Marschner -- Der Vampyr (English)
Last updated: May 13, 1997
THE VAMPIRE
By Heinrich Marschner
English translation by Jutta Romero, Copyright (c) 1997
(My thanks to Ms. Romero for volunteering this text, and to Mike
for sending it to me, and to David M. Bloom for editing the text.
THE VAMPIRE
FIRST SCENE
WILDERNESS - AT THE SIDE A CAVE.
IN THE BACKGROUND A RAISED PLATEAU.
CHORUS OF WITCHES AND GHOSTS IN ODD SHAPES.
1 INTRODUCTION
CHORUS OF WITCHES AND GHOSTS
You witches and ghosts,
Close cheerfully the circle,
Soon our master will be here with us!
Because of horrible crimes
That is why we are looking for him,
We are looking for his counsel.
Shunning the light, at midnight
When only fear and malice are awake,
By moonlight we prowl
Into the gloomy chasm.
Snake and viper I hear hissing,
Will-o'-the-wisp flickers and among them,
Newts, toads, black cats,
Goblins, witches, devils grimaces
Come on cheerfully, close the circle!
Owl and eagle-owl, you are to shriek,
Yo, hoho, hoho.
The Vampire Master appears leading
Lord Ruthven by the hand.
There comes the master,
In the pale light of the fire!
VAMPIRE MASTER
This one here, who already fell into our service,
Asks for a short time
To stay among free people.
His wish will be granted,
If he fulfills his oath,
That until midnight
He'll bring us three victims:
For three brides, tender and pure,
The vampire shall be granted one more year!
By the power of all evil,
I swear to
But now get away from here,
Because one of the victims soon will be here!
(THE CHORUS WITHOUT THE VAMPIRE MASTER.)
GHOST CHORUS
Softly, softly by the moonlight
Shoo, shoo into the ground!
Thousand crevices, thousand fissures
Are there for us to disappear into.
Let us sit down there and brood,
Until midnight is here.
Softly, softly by the moonlight
Into the ground!
(IT TOLLS ONE O'CLOCK.
THEY DISAPPEAR.
RUTHVEN IS ALONE.)
RECITATIVE AND ARIA
Still a whole day!
That time is very long!
Two victims are already certain
And the third - the third will be found easily.
What pleasure, from beautiful eyes
On flowering bosom
In blissful quiver
To suck new life with a kiss!
What pleasure,
With loving caress,
With lascivious courage
The sweetest blood
Like sap of the roses,
From red-purple lips
Adulatingly to sip!
And when the burning thirst is quenched,
And when the blood oozes from the heart,
And when they groan full of terror,
What delight!
Ha, what pleasure!
Her death tremor gives new life!
Poor darling, pale as snow,
Your heart must have been hurting!
Alas, once I felt the same aches of fear in my warm heart,
Which heaven feelingly created.
Don't remind me with these sounds,
Which mock heaven insolently,
I understand your call!
What pleasure!
What delight.
What delight.
What pleasure!
RUTHVEN, JANTHE
Do I finally see you, my sweet Janthe!
JANTHE (SHE FALLS INTO HIS ARMS)
Only after midnight was I able to leave the house.
O, that was high time!
Already tomorrow you would have been lost to me forever.
You, the bride of another!
O, furtively I had to leave my father!
In tears will he be looking for his child - and not find her!
(SHE TURNS AWAY CRYING.)
Beloved parents' only joy.
I reward them with bitter sorrow,
When to honor them should be a sweet duty.
I have to grieve them,
Because I am forced to love you,
Even so reason speaks against it.
Feel by my heartbeat,
More than I am able to say,
Never will I grieve you,
Forever, forever to love you,
I swear truthfully.
So you are, beloved, mine forever,
And forever, beloved, I am yours!
Ah, only love, love makes me happy,
I devote my life to you alone!
Yes, beloved, I belong to you forever,
And forever, beloved, you are mine!
Ah, only love, love makes me happy,
I devote my life to you alone!
When at first you came near me,
I trembled with terror.
I know very well, darling, that you did that,
But now you look smilingly at me.
Like with a magic rope
It pulled me later to you.
Our hearts, which found each other,
Are the magic, believe me.
Yes, I am following an urge,
I am following my heart.
He is mine, forever, forever!
O, how happy shall I be!
Ha, in her heart she is afraid,
Poor girl, I feel sorry for her.
But triumph!
And to suck her sweet blood,
What lust it will be!
RUTHVEN AND JANTHE
Flee towards the back of the cave at the sound of the horn.
HUNTERS, SERVANTS AND PEASANTS
(ARE COMING)
CHORUS AND SOLOISTS
Where can she be?
Where can she be?
By torchlight
Search the forest.
Awake the echo,
That the sound of the bugle
Shall echo back a thousand times everywhere.
(SIR BERKLEY ARRIVES.)
Woe, my child!
In what wilderness
May she be wandering?
Late at night I missed her at home.
For sure robbers must have abducted her.
Whoever finds her track,
I swear to you, he will receive the father's
Deep gratitude and a great reward.
(LOOKING AROUND)
But woe, which place have we come to?
Since hundreds of years malicious
Ghosts dwell here.
The vampire cave it is called by the people.
The vampire cave!
Quickly leave with soft steps!
Poor father!
Poor father!
Hurry away with soft steps!
JANTHE'S VOICE (FROM THE CAVE)
Woe is me!
RUTHVEN'S VOICE (FROM THE CAVE)
What yelling!
It came from there!
JANTHE (AS BEFORE)
Woe is me!
That was my child's voice,
Rescue her dear life!
HUNTERS AND SERVANTS
(RUN INTO THE CAVE WITH THEIR TORCHES.)
Woe is me!
My strength is waning!
In what condition will I find her!
(HE TAKES HEART AND WANTS TO ENTER THE CAVE.)
A FEW SERVANTS APPEAR WITH LORD RUTHVEN
Nasty robber of my child,
Here take the reward of your deeds.
(HE INJURES RUTHVEN WHO FALLS.)
CHORUS (IN THE CAVE)
She is dead!
My child murdered?
My child murdered!
(HE WANTS TO ENTER THE CAVE.)
HUNTERS AND SERVANTS
(APPROACHING HIM)
ONE SERVANT
Poor father!
Chest and neck of your daughter are bloody,
The mark of poison teeth show the horror!
She was a victim of the vampire!
A vampire!
A vampire!
A vampire!
(ALL RUN AWAY, RUTHVEN STAYS BY HIMSELF.)
RUTHVEN (PAINFULLY TRYING TO GET UP)
Woe is me!
My strength is waning!
Time will pass idly,
While I am unable to reach the summit,
That while dying I would be able to
Suck in with my eyes the rays of the moon,
Which would give me new strength for living.
Omnipotent one!
Everything, everything desolate and empty,
Horrible silence everywhere!
Only Hell's scornful laughter I am hearing.
EDGAR AUBRY
(APPEARS ON THE PLATEAU)
Is there no way out?
There is an empty place here,
But which way shall I turn?
Quiet, over there, quiet, something is moving.
(THE MUSIC ENDS)
I hear a human voice!
Whoever you may be -
Ha, an injured person is here on the ground.
Whoever you may be have pity -
Whose voice?
What do I see!
If my eyes are not fooling me at the faint moonlight you must be Ruthven.
Aubry it's you?
My angel sent you, I was assaulted by robbers.
Dear friend, what can I do for you?
Is your injury deadly?
Can you be helped?
No, human help is too late - but yet - Aubry - if I ever was your friend - render me an important service.
Oh tell, what can I do for you?
Once you saved my life, oh if only I could repay you, that I could sacrifice my life for yours.
There is nothing that can be done for my life - but - Aubry -
I beg you -
Don't hesitate to tell me!
Should I avenge your
Did you recognize the robbers?
No, it's not that which I desire of you!
So speak already, what is it?
What can I do for you?
What strange restlessness in your behavior - is there someone about whom you are anxious?
Is some heavy guilt bothering your conscience?
Tell, what is it?
Nothing Like That - I Just Beg You - Aubry - Guide Me Up To Those Rocks (HE POINTS TOWARDS THE ROCKS ABOVE THE CAVE) and put my face in such a way that the rays of the moon will penetrate my eyes.
Strange - and what shall - ?
Ha, what foreboding!
They say that those horrible creatures -
Carry out my request!
So it is true what I was told in London?
You are a v -
Stop, unfortunate one, don't finish!
In that hour, as I saved your life, you promised to do for me what I would ask you.
Now then, fulfill now what I am asking you for.
But promise me first that everything you know about me or what you still might learn about me, or what you may only sense, to keep to yourself.
AUBRY (HESITANT)
Only twenty four hours.
Swear by everything which you hold holy, by your soul's salvation!
You were the savior of my life - alas - I swear.
And cursed you shall be into the abyss of hell, all the punishment of perjury shall weigh upon your soul if you break your oath!
Cursed shall you be and whoever is a member of your family!
Cursed shall be whomever you love and who loves you!
- well, now I will await my fate calmly, - guide me up there.
(HE GETS UP LABORIOUSLY WITH THE HELP OF AUBRY.)
AUBRY (SLOWLY GUIDING RUTHVEN TO THE ROCKS ABOVE THE CAVE, HELPS HIM TO LIE DOWN, SO THAT THE RAYS OF THE MOON HIT RUTHVEN'S FACE.
THEN HE FLEES IN TERROR TOWARDS THE LEFT.)
RUTHVEN'S FACE STARTS STIRRING.
HE SITS UP BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY THE RAYS OF THE MOONLIGHT.
SECOND SCENE
6 SCENE AND ARIA
(A HALL IN THE CASTLE OF LAIRD DAVENAUT.
MALWINA BY HERSELF.)
Cheerfully the golden spring sun smiles over the colorful, newborn field.
Ah, everything I see is only a reflection of a bliss my heart never divined!
(FULL OF JOYOUS FEELINGS BUT WITHOUT PASSION.)
The fields in their colorful outfits,
The tree dressed up in its fragrant flower dress,
The chorus of birds, which sounds all around me and exalts to heaven,
Ah, everything rejoices and shares my happiness!
Today it surges in me,
Yes, "today" it reverberates from outside!
Yes, today the beloved will come back!
Swing you too, my loving heart,
Glowing with joy skywards,
And in the urge of pleasure and joy,
Beat your creator praise and thanks!
Who is nearing the gate?
He is looking up, it is his glance!
It is he, Edgar!
Ah, forgive my sin,
When drunk with joy
I don't find words of thanks
In the excess of joy.
(SHE HURRIES OUT TOWARDS AUBRY.)
EDGAR AUBRY AND MALWINA
(ARE COMING IN JOYOUS HASTE)
It's you, it's you, it is no dream,
Ah, this happiness, I can hardly grasp.
Is it really you?
Am I seeing you again?
The joy of heaven pours down on me.
Already early in the morning you are here?
To be the first to congratulate you on your birthday.
O, Edgar, I am so happy.
Since some time ago my father has been talking about you with respect.
Since the time that you closed the business deal for him in London against all expectations successfully, he doesn't see in you anymore the unimportant man f
Or whom he always took you.
Just a few days ago he told me: "what a pity that I don't have a son like him who would be able to preserve the splendor of the House of Davenaut!"
Ah, Malwina, I just see in that the worry about the splendor of his house.
Only the fact that I am a distant relative makes me worthy in his eyes.
Believe me, he will never give me the hand of his only daughter in marriage.
No, don't be afraid, I believe he has a hunch about our love and approves.
Often his eyes rest significantly on me like he is waiting for my confession!
After he received your message that the large estate will be undisputed his property the otherwise very strict father kissed my forehead and told me moved and full of love: "To see you happy, my daughter, is now my only worry!"
Ah, just status and wealth are his happiness, and I myself have increased the obstacles, which will forever separate me from you.
O, don't cloud with your doubts my glad hopes.
This very day, on my birthday, on which my father promised the fulfillment of any request, I will reveal to him the secret of our love.
- quiet, he is coming!
SIR HUMPHREY, LAIRD OF DAVENAUT
(ENTERS FROM THE RIGHT REAR DOOR)
MALWINA (RUSHING TOWARDS DAVENAUT)
Edgar is back!
Sir Aubry, a hearty welcome!
(HE SHAKES AUBRY'S HAND.) You performed an important task for the Davenauts.
But what you did honors yourself!
Because you, too, belong to a branch of this noble house and the greater the splendor and wealth of the Laird, the more fame and honor for all the members of the house.
Accept my thanks and your happiness shall henceforth be the concern of your father.
Sir, this kindness - !
O, my father!
My daughter!
It is true that often I have grumbled that a son was not born to me, that the name of Davenaut, since centuries one of the noblest in Scotland, would die with me.
Let me embrace you, dear daughter!
The day, which brought you to me eighteen years ago, it gives to me today through you a son, worthy of my house, worthy of your love.
My father!
I have noticed before what your mouth concealed.
I guessed your wish, and I anticipated your request, I greet you as bride.
My father, this kindness!
You are standing apart from us, Sir Aubry?
Don't you want to share our joy?
AUBRY (RUSHES HAPPILY TOWARDS DAVENAUT)
Is it possible?
May I hope?
Do you believe I want to stay in your debt?
I promised to take care of your happiness.
The name of my son-in-law, it is your guarantee, that he will always act like I would: it is the Earl of Marsden!
What, my father!
Woe, I have lost!
Yes, it is the Earl of Marsden,
Whom I choose as my son.
MALWINA AND AUBRY
What, who is it?
The Earl of Marsden?
Ha, they seem to like my choice.
AUBRY AND MALWINA (TO THE SIDE)
Ah, my good luck was just a dream,
Did it need to leave me so quickly?
Woe, this misfortune to fathom,
My poor heart doesn't have enough space!
DAVENAUT (TO HIMSELF)
Ha, they seem to like my choice!
Yes, he is through rank and nobility,
As well as manners without fault,
Worth to be a Davenaut!
Look at me,
Father, can you forgive me?
Father, alas, to the Earl of Marsden
I could never be a wife!
What am I hearing!
Ha, is it possible!
This heart -
Has already chosen.
Is it possible!
Alas, I feel, I did wrong,
That I concealed it until now.
Who is the audacious one?
The audacious one, sir, is I!
Ha, I hardly can take hold of myself out of anger!
How, depraved one!
Can you dare,
To tell me this to my face?
Alas, since the days of my childhood
This heart beat for her,
To make your daughter happy
Is my only desire!
Away, you implore in vain, away!
MALWINA (IMPLORING)
Alas, since the days of my childhood
This heart beat for him,
Take pity on your daughter
Only with him can I be happy!
Away, you implore in vain, away,
Because I gave the Earl my word.
And never was broken,
What a Davenaut promised!
(THE FORMER AND GEORGE)
GEORGE (ANNOUNCING)
Sir, the Earl of Marsden
Just came riding through the gate,
And the lively youths of the village
Are nearing, singing a merry chorus,
To greet your daughter
Today on her birthday.
Lead the merry guests
Into the hall to my daughter.
(HE LEAVES)
CHORUS OF THE PEASANTS AND GUESTS
Flowers and blossoms in zephyr caress,
Lovely unfolded from the adulating west,
Flower of the highlands, you Davenaut rose,
Wind we for you on today's feast!
May the future strew the happiest destiny,
Like roses, on your path of life,
Flower of the highlands, you Davenaut rose,
Today we dedicate the flowers and blossoms to you.
Look, there comes the son-in-law
Held by the hand of the old squire,
Start the song, you know the one,
Which the old one likes to hear!
(DAVENAUT APPEARS IN THE REAR WITH LORD RUTHVEN.)
Sing loud and rejoice,
That it rings throughout the land:
Hail, hail to the House of Davenaut,
Hail to anyone who is related to it,
Which stands strong like our mountains,
Which will go down only with the rest of the world,
Which luster does not give way to the crown,
Which is as bright and shiny as the sun,
Sing loud and rejoice,
That it rings
Hail, hail to the House of Davenaut,
Hail to anyone who is related to it.
(DAVENAUT AND RUTHVEN STEP UP.)
Here, Malwina, is the man
Whom I think worthy of you,
Worthy of the House of Davenaut.
Your choice indeed makes me happy!
But I shall count myself truly happy only
When my ladies eyes smile friendly at me.
MALWINA (WITHOUT LOOKING AT HIM)
Esteemed sir!
(SHE LOOKS AT HIM)
- woe is me!
God, whom do I see!
Unbelievable!
Do I see right - you are - Lord Ruthven?
RUTHVEN (CALMLY)
Ruthven is my brother,
Who has been traveling for years
On the continent.
I would be glad to find out,
What you might know about him.
AUBRY (CONFUSED)
What do I know?
- he was today -
Woe - no, sir, I know nothing -
Striking is the resemblance of his - your face.
Cutting, like a poison arrow
Flashes his glance through my soul,
This resemblance to his brother,
Forebodes nothing good.
Cutting, like a poison arrow
Flashes his glance through my soul,
Ha, to find that dreamer here,
Forebodes nothing good.
Cutting, like a poison arrow
Flashes his glance through her soul,
To offend his pride like that,
Forebodes nothing good.
Cutting, like a poison arrow
Flashes his glance through my soul,
That my heart trembles before him,
That forebodes nothing good.
Cutting, like a poison arrow
Flashes his glance through her soul,
That her heart trembles before him,
That forebodes nothing good.
Well, Malwina, is that the custom?
Don't you know to receive your bridegroom in a friendlier manner?
RUTHVEN (TO DAVENAUT)
Leave her, venerable sir, I beg you.
Sir, I don't know how it came to be,
That a horrible strange fear -
Beautiful lady, o pardon me!
Like the youthful rose smiles,
Which blooms solitary by the wayside,
That is how my innermost mind
I will hope, that time
Will be able to make you endure
My poor looks.
AUBRY (TO HIMSELF)
No, my eyes are not deceiving me,
The way he laughs and talks,
All of it shows me clearly,
It is Ruthven, the vampire!
(TO RUTHVEN)
Sir, just two words, please!
Horrible one, I recognized you!
Here is the scar on your hand!
Unfortunate one, how do you dare,
To look at her,
Horrible monster of nature!
Remember your oath!
The pastor has been asked,
The guests are invited,
Prepare everything for the joyful wedding,
Before midnight passes,
You will be forever his.
MALWINA (BESIDES HERSELF)
Ah, my father!
I beg you!
Ah, this rush, grant me a delay,
For a few days I am asking!
Be silent!
Sir, delay it just 'til tomorrow!
No, impossible!
Ah, my father!
Well, so know -
Remember your oath!
Still today, I gave my word,
The Earl has to leave tomorrow!
It is well known, that he was
Made an envoy to Madrid,
He cannot lose time.
Let him just stay 'til tomorrow.
Sir, don't be so stubborn.
Ah, postpone just 'til tomorrow,
And you save your child!
Remember your oath!
Ha, I hardly can contain my rage!
But my oath holds me captive
Woe is me, his pale cheeks
Languish already for her blood.
I laugh at his rage,
Because his oath holds him captive.
Girl, with your blushing cheeks,
Soon your sweet blood will be mine.
Voices of ghosts, which surround me,
Shouting with joy: the deed must succeed!
(STEPPING BACK TOWARDS THE GUESTS AND PEASANTS)
I invite all of you to the feast,
Everyone shall rejoice and be cheerful!
Because still today, I swear aloud,
Marsden will lead the bride to the altar.
You may tell everyone,
That Marsden and Davenaut unite.
Sing loud and rejoice,
That it rings throughout the land:
Hail to the House of Davenaut,
Hail to anyone who is related to it!
AUBRY, RUTHVEN, DAVENAUT, MALWINA
Terribly urgent the time is pressing,
And I am far from my goal,
But I am not going to tremble!
AUBRY, DAVENAUT, MALWINA
The one who believes in his own strength,
And banks on God's help,
Nothing can move him!
The one who believes in his own strength,
Who has seen the might of hell,
Nothing can move him!
AUBRY, DAVENAUT, MALWINA
May the clouds gather,
May it roar and bluster,
Nothing shall move me!
With the calamities nearness
His courage increases sky-high,
While the elements bluster
He raises his eyes upwards.
RUTHVEN (TO HIMSELF)
May the clouds gather,
May it roar and bluster,
May the dark night cover the future,
And fate sneer at us teasingly,
Who has seen the might of hell,
Is familiar with horror,
Nothing can move him!
AUBRY, DAVENAUT, MALWINA
When lightning flashes, when it crashes,
He sees only the might of heaven,
Laughs at thunderstorms.
With the calamities' nearness
My courage increases sky-high,
Sneeringly I look up!
When lightning flashes, when it crashes,
I am glad about the might of the evil one!
With the calamities nearness,
My courage increases sky-high,
Sneeringly I look up!
In the bluster of the elements!
SECOND ACT
FIRST SCENE
SQUARE IN FRONT OF MARSDEN CASTLE WITH TABLES AND ARBORS.
PERTH AS THE HOST IN AMONG GUESTS.
LATER BLUNT, GADSHILL, GREEN, SCROP.
CHORUS OF THE DRINKERS
Be merry, dear drinkers, be merry,
Delicious is the wine!
Look, the sun is already setting,
Let us be industrious!
Ah, the day finds soon it's end
And there is still so much wine,
Therefore drink a lot!
CHORUS OF THE DANCERS
Do you hear the violins,
Do you see the dance
Cheerfully and merrily go on?
Hurry to the dance
To joyfully turn in the round dance of the youth!
Banish your worries!
Today and tomorrow
Joy is smiling and no danger is threatening.
Use the hours,
Before they disappear,
So that your youth was not without joy.
When you are older
More stiff and colder,
Life is pressing on you, t
Then, alas, you folks,
Unfortunately it isn't anymore as today,
O no, unfortunately not anymore.
Always agile, never ending,
The circle turns now this way and that way.
Lively, just lively,
Curly and more colorful,
This way and that way,
From one side to the other.
CHORUS OF THE DRINKERS (MEN ONLY)
May the young folks rock
In a fast dance.
Drinking is also fun
Here in the evenings glow!
Even so we are too old to dance,
Just drink, and soon
Everything will turn around you!
MIXED CHORUS
That is cheerfulness,
Everyone swims in blissfulness,
Everyone jubilates and revels,
Everyone blusters and everyone is noisy,
Everyone shouts with joy:
That's the way to celebrate a wedding!
But where are the bride and bridegroom?
Yes, where are they, the bride and bridegroom?
Are we supposed to celebrate the wedding without bride and bridegroom?
I never celebrated a wedding without bride and bridegroom.
The bridegroom must be late at Davenaut, my daughter went to meet him.
There she is coming.
Well, Toms, be careful and don't drink again too much!
Suse, you are right, many times I have drunk too much, but never enough, never enough!
EMMY PERTH (COMING)
What is it, you look so sad, Emmy?
A bride is supposed to be cheerful.
Yes, a bride is supposed to have a happy face!
Do you remember, Suse, when you were a bride -
Do you always have to talk!
Yes, if I am not supposed to talk, then I have to drink!
Well, Emmy, what's going on?
Over there on that cliff
I was listening,
To see if I would see G
Mountain and valley were glowing
In the evening suns rays,
But he was nowhere to be seen!
When at the merry wedding
The groom keeps me waiting!
Shouldn't that make me sad?
Over there in the shrubs
The nightingale lures with beautiful song,
Through the green branches of the trees
Quietly the stars are flickering!
Everything shows that evening is here,
And still the bridegroom is missing:
Shouldn't that make me sad?
PERTH (TALKS)
Well now, he will be coming!
You know today was the ladies birthday, and therefore the poor chap probably couldn't get away on time.
I would like to be such a distinguished lady, father, then George would probably not let me wait.
He will be coming, I tell you.
A bride is like a full bottle, one doesn't forget her.
GREEN (WHO HAD BEEN SPEAKING SOFTLY WITH SCROP)
Yes, yes, like I am telling you, neighbor, last night!
That would be horrible!
Well, what's going on here?
Green is saying that the daughter of the rich Berkley, three hours away from Davenaut, was murdered last night by a vampire.
What are you saying?
A vampire?
N I was there this morning.
The daughter was a bride, today was supposed to be the wedding.
During the night, at midnight, the father was missing his daughter.
Everyone went looking for her!
Finally they found her in the vampire cave.
That poor girl!
Have they found the vampire?
Certainly, the father stabbed him to death.
Thank God!
Yes, what good does it do, such a creature is impossible to kill!
You stab it to death today, tomorrow it's alive again!
SCROP (TO GREEN)
Have you ever seen a vampire?
No, thank God!
But I was told they look deadly pale and take their victims during moonlight because it gives them strength and special protection.
My dear departed mother often told me an old tale about a vampire.
Ah, let us hear it, let us hear it.
But it is already dark!
So much the better!
Those stories are the best when told in the dark.
12 ROMANCE
Look, mother, there that pale man with a soulless look.
Child, don't look at the pale man, or soon he will do you in.
Move away from him!
Already many girls, young and beautiful,
Looked too deeply into his eyes,
And paid for it with bitter agony
And their blood!
I tell you quietly and secretly:
That pale man is a vampire!
May God protect us in this world,
Not to be like him!
Quietly and secretly I am telling you:
That pale man is a vampire!
May God protect us in this world,
Not to be like him!
He smiles at me, that pale man,
And cheerful becomes his glance.
Child, are you still looking at him?
Woe is me, you are done for.
Move quickly away from him!
His first glance, with pain of death,
Flashed through your pious heart,
Ah, let that warn you,
Otherwise he will ensnare you!
For quietly and secretly I am telling you:
That pale man is a vampire!
May God protect us in this world,
Not to be like him!
Quietly and secretly I am telling you:
That pale man is a vampire!
May God protect us in this world,
Not to be like him!
The girl followed the pale man,
His glance lured her.
She did not take heed of her mother's warning,
And soon she was done in,
She never returned!
A victim to his lust,
With bloody marks on her neck and chest
She descended into hell!
Now she herself, believe me,
Walks around as a horrible vampire!
May God protect us in this world,
Not to be like her!
Now she herself, believe me,
Walks around as a horrible vampire!
May God protect us in this world,
Not to be like her!
LORD RUTHVEN (APPEARS AND STANDS AMONG THE PEOPLE)
THE FORMER, RUTHVEN
RUTHVEN (TALKS)
Good evening!
THE GIRLS (STARTLE WITH A CRY OF FRIGHT)
Is John Perth here?
Here I am, at your order.
You don't recognize me?
Ah, is it you milord?
Of course I recognize you.
You are the brother of our dead master and now the Earl of Marsden.
A hearty we we thought you were still traveling.
I can stay only a few hours, some business brought me here to Davenaut.
There I heard about your daughters marriage.
Your loyal duty to my estate requires my thankfulness.
I want the wedding to be celebrated at my expense and as splendidly as possible.
Consider the estate cellar today as your own.
ALL (EXCLAIMING)
That is a noble sir!
Cheer him!
Long live the noble sir!
Three cheers!
RUTHVEN (TO PERTH)
Light up the great hall right away, - There I want to wind the myrtle wreath into the brides hair.
(MOST OF THE CHORUS LEAVES.)
So you came on my account, gracious sir?
Is that your daughter, John?
Yes, gracious sir, my daughter Emmy.
Of course I came on your account, beautiful Emmy.
Alas, forgive me, gracious sir, that I was so startled when I saw you but we just had told a horrible tale when you came unexpectantly.
RUTHVEN (TAKING A RING OFF HIS FINGER)
Here, take this ring as compensation for the scare I caused you.
(HE PUTS THE RING ON HER FINGER.)
What, gracious sir, you are giving me this precious ring?
As a wedding guest I am obliged to give you a present!
Besides that I will give you a dowry and if you want to you future husband can work on my estate.
Gracious sir, so much kindness -
RUTHVEN (TELLS SOME OF THE CHORUS)
Go now, dear folks, get the hall ready.
RUTHVEN (TO PERTH)
In the meantime I am going to talk to Emmy about her future.
Call me when everything is ready so I start the dance with the beautiful Emmy.
ALL (LEAVE EXCEPT EMMY AND LORD RUTHVEN)
Alas, gracious sir, with what have I earned so much kindness?
Through your beauty, dear Emmy, which made me like you at first sight and through your kindness which draws me near you.
You just want to put me to shame,
I am not that conceited,
To take seriously,
What you are saying.
No, dear, sweet little one,
Believe me, I
It is only your beauty,
Which captivates me.
GEORGE (TO HIMSELF)
O God, what do I see!
They are very intimate!
Can I trust my eyes,
Is that not my bride?
What bliss without equal,
Softly to caress your cheek,
To squeeze your soft hand,
Lovingly to look into your eyes,
To put my arm around you,
To press you to my chest!
Alas, what sacrifice I would make,
If you would grant me this pleasure!
EMMY (TENDERLY WARDING HIM OFF)
You just want to put me to shame,
I am not that conceited, to take seriously,
What you are saying.
GEORGE (TO HIMSELF)
Damn, what do I see,
Now he is squeezing her hand,
And she lets him,
That is quite charming.
I should almost scold you,
I have done so much for you,
And you don't want to reward me,
Tell me, is that not cruel?
You want to lay the foundation for my happiness,
I can see that!
Alas, I don't find words, to tell you my thanks!
For my endeavor
You can give me the greatest reward!
A single kiss from you,
Means more to me than money!
What do I hear!
He wants to kiss her?
You just want to put me to shame,
I am not that conceited,
To take seriously,
What you are saying.
No, dear, sweet little one,
Believe me, I am not joking,
It is only your beauty,
Which captivates me.
(HE KISSES EMMY) (TO HIMSELF)
So, now she fell for me,
And the goal is not far,
(HE LAUGHS) Haha!
EMMY (TO HERSELF)
To be liked by such a gentleman,
Is no small thing!
Should that not make me vain?
Now, she fell for me!
Ha, I hear hell laughing!
GEORGE (TO HIMSELF)
What, she lets him do that?
Ha, by God, he goes too far!
Should that not enrage me?
(HE STEPS INSIDE)
Good evening, my dear.
Indeed, see there, the bridegroom!
Are you finally coming to the celebration?
Yes, and high time it was that I came.
Our new master wants to
Make you Estate Supervisor.
Yes, I can see that, nice affair,
And himself he makes as owner.
What a laugh!
Poor wretch, I feel sorry for you!
Jealous on the first day!
Now really, that is too early!
GEORGE (TO THE SIDE)
Yes, she is right, the old tale:
Women you can trust, but cats never!
RUTHVEN (TO EMMY)
Well, I'm leaving, lovers
Like to be by themselves!
But don't forget, that today
You have to dance with me.
Ha, my heart quivers with joy,
Now I have my third victim!
You, who are unseen around me,
Soon she will be yours!
(GOES OFF)
My heart wavers between fear and love,
A mysterious urge
Draws me to that stranger!
Like when malicious ghosts hang around,
I'm overcome with a sinister feeling!
A cold horror grips me,
Woe is me!
This is not going to end well!
He is leaving!
Now I feel better!
You know, George, it is not nice of you that you came so late today.
So, that is just right that you reproach me!
But that is a nice thing for you to do, to flirt with a strange young man, that he squeezes your hand, embraces you and at the end even kisses you?
Is it not so, that is nice?
Ah, that was our new gracious Lord!
And he will take care of us!
(SHE SHOWS THE RING ON HER FINGER.) Look at the precious ring which he gave me.
He is so good, so kind, so ---
Well, just come out with it: so nice, so kind, that compared to him I'm just a blockhead.
How you carry on.
I'm just nice to him on account of you, so he'll give you a good position.
GEORGE (IRONICALLY)
On account of me?
Do you think I didn't notice how you looked at him?
(HE POINTS TO HIS PISTOL.) Do you see the pistol here?
I brought it along because I was told the road was not safe.
With it I'll shoot myself if you look again at him like that.
Don't be so upset, dear George, he is leaving today and who knows if I ever will see him again.
Yes, he has to go back today to Davenaut because he is marrying the young lady.
But she is not like you.
She loves the young Mr. Aubry and she was not that friendly towards the young Earl.
With tears in her eyes she begged her father to let the young lord go away.
So he is going to marry the young lady?
Yes, you don't seem to like it?
You yourself could become a lady, right?
That is your greatest wish!
O I'm a fool!
To bring you joy, because I know how much you like it that our wedding is fancy, I asked the gracious lord to come here.
He must have had a hunch that you would be so friendly to him.
I hardly had told him about the wedding, when he jumped up, had his horse saddled, hardly took leave from our old lord and came galloping here.
I panted behind to have the pleasure to see him kissing my bride.
EDGAR AUBRY (COMING)
Good evening, George.
Is the Earl here?
Yes, the gracious Sir is in the hall.
Please ask him to come right away to me.
I'm going.
I'm going with you to the hall.
(AUBRY BY HIMSELF)
I have to save her, even if it costs my life!
If my entreaties cannot move him to give up his plan, I will hurry back to the old Laird to break my terrible oath and tell him the horrible secret, come what may.
LORD RUTHVEN (COMING)
What, Sir Aubry, you here
Yes, I will follow you everywhere and watch your steps and will beg you to give up
everywhere I will stand up against you to take away with force your victim, Ruthven.
I love Malwina and she loves me, too!
Leave her alone, don't kill the happiness of two people.
I beg you, get away from her, I will ask the Lord to have mercy on you - and the knowledge of this one good deed will be like saving grace for you in the hour of reckoning!
Don't waste words.
My terrible fate is driving me.
Be angry, rage, and rave against the cycle of nature!
Can you make it stand still?
Ha, I would thank you on my knees!
Stay away from me.
GREAT SCENE
All right, you are forcing me to commit the crime,
To break my oath,
God in heaven will forgive me!
If I am able to achieve that you get away from her,
The sin is small indeed.
If you stumble on the straight path,
You will fall to the evil might,
If they win you,
They spin their web around you,
And hell doesn't let you go.
I will be happy
What worse can happen?
Does it give a worse crime,
Than to see the dearly beloved die,
And die so horribly!
You think so?
Ha, just try it!
And with horror you will see,
What can be worse.
Do you think that nature
Meant me to be this
At my birth?
Then go, betray me!
You will be a perjurer,
And with sweet triumph
You'll be a husband, then a father,
And a happy man!
But the time will come,
When your soul will be torn from you,
She has to step up to the Lord, afraid,
And he says:
"Repentance does n
You have to go back with horror
Into the house you just left."
Now you go around, a horrible corpse,
Destined to nourish yourself from the blood of those,
Who love you th
In your heart you have burning ardor.
By your life you had to swear:
Who lives through you,
The blood of the wife, the sons, the daughters,
First it calms your terrible anger,
And before their end they know you
And curse you - and curse themselves!
But what on earth was your most dearest,
A lovely girl with curly hair
Puts beggingly her little hands around you.
The tears are coming into her eyes.
She says: father, spare me,
On earth I will pray for you!
You look into her innocent pure face,
You would like to spare her, but can't!
The devil teases you, anger drives you.
You have to suck it, the precious blood!
So you live, until you go to hell,
Even there the band of depraved
Shy away from you in terror:
Because compared to you they are pure,
And the damned one is you alone!
AUBRY (LOOKS AT HIM IN TERROR)
You stare?
You stand before me in terror?
I pictured nature,
I told you my own story.
- break your oath!
(HE LEAVES)
AUBRY (BY HIMSELF)
Ha, how that horrible picture
Fills me with terror:
No consolation, no way out I see.
She is lost!
Woe is me!
Like a beautiful spring morning,
Life was before me.
All my wishes, all my thoughts
Were a cheerful look from her.
Field and forest just seemed to live
To mirror her.
And with sweet sounds
Just to sing of her.
Her beautiful face
Smiled from every flower,
From the sunsets gold,
From the stars shine,
Zephyr seemed to caress her.
Only of her sang spring and tree,
And sleeping under roses,
The dream dreamt of her.
But now, darkness surrounds me,
I despair of God'
Only calamity bringing demons
Seem to be around.
Sneeringly they triumph,
What I wanted to start
Has to lead to ruin.
And above all, what threatens me,
Is the least terrible:
Madness, or death!
(HE LEAVES)
(RUTHVEN AND EMMY ARE COMING, EMBRACING EACH OTHER.)
Let's go quietly to the arbor over there,
Where we will be undisturbed.
Gracious sir, I think someone is coming -
No, dear sweet child!
Yes, yes, someone is coming!
Just follow me a few steps -
Gracious sir!
No, I beg you -
George will miss me in the hall!
Frightened little fool, let me kiss you!
No, ah, let me go back,
Gracious sir, ah, spare me!
If George would see me with you,
He would never forgive me.
Do I have to lament still longer?
Does my begging not move you!
Will your eye never tell me,
That your little heart beats for me?
EMMY (TO HERSELF)
Alas, I feel like with a thousand strings,
My whole heart hangs on him.
RUTHVEN (TO HIMSELF)
For a long time she has resisted me,
But now she gives way to impetuosity.
Come now, come, my sweet life!
Lovely light of my eyes!
I am not able to withstand
Him much longer.
Now then, come only a few more steps -
Now then, ah, gracious sir, I beg -
Sweet girl, follow me!
Gracious sir!
O follow me!
Alas, I tremble!
Follow me!
Are you going to be much longer cruel?
Cruel against you?
Follow me!
All right, so be it!
I follow you!
(SHE SINKS ONTO HIS CHEST)
Softly, softly in the moonshine,
Quietly and secretly we are going forth
You are mine, I am yours forever!
Moon and stars may listen,
How we exchange soul for soul,
And intoxicate us with love.
(THEY ARE GOING TO THE ARBOR.)
JAMES GADSHILL, RICHARD SCROP, ROBERT GREEN TOMS BLUNT (COMING)
Come here, here we will be undisturbed.
The hall is so hot.
And so much noise that we can't even drink in peace.
Here it is comfortably cool and the clear moonlight -
Alas, brother, the world is so beautiful!
Do you have a bottle with you?
GADSHILL (PULLS A BOTTLE OUT OF HIS POCKET)
That is understood!
SCROP (AS WELL)
GREEN (AS WELL)
BLUNT (AS WELL)
Look, I h because drinking, brother, see, drinking is the thing, you see d r i n k i n g !
It gives many comforts in the world, but only three main pleasures.
Ah, I know what you mean: Wine, Women and Song.
You are a good Christian, but you are not correct.
You see, brother, the first is: drinking!
And the second is: drinking!
And the third is: drinking!
ALL (LAUGH)
Isn't it so, am I right?
Because see: singing?
Singing is nice, I sing myself, but one can't always sing, one gets tired of it.
And women?
- but - well, we won't talk about it, me and my Suse know about it.
But drinking?
You see, drinking, that it: drinking!
Yes, brother, you are right, brother!
17 DRINKING SONG AND QUINTET WITH CHORUS
In fall one needs to drink!
In fall one should drink!
That's when the blood of the grape ripens,
In fall one should drink.
In winter one should drink!
In winter one should drink!
The blood of the grape warms us then
In winter one should drink!
In summer one should drink!
In summer one should drink!
In summer it is hot,
The blood of the grape cools us
And the wine tastes so good,
In summer one should drink!
In spring one should drink!
In spring one should drink!
Then it's not hot nor cold!
Then the blood of the grape refreshes us,
Then the wine
In spring one should drink!
That is cheerfulness,
Everyone swims in blissfulness,
Everyone shouts with joy,
That's the way to celebrate a wedding!
SUSE BLUNT (HURRIES IN)
Finally, old man, I'm finding you!
Suse, yes, I am the one.
For a long time I have been looking for you,
Nowhere were you to be found.
I swore and cursed,
God forgive my sins!
Here with your drinking pals
I finally find you!
O you dishonorable man,
You are coming with me right away!
Dear little wife don't look at me askance,
Alas, I am as merry as a cricket.
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Woman, why do you look askance at us,
Today is the wedding feast.
- quiet, before my gallbladder swells!
If you dare to make a sound,
I will tell each one of you,
Who he is and of what value he is.
Robert Green!
You are known
Throughout the land
As a bad husband.
Who now and then
Likes to look at other women
And gambles and drinks.
You, toms, are an old fool!
Who never did and never will amount to anything,
Gambler, glutton, barfly!
Scrop here is identical!
You, James Gadshill, you are a moron,
To make it short, all of you are worthless!
Dear Suse, don't fight,
Look, I am full of bliss!
Yes, I am telling all of you,
Every single one is worthless!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
No, by God, that is too much!
(TO BLUNT)
Tell her to be quiet.
Suse, leave us in peace!
Drink a little!
I'll give some to you!
What was that?
I'm supposed to be quiet?
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Yes, we don't want to hear you anymore.
Who wants to shut me up?
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Alas, we don't want to hear you anymore!
No, no, no, no!
Now I'm going to shout even louder!
Suse, leave us in peace!
No, no, no, no, no, no!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Quiet now!
Let her be quiet!
I don't want to be quiet!
Just wait, I'll show you
That I can and want to speak!
Did you not like what I said?
Well then, just to spite you,
I'll start all over!
Robert Green, you are known
Throughout the land
As a bad husband!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Has that woman totally lost her senses!
Who now and then
Likes to look at other women
And gambles and drinks.
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL (TO BLUNT)
Neighbor, say, what are you going to do?
You, Toms, are an old fool,
Who never did and never will amount to anything,
A loose boozer,
Gambler, glutton, barfly,
Who never did and never will amount to anything
Than a loose boozer!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Has that woman totally lost her senses?
You, James Gadshill, are a moron!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Neighbor, say, what are you going to do?
Do like I do and stay calm,
If it gets too bad, laugh about it!
Even so, she is a dear little wife,
Clink your glasses and cheer her!
To make it short, all of you are worthless!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Hahahahahahahahahaha!
BLUNT, GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Clink your glasses and cheer her!
(CHORUS APPEARS)
Three cheers for her!
Three cheers for her!
GREEN, SCROP, GADSHILL
Hahahahahahaha!
What a noise!
What has happened?
Tell us, what is the meaning of it?
No one can hear a word,
Is it serious or fun?
This scolding, this laughing
Confuses all of us!
Do you want to make us crazy?
Woman, finally be quiet!
(A SHOT RINGS OUT)
ALL OF THE ABOVE
Listen - what was that?
GREEN (TALKS)
It was a shot!
(THERE IS ANOTHER SHOT AT LEFT FRONT)
And another one!
What can that be?
But look - there - George Dibdin is in haste!
GEORGE DIBDIN (COMES OUT OF BREATH)
GEORGE (LIKE MAD)
Ah, friends - ah, ah friends!
What has happened - what has happened?
Ah, Emmy was murdered.
And I shot the gracious sir!
What terrible crime: how did it happen?
Ah, it was terrible to see, as the moon shone upon the pale face.
I won't find anymore peace on this earth.
The bad deed drives me into the wide world!
(HE RUNS AWAY)
(THE CORPSE OF EMMY IS BROUGHT IN.)
Joy and sorrow in this life
Change as quickly as the hours go by!
We were so cheerful and lively,
To unite the bride with her husband.
Alas, now we move heavy and afraid,
To bury her corpse in the tomb!
SECOND SCENE
(HALL IN THE DAVENAUT CASTLE, LIKE IN THE FIRST ACT.)
AUBRY (SITTING BY HIMSELF, HIS HEAD BURIED IN HIS HANDS.
AFTER A WHILE COMES MALWINA.)
MALWINA (DRESSED FOR THE WEDDING, SINKING EMOTIONALLY INTO HIS ARMS.)
Malwina, you were crying!
Alas, it did no good to beg my father with tears, futile to he made up his mind.
The guests are there, the chapel decorated, the return of the Earl is awaited to bless my misfortune by the pastor.
In front of the chapel is the coach of the Earl to leave right after the wedding -
Don't say more, I cannot bear it,
You are lost!
Woe to you!
And woe is me, I despair,
Only madness stays with me!
O would I be able to quickly end
By my own hands this horrorful life!
O, beloved, let me beg you
Not to lose your courage!
There is still a God, who hears us,
If he so wants, all ends well!
With childlike trust
Let us hope for his help.
Time is short, Malwina,
Be forewarned,
O, just hesitate 'til morning comes:
Cunning and great is hell's might,
With evil trickery she ensnares.
What are you saying?
What should I fear?
I fear only my father's order!
From everything which otherwise might harm me,
My pure heart and spirit will protect me.
For him who is pious,
The dark might of hell escapes,
No evil spell can touch him.
Greetings beautiful light of heaven!
Which shines through the darkness of doubt!
With great joy, from bright spheres,
It jubilates with thousand angel choirs.
For him who is pious,
Who fosters true love in his bosom,
The dark might of hell escapes,
No evil spell can touch him!
(THEY EMBRACE)
(DAVENAUT AND GUESTS)
CHORUS OF THE GUESTS
Flowers and blossoms in zephyr caress,
Lovely unfolded from the adulating west,
Flower of the highlands, you Davenaut rose,
Wind we for you on today's feast!
Dear friends come, start the wedding feast
With glad spi
My only child, dear to her fathers heart,
Today I marry her to her noble husband!
Your will, Lord in Heaven, may be,
In trusting humility I
O show me a sign of your grace,
I am your creature, have pity on me!
An angel descended to
But quickly cold fear grabs me again,
Sneeringly hell comes down on me!
Yes, friends, come and start the wedding feast
With glad spi
The only child, dear to her father's heart,
Today he marries her to her noble husband!
Sing loudly and jubilate!
LORD RUTHVEN (ENTERS QUICKLY)
Woe, horrible!
Ha, welcome!
Ha, welcome!
RUTHVEN (TO DAVENAUT)
Sir, I can't excuse myself
For missing my duty,
My mistake I want to commend,
Praise my misfortune,
Even milady looked angrily
At the bridegroom, who came late to the wedding.
Save your words, dear son,
Everything is ready!
Lets go then to the chapel,
There I will put her hand into yours
With the blessings of the pastor.
Ah, my father, have pity!
Let's go, friends!
With cheerful song
Accompany us to the wedding!
Transfixed and lifeless I am standing here -
O God, how will this end?
Woe is me!
My father!
The goal is near!
She is in my hands!
The goal is near!
May the future strew roses
On the path of your life:
Flower of the highlands, you Davenaut rose,
How today flowers -
No, never shall she be your victim!
What is this?
What a strange beginning!
Silly boy!
Get away quickly!
Crazy one, away with you, back!
Your passion is driving you too far.
Ha, nevermore!
Time is pressing!
(HE EMBRACES MALWINA)
I have courage and strength in me,
I will and must rescue the beloved!
Ha, throw the raging one into chains!
What is this?
What a strange beginning!
I will hold onto her
And only let her go with my life!
Away with him!
Separate them, he has lost his senses!
Ha, nevermore!
Ah, have pity!
Cheated father, ah, you don't know
What you are doing.
You will lose your child before dawn,
If you let her be the bride of this monster.
What, raging one!
You dare to insult the man
Who the Laird chose for his son-in-law?
Ha, be afraid of my anger!
Time is passing!
It is getting late!
Horror shivers through my limbs!
Courage and trust are leaving me,
God in Heaven, have pity!
Whatever turn this will take,
Woe, it will not end well,
What I hear, what I see,
Shows me misfortune is near!
Ha, don't trust that villain!
Look at his depraved face!
His eyes flame like hellfire!
He languishes for her blood!
You will never, never see her again!
Woe, what was that?
What a strange beginning!
The hopeless loves flame
Burns in him in wild fury!
Ha, tie up his impetuosity!
You can hear that madness speaks from him!
Yes, tie up his impetuosity,
You can hear that madness speaks from him!
Away with him, he lost his senses.
Yes, away with him, he lost his senses!
You can hear that madness speaks from him!
Away with him, he lost his senses.
AUBRY (BESIDES HIMSELF)
Malwina, hear me!
In mortal dread I beg you!
Ruin threatens you this night!
O delay just until daybreak,
O delay just -
SERVANTS (TAKING AUBRY AWAY)
The others without Aubry.
Then Aubry's voice.
Time is passing, it is getting late!
Horror shivers through my limbs!
Courage and trust are leaving me,
God in heaven, have pity!
AUBRY (OUTSIDE)
Malwina - Malwina!
Whatever turn this will take,
Woe, it will not end well!
What I hear, what I see,
Shows me misfortune is near!
RUTHVEN (TO DAVENAUT)
Time is passing, it is getting late,
Let us get on with the deed.
My friends, on with cheerful song
Accompany us to the wedding.
Father, ah, father!
With tears
Let me beg you!
Ah, father!
With my poor soul!
My strength is waning,
O let your daughter find pity!
O allow me time, daybreak is not far!
Alas, let us wait 'til tomorrow!
O allow her time, daybreak is not far!
Why such a hurry?
My time is pressing!
Say, can't we wait?
You know what duty requires!
I would like to give in!
I can't wait any longer!
Sir, let us wait until tomorrow.
Nevermore!
It cannot and must not be!
You gave me your word.
Do you want to dishonorably break it?
DAVENAUT (VEHEMENTLY)
Who dares to talk like that to me?
Do you want to dishonorably break it?
Who dares to talk like that to me?
On then to the wedding!
No, nevermore!
On to the wedding!
I will never consent!
Ha, not love, just horror,
I feel for this man.
You dare to oppose?
Degenerate one!
all right then!
So strike you your father's curse!
MALWINA AND CHORUS
What has happened?
DAVENAUT (WITH RELUCTANCE)
Start the wedding procession!
After the terrible weather noise
Joy smiles cheerfully,
Flower of the highlands, you Davenaut rose,
May every danger turn to luck!
In vain you curb my frenzied strength,
I must get inside!
I will destroy this demons deed.
Don't let him in!
AUBRY (CRASHES IN)
I am lost!
Woe is me!
Know, this monster of nature -
Think about your oath -
Ruin threatens you!
I don't hesitate before the Almighty's fury -
I shout it with thundering voice:
Ruin threatens you!
Woe, what will we hear?
This monster here -
Torment shivers through my limbs!
The thunder of God throws me down!
Woe is me!
AUBRY (MIGHTILY)
This monster here -
Is a vampire!
ALL (WITH SHOUTS OF TERROR)
A flash of lightning smashes Ruthven.
All fall down, stunned.
What was that?
What has happened here?
God, my child, what misfortune threatened you!
For him who is pious,
Who fosters true love in his bosom,
The dark might of Hell escapes,
No evil spell can touch him!
AUBRY, MALWINA, CHORUS
For him who is pious,
Who fosters true love in his bosom,
The dark might of hell escapes,
No evil spell can touch him!
I lost the right of the father!
Beloved daughter, can you forgive me?
So that I may win you back,
With my blessing as a father
I will put your hand into his!
(TO AUBRY)
You will be my son and the heir of my name!
(HE UNITES THE LOVERS)
Deep in my heart
Thankfully I feel your kindness,
Father, I don't find words.
May I believe, may I hope?
Alas, I see heaven open!
This bliss I can't bear.
Out of ruins lap
To the almighty praise and thanks!
To him our song of praise is dedicated!