Original subtitles

DIGITALLY RESTORED IN 2017

THE MAGIC FLUTE

OVERTURE

ACT I

O help me, ye gods! Will my prayers never reach you?

Deliver me now from this beast, I beseech you

Ye gods, show mercy

It's drawing so near

So terribly near

O help me now

O help and protect me now

Die, vicious beast!

Die by the spear!

O joy!

Now all his fear can disappear

He is released

Our valor saved him

from the beast

This is indeed a youth most fair

Such beauty in a man is rare

Indeed, he has a graceful air

Could I by love enchanted be

this youth alone could capture me

Now to the queen We must not linger

This joyful message we must bring her

Would that this youth a way could find

to give her back her peace of mind

So hasten now, you two I'll guard him here for you

No, you go. I must say it's better that I stay

What is this all about? I'll do the watching out

I'll guard him here for you

- It's better that I stay - I'll do the watching out

- I'll guard him - I'm staying

I'll watch him

Is that so?

I am to go?

Oh no!

Oh, is that so? I am to go?

She would thus be rid of us

Oh no!

Oh no, I shall not go

To have him for my very own now

If we were only left alone now

If they would leave him here with me

But no, alas

It's not to be

And if that's so, I'd better go

I'll go! I'll go!

Adonis, keeper of my heart

Now fare thee well for we must part

Farewell, we'll meet again

Farewell

We two will meet anew

A merry fowler here you see

There are not many more like me

I am a well-known person here

Belov'd wherever I appear

I play my pipe and at the sound

all kinds of birds do flock around

By catching birds I earned my fame

and Papageno is my name

Of course I'm happy in my trade

but I get lonesome for a maid

Alone I wander all day long

and only birds can hear my song

No girls come flocking 'round my feet

although my melody is sweet

I want a maiden of my own

to have and keep for mine alone

- You scared the bird off. - The bird?

I catch birds for the Queen of the Night.

So this is her territory? Have you ever seen her?

Are you mad?

She wouldn't show herself to just anybody.

What are you staring at? - You, of course.

You saved me from the dragon.

The dragon?

Well, the main thing is someone killed it.

- But how? You're unarmed. - A strong fist is enough.

Papageno!

No wine for you today... only water.

And a stone instead of cake.

And no sweet figs, but pray accept this padlock for your lips.

Prince Tamino, be still.

Our queen sends you this locket with her daughter's picture.

If you are not indifferent to her features...

then fortune, honor, and fame await.

The beauty of this wondrous face

divine in all its tender grace

A feeling is aroused in me

a hope of bliss and ecstasy

I can't comprehend this wistful yearning

But my bewildered heart is burning

Can it be love, this mystery?

Yes, it is!

I know that it must be

I know it, I know it

What else but love could it be?

Where does she dwell, my heart's desire?

How might I best her love inspire?

If only now...

my dream would come true!

What is my dream?

That she were here that I might face her

And with a lover's gentle arms embrace her

Then she would be forever mine

Then she would be forever mine

Then she would be forever mine

The path to fortune lies open.

Our queen heard your every word.

She has read your heart.

She feels certain at last that her daughter can be rescued.

Pamina was abducted by a mighty sorcerer.

She lay asleep in the cypresses' shadow one day

when Sarastro crept up on her. - Sarastro!

Yes, a devilishly cunning man

who changes appearance at will.

Thus did he lure Pamina away.

I shall rescue her.

I swear by my love!

Listen, Tamino. You hear that distant thunder?

See how night falls over the mountain?

Our queen approaches.

No need to fear, my dearest friend

Your heart is gentle...

daring...

and pure

And you alone have the strength and power

to aid a mother

in her darkest hour

Life holds for me but grief and sorrow

since my dear child was lured away

Now gray and cloudy dawns each morrow

A wanton deed...

destroyed the peace of yesterday

The memory still daunts me

Forever it haunts me

Her vain protestation

Her sad lamentation

I heard her crying in the distance

O help!

In vain she had to plead

I could not come to her assistance

I failed her

in her hour of need

My power failed me

in her hour of need

You must go

through hell and through high water

Perilous lands you must explore

Yes, perilous lands you must explore

But if you bring me back my daughter

then she is yours forever more

Then she is yours forever more

Do I sleep or do I wake?

Is this a dream... or reality?

Your punishment was prompt indeed

but I think they were too hard on you

It's hardly pity that you need

but alas, there's nothing I can do

Our queen, so merciful and wise, now pardons you for telling lies

Listen! Papageno's talking!

Now do beware of telling lies

I'll never tell another lie

This padlock is your reason why

This padlock is my reason why

O that the lips of every liar

could be thus sealed and locked for good

Instead of malice, hate, and ire

we would have love and brotherhood

My prince, accept this gift from me

A present from Her Majesty

A magic flute she now has sent you

for your protection on this venture

Just play and you may take for granted

your listeners will be enchanted

The sad will feel the joy of life

The bachelor will seek a wife

Such a magic flute

is a treasure of tremendous worth

For by its sound man is inspired

to live in peace with all on earth

It is time for me to go now Ladies, now good-bye to you

Not so fast! Our queen has plans for you too

With the prince be on your way now

To Sarastro, no delay now

No, indeed, I must decline That's not really in my line

To Sarastro? Thank you, no

If our venture should miscarry

he'd have me plucked and roasted and then feed me to the crows!

Why feel alarm?

The prince will keep you safe from harm

I wish that prince would go to blazes! My life is dear to me

I do not trust their pretty phrases They are no guarantee

A small advance is only fair

Well, well, what is in there?

These little bells that sweetly tingle

Could I also make them jingle?

But of course... yes, certainly!

Flute of magic

Bells of vision

Keep us safe upon our mission

Now good luck, you fearless men

Now farewell, we'll meet again

But we don't know the way Pray tell...

Where does this vile Sarastro dwell?

We are three spirits to attend you

Our help and counsel we will lend you

Just keep in mind that you'd be wise

To always do as we advise

They are three spirits to attend us

Their help and counsel they will lend us

Just keep in mind that you'd be wise

to always do as we advise

It's time we went upon our way

Farewell We'll meet another day

We'll meet again

We'll meet again

Now, Pamina, caught at last

O my heart, don't beat so fast

Don't think you'll ever leave

It's not for myself I grieve

But my poor mother will die, I fear

from losing one she held so dear

Pamina, you will be locked in so that you can't escape us

I'd rather have you kill me

Barbarian! Now strike me down!

A way, away!

Now let us be alone

This puzzles me Whose house is this?

But look, there is Pamina! This is too good to miss

Good evening, my dear girl Say, what is going on here?

This surely is the fiend himself

Yes, this must be the fiend himself

- Have mercy! - Me? Mercy?

- Please spare me! - Me? Spare you?

Go!

- Just who are you? - The Queen of the Night sent me.

My mother sent you? What's your name?

Papageno. But let me check first.

"Beautiful eyes"... yes.

Though a little red.

"Fair hair"... it is fair.

"Red lips"...

Your lips are red indeed!

Everything matches.

Though according to this picture, you shouldn't have feet.

Where did you get this?

That's a long story. Has to do with a prince.

- What kind of prince? - I'm not exactly sure.

But he sent a picture.

Your mother took to him at once

and asked him to free you from Sarastro.

I've come on ahead of him.

Tamino is in love with you.

Tamino...

He's in love with me?

Then why isn't he here?

We've been looking separately. A bird showed me the way.

- What time is it? - It will be dark soon.

Sarastro will be back any minute now! Come!

Sarastro? Was he that cad?

That was his servant, Monostatos. If you only knew!

I can imagine. He looked like a real...

He is!

Come, we must hurry!

How do I know you're not one of Sarastro's evil spirits?

Me? I'm the kindest spirit in the world!

Forgive me. You do look good-hearted.

Hurry now!

But what does being good-hearted get me?

To think that Papageno still has no Papagena!

Poor man!

Not even a girlfriend to share some merry moments with...

Providence will surely send you a bride.

A man by gentle love inspired

will have a heart that's kind and good

To listen to his heart's desires

How sweet the lot of womanhood

For love will warm us day and night

Love is the source of true delight

Love brings relief in pain and sorrow

It soothes a soul in misery

Love holds the key to each tomorrow

In it is born Eternity

For love's sweet sake the world began

Woman and man, thus love began

Love is pure

And love is bright

Lovers are each other's light

Heaven doth them both unite

This path will lead you to your goal

If you pay heed to this expedient

Here are the rules: Don't lose control

Be steadfast, silent, and obedient

But listen, tell me first, you three

When will Pamina be set free?

We must not tell, no use to plead

Be steadfast, silent, and obedient

Obey the rules and you will succeed

if you make use of this expedient

I strongly feel it would be wise

for me to do as they advise

Where am I now? And what's inside?

Could this be where the gods abide?

The gates and the columns, their towering beauty

would point to a reign of art, wisdom, and duty

Where art is protected and beauty may dwell

the people are happy, the master rules well

Alone I shall venture to open the door

My purpose is noble

My motives are pure

Sarastro, mark these words, you scum!

To save Pamina

I have come

Turn back!

Turn back?

I'll try another door

Turn back!

The same words as before

A single door is left

Shall I be dismissed once more?

Bold stranger, pray, what do you want?

What brings you to this sanctuary?

I seek the mistress of my heart

A worthy cause, it would appear

And yet you will not be admitted

It isn't love that brings you here

To evil powers you have submitted

Revenge on the barbarian!

In our company you won't find him

Is Sarastro not your leader?

Oh yes, Sarastro rules these parts

But surely not the temple here?

Oh yes, he rules the temple here

Then all must be hypocrisy!

So you would leave us now?

I want to leave!

Yes, be gone from deceit and fraud!

What do you mean by that?

Will you explain yourself?

Sarastro rules here

That is enough for me!

If life is dear to you, then speak now

Tell me all

Sarastro you abhor?

I loathe his very name!

He is a great and holy man

He is a tyrant and a brute!

You suffer from a misconception

The victim of his vile deception

told me Sarastro stole her child

That woman would have you beguiled

Her venom poisons every word

And you believe what you have heard?

If Sarastro now were here

then he could make his purpose clear

Well, it's obvious to me

Am I erroneously instructed? Pamina, was she not abducted?

That's correct, yes, I agree

Where is she? Still alive and well?

Or is she dead? What have they done?

Be patient yet a while, my son

I am instructed not to tell

Explain this puzzle Tell me now

I'm still obliged to keep my vow

But when am I to know the answer?

As soon as it is understood

that you shalljoin

our brotherhood

O endless night

You never lighten

When will this darkness ever brighten?

Soon...

soon...

or else...

nevermore!

Soon or nevermore, did they not say?

You hidden spirits, answer me

if yet Pamina lives

Pamina...

is alive

She is alive!

I thank you for that word

O that my voice in jubilation

could sing your praise and exaltation

Almighty ones, I'd thus impart

the feeling of relief in my heart

What power in your gentle voice

O sweet flute of magic

For your tones so soft and tender

a heaven here on earth engender

What power in your gentle sound

Your voice is full of magic splendor

For your tones so soft engender

on earth a blissful heaven

But my Pamina...

my Pamina does not hear

My Pamina is not here

Hear me, hear me now

In vain...

Where?

Where?

Pray tell, where can you be?

Ah, that's Papageno's flute!

Perhaps she's coming here with him

Yes, she has heard my melody

She heard my flute

My darling will be free

The flute will bring her here to me

Fearless heart and nimble feet

make for a discreet retreat

O Tamino, hurry now

or they'll get us anyhow

O Tamino, hurry, hurry now

Or they'll get us, get us, get us anyhow

Come, Tamino

Wait a minute, maybe we should take a chance here

O whatjoy to hear him answer!

He has heard us! He is near!

And his flute is pure and clear

Could this be the end of worry?

Better hurry, better hurry, better hurry

Ha! Now you both are caught!

Bring me manacles and fetters

You have lost out to your betters

Now I'll teach you to deceive me

You will pay for this, believe me

Hurry up with chains and rope!

Shall we really give up hope?

Hurry up with chains and rope!

Faint hearts never won a single thing

Little bells, let's hear you ring

We must really take a chance

Let us risk a song and dance

How sweet is their tinkling

How tender and gay

If only forever their music would play

Sweetly chiming bells, your worth is beyond all measure

Would that every man on earth

owned so dear a treasure

Then to your harmonious sound love would flourish all around

It would mean the end of strife, fear, and violations

Man would lead a peaceful life

Love would heal the nations

We praise thee, Sarastro! Long live our master!

What now will befall us? What awful disaster?

My friend, this is the end, I fear

We soon shall have Sarastro here

Oh, if I were a mouse I'd find a hole to hide in

Or if a snail, I'd glide into my little house

Oh dear!

Whatever shall we say?

Be honest...

and truthful

Be honest, come what may

Long live Sarastro! We praise his decisions!

We hail our master, his heavenly visions

He wisely decides and we gladly obey

He is our prophet He shows us the way

Father...

I confess I disobeyed

I escaped because I was afraid

The blame, though, should not rest with me

The wicked Moor sought to abuse me

and that is why I tried to flee

Worry not

You have no need to fear me

I do not ask for a confession

A reason why you would depart

I know the secret of your heart

Yes, the secret of your heart

You acted under love's impression

And yet I cannot set you free

You acted under love's impression

And yet I cannot set you free

My mother grieves for losing me

O my poor mother

She is within my power!

Your life is wasted from the hour

that you're left prey to her devices!

She is my mother, that suffices

I love her

She is proud and weak!

It is a man you need to guide you

A dvice from me you now must seek

With counsel fair I can provide you

My proud youngster, come this way our lord Sarastro to obey

- 'Tis he! - 'Tis she!

Yes, it is he!

- 'Tis she! - 'Tis he!

Oh, can it be?

My arms must reach out to you

And if I die for what I do...

- This is peculiar! - Have you no shame at all?

This is indecent!

Let go at once!

See your servant kneel before you

For my reward I now implore you

to punish the audacious lad

You must know the plans he had

To snatch her was his foul intention

until I made my intervention

I beg you, hear me now, O Lord

Yes, you deserve a just reward

For you, good man, I will allow...

Accept my gratitude, O Lord!

...forty lashes here and now!

Oh no!

Spare me your thanks 'Tis but my task

Long live Sarastro

We praise his decisions

We hail our master, his heavenly visions

Now for probation lead these two

into the temple to be tried

And let their eyes be veiled from sight

until their hearts be purified

Where virtue and benevolence

are given such preeminence

this heavenly affinity

yes, heavenly affinity

doth grant to man divinity

ACT II

Friends and brothers...

I solemnly open this assembly,

one of the most important in our history.

Tamino waits by the north gate.

He yearns to find a goal and purpose in life...

and aspires to become a member of our brotherhood.

- Is he virtuous? - He is.

- Is he fearless? - He is.

Is he guarded in speech?

You deem him worthy, do you not?

Yes.

For Tamino I have destined my daughter Pamina.

For that reason I took her away from her mother,

the arrogant creature.

She would have our temple reduced to ashes

and destroy the holy writ of wisdom.

Her ultimate goal is to control the world.

Pamina and Tamino will protect our holy principles.

You mean for them to rule together

over our alliance and our kingdom?

In true love you find the origin of wisdom.

That is why I shall hand my power over

to Pamina and Tamino...

if they show themselves worthy

and endure their appointed trials.

Brothers...

do you approve of my decision?

Yes.

Ye gods of light

for your assistance

for this young pair

we now appeal

Lend them your wisdom

and persistence

and guide them

through their harsh ordeal

For their pains

richly requite them

But if the scythe of Death

should smite them

let them, when mortal life shall cease

dwell in your everlasting peace

Let Tamino and his companion be brought to the House of Trials.

You stand upon the threshold of the House of Trials.

You may still turn back...

but one more step and it's too late.

I strive for wisdom. Pamina's love will be my reward.

Then you are prepared to endure the three trials?

Would you too strive to obtain wisdom?

Pardon? What was that again?

Would you strive to obtain wisdom?

No, thank you.

Good food and drink and sleep will do for me.

Supposing we found you a pretty and virtuous wife?

Yes!

I mean... no, thanks.

Not even if Sarastro has a girl lined up just for you...

one quite like yourself in coloring and dress?

Like me?

Is she young? - Young and pretty.

What's her name?

Papagena.

Papagena? Now I'm curious!

I'd like to see her!

Fine, but you mustn't speak to her until your three trials are over.

Will you be steadfast enough to curb your tongue?

Then you shall see her. Go inside.

The people he sends me!

Your first trial will soon begin.

Tamino, isn't it awfully dark?

What is this? Are you fools enough to stay?

If you're wise you will flee without delay!

Tamino, you're bound to die now

Papageno, better fly now

- No, don't tell me things like that! - Papageno, no more chat!

This is only a temptation Don't engage in conversation

- But we're lost! Did you not hear? - Do not talk and do not fear!

Do not talk and do not fear!

Soon you shall see Her Majesty for she has come here secretly

- She has? Then where is she? - Be quiet! Do not talk!

Think about the oath you swore Do not break it anymore

Tamino, don't be so confiding

The queen's advice to you was good

An evil spirit is presiding over this "sacred" brotherhood

A wise man trusts himself alone and forms opinions of his own

He forms opinions of his own!

It's also said the devil feasts upon the victims of the priests

The devil feasts down there below!

Tamino, is that so?

A wise man feels no need to squawk because of vile, malicious talk

To trust the queen I am inclined

A queen still has a woman's mind

Trust me instead and speak no more

Think of the solemn oath you swore!

Your manner seems aloof and distant

Why, Papageno, so resistant?

- It isn't that I would... - Hush!

- But he believes I should... - Hush!

Oh, what a difficult position!

My sense of duty is too small

This is indeed a hopeless mission

They cannot be provoked at all

They have indeed a hopeless mission

We cannot be provoked at all

The strong are different from the weak

in that they think before they speak

They always think before they speak

Our temple's been defiled! To hell those women are exiled!

O woe!

Woe is me!

What's the matter?

Pull yourself together now. Be a man!

Man be damned! Why must I endure all these torments?

If the gods intend Papagena for me, why all these nightmares?

Come now. I have orders to lead you on.

On this endless journey, love may be lost on the way.

Come!

I don't trust him.

Everywhere in sweet seclusion lovers cuddle, bill, and coo

I alone must face exclusion for my skin's a darkish hue

Must I be forever burning

And be scoffed at for my lust?

Women spurn my ardent yearning

It arouses but disgust

Oh, to have this maiden love me though of course she is taboo

Gentle moon up there above me, she is white and fair like you

Though she find me reprehensive

I shall own her here tonight

Should you think it too offensive

Gentle moon, put out your light

Mother!

Have you come to take me home?

What is it?

Why do you look at me like that?

You frighten me, Mother!

Revenge and hatred are raging in my bosom

With desperation...

With desperation I am torn apart

You now must kill Sarastro to avenge me

Yes, kill him to avenge me...

Or be disowned forever in my heart

Disowned by me

forever shall you be

You shall be disowned by me

Forever shall you be disowned by me

You shall be plagued forever

Cursed and renounced forever

I ruthlessly shall sever

every bond between us two

I'll curse you forever

I shall sever every bond between us two

I shall sever our every bond

If by your hand

Sarastro does not perish

Hear!

Hear!

Oh hear!

Ye gods of vengeance...

hear a mother's oath!

Confide in me now.

What are you afraid of?

My love?

Or your plans of murder?

- What do you know of that? - Everything.

You and your mother are in my power now.

There's but one way to save you both. - No!

Then you must die.

Pamina, what's the matter?

Father, do not take revenge on my mother.

Revenge?

You must have had a nightmare.

I'll sit here beside you until you've calmed down.

Within these sacred portals

revenge and hatred must cease

The souls of straying mortals

in love will find release

When guided by a brother's hand

they soon shall find a better land

No wrath may be permitted

within these sacred walls

No guile may be admitted

within these hallowed halls

He who will not forgive his foe

condemns himself to grief and woe

The time has come for your second trial.

Don't forget: Silence!

- Where is Pamina? - You will see her soon.

But you must not speak to her.

Papageno, whoever breaks the silence here

is punished by the gods.

But I...

Tamino, did you see...

I wish I were back in the woods.

At least I might hear a bird...

There is a missing feature

in Papageno's life

A tender little creature

to be my wedded wife

Her kiss would prevent me from thinking

of trifles like eating and drinking

Oh, love is a marvelous thing

A beggar may feel like a king

Why bother with eating

and drinking?

Oh, love is a marvelous thing

A beggar may feel like a king

I shall feel like a king

There is a missing feature

in Papageno's life

A tender little creature

to be my wedded wife

But nobody seems to select me

In fact, they all seem to neglect me

To end up as nobody's groom

Oh my, what a picture of gloom

I wonder why they all reject me

To end up as nobody's mate

Oh my, what a tedious fate

How long must I wait?

Not even a drop of water to drink.

For me?

Is this a treat you offer all strangers?

Then I suppose visitors don't often bother you.

That's what I thought.

Come keep me company. Lessen my boredom.

How old are you?

How old?

Eighteen years and two minutes.

Eighteen years and two minutes?

That young?

I suppose you have a sweetheart. - You bet!

Is he as young as you?

I'd say he's about...

ten years older.

Ten years older? That's love for you!

What's his name?

His name is Papageno.

Just where is this Papageno of yours?

Sitting right here!

I'm your sweetheart?

What's your name?

My name is Papagena.

Papagena?

Has something upset you?

Why won't you speak to your Pamina?

Don't you love me anymore?

Don't you love me anymore?

Brief and bitter seems my rapture

for my bliss will not last

If your heart I failed to capture

joy must be forever past

I am weary

and my heart is full of grief

If my love be unrequited...

then only death...

only death can bring relief

Soon golden rays in sweet profusion

will drive away the night

Disperse the clouds of dark delusion

Let wisdom shine its light

O blissful peace, have pity on us

Descend and shine your light upon us

This heavenly affinity

does grant to man divinity

Yes, it grants to man divinity

Yet look, despair torments Pamina

So desperate we've never seen her

She feels rejected and forsaken

She does not know she is mistaken

Poor girl, it really is a shame

If but her dear Tamino came

Oh well, perhaps we'd better stand aside

to see what she might now decide

So you are now my groom-to-be

Well then, sweet dagger, set me free

Although her meaning is not plain

she seems to verge on the insane

Beloved, we shall never part

Forever now I'll keep you safely in my heart

She is utterly demented

Suicide must be prevented

Dear Pamina...

look at us

No, I will be severed thus

from the man who did so hurt me

and did bitterly desert me

Mother gave me this knife

It's a sin to take one's life

I prefer the briefer anguish

From grief I'd slowly languish

Mother! Mother!

You've sacrificed me

From your curse I cannot flee

Come with us and all is well

No, I hear the distant knell

You who failed me, now farewell

Soon Pamina's death you'll see

Then you'll have murdered me!

Stop! A warning's overdue!

If Tamino saw your error

he would simply die of terror

for he loves no one but you

If he loved me, then how could he?

Turn his back on me? Why would he?

Why did he turn away?

Why would he give no answer?

We may give no explanation

But a sample illustration of his ardor we may show

Come and see what he endures

for the sake of you and yours

- To Tamino let us go - Hurry now, I miss him so

Two hearts that love has conjugated

cannot by man be separated

They need never fear a foe The gods protect them where they go

Dearest darling little sweetheart It's futile

O woe, now she has vanished

Through my own fault now I am banished

I plain forgot talking was unauthorized

Therefore have I been penalized

Since she appeared before my sight

since I was pierced by Cupid's dart

throbbing away both day and night is my poor heart

Papagena, hear my plea

Papagena, come to me

No, she doesn't care about me Seems they all can do without me

I did hope to get a wife Now a rope will end my life

This tree will do me nicely

Suits my purposes precisely

This will be my last adieu Cruel world, good-bye to you

You could tease me and torment me but not with a girl present me

I'm as wretched as can be

Pretty maidens, think of me

Will not one among you take me? Think how happy it would make me

There is time to snatch me yet

Now what answer shall I get?

There's no answer, no replying

No one cares that I am dying

Papageno, now's the time Face your death and start to climb

I'll just wait a minute There's really no harm in it

Now let us see Shall I count from one to three?

One...

Two...

Now, what am I waiting for?

I must hesitate no more

I shall on earth no longer dwell

Now you faithless world, farewell

You fool!

Oh Papageno, stop it. Why?

Your only life's lost if you die

Spare me your witty moralizing

You wouldn't be so patronizing

if you were old enough to know

Perhaps you wouldn't feel so tragic

if you had used your bells of magic

Now, how could I forget about them?

No wonder that I fail without them

My little bells, ring sweetly for me

and call my darling girl to me

Tinkle, bells, andjingle Bring my little dove

Tinkle, bells, andjingle Bring my only love

Papageno, turn and see!

Will you now be mine forever?

I belong to you forever

Then I'll be your tender hubby

And I'll be your little missus

Oh, to think of future joys!

If the gods their grace award us...

in due time they will accord us

a lovely brood of girls and boys

First a little Papageno

Then a little Papagena

Then another Papageno

Then another Papagena

We do not need a lucky penny

With many, many, many, many Papagenos and Papagenas

we shall be fortunate indeed

Your father permits you to visit Tamino in the House of Trials.

You are to give him his flute.

I'm to show you the way.

Come.

O comrades...

in our brotherhood

see what splendor...

when clouds of night

to conquering light surrender

Fair dawn, to your delight

our friend Tamino wakes

Soon to our sacred band

he'll swear allegiance

He is a bold...

and virtuous youth

Soon, soon...

he will be worthy

of the Truth

Tamino, your third and most difficult trial remains.

For him who journeys toward the light

and flees the dark travails of night

Earth and water, fire and air

will cleanse his soul and strip it bare

He who is steadfast and endures

this deadly passage to the end

With spirit clean and purified

will to heaven's heights ascend

The gods of wisdom

shall his eyes unseal

And thus to him

the mystery of life reveal

I do not fear the unknown yonder

The virtuous path I long to wander

O Death, unlock your fearful gate

Your trials boldly I await

Tamino, wait!

I shall go with you!

Do I hear Pamina calling?

Oh yes, that was Pamina calling

O joy! Now she will come with me

Now each will keep the other's heart

In life or death no more to part

But am I still to silence bound?

No, your voice may now resound

Whatjoy to wander hand in hand

into a truly promised land

Two lovers who have death defied

to them no favors are denied

Tamino mine!

O bliss divine!

Pamina mine!

O bliss divine!

Beyond these gates I fear we

shall see dark Death abide

But I shall have you near me

and face him by your side

Let me your guardian be

My love is leading me

Our path with roses love adorns

There must be roses 'mong the thorns

Now take your magic flute and play

It will protect us on our way

My father once one midnight hour did wander

in the sacred bower

He carved it from an ancient oak

mid tempest's roar

and thunderstroke!

So therefore take the flute and play

for it will shield us on our way

Enlivened by its magic might

We'll wander through the realms of night

Our passage through the scorching fire

the flute did aid us to endure

Against the waves we will require

its help again to feel secure

O gods! A moment such as this

inaugurates eternal bliss!

Rejoice!

Rejoice, triumphant pair!

You have subdued death and despair!

You shall initiated be!

A dvance, advance!

A dvance into our sanctuary!

Be quiet now, be quiet

Soon we shall break into the shrine

My queen, now keep your word

and grant that your Pamina will be mine

I'll keep my word

And I will shortly to you Pamina's hand assign

But do you hear a dreadful rumbling

as of a roaring waterfall?

Or as if stones and rocks were tumbling

An echo of a thundering brawl

Sarastro shall regret those lashes

His temple shall be burned to ashes

He and his righteous brotherhood

are soon to be destroyed for good!

Queen of the Night, only raise your hand

We will obey every command

Our power is shattered, our might destroyed!

Our bodies are hurled into the void!

The radiant sun overpowers the night

And darkness surrenders

to wisdom and light

Hail, ye true and faithful

Your glory prevails

Our thanks...

Our thanks...

Our thanks to you, Sarastro

We bid you farewell

Victorious Truth will enhance his renown

with Beauty and Virtue both sharing his crown!