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Front Page  Titles (by Subject) SCENE VIII.— - Beethoven' s Opera Fidelio. German Text, with an English Translation
SCENE VIII.— - Ludwig van Beethoven, Beethoven’ s Opera Fidelio. German Text, with an English Translation [1805]Edition used:Beethoven’ s Opera Fidelio. German Text, with an English Translation (Boston: Oliver Ditson, 1864).
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SCENE VIII.—
The same.—Rocco, LeonoraandFlorestan.
Roc.- There, all will be well—help the poor captive!
Piz.
Roc.
Piz.
Fer.
Roc.- For mercy’s sake, have pity on
- And re-unite this hapless pair!
- [Florestan advances
- Don Florestan!
Fer.- He that was supposed to be dead?
- Who so bravely fought for truth and right?
Roc.- And who has suffered torments inconceivable
Fer.- My friend! whom I thought dead!
- Yet standing thus exhausted and in chains!
Roc. Leo. }- Yes, it is Florestan whom you now behold!
Roc.- And Leonora! [Presenting her.
Fer.- [Still more affected.] Leonora!
Roc.- I present a woman, the pride and ornament
- Of her sex; she came hither—
Piz.- [Threateningly.] Speak but two words—
Fer.- [To Pizarro.] Not a syllable.
- [To Rocco.] She came?—
Roc.- Here, to my gate;—
- She entered my service as a hireling lad,
- And served me so well and faithfully,
- That I chose the unknown for my son-in-law.
Mar.- Oh, woe’s me! what do I hear?
Roc.- The monster, within this very hour,
- Had planned to do a deed of murder on Florestan.
Piz.
Roc. [Pointing to himself and Leonora.]- Yes, my lord! he sought to involve us in his crime,
- But your arrival upset his plans.
Cho.- Punishment befall the wretch
- Who oppresses the innocent;
- Justice holds aloft, for punishment,
- The sword of Revenge.
Fer. [To Rocco.]- His threatened death has been averted!
- Now, take off his chains!—yet, stay!
- You, heroic woman! you, alone, deserve
- The happiness completely to set him free!
- [Leonora takes the keys, and, in great agitation, unfastens the chains which bound Florestan: who rushes into Leonora’s arms.
Leo.
Flo.- Oh, happiness inexpressible!
Fer.- O heaven! how just are all thy judgments!
Roc. Mar. }- Thou triest—but dost not forsake.
Cho.- Whoever has possessed such a partner of his heart,
- Let him join in our jubilee!
- Never can the praise be too loudly sounded
- Of the wife that is the preserver of her husband!
Flo.- Thy fidelity has restored me to life!
- Thy virtues have unnerved the wicked!
Leo.- Love guided my endeavors,—
- Such true love as never knows fear
Cho.- Celebrate, in joyous measure,
- Leonora’s noble courage.
Flo. [Advancing, and pointing to Leonora.]- Whoever has possessed such a partner of his heart,
- Let him join in our jubilee!
- Never can the praise be too loudly sounded,
- Of the wife that is the preserver of her husband!
Leo. [Embracing him.]- Having succeeded in delivering
- You from captivity!—Loving and beloved!
- Loudly let it be proclaimed!
- Florestan is again mine own!
Roc. and Cho. {- Whoever has possessed such a partner of his heart,
- Let him join in our jubilee!
- Never can the praise be too loudly sounded
- Of the wife that is the preserver of her husband!
THE END.
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