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...
Sing to a grand air, following with the voice, Rare talent The clavichord, the guitar, Or the harp, at your choice!
Very good, Cochenille! Go quickly and bring my daughter's harp!
The birds in the bushes. In the heavens the orb of day, All speaks to the young girl Of love, of love! There! The pretty song, There! The song of Olympia, Ha!
All that sings and resounds Has its sighs in turn, Moves its heart that trembles With love. There. The little song, There, there, The song of Olympia, Ha!
(Cochenille has taken the harp and all surround Olympia. A servant speaks to Spalanzani).
Come gentlemen! your arm to the ladies. Supper awaits you!
No! no! the supper... good thing... After we'll dance.
You see. Until then Will you do me the favor To keep company with my Olympia?
We'll see what kind a story he'll give her.
(Spalanzani goes behind Olympia. Noise of a spring is heard. Nicklausse turns around.)
(He conducts Olympia to a chair. Goes out with guests).
Supper, supper, supper awaits us! No, really, no host Receives more richly!
They are at last gone. Ah, I breathe! Alone, alone, the two of us (approaching Olympia); I have so many things to say, Oh my Olympia! Let me admire you! With your charming looks let me intoxicate myself.
Is it not a dream born of fever? I thought I heard a sigh escape your lips!
Sweet avowal, pledge of our love, You are mine, our hearts are united forever! Ah! understand you, tell me, this eternal joy Of silent hearts. Living, with but one soul and with same stroke of wing, Rush up to heaven! Let, let, my flame Show you the light of day! Let your soul open To the rays of love.
(He presses Olympia's hand. She rises and walks up and down, then exits.)
You escape me?... What have I done. You do not answer?... Speak! Have I wounded you? Ah! I'll follow your steps!
(As Hoffmann is about to rush out Nicklausse appears.)
Here, by Jove, moderate your zeal! Do you want us to drink without you?...
Nicklausse, I am beloved by her. Loved! By all the gods.
By my faith If you knew what they are saying of your beauty!
Nicklausse! I am beloved by her! Loved! By all the gods.