Original subtitles

Help, help, or I am lost!

I am marked down as this wily serpent's prey!

Merciful gods!

It is gaining on me!

Ah, save me! Protect me!

Die, monster, by our might!

Victory!

Victory! The doughty deed is done!

He is freed

He is freed by the valour of our arms!

A handsome youth, gentle and fair!

Fairer than I have ever seen!

Yes indeed! Handsome as a picture!

If my heart were given over to love...

...it would certainly be to this youth

Let us hasten to our Queen to acquaint her with this news

Perhaps this handsome young man can restore her lost peace

Then go and tell her while I remain here

No! You go, while I watch over him

No! That can't be, I alone will guard him

I'll wait here!

I'll watch over him!

I alone will guard him!

I'll remain!

I'll watch!

I'll guard!

I, I, I!

I should go?

I should go?

Indeed! The very idea!

They'd like to be alone with him

No, no, that cannot be!

What would I not give...

...to be able to live with this youth...

...and have him entirely to myself!

But no one will go

This is not possible

So it is best that I should go

%@
Xely youth, dear youth, farewell...

...until we meet again!

Where am I?

Is it my imagination that I am still alive?

Or have I been saved by a higher power?

What? The monster dead?

What's that I hear?

The birdcatcher am I, always merry and bright, tra la!

As a birdcatcher I'm known to young and old throughout the land

I know how to set traps, and make myself understood on my pipes

So I can be happy and free, for all the birds belong to me

The birdcatcher am I, always merry and bright, tra la!

As a birdcatcher I'm known to young and old throughout the land

If I could spread a net for girls I'd catch dozens for myself!

I'd cage them up along with me, and all girls would belong to me

If all girls belonged to me I'd barter them for sugar...

...and give that sugar straight away to her that pleased me most

If she then kissed me tenderly and would be my wife, and I her man...

...she'd sleep at my side and I'd lull her like a child

- Hey there! - What's that?

Tell me, my cheerful friend, who you are

- Who I am? - Yes

Silly question! A man like you

What if I asked who you are?

Then I should answer that I am a Prince

- Prince? - Yes

I am the son of a sovereign who rules over many lands and peoples

- Lands and peoples? - Yes

Are there more lands and peoples beyond these mountains?

Many thousands!

I might try the market for my birds there

Now tell me, what is this place called?

I don't know, any more than I know how I came into the world

What?

All I know is that not far from here stands my straw hut...

...which protects me from rain and cold

But how do you live?

By eating and drinking, like everyone does

How do you obtain that?

- By barter - Barter?

I catch...

...various birds for the star-blazing Queen and her ladies

The star-blazing Queen?

Every day in return I receive food and drink from her

Tell me, good friend...

...have you ever been so fortunate as to see her?

See her? See the star-blazing Queen?

What mortal can claim to have ever seen her?

How he stares at me!

Stand back, for I have the strength of giants!

Then you must be my rescuer, who killed this monster?

Monster?

Friend, how did you do it? You have no weapons

Don't need any!

With me a good squeeze of the hand is better than weapons

So you throttled it?

Throttled!

I never felt as strong as I do today

Papageno!

That means me!

Here, my beauties, I'll hand over my birds to you

In return our sovereign is today sending you instead of wine...

...pure, clear water

Water?

And she has commanded me to bring you...

...this stone instead of cake

Am I to eat stones?

And instead of sweet figs I have the privilege...

...of fixing this golden lock in front of your mouth

I expect you would like to know why our sovereign lady...

...is punishing you so strangely?

So that in future you will not lie to strangers!

And never again boast of heroic deeds...

...performed by others

Speak! Did you fight this monster?

Who did then?

It was we, young man, who saved you

Here, our great sovereign sends you this painting

It is a portrait of her daughter

If you find you are not indifferent to these features, she says...

...then happiness, honour and fame are your lot

Goodbye!

Adieu, Monsieur Papageno!

Don't drink it all at once!

This portrait is more enchanting, more lovely, than ever eye beheld!

I feel this divine image...

...filling my heart with a new emotion

It is something I can scarcely name...

...but can feel burning here like fire

Can this sensation be love?

Yes! It can only be love!

Oh, if I could only find her!

Oh, if she only stood before me!

I would...

...warm and pure...

...what would I do?

I would clasp her in all tenderness close to my burning heart

And she'd be mine for ever

Fair youth...

...steel yourself with courage and constancy. Our sovereign...

...has bidden me to tell you...

...that the path to your happiness is clear

She has heard every word you said

She has read every line in your face

She has resolved to make you very happy

If this young man...

...she said...

...is as bold and valiant as he is tender...

...then my daughter Pamina is saved

- Saved? - Yes

- Saved from what? - Sarastro...

...an evil demon, has stolen her away

Stolen?

Come, maidens! Show me the way! Let Pamina be rescued!

Ye gods, what is that?

It heralds the arrival of our Queen

She comes!

Have no fear, my dear boy!

You are innocent, wise, pure

A youth like you may best console...

...a sorely afflicted mother's heart

To sorrow I am doomed, for I have lost my daughter

All my joy has gone with her

A villain carried her away

I still can see her trembling in fearful terror...

...her anguished fright, her feeble struggles

I had to watch her being taken

\x22Ah help!\x22

That was all she said

In vain was all her pleading...

...for my help was too weak

You shall go to free her

You shall be my daughter's rescuer

And when I see you victorious...

...she shall be yours for ever

Can what I have seen be real?

Ye gods, do not deceive me!

And Tamino's heart will always be grateful to you

Hm, hm, hm!

Poor wretch, his plight is audible, for his tongue is locked up

I can do nothing but pity you, for I have no means of helping

The Queen has forgiven you, through me remits your punishment

Now Papageno can chatter again

Chatter, yes, but no more lies!

I'll never lie again. No, no!

This padlock shall serve as a warning!

This padlock shall serve as my warning!

If all liars thus received...

...such padlocks for their lips...

...instead of hate, slander and bile...

...love and brotherhood would prevail

O Prince, take this gift from me

It is sent to you by our Queen

The magic flute will protect you...

...and sustain you in direst straits

With this you have limitless powers...

...to transform men's passions

The sad will become joyful

The misogynist will turn to love

Yes, such a flute is worth more than gold and crowns...

...for by it mankind's happiness and contentment are increased

Now, lovely ladies, with your permission...

...I'll take my leave

You may take your leave indeed, but our Queen commands you...

...to hasten without delay with the Prince to Sarastro's castle

No, thanks all the same!

I've heard from you yourselves that he's like a wild tiger

Sarastro would certainly mercilessly pluck and roast me...

...or set his dogs on me

The Prince will protect you, just trust him!

In return, you shall serve him

Devil take the Prince!

My life is dear to me

At the end, I'll warrant, he'll give me the slip like a thief

Take this treasure here, it is yours

What might be in there?

In there you'll hear little bells ringing

Can I play it too?

Oh yes, indeed!

Silver bells and magic flute...

- ...will assure your safety - ...will assure our safety

Farewell, we must go

Farewell till we meet again!

But, fair ladies, tell us...

...how shall we find the castle?

Three boys, young, fair, gentle and wise...

...will attend you on your journey

They will be your guides

Follow their counsel only

Three boys, young, fair, gentle and wise...

...will attend us on our journey?

They will be your guides

Follow their counsel only

Farewell, for we must go

Farewell till we meet again!

Why are you laughing?

Our tormentor, that Moor with ears everywhere...

...will undoubtedly be hanged or impaled tomorrow!

- Pamina... - Well?

- ...that lovely girl... - Well?

- ...has run away! - Run away?

- What does the Moor say? - He knows about it?

Of course! She escaped before his very eyes

Here, slaves!

Monostatos!

Here, slaves! Bring chains!

Chains?

You don't mean for Pamina?

Look, brothers, the girl has been captured

Pamina? Dreadful sight!

I cannot stand it

Come in, my pretty dove!

Oh, what torment! What anguish!

Your life is doomed!

Death does not make me flinch

I grieve only for my mother

She will surely die of sorrow

Ho, slaves! Put her in chains!

My hatred shall destroy you

O rather let me die, barbarian, since nothing can soften your heart!

Now away!

Leave me alone with her

Where am I then?

Where can I be?

Ah!

There's somebody!

I'll risk it and go in

Fair maiden, young and delicate, far whiter than the snow

Ooh!

That is the devil, for sure!

Have mercy!

Spare me!

Am I not a fool to have been so frightened?

There are black birds in the world, so why not black men as well?

Mother!

Ah, the pretty young woman

You, Queen of the Night's daughter!

Queen of the Night? Who are you?

A messenger from the star-blazing Queen

My mother? Oh joy!

- Your name? - Papageno

Papageno?

So you know my good, tender mother?

If you are the daughter of the Queen of the Night, then yes!

Yes, I am

I'll just make sure Let's see:

Eyes brown

Yes, brown

Dark hair

Dark, correct

Lips red

Truly red

Everything matches

Allow me

Yes, that's me. How did it come into your hands?

Early today I came to your mother's palace...

...with my delivery as usual

When I was about to hand over my birds...

...suddenly I saw before me a man...

...who calls himself a Prince

This Prince so impressed your mother...

...that she gave him your portrait...

...and commanded him to rescue you

His decision came as swiftly as his love for you

Love?

He loves me then?

Oh, tell me that again, I'm much too fond of the word \x22 love\x22

I believe it, after all, you're a girl

Where was I then?

- On love - That's right

On love

But if he loves me, why is he taking so long?

To be safe, the Prince sent me on ahead to announce his arrival

You have taken a great risk

What if Sarastro saw you here!

That would save me the trip back!

Come, you won't believe your eyes when you see the fair youth

My friend, you have a tender heart

I can see it in your face

To be sure, I have a tender heart

But what good does that do me?

I feel like plucking out my feathers when I think that Papageno...

...still has no Papagena

Poor man! You still have no wife?

Not so much as a girlfriend, let alone a wife!

Even people like me occasionally...

...have their jolly moments when it would be nice...

...to have a little cheerful conversation

Have patience, my friend! Heaven will provide for you too

It will send you a girlfriend before you know it

If only it would send one soon

Men who feel the call of love are not lacking in a gentle heart

To share those sweet emotions is women's first duty

We will rejoice in love

We will live for love alone

Love sweetens every torment, and all creatures pay it homage

It adds spice to our days on earth

It affects the whole of Nature

Its supreme goal is clear:

Nothing is nobler than a man and wife

Man and wife

Wife and man

Man and wife, wife and man...

...attain to divinity

This path leads you to your goal

But you, youth, must win through by your manhood

So hark to what we say:

Be resolute, patient and silent!

Fair boys, tell me whether I can save Pamina

It is not for us to make this known

Be resolute, patient and silent!

Reflect on this. In brief, be a man

Then, youth, you will win by your manhood

May the wise teaching of these boys be engraved for ever on my heart

Where am I now? What will become of me?

Is this the seat of the gods?

The gates and pillars show...

...that prudence, work and art dwell here

Where activity reigns and idleness shrinks...

...no vice can easily hold sway

Boldly will I venture inside the gate

My purpose is noble, clear and pure

Tremble, cowardly villain!

Rescuing Pamina...

...rescuing Pamina is my duty

Stand back!

Stand back? Then I'll try my luck here

Stand back!

Here too the cry is \x22stand back\x22?

I see yet another door

Perhaps I'll find an entrance here

What would you here, bold stranger?

What seek you in this sanctuary?

The realm of love and virtue

These words reveal a lofty mind!

How will you find them on your own?

Love and virtue will not lead you...

...while thoughts of death and vengeance inflame you

Vengeance only upon a villain!

You will not find one here

Does Sarastro rule in this place?

Yes indeed, Sarastro rules here

Yet not in the temple of wisdom?

He reigns in the temple of wisdom here

Then everything is hypocrisy!

Will you go back so soon?

Yes, I will go, gladly and freely, and never see your temple!

Explain yourself further to me, some deceit has misled you

Sarastro dwells here, that is enough for me

If you hold your life dear, speak out...

...and remain here!

You hate Sarastro?

I will always hate him, yes!

Then give me your reasons

He is a monster, a tyrant!

Is there proof of what you say?

Proof by an unhappy woman...

...oppressed by grief and woe

So a woman has beguiled you?

Women do little, but chatter much

And you, youth, believe their wagging tongues?

Oh, could Sarastro reveal the purpose of his actions!

His purpose is all too clear!

Did not the robber ruthlessly tear Pamina from her mother's arms?

Yes, young man, what you say is true

Where is she, whom he stole from us?

Has she perhaps already been sacrificed?

I am not yet permitted, my dear son, to tell you this

Explain this riddle, do not mislead me

My duty and my vow bind my tongue

Then when will the darkness be dispersed?

As soon as friendship's hand leads you...

...to the sanctuary's eternal bond

O endless night!

When will you disperse?

When shall light reach my eyes?

Soon, soon, youth, or never!

Soon, you say, or never?

Tell me, you invisible ones, is Pamina then still alive?

Pamina...

...Pamina is still alive!

Alive! I thank you for that

Oh, were I but able, almighty gods, in your honour...

...to express in every note my gratitude...

...as it springs from here!

How strong must be your magic sway, lovely flute...

...if at your sound even wild beasts feel joy

Yet...

...only Pamina...

...only Pamina is far away

Pamina!

Pamina! Listen!

Hear me!

In vain!

Where?

Where? Ah, where shall I find you?

Aha, that is Papageno's note!

Perhaps he's already seen Pamina

Perhaps she's hurrying to me with him!

Perhaps, perhaps...

...the sound will guide me to her

Swift steps and boldness of heart ward off enemy cunning and rage

If only we could find Tamino!

Or we shall be recaptured!

Fair youth!

Hush, I can do better!

What joy could be greater?

Our friend Tamino has heard us

The sound of his flute reached us

What happiness if I find him!

Quickly! Quickly!

Quickly! Quickly!

Aha, I have caught you!

Just bring irons and chains

Wait, I'll teach you how to behave

You would cheat Monostatos?

Just bring bonds and fetters!

Hey, slaves, come forth!

Ah, all is lost!

Hey, slaves, come forth!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Come, pretty chime of bells...

...let your little bells tinkle...

...that all ears may ring

That sounds so pretty, that sounds so lovely!

Larala la la larala!

Never have I seen or heard the like!

If every good man owned bells like these...

...his foes would then effortlessly fade away

Without them he would live in perfect harmony!

Only friendship's harmony softens hardship

Without this sympathy there is no happiness on earth

Long live Sarastro!

What does this mean? I tremble and quake!

Oh, my friend! All is over for us!

This heralds Sarastro's arrival!

Oh, that I were a mouse, how I would hide!

If I were as small as a snail, I'd crawl into my house

Child...

...what can we say now?

The truth, though it be held a crime!

Long live Sarastro, long may he live!

He it is to whom we gladly dedicate ourselves!

Long may he enjoy life in his wisdom

He is our mentor, to whom we all devote ourselves

Lord, I am indeed guilty

I sought to escape from your power

But the fault is not wholly mine

The wicked Moor forced his love on me

That, my lord, is why I was fleeing from you

Rise and take heart, my dear!

For even without probing...

...I know the secret of your heart

You deeply love another

I will not constrain your love

Yet I will not set you free

Filial duty summons me, for my mother...

...is in my power

Your happiness would be at an end if I let you into her hands

My mother's name sounds sweet to me!

She is...

...an arrogant woman!

A man must guide your heart...

...for without one every woman...

...seeks to exceed her rightful place

Proud youth, come this way

Here is Sarastro, our master

It is he!

It is she!

I can scarcely believe it!

It is she!

It is he!

This is no dream!

My arms seek to enfold him!

My arms seek to enfold her!

Even if this should mean my end!

What can this mean?

What effrontery!

Stand apart at once!

This goes too far!

Your slave lies at your feet, make this audacious sinner suffer!

Consider this fellow's impudence!

By this singular bird's cunning...

...he sought to abduct Pamina

I alone was able to catch him!

You know me! My watchfulness...

...deserves a laurel wreath

Give this worthy man at once...

Your generosity will enrich me!

...seventy-seven strokes of the bastinado

O my lord, I don't deserve this reward

Do not thank me. I am only doing my duty

Long live Sarastro, the godlike sage!

He rewards and punishes with equal justice

Conduct these two strangers into our temple of ordeals

Then cover their heads

They must first be purified

When virtue and justice...

...spread glory on the path of the great...

...then the kingdom of heaven will be on earth...

...and mortals resemble the gods

You, servants consecrated in the temple of wisdom...

...of the great gods Osiris and Isis!

With a clear conscience I declare to you that our gathering today...

...is one of the most important of our time

Tamino, the son of a king...

...wishes to tear off his veil of night...

...and look into the sanctuary of great light

To protect him...

...and to offer him the hand of friendship is our duty today

Does he possess virtue?

Virtue

Discretion too?

Discretion

Is he charitable?

Charitable

If you think him worthy, follow my example

Pamina, the gentle, virtuous maiden...

...is destined by the gods for the young man

For this reason I seized her from her proud mother

She hopes by jugglery and superstition...

...to beguile our people...

...and to destroy the firm structure of our temple

This she shall not do

Tamino will secure it with us

Great Sarastro...

...forgive the liberty I take in voicing my doubt to you

I fear for the young man

What if, overwhelmed by pain, he were to lose his spirit...

...and succumb to the harsh trial?

He is a prince!

Still more, he is a human being!

But what if now in his youth he should lose his life?

Then he will feel the delights of the gods before we do

Do you think him worthy?

Lead Tamino in

And you, friend, perform your sacred office

Teach him to recognize the wisdom and the power of the gods

O Isis and Osiris, bestow the spirit of wisdom on this new pair!

You who direct travellers' steps...

...strengthen them with patience in danger

Strengthen them with patience in danger

Let them see the fruits of their trial

Yet should they perish...

...reward their virtue's bold enterprise...

...and receive them in your abode

Receive them in your abode

Prince...

...your behaviour so far has been steadfast and manly

Now you have three more dangerous paths to travel

If your heart still beats just as warmly for Pamina...

...and if you desire one day to rule as a wise sovereign...

...then may the gods speed you on your way

Let Pamina be brought in!

Where is Tamino?

He is here...

...to bid you a last farewell

A last farewell? Tamino!

Dearest, must I never see you again?

You will meet again in joy

Deadly perils await you!

May the gods protect me!

Deadly perils await you!

- May the gods protect me! - May the gods protect him!

You will not escape death, a presentiment whispers to me

The will of the gods must prevail

- Their behest shall be my law - Their behest shall be his law

Oh, if you loved me as I love you...

...you would not be so calm

Believe me, I share your feelings...

...and will always be faithful to you

The hour is come for you to part

How bitter is the pain of parting!

Tamino must go now!

- Pamina, I must indeed be gone! - Tamino must indeed be gone!

- Farewell! - Now haste away!

- Your honour summons you! - Farewell!

- The hour is come! - O golden hours...

- The hour is come! - ...return!

We shall meet again!

A terrible night!

Papageno, are you still with me?

Certainly!

- Help! - What is it?

I feel bad about this business!

You sound afraid

I'm not afraid...

...just ice-cold as the shivers run down my spine. Help!

Papageno, be a man!

My last moment has come!

You strangers, what impels you to penetrate our walls?

Friendship and love

Are you ready to risk your life fighting for them?

Yes!

Even if death were your fate?

Yes, let my victory be the learning of wisdom...

...Pamina, the fair maiden, my reward!

You will submit to every trial?

Every one!

Give me your hand!

Do you too wish to fight for the love of wisdom?

Fighting isn't my thing

I don't want any wisdom either

I'm a kind of child of nature...

...taking pleasure in sleep, food and drink

And if it were even possible...

...some time for me to capture a pretty little wife...

You will never obtain her unless you submit to our trials

What are these trials?

Comply with all our laws...

...even in face of death

I'll stay single!

But what if Sarastro had set aside for you a girl...

...who was just like you in colouring and dress?

Like me? Is she young?

Young and beautiful!

And her name?

Papagena

I'd like to see her, just out of curiosity

You may see her!

But when I've seen her...

...then I must die?

I'll stay single!

You can see her, but not a word is to be spoken with her

Will your spirit be sufficiently steadfast...

...to hold your tongue in check?

Yes!

Your hand!

You shall see her!

Prince...

...the gods impose a salutary silence on you, too

You will see Pamina, but not be allowed to speak to her

This is the beginning of your trials

Beware the wiles of women, this is the first duty of your bond!

Many a wise man has let himself be misled...

...has succumbed and been caught off guard

At the end he has found himself abandoned...

...his faith requited with mockery!

In vain he has wrung his hands

Death and despair were his lot

Hey, lights there!

That's really strange

Whenever these people leave you, you can't see anything any more

What? You in this dreadful place?

Never will you emerge to happiness!

Tamino, you are doomed to death!

Papageno, you are lost!

No, that would be too much!

Papageno, keep quiet!

Will you break your vow not to speak to women here?

- You can hear we're both done for - Quiet, I say!

Always hush, always hush!

The Queen is very near. She has broken into the temple

- What? She is in the temple? - Quiet, I say!

Are you always so bold as to forget a solemn oath?

Tamino, listen! You are lost!

Think of the Queen!

Rumour is rife about the falsity of these priests

A wise man pays no heed to the gossip of the common crowd

It's said that whoever joins their number is damned to hell

The devil! This is unheard of!

Tell me, Tamino...

...is it true?

Gossip repeated by old wives but inspired by hypocrites

But the Queen says so too

She is a woman, with a woman's mind. My word should be enough

Think of your duty and act prudently

Why are you so reserved with us?

And Papageno is silent, do speak!

I'd like to, but...

Silence!

- You see, I may not - Silence!

This continual chattering is indeed disgraceful

We must leave you with shame...

...for neither of you will speak

You must leave us with shame...

...for neither of us indeed will speak

A man is strong in spirit

He thinks before he speaks

Our sacred threshold is profaned! To hell with these women!

Alas!

Alas!

Hail, young man!

Your steadfast and manly behaviour has triumphed

Let us continue our journey pure in heart

What's this I see!

My friend, stand up!

How is it with you?

- I'm lying in a faint! - Up!

Collect yourself and be a man!

Yes!

But tell me, why must I endure all this suffering and terror?

If the gods have ordained a Papagena for me...

...why must I go through so many dangers to win her?

Your common sense will answer that question

Come! Duty bids me lead you onward

This eternal travelling could make you give up love for good

There she is, the prudish...

...beauty!

By all the stars!

This burning fire will consume me!

If I were sure I were quite alone and unobserved...

...one kiss, I thought, will at least be allowed

All men feel love's rapture, bill and coo, caress and kiss

And I must deny myself love because of my ugly black face

Do I not have a heart?

Am I not of flesh and blood?

Always to live without a wife would be hellish torment indeed!

Therefore, since I am alive, I'll toy and kiss and fondle!

Dear good moon, forgive me, her whiteness has captured me

White is lovely! I must kiss her

Moon, hide your face!

If it should be too shocking for you, then close your eyes!

Stand back!

Help! It's the Queen of the Night!

Mother! Oh my mother!

Where is the young man I sent to you?

He has dedicated himself to the initiates

The initiates? Now you are torn from me for ever

Torn? Let us flee, dear mother!

With you I can face any danger

With your father's death my power was finished

My father...

...handed over the sevenfold orb of the sun to the initiates

Sarastro wears this powerful orb of the sun on his breast

Do you see this blade? It has been sharpened for Sarastro

You will kill him and hand the orb of the sun over to me

- But dear mother! - Not a word!

The vengeance of hell rages in my heart

Death and despair burn all around me!

If through you Sarastro does not suffer death's torments...

...nevermore be my daughter

Be repudiated, disowned for ever

All nature's bonds be for ever severed...

...if through you Sarastro does not meet his end!

Hear!

Hear, ye gods of vengeance!

Hear a mother's vow!

Am I to commit murder?

No, I cannot!

Gods!

What am I to do?

Put your trust in me!

What are you trembling about?

The murder plan?

- You know then - Everything

You have only one way of saving yourself and your mother

And what might that be?

To love me

Gods!

Now, my girl, yes or no?

No!

Away with you then!

My lord, I am innocent

Go!

Now I shall go to her mother

My lord, do not punish my mother

- The pain of losing me... - I know everything

But you shall see how I am avenged on your mother

Within these sacred halls vengeance is unknown

And if a man falls from grace, love leads him back to his duty

Then, guided by a friendly hand...

...he contentedly enters a better land

Within these holy walls, where men love their fellows...

...no traitor can lurk, for we forgive our foes

He who cannot profit by this teaching...

...is not worthy to be a man

Here you are both left alone to yourselves

When you hear the clarion call, make your way in that direction

Prince, farewell!

Once more, do not forget this word: silence!

Papageno, whoever breaks silence in this place...

...is punished by the gods with thunder and lightning

Farewell!

- Tamino! - Sh!

This is a jolly life!

If I were in my straw hut, I could at least hear a bird sing

Surely I can talk to myself

And we can talk to each other. We are men after all

There's not even a drop of water to be had from these people

- Is that for me? - Yes, my angel!

Water! Nothing more or less than water

Yes, my angel!

Tell me, unknown beauty!

Are all strangers staying here entertained like this?

Certainly, my angel!

This way, strangers must not come often

Hardly at all

Come on, sit here with me. I'm as bored as hell

Tell me, how old are you then?

How old? Eighteen years and two minutes

Eighty years and two minutes?

No, no!

Eighteen years and two minutes

Ah, you young angel!

Do you have a sweetheart as well?

Of course!

Is he as young as you?

Not quite, he is ten years older

That must be a fiery passion!

What is your lover's name then?

Papageno

- Papageno? - Yes!

Where is he then, this Papageno?

- Sitting just there, my angel! - What? Could I be your sweetheart?

Yes, of course!

Tell me, what is your name?

My name is...

Now I shan't say another word!

Welcome a second time, you men, to Sarastro's realm

He returns to you what was taken from you...

...the flute and bells

If you will not disdain this meal...

...eat and drink in good cheer

When we meet for the third time...

...your courage will be rewarded with joy!

Courage, Tamino!

The goal is near

You, Papageno...

...keep silent!

Tamino...

...aren't we going to eat?

Just go on blowing your flute, I want to eat my fill!

Mr. Sarastro keeps a good kitchen!

Now I'll see...

...if the cellar too is as well appointed

Wine fit for the gods!

Tamino!

I heard your flute and ran towards the sound

But you are sad?

Will you not say a word to your Pamina?

What?

I am to keep away from you?

I should leave without knowing why?

Tamino, do you love me no more?

Papageno! Tell me...

...what is wrong with my friend?

What?

You as well?

Oh, this is worse than an offence, worse than death!

Ah, I feel that it has vanished!

Love's happiness is gone for ever!

Nevermore will you return to my heart, hours of bliss!

See, Tamino!

These tears...

...are flowing for you alone, beloved

If you do not feel love's yearning...

...I will seek peace in death!

You see, Tamino, I can keep silent too if I have to

Long live the cook and the cellarman!

You go ahead, I'll follow soon

The stronger man stays where he is!

That means us

We're just coming

But tell me, Tamino...

...what else is going to happen to us?

What, I should ask the gods?

Sure!

They can certainly tell us more than we know

Tamino!

Why are you in such a hurry?

We'll always arrive in time to let ourselves be roasted

O Isis...

...and Osiris, what rapture!

The sun's radiance has banished the darkness of night

Soon the noble youth will feel new life

Soon he will be fully sworn into our service

His spirit is brave

His heart is pure

Soon he will be worthy of us

Tamino!

Tamino! Are you abandoning me completely?

Tamino!

I won't leave your side again as long as I live

Only this time, do not abandon your travelling companion

Tamino!

Will I have to starve in the end?

All right then!

Why did I come on this trip?

Man! You deserve...

...to wander for ever in the dark chasms of the earth!

The gracious gods release you from this punishment

However, you will never experience the heavenly delight of the initiates

So what? There are certainly other people like me

To me the greatest bliss just now would be a good glass of wine

Is there nothing else you want in this world?

Not so far

It will be served to you

There it is straightaway!

Splendid!

Heavenly!

Divine!

Now I am so delighted...

...that I could fly to the sun...

...if I had wings!

Suddenly my heart...

...feels quite strange

I should like...

I could wish...

What do I wish?

A little maid or wife, that's what Papageno wants

Oh, a sweetheart would be utter bliss for me!

Food and drink would taste better

I wouldn't change places with a prince

I'd enjoy life in my wisdom and feel I was in heaven

A little maid or wife, that's what Papageno wants

Oh, a sweetheart would be utter bliss for me!

Can't I please a single one of these charming maids?

One must help me in my need or I'll surely grieve to death

A little maid or wife, that's what Papageno wants

Oh, a sweetheart would be utter bliss for me!

If no one will grant me love, the flames of hell will consume me!

But a kiss from a woman's lips would cure me right away!

Here I am now, my angel!

You have taken pity on me?

Yes, my angel!

The chime of bells must be broken

If you promise always to stay faithful to me...

...then you shall see how tenderly your little wife will love you

Come on, you sweet little fool!

How I long to embrace you, kiss you, clasp you to my heart!

What? Clasp me to your heart?

Come on, give me your hand to plight our troth

Not so fast, my angel!

An attachment like this needs some thinking about

Papageno...

...I advise you not to hesitate!

Your hand, or you will be imprisoned here for ever

Imprisoned?

Bread and water will be your daily fare

Neither man nor woman will befriend you...

...and you must renounce the world for ever

- Drink water? - Yes!

Renounce the world?

Yes!

Then I'd rather take an old woman than none

There's my hand on it...

...that I shall always remain true to you...

...unless I'll find a prettier one

- You swear to it? - Yes, I swear to it!

Papagena!

Go, young woman! He is not yet worthy of you

Sooner than quit, I'd let the earth swallow me up!

Soon, to herald the morn...

...the sun will shine on its golden path!

Soon superstition will vanish

Soon the wise man will be victorious

O sweet peace, descend on us, return to men's hearts

Then the kingdom of heaven will be on earth...

...and mortals resemble the gods

But see, Pamina is tormented by despair

- Where is she? - Out of her mind

The pangs of slighted love torment her

Let us comfort the poor girl!

Indeed, her fate is our concern

If only her youth were here!

She's coming. Let us stand aside...

...and watch what she does

So you shall be my bridegroom!

Through you I will end my grief!

What dread words does she utter?

The poor girl's near to madness

Patience, beloved, I am thine

Soon we shall be united

Madness clouds her mind

Suicide sits on her brow

Fair maiden...

...look at us!

I want to die, since the man whom I could never hate...

...can forsake his true love

This was given to me by my mother

God would punish you for suicide

Rather die by this blade than wither from love's anguish

Mother...

...through you I suffer, and your curse pursues me!

Maiden, will you go with us?

Ah, my cup of sorrow is full!

False youth, farewell!

See, Pamina dies because of you

This blade shall kill me!

Stop, unhappy maid!

If your youth should see this...

...he would die of grief, for he loves you alone

What? He loves me in return?

Yet he hid his feelings and turned his face away?

Why would he not speak to me?

This we must not divulge

But we will show him to you

You will be surprised to see that his heart is dedicated to you...

...and for you death does not deter him

- Let's go to him - Take me there

I must see him!

Two hearts afire with love...

...can never be divided by human frailty

Hostile efforts are in vain, the gods themselves protect them

He who treads this path of trials...

...must traverse fire, water, air and earth

If he can overcome the fear of death...

...he will soar from earth to heaven

Then can he be enlightened...

...and fully devote himself to the mysteries of Isis

Death will not deter me from acting like a man...

...and following the path of virtue

Though the gates of terror open for me...

...I'll gladly dare the fearful course

Tamino, wait!

I must see you!

What do I hear? Pamina's voice?

Yes, that is Pamina's voice

Ah joy! Now she can go with me

Fate no longer separates us...

...even if death be our lot

Am I allowed to speak to her?

You are allowed to speak to her

What joy to meet again...

...happily to go hand in hand into the temple

A woman who does not fear night and death...

...is worthy, and will be consecrated

My Tamino!

O what joy!

My Pamina!

O what joy!

Here are the gates of terror, which threaten pain and death

I'll be at your side, no matter where

I myself will lead you, love will be my guide

It may strew the path with roses, for roses always go with thorns

Play your magic flute to protect us on our way

In a magic hour my father carved it...

...from the heart of an ancient oak a thousand years old...

...amid thunder and lightning, storm and tempest

Now come, play on the flute

It shall guide us on our perilous path

Through the power of music...

...we step lightly through the dark night of death

Through the power of music...

...you step lightly through the dark night of death

We have walked through flames and confidently faced danger

Let thy sound protect us from the waters as it did from the fire

Ye gods, what a moment!

Isis has granted us her favour!

Triumph! Triumph, noble pair!

You have conquered danger!

The mysteries of Isis are now yours

Come, enter the temple!

Papagena!

Little wife, my dove, my sweet!

In vain! Alas, she is lost!

I was born to misfortune

I chattered, which was wrong

And so it served me right

Ever since I tasted that wine...

...ever since I saw my lovely little wife...

...my heart has been on fire...

...and pierced through and through

Papagena, wife of my heart! Papagena, my dearest dove!

It is useless, all in vain! I'm tired of life!

Death will put an end to love, though it still burns in my heart

I'll decorate this tree here...

...by hanging myself by the neck from it

Since life brings me no pleasure, good night, perfidious world!

Since you treat me badly and grant me no sweetheart...

...then all is over, I will die

Fair maids, think of me!

Before I hang myself, if but one maid will take pity on me...

...well, I'll let it go this time!

Just say the word, yes or no!

No one's listening!

Everything is silent!

So it is your will!

Papageno, get on with it and end your life!

Now, I'll just wait, let's say...

...I'll wait, until a count of one, two, three

One!

Two!

Three!

Well then, there's no help!

Since nothing holds me back...

...perfidious world, good night!

Stop, stop...

...Papageno, and be sensible!

You've only one life, so make the most of it

You give good advice, and joke about it

But if your heart were on fire like mine...

...you'd also run after girls

Then chime your bells

They'll bring you your wife

Like a fool, I forgot my magic charm!

Ring, chimes, ring!

I must see my dear maid

Ring, bells, ring! Fetch my sweetheart here!

Ring, bells, ring! Bring my little wife here!

Now, Papageno, look around you!

Pa-Pa-Pa

Pa-Pa-Pa

- Pa-Pa-Papagena! - Pa-Pa-Papageno!

- Are you all mine now? - I'm all yours now

- Now be my dear little wife! - Now be my heart's delight!

What joy it will be...

...if the gods bless us...

...and crown our love with children...

...such dear little children!

- First a little Papageno! - Then a little Papagena!

- Then another Papageno! - Then another Papagena!

It will be the greatest bliss...

...if many Papagenos and Papagenas...

...become their parents' blessing

Hush now! Absolute quiet! We'll soon enter the temple

Hush now! Absolute quiet! We'll soon enter the temple

But, Queen, keep your promise! Your daughter must be my wife

I'll keep my word

It is my will that my daughter shall be yours

- Her daughter shall be yours - My daughter shall be yours

But hush! I hear a dreadful noise like thunder or a waterfall

Yes, that noise is fearful, like the echo of distant thunder

Now they are within the temple's halls

There we will surprise them...

...and clear the earth of these hypocrites...

...by the might of fire and sword

To you, great Queen of the Night...

...we make our offering of vengeance!

Our power is shattered and destroyed

We are all cast into endless night!

The sun's rays dispel the night...

...and destroy the insidious power of hypocrisy!

Hail, you enlightened souls!

Hail, you enlightened souls!

You have penetrated the dark!

Thanks!

Thanks be to you, Osiris!

Thanks be to you, Isis!

Strength has triumphed and rewarded...

...beauty and wisdom with an eternal crown!