The Tales of Hoffmann Part 14

(They go out.)

DAPERTUTTO (alone).

Yes!... to fight you.

The eyes of Giulietta are a sure weapon, It needed that Schlemil fail, Faith of captain and soldier, You'll do like him.

I will that Giulietta shall use sorcery on you.

(Drawing from his finger a ring with a big sparkling diamond.)

Turn, turn, mirror, where the lark is caught, Sparkle diamond, fascinate, draw her...

The lark or the woman To this conquering bait Comes with wing or with heart; One leaves her life, the other her soul.

Turn, turn, mirror where the lark is caught.

Sparkle, diamond, fascinate, attract her.

(Giulietta appears and advances fascinated toward the diamond that Dapertutto holds towards her.)

DAPERTUTTO (placing the ring on Giuliettas finger).

GIULIETTA.

What do you await from your servant?

DAPERTUTTO.

Good, you have divined At seducing hearts above all others wise, You have given me The shade of Schlemil! I vary My pleasures and I pray you To get for me to-day The reflection of Hoffman!

GIULIETTA.

What! his reflection.

DAPERTUTTO.

Yes.

His reflection! You doubt The power of your eyes?

GIULIETTA.

No.

DAPERTUTTO.

Who knows. Your Hoffman dreams, perhaps better.

(Severely) Yes, I was there, a while back, listening.

(With irony) He defies you...

GIULIETTA.

Hoffman? 'tis well!... From this day I'll make him my plaything.

(Hoffman enters.)

DAPERTUTTO.

'Tis he!

(Dapertutto goes out. Hoffman intends to do the same.)

GIULIETTA (to Hoffman).

You leave me.

HOFFMAN (mockingly).

I have lost everything.

GIULIETTA.

What? you too...

Ah, you do me wrong.

Without pity, without mercy, Go!... Go!...

HOFFMAN.

Your tears betrayed you.

Ah! I love you... even at the price of my life.

GIULIETTA.

Ah, unfortunate, but you do not know That an hour, a moment, may prove fatal?

That my love will cost your life if you remain?

That Schlemil, this night, may strike you in my arms?

Listen to my prayer; My life is wholly yours.

Everywhere I promise to accompany your steps.