longer kneel like slaves before me,
Tyrant's grimness I detest.
A brother's come to seek his brethren,
And can he help, he gladly helps.
CHORUS,
Blessed the day, blessed the hour!
FERNANDO
A brother's come to seek his brethren,
And can he help, he gladly helps.
SEVENTH SCENE
The former, Rocco, Leonora, Florestan.
ROCCO
Well, Sir, you help now! Help the poor!
PIZARRO
What do I see?
ROCCO
Are you moved now?
PIZARRO
Away! Away!
FERNANDO
No! Speak up!
ROCCO
All your mercy
Be given to this pair.
Don Florestan -
FERNANDO
Whom we thought dead,
The noble man who fought for truth?
ROCCO
And sufferd tortures numberless.
FERNANDO
My friend! My friend! He is alive?
In chains and pale he faces me.
ROCCO, LEONORA
Yes, Florestan, you see him here.
ROCCO
And Leonora -
FERNANDO
Leonora?
ROCCO
The best of wives I bring you here.
She came to me -
PIZARRO
Two words allow me -
FERNANDO
Be quiet!
She came -
ROCCO
There to my door,
So that my servant she became,
And worked so loyally for me
That I made her my son-in-law.
MARZELLINA
Dear me, what do I have to hear!
ROCCO
This villain, in this very hour
He meant to murder Florestan.
PIZARRO,
With his support!
ROCCO
With our help!
Your arrival only called him away.
CHORUS
Punished be the villain now
Who innocence oppressed.
Justice holds for punishment
The sword of vengeance up.
Pizarro is lead away
FERNANDO
You unlocked this brave man's grave,
Now take his chains off him -
But no! You, noble lady alone,
You have the right to make him wholly free.
LEONORA
Oh Lord! - What a moment this!
FLORESTAN
Oh unspeakable happiness!
FERNANDO
Just, oh Lord, your judgement is.
MARZELLINA, ROCCO
You try us, you desert us not.
ALL
Oh Lord! - What a moment this!
Oh unspeakable happiness!
Just, oh Lord, your judgement is,
You try us, you desert us not.
CHORUS
Who calls a faithful wife, his own,
Join in our song of joy!
Never be it praised too highly
Your husband's saviour to become.
FLORESTAN
My life your faithfulness has saved,
Virtue makes the villain fear.
LEONORA
Love alone my efforts guided,
Real love is not afraid.
CHORUS
Praise with greatest joy and warmth
Leonora's noble mind.
FLORESTAN
Who calls such, a wife his own,
Join in our song of joy!
Never be it praised too highly
The husband's saviour to become.,
LEONORA
Love alone has given me
To liberate you from your chains.
Lovingly I sing with joy:
Florestan is mine again!
CHORUS
Who calls a faithful wife his own,
Join in our song of joy!
Never be it praised too highly
Your husband's saviour to become.
LEONORA
Lovingly I sing with joy:
Florestan is mine again!
ALL
Never be it praised too highly
Your husband's saviour to become.