The Tales of Hoffmann Part 6

NICKLAUSSE.

Then sing, to get out of the sc.r.a.pe.

HOFFMAN.

Monsieur Spalanzani doesn't like music.

NICKLAUSSE (laughing).

Yes, I know, all for physics!

A doll with china eyes Played cleverly with a fan, Nearby a little c.o.c.k in bra.s.s; Both sang in unison In a marvelous way, Danced, gossiped, seemed to live.

HOFFMAN.

Beg your pardon. Why this song?

NICKLAUSSE.

The little c.o.c.k s.h.i.+ning and smart, With a very knowing air, Three times on himself turned; By some ingenious wheels, The doll in rolling its eyes Sighed and said: "I love you."

CHORUS OF THE INVITED GUESTS.

No, no host, really, Receives more richly Through good taste his house s.h.i.+nes; Everything here matches.

No, no host really Receives more richly.

SPALANZANI.

You will be satisfied, gentlemen, in a moment.

(He makes sign to Cochenille to follow him and exits with him.)

NICKLAUSSE (to Hoffman).

At last we shall more nearly see this marvel Without equal!

HOFFMAN.

Silence... she is here!

(Enter Spalanzani conducting Olympia.)

SPALANZANI.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you My daughter Olympia.

THE CHORUS.

Charming.

She has beautiful eyes!

Her shape is very good!

See how well apparelled!

Nothing is wanting!

She does very well!

HOFFMAN.

Ah, how adorable she is!

NICKLAUSSE.

Charming, incomparable!

SPALANZANI (to Olympia).

What a success is thine!

NICKLAUSSE (taking her all in).

Really she does very well.

THE CHORUS.

She has beautiful eyes, Her shape is very good, See how well apparelled, Nothing is really wanting; She does very well.

SPALANZANI.

Ladies and gentlemen, proud of your applause, And above all anxious To conquer more, My daughter obedient to your least caprice Will, if you please...

NICKLAUSSE (aside).

Pa.s.s to other exercises.