Magic Flute - Sams - LIBRETTO

WOLFGANG AMADEUS
MOZART
THE MAGIC FLUTE

(K. 620)
Opera in Two Acts by
Emanuel Schikaneder
English Version by
Jeremy Sams
Josef Weinberger Limited

12 - 14 Mortimer Street
London W1T 3JJ
Tel: +44 (0)20-7580 2827 Fax: +44 (0)20-7436 9616

www.josef-weinberger.com
Copyright © 2005 by Jeremy Sams
First published in 2006 by Josef Weinberger Limited

London W1T 3JJ
All Rights Reserved
Printed in England by Caligraving Limited
ISMN M-57005-642-2
Application for a licence to perform this work

must be made, before rehearsals commence, to:
JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED

London W1T 3JJ
Tel: 020-7580 2827
Fax: 020-7436 9616
general.info@jwmail.co.uk
www.josef-weinberger.com
CAST
Tamino (tenor)
A Prince
Papageno (baritone)
A bird-catcher employed by the Queen of Night
The Queen of Night (coloratura soprano)
Pamina (soprano)
Daughter of the Queen of Night
Sarastro (bass)
Priest of Isis and Osiris
The Speaker (bass)
An elderly priest
First Priest (bass)
Second Priest (tenor)
Monostatos (tenor)
Overseer of the Temple
Three Ladies (sopranos)
Attendants of the Queen of Night
Old Woman (later Papagena) (soprano)
Three Boys (sopranos)
The Spirits
Two Men in Armour (tenor, bass)
Chorus of Priests, Attendants, Slaves
SETTING
Ancient Egypt
Act One THE MAGIC FLUTE 1
Music: OVERTURE
(Orchestra)
ACT ONE
Scene One – A Rocky Stretch of Ground, Mountains on Either Side.
Music No. 1 INTRODUCTION

Have Mercy! Have Mercy!
(Tamino, Three Ladies)
TAMINO, dressed in hunting clothes, appears with a bow but no arrows. He is being
pursued by a serpent.
TAMINO: Have mercy! Have mercy!
Ah, Heaven protect me.
Have mercy! Have mercy!
Ah, do not refuse me,
A terrible nightmare,
A monster pursues me!
Have mercy, I beg you!
I cannot escape, I cannot escape,
Ah, rescue me! Have mercy, ah, I beg of you!
Have mercy and protect me!
Hear me, Heaven, help me now!
Exhausted, TAMINO falls down, unconscious. THREE LADIES, wearing veils, appear,
carrying silver darts.
THREE LADIES: We hear your call; the monster dies!
The THREE LADIES kill the serpent.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Behold your monster, there it lies.
Our fearless act, our noble deed,
Has saved him in his hour of need,
2 THE MAGIC FLUTE Act One
(THREE LADIES:) Has saved him in his hour of need.

1ST LADY: (looking at TAMINO) Observe his face, so fine and fair.
2ND LADY: So young and chaste, so debonair.
3 LADY:
RD
It seems a waste to leave him there.
ALL THREE: If I were free to love and kiss,
I’d choose a youth who looked like this,
I’d choose a youth who looked like this.
Let’s tell the Queen about this stranger
And how we rescued him from danger.
Perhaps this handsome youth may find
The way to soothe her troubled mind,
The way to soothe her troubled mind.
1ST LADY: So why all this delay?
You should be on your way!
2ND LADY: You’d better go ahead:
I’ll stay with him instead.
3RD LADY: No, no, that cannot be!
He’s better off with me.
1ST LADY: Why do you both delay?
2ND LADY: I think you should obey.
3RD LADY: My duty is to stay.
1ST LADY: I’ll tend him,
2ND LADY: I’ll guard him,
3RD LADY: I’ll nurse him.
1ST LADY: Me,
+ 2 LADY:ND
Me,
ALL THREE: Me!
2ND LADY: (to herself) Why should I go?

3RD LADY: (to herself) Why should I go?
1ST LADY: (to herself) Why should I go?
2 LADY:
ND
Why should I go?
3 LADY:
RD
Why should I go?
1ST LADY: Why should I go?
3RD LADY: No, no!
2ND LADY: No, no!
1ST LADY: No, no!
ALL THREE: No, no! I know their little game:
I know these wicked women have no shame,
Behaving so.
1ST LADY: Oh no,
2ND/3RD LADIES: Oh no, oh no,
1ST LADY: Oh no,
2 /3 LADIES:
ND RD
Oh no, oh no,
ALL THREE: I will not, will not go!
They want to get him on their own,
Yes, all alone.
1ST LADY: Oh no,
2 /3 LADIES:
ND RD
Oh no, oh no,
1ST LADY: Oh no,
2ND/3RD LADIES: Oh no, oh no,
ALL THREE: I will not, will not go,
I will not, will not go,
(THREE LADIES:) I will not, will not go!

3RD LADY: This lovely boy, who could refuse him?
2ND LADY: This lovely boy, who could refuse him?
1 LADY:
ST
This lovely boy, who could refuse him?
3 LADY:
RD
It would be lunacy to lose him!
2ND LADY: It would be lunacy to lose him!
1ST LADY: It would be lunacy to lose him!
3RD LADY: And that is why I have to stay,
2ND LADY: And that is why I have to stay,
1ST LADY: And that is why I have to stay,
ALL THREE: Yes, that is why I have to stay!
1 LADY:
ST
But duty calls!
2 LADY:
ND
But duty calls!
3RD LADY: But duty calls!
1ST LADY: We must away:
2ND LADY: We must away:
3RD LADY: We must away:
1ST LADY: The Queen commands and we obey,
2 LADY:
ND
The Queen commands and we obey,
3 LADY:
RD
ALL THREE: And we obey.
(to TAMINO) Although it breaks my heart in two,
I have to say farewell to you.
(ALL THREE:) Until we meet again,

1ST LADY: Farewell,
2ND LADY: Farewell,
3 LADY:
RD
Farewell,
1 LADY:
ST
Farewell,
2ND/3RD LADIES: Farewell,
1ST LADY: Farewell,
1ST LADY: Farewell,
ALL THREE: Until we meet again.
Although it breaks my heart in two,
I have to say farewell to you,
Until we meet again.
1ST LADY: Farewell,
2ND LADY: Farewell,
3RD LADY: Farewell,
1ST LADY: Farewell,
2 /3 LADIES:
ND RD
Farewell,
1 LADY:
ST
Farewell,
1ST LADY: Farewell,
ALL THREE: Until we meet again.
3RD LADY: Until we meet again,
Until we meet again,
1ST/2ND LADIES: Until we meet again,

ALL THREE: Until we meet again,
Until we meet again.
The THREE LADIES leave. TAMINO awakens.
Dialogue
TAMINO: Where am I? Am I still alive? (He gets up and looks
around fearfully. The sound of a flute is heard in the
distance.) What’s that noise? Where on earth am I?
What is this strange place?
TAMINO, seeing PAPAGENO approaching, hides behind a tree.
Scene Two
Music No. 2 ARIA

I’m Sure That There Could Never Be
(Papageno)
PAPAGENO enters, dressed in feathers. He carries a large bird cage on his back that is
filled with various birds. In his hands he holds a small set of pipes, which he plays.
PAPAGENO: I'm sure that there could never be
A more contented man than me.
I earn my living as I please:
I charm the birds from out the trees.
I set my nets against the sky,
I call the birds, and down they fly . . . (Plays pipes.)
So when you hear my music play
You’ll know that I’m not far away. (Plays pipes.)
If only I could cast a spell
To capture pretty girls as well;
My nets would get them by the score:
(PAPAGENO:) Each day I’d catch a hundred more.

And soon I would fulfil my dream:
A thousand girls in my harem . . . (Plays pipes.)
If I achieved my heart’s desire,
I’d hang my nets up and retire. (Plays pipes.)
A thousand maidens might be fun,
But I’d have to set my heart on one.
I’d choose the girl I liked the best
And take her home to share my nest.
We’d bill and coo, we’d hug and kiss,
And every night I’d play her this . . . (Plays pipes.)
I’d hold her close, the pretty thing,
And she would sleep beneath my wing. (Plays pipes.)
As PAPAGENO begins to leave, TAMINO emerges from his hiding-place behind the
tree.
Dialogue
TAMINO: Hey, you!
PAPAGENO: Who, me?
TAMINO: Yes, you. Who are you?
PAPAGENO: (to himself) Who am I? Stupid question. (Aloud.) A
man, like yourself. More to the point, who are you?
TAMINO: A man. But of royal blood . . .
PAPAGENO: Sorry, you’ve lost me. You’re of . . .
TAMINO: Royal blood, yes. That’s to say, my father’s a king
and he rules over many lands, many people . . .
PAPAGENO: King . . . lands . . . people . . .
TAMINO: . . . So perhaps you could tell me . . .
PAPAGENO: Slow down, slow down. You mean that beyond the
mountains there are other countries and other
people?
TAMINO: Thousands!
PAPAGENO: I wonder if the bird-selling franchise is still vacant . . .
TAMINO: Please just tell me where we are.
PAPAGENO: I couldn’t tell you, Mind you, don’t listen to me: I
couldn’t even tell you how I came into the world.
TAMINO: (laughs) You mean you don’t know who your parents
were?
PAPAGENO: Haven’t a clue. All I know is that a nice old
gentleman brought me up.
TAMINO: Your father, presumably?
PAPAGENO: I couldn’t tell you.
TAMINO: But didn’t you know your mother?
PAPAGENO: No, but I’ve been told she used to work in the
Queen’s palace. But whether she’s alive or not . . . I
couldn’t tell you.
TAMINO: The Queen’s palace . . . What’s this place called?
PAPAGENO: I couldn’t tell you that. I just live here.
TAMINO: But how do you live?
PAPAGENO: I eat, I drink . . . doesn’t everybody?
TAMINO: But how do you pay for it?
PAPAGENO: Barter. I catch birds for Her Radiant Highness, the
Queen of Night, and every day her ladies-in-waiting
give me food and drink in return.
TAMINO: The Queen of Night. Tell me, have you actually seen
her?
PAPAGENO: See her? Another bloody stupid question.
TAMINO: There’s no need to be rude. I just wondered.
PAPAGENO: Seen her? Seen Her Radiant Highness? Birdbrain!
Nobody’s ever seen her. She wears a thick black veil,
every fool knows that.
TAMINO: I thought so. It must be the same Queen of Night that
my father told me about. (To himself.) (And perhaps
he’s one of her familiar spirits.)
PAPAGENO: (to himself) (Why’s he staring at me like that? It’s
scaring me.) (To TAMINO.) Now look: just don’t try it
on. Don’t even think about it. I’ve got superhuman
strength when roused. (To himself.) (I wish.)
TAMINO: (looking at the serpent) So it was you who rescued me
from the serpent?
PAPAGENO: What serpent? (Notices the serpent for the first time and
trembles – to himself.) (Bloody Hell: is it dead?)
TAMINO: Your modesty does you credit. I’m eternally grateful
to you.
PAPAGENO: It was nothing. Say no more about it. Happy to help.
TAMINO: But you’re not armed: how did you do it?
PAPAGENO: Piece of cake. With hands like these, who needs
arms?
TAMINO: You throttled it with your bare hands?
PAPAGENO: Yes: the Feathered Strangler strikes again!
Scene Three
The THREE LADIES appear. The 1ST LADY carries an urn with water, the 2ND LADY
a stone, and the 3RD LADY a padlock and a medallion containing a portrait.
THREE LADIES: (shouting in unison) Papageno!
PAPAGENO: You called? (Aside to TAMINO.) (Turn round: go on,
take a look. These are the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting.)
(To the LADIES.) Here you are, ladies: here are your
birds.
1ST LADY: Thank you, Papageno. But today, our Queen had sent
you this bottle of . . . water.
2ND LADY: And I have been asked to give you, no, not bread, but
this stone.
PAPAGENO: What? How’m I supposed to eat that?
3RD LADY: And instead of figs, you can stop your mouth with
this.
She padlocks PAPAGENO’s mouth.
1ST LADY: Now: you’ll be wanting to know why the Queen has
punished you.
PAPAGENO nods his head in agreement.
2ND LADY: It’s for lying to strangers . . .
3 LADY:
RD
. . . and for claiming as your own brave and selfless
acts performed by others!
1ST LADY: So. Shall we set the record straight? Did you slay the
serpent?
PAPAGENO shakes ‘no’ with his head.
2ND LADY: No. And who did?
PAPAGENO indicates that he doesn’t know.
3RD LADY: (to TAMINO) We did. We freed you, young man. But
do not be afraid: joy and good fortune await you. Her
Radiant Highness has sent you this portrait: it is a
picture of her daughter. (She gives the picture to
TAMINO.) If you are moved by her beauty, then fame,
fortune and honour will be yours. Farewell!
1ST LADY: Bye-bye, Papageno!
The 1ST and 3RD LADIES take the birdcage and leave.
2ND LADY: And don’t eat it all at once! (She leaves, laughing.)
PAPAGENO leaves hastily in dumb astonishment. TAMINO becomes captivated by the
portrait of the Queen of Night’s daughter.
Scene Four
Music No. 3 ARIA

I’ve Never Seen a Face So Fair
(Tamino)
TAMINO: I’ve never seen a face so fair,
Such loveliness beyond compare.
It fills me, it fills me with such happiness,
My heart beats faster in my breast,
My heart beats faster in my breast.
In vain I fight with this desire,
This pain, this unfamiliar fire.
What is this fire consuming me?
What is this fire consuming me?
I know . . . I feel the pain of love.
I know it, I know it, I know it:
It is love.
Only, if only she were near me,
If I could speak so she could hear me,
I’d tell her, tell her what I feel . . .
(TAMINO:) I’d say to her . . .

I would say nothing, I would hold her,
And in these loving arms enfold her
And she’d be mine for evermore,
She’d be mine for evermore,
She’d be mine for evermore.
Scene Five
TAMINO starts to leave, but the THREE LADIES reappear.
Dialogue
1ST LADY: Arm yourself with might and modesty, young man.
Our Queen . . .
2ND LADY: . . . has ordered me to tell you . . .
3RD LADY: . . . that she has paved the way for your future happi-
ness.
1ST LADY: She has heard your every word . . .
2ND LADY: . . . and read your every thought . . .
3RD LADY: . . . and has decided to take your part. ‘If this prince
is as brave as he is beautiful’ – these are her words –
‘then my daughter is as good as rescued.’
TAMINO: Rescued? You mean that this girl . . .
1ST LADY: Abducted. By an evil demon.
TAMINO: Abducted? How?
1ST LADY: One May morning, when she was sitting alone in her
favourite cypress grove, the fiend stole up on her,
unseen . . .
2ND LADY: . . . he was spying on her . . .
3RD LADY: . . . and Pamina . . .

1ST LADY: . . . Pamina is her name . . .
TAMINO: Pamina! Cruelly torn away from me . . . and in the
clutches of a devil! Perhaps even now he is . . . Tell
me, where does he live?
2ND LADY: In a beautiful valley not far from here. But his fortress
is closely guarded.
TAMINO: Lead me! Lead me there! Pamina must be rescued! I
swear on my love that I will destroy this demon.
As the stage grows dark there is short, loud clap of thunder.
God help us! What was that?
THREE LADIES: Prepare yourself . . .
1 LADY:
ST
. . . it is the Queen of Night.
Thunder.
THREE LADIES: She’s here! She’s here! She’s here!
Thunder.
Scene Six
Amidst the stars in the sky, the QUEEN OF NIGHT appears.
Music No. 4 RECITATIVE AND ARIA

Don’t Be Afraid, My Dearest Son!
(Queen of Night)
QUEEN: Don’t be afraid, my dearest son!
For you are blameless, noble, strong . . .
So hear a mother’s plea,
Do not ignore me.
A wilderness of sorrow lies before me.
(QUEEN:) Alone, abandoned and forsaken,

How I recall that dreadful day,
The day I saw my daughter taken,
The day I saw my daughter taken.
A wicked man,
A wicked man stole her away.
In waking, in sleeping,
I still hear her weeping,
Her trembling, her shaking,
Her poor heart was breaking.
I saw her sorrow all too plainly:
“Ah, help, ah, help!”
I heard my daughter say.
Alas, she pleaded with me vainly,
For all my power had drained away,
For all my power, all my power had drained away.
You, you, you are chosen to defend her.
Soon you must hasten to her side,
Yes, soon you must hasten to her side.
And when success is crowned in splendour
Then you may take her for your bride:
She’ll be your bride,
Ah, yes, your bride,
She’ll be your bride,
She’ll be your bride.
As thunder roars, the QUEEN and the THREE LADIES disappear.
Scene Seven
Dialogue
TAMINO: (after a pause) Did I imagine this? Was it real, or a
dream? Now, Gods in Heaven, do not mislead me,
for I will undertake your quest. Arm me, protect me,
and Tamino’s thanks will be your for ever.
PAPAGENO enters.
Music No. 5 QUINTET

Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!
(Papageno, Tamino, Three Ladies)
PAPAGENO: (pointing sadly at the padlock on his mouth)
Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!
TAMINO: Poor Papageno, I can see
You have been commanded not to speak.
PAPAGENO: Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!
TAMINO: Alas, I’m powerless to free you:
The spell is strong and I am weak.
PAPAGENO: Mmm!
TAMINO: I cannot tell,
PAPAGENO: Mmm!
TAMINO: How I can help you,
PAPAGENO: Mmm!
TAMINO: The spell is strong and I am weak.
PAPAGENO: Mmm! Mmm! Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!
TAMINO: I don’t know how to help you speak:
The spell is strong and I am weak.
Scene Eight
The THREE LADIES reappear. The 1ST LADY carries a flute and a box containing
silver bells.
1ST LADY: (to PAPAGENO) The Queen of Night has ordered me
To break the lock and set you free.
She removes the padlock from PAPAGENO’s mouth.
PAPAGENO: Now Papageno’s free to chatter . . .

2ND LADY: . . . but falsehood is another matter!
PAPAGENO: I’ve done with lying: I repent.
THREE LADIES: You won’t forget this punishment!
PAPAGENO: I won’t forget this punishment,
Forget this punishment!
THREE LADIES: No, no, you won’t forget this punishment!
ALL: A world of love could be created
If only lying tongues would cease.
Deceit and greed would be frustrated,
THREE LADIES/
TAMINO: And we would lead
Our lives in peace.
PAPAGENO: . . . Our lives in peace.
ALL: Deceit and greed would be frustrated,
And we would lead our lives in peace.
1ST LADY: O Prince, receive the gift I bear.
She presents TAMINO with the magic flute.
The Queen consigns it to your care.
Whatever dangers fate may send you
It’s magic music will defend you.
THREE LADIES: For when it plays it sings so sweetly
That evil ways are changed completely.
The man of vice will sin no more
And hearts of ice begin to thaw.
ALL: Who can guess its power
And who can estimate its worth?
It will fill the world with love
(ALL:) And build Heaven here on earth,

Build Heaven here on earth,
Build Heaven here on earth.
PAPAGENO: Though it’s sad to leave such beauties,
Ladies, I’ll be going now.
THREE LADIES: No true man can shirk his duties
And there’s work for you to do.
(to TAMINO) To Sarastro we must send you,
(to PAPAGENO) Papageno will attend you.
PAPAGENO: Thank you very much indeed.
That’s the last thing that I need.
I have heard this pagan priest
Is as fierce as any beast.
He is a savage, he’s a sinner,
And he’ll have me for his dinner;
Guest of honour at his feast.
THREE LADIES: You’re place is at the Prince’s side,
He’ll be your guardian and your guide.
PAPAGENO: (to himself) I bet he’s planning to deceive me:
What dangers lie ahead?
He’ll try to rob me by the roadside
And then leave me for dead.
1ST LADY: (presents PAPAGENO with the silver bells)
These magic bells we give to you.
PAPAGENO: To me? Let’s have a look at them.
THREE LADIES: They will protect you on your mission.
PAPAGENO: Can they be played without tuition?
THREE LADIES: Of course they can, you foolish man!
ALL: Magic music, mystic powers . . .
THREE LADIES: . . . will be yours when danger lowers.

TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: Will be ours when danger lowers.
ALL: Fare you well! We’ll meet again,
So farewell, farewell till then,
So farewell, farewell till then.
The THREE LADIES start to leave.
TAMINO: Stay, mystic ladies, fair and wise . .
PAPAGENO: . . . And say which way the fortress lies.
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: Yes, tell us, pray,
Yes, tell us, pray,
Which way Sarastro’s fortress lies.
THREE LADIES: Three boys will soon be here to guide you.
Through doubt and fear they’ll stay beside you
To keep you safe and lead the way.
When they command, you must obey.
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: Three boys will soon be here to guide us,
Through doubt and fear they’ll stay beside us. . .
THREE LADIES: . . . To keep you safe and lead the way.
When they command, you must obey.
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: And so, farewell, farewell till then.
And so, farewell, we’ll meet again.
ALL: And so, farewell, farewell till then.
And so, farewell, we’ll meet again.
THREE LADIES: We’ll meet again,
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: We’ll meet again,
THREE LADIES: We’ll meet again!
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: We’ll meet again!
ALL leave.
[In this version scenes Nine and Ten in the original are CUT.]
Scene Eleven – A Splendid Room in Sarastro’s Palace.
Music No. 6 TRIO

You Will Not Dare to Escape Again
(Monostatos, Pamina, Papageno)
PAMINA is being pursued by MONOSTATOS. SLAVES are in attendance.
MONOSTATOS: You will not dare to escape again.
PAMINA: How can I hear such cruel pain?
MONOSTATOS: I’ll force you to obey me.
PAMINA: Your threats do not dismay me.
I suffer for my mother’s sake,
While we’re apart her heart will break.
MONOSTATOS: (to the SLAVES) Come, slaves, and bind her tightly now,
So tight her wrists are bleeding.
The SLAVES shackle PAMINA.
PAMINA: You will not hear my pleading,
I see your heart is made of stone.
PAMINA swoons.
MONOSTATOS: Maybe. . . we’ll see.
(to the SLAVES) Leave her alone with me!
The SLAVES leave.
Scene Twelve
PAPAGENO creeps in. Monostatos has his back turned to Papageno.
PAPAGENO: What place is this?
Where can I be?
(spotting PAMINA and MONOSTATOS)
Aha! Who are these people?
I better go and see.
PAPAGENO goes over to look.
A maiden young and fair;
With skin so white and spotless.
MONOSTATOS turns around. PAPAGENO is terrified by MONOSTATOS’s gaze, but both
are frightened of each other.
MONOSTATOS/
PAPAGENO: Ooh! It is Beelzebub himself,
It is Beelzebub himself!
Have mercy, I beg of you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!
MONOSTATOS and PAPAGENO both hide from each other.
Scene Thirteen
Dialogue
PAMINA: (regaining consciousness – as if in a dream) Mother,
mother, oh mother . . . Is my heart really beating? I
am still alive, and open to new torments. Oh, it is so
hard, more bitter than death.
Scene Fourteen
PAPAGENO emerges carefully from his hiding place.
PAPAGENO: (to himself) I wasn’t really scared. Why should I be

scared? Some men look like birds, some men look
like . . . well, it takes all sorts. (Seeing PAMINA.) Look!
No, look, look! The girl in the picture!
(to PAMINA) Excuse me, Your Grace.
PAMINA: Who are you?
PAPAGENO: Papageno’s the name, sent by Her Radiant Highness
to greet the Princess her daughter.
PAMINA: You were sent here by my mother?
PAPAGENO: If you are indeed the daughter of the Queen of Night,
then yes, I was.
PAMINA: But I am her daughter.
PAPAGENO: I’ll be the judge of that, if you don’t mind. I’ll just
check: (comparing PAMINA to the portrait that Tamino
received from the Three Ladies, which he is wearing on a
ribbon around his neck) now let’s see . . . Eyes dark:
that’s true. Lips red: correct. Dark hair. Yes, every-
thing seems to be in order. Apart from the hands and
the feet. Well, they’re not shown in the picture, so
strictly speaking you shouldn’t have any.
PAMINA: Allow me. (She takes the portrait and looks at it.) Yes,
that’s my portrait: how did you get hold of it?
PAPAGENO: It’s a long story. This morning I was at your mother’s
palace as usual. Delivering the birds. Been doing it for
years. Anyway, I met this prince – well, he didn’t tell
me he was a prince until later – anyway: your mother
was so taken with him she gave him your picture and
commanded him to rescue you. Well, of course, he
fell in love on the spot and his mind was made up. So:
here we are.
PAMINA: He loves me. But where is he? What has become of

him?
PAPAGENO: Good question. We were specifically told that three
boys would be along to show us the way and tell us
what to do.
PAMINA: And what did they say?
PAPAGENO: Not a lot: they never turned up. So one of us had to
wait and one of us had to risk his neck and go on
ahead. Three guesses who did what.
PAMINA: My friend, you’re a brave man. If Sarastro were to
find you here . . .
PAPAGENO: I know, he’d save me the return journey.
PAMINA: He would torture you to death.
PAPAGENO: Yes, well, I’d rather he didn’t, so we’d best be off.
PAMINA: What time is it by the sun?
PAPAGENO: Almost midday.
PAMINA: We have no time to lose. He should soon be coming
back from hunting. But what if it’s a trick? What if
you’re an evil spirit sent by Sarastro?
PAPAGENO: Me, an evil spirit? Now I’m offended: I’m as nice a
spirit as you could hope to meet.
PAMINA: My friend, forgive me, do forgive me. I’m sure you
have a loving heart.
PAPAGENO: I do. I admit it. But what good does it do me? When I
think that this Papageno has yet to find his Papagena,
it makes me want to pluck all my feathers out.
PAMINA: Poor man: you haven’t found a wife?
PAPAGENO: Not even a girlfriend. There are do many things in

life I’d like to share with somebody.
PAMINA: Be patient: Heaven will provide. I’m sure you’ll find
a partner, perhaps sooner than you think.
PAPAGENO: Well, as far as I’m concerned, the sooner the better.
Music No. 7 DUET

A Man In Search of Truth and Beauty
(Pamina, Papageno)
PAMINA: A man in search of truth and beauty
Will find the love his heart desires.
PAPAGENO: And so it is a woman’s duty
To fan the flames which she inspires.
BOTH: We must obey love’s holy law,
Living as one for evermore,
Living as one for evermore.
PAMINA: For love possesses powers of healing;
It soothes all pain, it cures all ill.
PAPAGENO: And no day passes without our feeling its force,
Its universal will.
BOTH: Love shows the way to lead our life,
Living as one, as man and wife,
Living as one, as man and wife,
Man and wife, and wife and man.
Man and wife when joined in love
Lift their life to Heav’n above,
Man and wife when joined in love,
Lift their life to Heav’n above,
To Heav’n above,
To Heav’n above.
PAPAGENO and PAMINA leave.
Scene Fifteen – Before the Temples of Wisdom, Reason and Nature.

A sacred grove in which there are three temples each bearing an inscription: the
Temple of Wisdom, the Temple of Reason, and the Temple of Nature.
Music No. 8 FINALE ACT ONE

If You Can Strive to Be a Man
(Three Boys, Tamino, The Speaker, Pamina, Papageno,
Monostatos, Sarastro, Chorus)
The THREE BOYS appear bearing silver palm branches. They lead TAMINO on, whose
magic flute hangs at his side.
THREE BOYS: If you can strive to be a man
You’ll soon accomplish your ambition.
Pursue your quest as best you can
With honour, valour and submission.
TAMINO: But my Pamina waits for me:
Is it my fate to set her free?
THREE BOYS: Obey our laws, pursue your cause
With honour, valour and submission.
Be on your way, heed what we say;
Love and success will bless your mission,
Love and success will bless your mission.
The THREE BOYS leave.
TAMINO: These words of wisdom reassure me.
But say, what dangers lie before me?
Where am I now? What do I see?
What sort of fortress should this be?
A palace of learning,
Of wisdom and science,
With knowledge and beauty
In holy alliance.
Where learning is sacred,
(TAMINO:) Where diligence thrives,

We banish all hatred
And fear from our lives.
I fight for the right,
I have nothing to fear,
My purpose is noble,
My conscience is clear.
I’ve sworn to fight the evil man.
To save Pamina, to save Pamina
Is my vow.
TAMINO approaches the Temple of Reason.
VOICES: (off-stage) Go back!
TAMINO: Go back? Go back?
I’ll try the other door.
TAMINO approaches the Temple of Nature.
VOICES: (off-stage) Go back!
TAMINO: They call to me once more!
I will not hear what they say:
Perhaps this door will show the way.
TAMINO approaches the Temple of Wisdom, from which THE SPEAKER appears.
THE SPEAKER: What rash adventure brings you here?
What leads you to our sanctuary?
TAMINO: I come in search of love and truth.
THE SPEAKER: High-sounding words for such a youth!
And yet these virtues do not guide you.
You come with neither truth nor love:
Revenge and hatred burn inside you.
TAMINO: Yes, hatred for the evil man.
THE SPEAKER: You will not wound us with your slander.

TAMINO: Is not Sarastro your commander?
THE SPEAKER: Indeed, Sarastro is our lord.
TAMINO: Not in the temple of the wise?
THE SPEAKER: He rules the temple of the wise.
TAMINO: Then it is all deceit and lies!
TAMINO makes to leave.
THE SPEAKER: So now you wish to go?
TAMINO: Yes, I will go, proud and free;
Evil will not tempt me.
THE SPEAKER: You must explain yourself,
For you have been deceived.
TAMINO: Sarastro is your lord,
You cannot be believed.
THE SPEAKER: If you would seek for truth,
Be patient: do not go!
He fills your soul with hate?
TAMINO: I hate his very name!
THE SPEAKER: But how can you condemn the man?
TAMINO: He is a monster, not a man!
THE SPEAKER: But can you prove your accusation?
TAMINO: My proof is in a woman’s weeping,
In ev’ry bitter tear she shed.
THE SPEAKER: And you believed in what she said!
You’ll learn how women have their way
When men are swayed by what they say.
(THE SPEAKER:) Oh, if you’d found Sarastro here

He would have made his reasons clear.
TAMINO: His reasons are as clear as day!
Was not Pamina cruelly taken?
Is not her mother now forsaken?
THE SPEAKER: Young man, there’s truth in what you say.
TAMINO: Where is she, cruelly torn away?
Perhaps her torture has begun?
THE SPEAKER: I’d like to comfort you, my son,
But I am not allowed to say.
TAMINO: Don’t talk in riddles! Tell me now!
THE SPEAKER: I may not break my solemn vow.
TAMINO: Is there an end to all this darkness?
THE SPEAKER: When you are offered friendship’s hand
And sworn into this hold band.
THE SPEAKER re-enters the Temple of Wisdom.
TAMINO: O endless night, why do you hide me?
When will the light shine down to guide me?
VOICES: (from inside the middle temple)
Soon, soon, stranger, you will see.
TAMINO: Soon, soon, soon I will see the light?
You mystic voices, answer me:
Does my Pamina live?
VOICES: Pamina, Pamina is alive.
TAMINO: (happily) Alive! Alive! Almighty Gods be praised!
(taking the magic flute in his hands)
Where is the spirit that will guide me
To tell the Gods what burns inside me?
(TAMINO:) My magic flute

Will give the thanks in music
That I feel here in my heart.
TAMINO plays the flute, and wild animals and birds of every kind gather round him
to listen. When he stops playing, they flee.
How soft, how strong your magic sound;
You sing so sweetly.
As your music echoes all around
Savage Nature is tamed completely.
(plays flute)
How soft, how strong your magic sound:
(plays flute)
Your magic music sings so sweetly.
Your magic music echoes all around
Taming Nature completely.
But my Pamina,
My Pamina does not hear,
My Pamina does not hear.
(plays flute)
Pamina!
(plays flute)
Pamina! Hear me, come to me!
(plays flute)
In vain, in vain.
(plays flute)
Where?
(plays flute)
Where? Where?
Oh come, oh come to me!
He plays the flute again. The sound of TAMINO’s flute is answered by PAPAGENO’s
pipes.
Ah! That is Papageno’s pipe!
He plays the flute twice more. Each time it is answered by PAPAGENO’s pipes.
(TAMINO:) Perhaps he knows where she might be;
Perhaps he’s hurrying to me!
Perhaps, perhaps
He’ll lead my love to me,
He’ll lead my love to me,
Perhaps he’ll lead my love to me!
TAMINO leaves.
Scene Sixteen
PAMINA and PAPAGENO appear. MONOSTATOS is pursuing them, with his SLAVES
following behind.
PAMINA/
PAPAGENO: Walk on tiptoe, not a sound,
Till Tamino can be found.
We must not be seen till then,
Or they’ll catch us
And they’ll lock us up again.
We must not be seen till then,
Or they’ll catch us
And they’ll lock us up again.
PAMINA: (calling) Oh, Tamino!
PAPAGENO: Softly, softly,
There’s a better way to find him.
PAPAGENO plays his pipes twice and each time TAMINO’s flute is heard in reply.
PAMINA/
PAPAGENO: Here’s an end to all our sorrow,
Here’s an end to all our fear,
For Tamino must be near.
Here’s an end to care and worry:
We must hurry, we must hurry,
(PAMINA/
PAPAGENO:) We must hurry!
Here’s an end to care and worry:
We must hurry . . .
Scene Seventeen
MONOSTATOS confronts them.
MONOSTATOS: (interrupting, mocking them) What’s your hurry?
What’s your hurry?
What’s your hurry?
Ha! Two little birds have flown!
Didn’t take me long to find you,
I was never far behind you,
I was never far behind you.
Learn to treat me more politely:
We will chain you nice and tightly,
Yes, so tight you’ll fight for breath.
PAMINA/
PAPAGENO: We will die a dreadful death!
MONOSTATOS: Let me watch while they are chained!
The SLAVES approach carrying chains.
PAPAGENO: Very well, what the hell!
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Time to try these magic bells.
Time to set their music singing
So their wicked ears are ringing.
PAPAGENO plays the silver bells. Subdued by the sound, MONOSTATOS and his
SLAVES sing and dance.
MONOSTATOS/
SLAVES: This music is ringing with magic so strong,
La ra la la la la ra la la la la ra la.
I cannot stop smiling and singing along,
I cannot stop smiling and singing along,
MONOSTATOS and his SLAVES dance off.
PAMINA/
PAPAGENO: Armed with such a magic charm,
Evil will not hurt you.
Harmony will conquer harm,
Vice will yield to virtue.
PAMINA: On the day when hatred ends,
All the world will live as friends,
All the world will live, will live as friends.
PAPAGENO: On the day when hatred ends,
All the world will live as friends,
All the world will live as friends.
BOTH: Friends are sent from Heav’n above,
Faithful and forgiving,
Filling earth with joy and love,
Making life worth living.
A fanfare of trumpets and drums is heard.
VOICES: (from the middle temple) Long life to Sarastro!
We bow before him!
PAPAGENO: What noise are they making?
I’m trembling, I’m shaking!
PAMINA: My friend, you’ve ev’ry cause to fear:
They’re welcoming Sarastro here!
PAPAGENO: I wish I was a mouse:

I’d run before they caught us.
Or, timid as a tortoise,
I’d hide inside my house.
We’re doomed!
Let’s save ourselves by lying.
PAMINA: Be truthful, be truthful:
Virtue is undying.
Scene Eighteen
SARASTRO enters in procession with the CHORUS.
CHORUS: Long life to Sarastro.
We bow down before him!
With heart and with voice
Let us praise and adore him!
SOPRANOS/
TENORS: And when he commands us,
We answer his call,
ALTOS/BASSES: And when he commands us,
SOPRANOS/
TENORS: And when he commands us,
ALL CHORUS: We answer his call,
Our Guardian, our Father,
The Lord of us all,
Our Guardian, our Father,
The Lord of us all,
The Lord of us all,
The Lord of us all!
PAMINA: (kneeling) Sir, I was disobedient:
I tried my best to run away.
But I am not alone to blame:
(PAMINA:) An evil man tried to molest me.

I would not stay to suffer shame.
SARASTRO: Arise, and smile again, my dear one:
You should not suffer in this fashion,
And I am pleased to take your part.
I know that love has filled your heart,
Love has filled your heart.
Though I would treat you with compassion
I cannot grant your freedom yet.
Yes, I would treat you with compassion,
But I cannot grant your freedom yet.
PAMINA: Do not ignore a daughter’s plea:
What of my mother?
SARASTRO: Speak of her no more,
And think what fate would have in store
If I returned you to your mother.
PAMINA: How can you keep us from each other?
She needs me, she needs me.
SARASTRO: Such is woman’s pride!
A woman needs a man to guide her:
If she should stray
Without a man to show the way,
Then woe betide her.
Scene Nineteen
MONOSTATOS, entering, leads in TAMINO.
MONOSTATOS: (to TAMINO) Our Lord Sarastro will decide
How you’ll be punished for your pride.
PAMINA: (seeing TAMINO) My love . . .
TAMINO: (seeing PAMINA) My love . . .
PAMINA: . . . Can this be true?

TAMINO: My love . . .
PAMINA: My love . . .
TAMINO: . . . It’s really you!
TAMINO and PAMINA approach each other.
PAMINA: Beloved, let me hold you fast,
TAMINO: Beloved, let me hold you fast,
PAMINA/
TAMINO: For this embrace may be our last.
TAMINO and PAMINA embrace.
CHORUS: What are they doing?
MONOSTATOS: Shameless profanity!
Don’t let him touch her!
This goes too far!
MONOSTATOS separates TAMINO and PAMINA.
(kneeling before SARASTRO) I beg you now,
Pronounce your sentence:
This wicked man shows no repentance.
His evil-doing shows no end.
Together with his feathered friend
He tried to steal the fair Pamina
Until I foiled his misdemeanour,
I saw them with my very eyes!
SARASTRO: And you deserve a worthy prize:
Your faithful service we applaud . . .
MONOSTATOS: You are too generous, my Lord!
SARASTRO: . . . And seventy lashes are your reward.
MONOSTATOS: Oh sir, you give me more than I’ve deserved.

SARASTRO: Enough! The law must be observed.
MONOSTATOS is led away by the SLAVES.
CHORUS: We worship Sarastro,
We praise and revere him.
Thus evil is punished,
All sinners must fear him.
SARASTRO: Now lead them to our sanctuary:
Their strength and courage must be tried.
Cover their heads and lead them on,
For first they must be purified.
Blindfolds are placed on TAMINO and PAPAGENO. SARASTRO takes PAMINA’s hand and
exits through the middle temple door. TAMINO and PAPAGENO exit with the TWO PRIESTS.
CHORUS: With virtue and with righteousness
We will achieve our noble plan
To sanctify the state of man,
To sanctify the state of man.
To make the earth a holy place,
To make the earth a holy place,
And glorify the human race,
And glorify the human race,
To glorify the human race
And make the earth a holy place,
To glorify the human race
A holy, a holy place,
A holy, a holy place,
A holy place,
A holy place,
A holy place.
END OF ACT ONE

36 THE MAGIC FLUTE Act Two
ACT TWO
Scene One – Sarastro’s Sacred Grove.

A palm grove in which all of the trees are silver with leaves of gold.
SARASTRO and the BRETHREN enter solemnly.
Music No. 9 MARCH

(Orchestra)
Dialogue
SARASTRO: Brothers, who worship in the Temple of the Wise,
who serve the great Gods Isis and Osiris, this assem-
bly is one of the most important we have ever held.
Tamino, a king’s son, has approached us in search of
the ends and aims to which we all aspire. It is our
duty to welcome him here today and to offer him the
hand of friendship.
1ST PRIEST: Is he virtuous?
SARASTRO: Yes.
2ND PRIEST: Can he be discreet?
SARASTRO: I’m sure he can.
THE SPEAKER: And true-hearted?
SARASTRO: Yes. Such is his worth that Pamina has been chosen to
be by his side. That is why I took her from her
mother, a woman so swollen with pride that she
hopes, through magic and superstition, to subjugate
her people and to destroy our temple. She will not
succeed. Tamino will help us to defend ourselves
against her; together we will celebrate virtue and
punish evil.
Act Two THE MAGIC FLUTE 37
THE SPEAKER: Sarastro: we all recognise and admire your wisdom,

but I have to ask whether Tamino will be equal to the
ordeal that awaits him. I am afraid for him: what if
the pain and struggle are too much for him?
1ST PRIEST: What if he were to die?
2ND PRIEST: He is a prince . . .
SARASTRO: . . . More than that, he is a man. If you find him
worthy, do as I do.
A threefold chord is played. The BRETHREN signal their approval.
I thank you in the name of mankind.
2ND PRIEST: But what if his fate is to perish in the flower of his
youth?
SARASTRO: It is in the lap of the Gods, for Isis and Osiris to
decide, not us.
He and his companion are waiting in the outer
chamber. You, my friends, must teach them, through
your wisdom, to know the duty of mankind and to
respect the might of the Gods.
Music No. 10 ARIA AND CHORUS

O Isis and Osiris, Arm Them With Strength and Joy
(Sarastro, Brethren)
SARASTRO: O Isis and Osiris, arm them

With strength and joy as they proceed.
Let not despair nor danger harm them.
Grant them the courage to succeed,
Grant them the courage to succeed.
BRETHREN: Grant them the courage to succeed.
SARASTRO: Let them achieve the goal they cherish,
(SARASTRO:) But should it be their fate to perish

Welcome their spirits to your embrace.
Let them assume their rightful place,
Let them assume their rightful place.
BRETHREN: Let them assume their rightful place.
They ALL leave.
Scene Two – The Cabinet of Reflection.

The courtyard of the temple. It is night time.
TWO PRIESTS, bearing torches, lead in TAMINO and PAPAGENO and remove their
blindfolds. The TWO PRIESTS then leave.
Dialogue
TAMINO: Papageno, are you still there?
PAPAGENO: I think so . . .
TAMINO: Where do you think we are?
PAPAGENO: How am I supposed to know! It’s pitch black!
Thunder.
Oh God!
TAMINO: What’s the matter with you?
PAPAGENO: Nothing. I think I must be running a fever.
TAMINO: Come on, Papageno, be a man.
Thunder.
PAPAGENO: Oh God, it’s all too much for me.
Scene Three
The TWO PRIESTS return, carrying torches.
1ST PRIEST: Strangers, what do you want with us?

TAMINO: I come in search of friendship and love.
2ND PRIEST: And are you prepared to risk your life for these
ideals?
TAMINO: Yes.
2 PRIEST:
ND
Prince, there is still time to change your mind. But
one more step and there is no turning back.
TAMINO: Wisdom is my goal; Pamina my reward.
2 PRIEST:
ND
Will you undergo all our trials?
TAMINO: Every one.
1ST PRIEST: Give me your hand: (TAMINO does) so.
2ND PRIEST: (to PAPAGENO) Are you prepared to fight for wisdom
and truth?
PAPAGENO: Well, fighting’s not really my thing, and I’m not
really interested in wisdom. I’d just like to meet the
right girl.
2ND PRIEST: You never will unless you are prepared to undergo
our trials.
PAPAGENO: What do they consist of, exactly?
2ND PRIEST: You must obey all our laws, even in the face of death.
PAPAGENO: Thanks very much, but I’ll stay single.
1ST PRIEST: Even if you would earn the love of a beautiful
woman?
PAPAGENO: No, really, I think I’m fine as I am.
2ND PRIEST: What if Sarastro has someone ready for you, someone
made for you in every detail?
PAPAGENO: Made for me? What’s she called?

2ND PRIEST: Papagena?
PAPAGENO: Papagena? Well, I’d like to meet her, you know, just
out of curiosity . . .
2ND PRIEST: And so you will.
PAPAGENO: Hang on. When I’ve met here, will I have to die?
The 2ND PRIEST makes an ambiguous gesture.
I’ll stay single.
2ND PRIEST: You may see her, but you may not speak to her. (To
TAMINO.) And you, Prince, will see Pamina but may
not speak to her. This holy law will protect you from
women’s wiles.
1ST PRIEST: And this will be the first of your trials.
Music No. 11 DUET

A Woman’s Beauty is Beguiling
(Two Priests)
TWO PRIESTS: A woman’s beauty if beguiling:
No man will heed it if he is wise;
For once she’s lured him with her smiling,
She’s caught him, she’s caught him
In her web of lies.
His tale will have a sad conclusion,
His worthy suit will be ignored;
He’ll wring his hands in mad confusion,
Death and despair are his reward,
Death and despair are his reward.
The TWO PRIESTS leave.
Scene Four
Dialogue
PAPAGENO: Hey, who put the lights out? This is brilliant: every
time one of them leaves it all goes dark.
TAMINO: Be brave: it is the will of the Gods.
Scene Five
The THREE LADIES suddenly appear with torches.
Music No. 12 QUINTET

Why, Why, Why Are You in This Place of Fear?
(Three Ladies, Papageno, Tamino)
THREE LADIES: Why, why, why
Are you in this place of fear?
Fly, fly, fly!
You will die if you stay here.
You’re doomed to death and to disaster
And you will perish with your master.
PAPAGENO: I can’t die, I’m far too young.
TAMINO: Papageno, hold your tongue!
If a word to them is spoken
Then your solemn vow is broken.
PAPAGENO: They say we’ll perish if we stay.
TAMINO: Hold your tongue: don’t disobey!
PAPAGENO: Always nagging at me!
“Hold your tongue” is all you ever say.
1ST & 2ND LADIES: The Queen of Night is on her way,
And in the temple she’ll appear.
3RD LADY: She’s on her way,
And in the temple she’ll appear.
PAPAGENO: The Queen? What is she doing here?

TAMINO: Papageno, hold your tongue!
Are you so disposed to chatter
That your solemn vows don’t matter?
THREE LADIES: Think of the Queen and of your promise,
Think of your mission and your prize.
We know the truth about Sarastro:
You have been listening to lies.
TAMINO: A wise man follows his own way
And won’t be swayed by what men say.
1ST LADY: We know the truth about Sarastro,
2ND & 3RD LADIES: We know the truth about Sarastro,
TAMINO: I won’t be swayed . . .
1ST LADY: You have been listening to lies.
2ND & 3RD LADIES: You have been listening to lies.
TAMINO: . . . By what you say.
1 LADY:
ST
They say he’ll drag you down to Hell,
For he’s the Devil in disguise,
He is the Devil in disguise!
2ND LADY: They say he’ll drag you down to Hell,
For he’s the Devil in disguise,
Yes, in disguise!
3RD LADY: They say he’ll drag you down to Hell,
For he’s the Devil in disguise!
PAPAGENO: If he’s the Devil, very well:
That he should want to go to Hell
Is no surprise!
(to TAMINO) But are they lying? Can you tell?
TAMINO: (to PAPAGENO) Blasphemers’ stories, women’s lies,

You’ll not believe them if you’re wise.
PAPAGENO: But if Her Highness says so too?
TAMINO: That woman’s lies have poisoned you,
A man must show you what to do.
Do what you’re told: be bold and true.
TAMINO indicates to the THREE LADIES that he is not allowed to speak.
THREE LADIES: Is this designed to make us jealous?
You’ve something on your mind:
Please tell us!
PAPAGENO: (to the THREE LADIES) I would like to tell you, but . . .
TAMINO: (to PAPAGENO) Hush!
PAPAGENO: . . . I have to keep it shut.
TAMINO: Hush!
PAPAGENO: (to TAMINO) My resolution should be stronger,
I am ashamed I am so weak.
TAMINO: Your resolution should be stronger,
I am ashamed you are so weak.
THREE LADIES: They keep their vow: we’ll stay no longer.
We don’t know how to make them speak.
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: We keep our vow, they’ll stay no longer,
They don’t know how to make us speak.
THREE LADIES: They keep their vow: we’ll stay no longer.
We don’t know how to make them speak.
Your strength and courage will not yield
If you can keep your thoughts concealed.
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: Man’s strength and courage will not yield
If you can keep your thoughts concealed.
ALL: Your strength and courage will not yield
If you can keep your thoughts concealed,
1ST & 2ND LADIES: If you can keep your thoughts concealed,
3RD LADY/
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: If you can keep your thoughts concealed,
1ST & 2ND LADIES: If you can keep your thoughts concealed.
3RD LADY/
TAMINO/
PAPAGENO: If you can keep your thoughts concealed.
As the THREE LADIES are about to depart, the voices of the BRETHREN are heard
from inside the temple.
BRETHREN: Who dares to profane our seclusion?
These women bring death and confusion!
Thunder and lightning.
3RD LADY: Away!
2ND LADY: Away!
THREE LADIES: Away!
The THREE LADIES flee.
PAPAGENO: O woe! O woe! Oh no!
PAPAGENO swoons.
Scene Six
TWO PRIESTS enter carrying torches.
Dialogue
1ST PRIEST: (to TAMINO) So far you have succeeded. Now we must
set you on the second stage of your journey. Come.
TAMINO is blindfolded and led off by the 1ST PRIEST.
2ND PRIEST: (to the prone PAPAGENO) What’s this? Get up! What’s
the matter with you?
PAPAGENO: I’ve fainted, can’t you see?
2ND PRIEST: Pull yourself together: be a man!
PAPAGENO: But tell me: if Heaven has provided me with a Papa-
gena, why do I have to go through all this before I can
claim her?
2ND PRIEST: The Gods move in mysterious ways.
PAPAGENO: Is that it?
PAPAGENO is blindfolded.
2ND PRIEST: Follow me.
He leads PAPAGENO off.
Scene Seven – A Delightful Garden.

PAMINA is asleep, the moon shining on her face. MONOSTATOS enters.
MONOSTATOS: Ah, there she is, the blushing violet I was whipped
for: whipped, just for wanting to pluck a flower
growing in someone else’s border. I still can’t look at
her without wanting her. The fire’s still smouldering
inside me, she’s driving me mad! There’s nobody
around, why shouldn’t I try again. Just one little kiss,
where’s the harm in it?
Music No. 13 ARIA

All the World is Always Lusting
(Monostatos)
(MONOSTATOS:) All the world is always lusting,
Always thrust in tight embrace.
Do they find me so disgusting
That they cannot stand my face,
That they cannot stand my face?
I’m a man: I’m not an eunuch!
I have appetites as well,
I have appetites as well.
Can I quell them? No.
I’d sooner cut my throat and fry in Hell,
Cut my throat and fry in Hell,
Cut my throat and fry in Hell.
So, from now on I’ve decided
I’ve denied myself too long;
When such beauty is provided
My desire is far too strong,
My desire is far too strong.
She is fair: I can’t resist her.
Moon, you’re shining far too bright,
Moon, you’re shining far too bright.
What I do once I have kissed her
Might not be a pretty sight,
Might not be a pretty sight,
Might not be a pretty sight.
Scene Eight
As MONOSTATOS edges towards PAMINA, the QUEEN OF NIGHT suddenly appears in
the midst of thunder and lightning.
Dialogue
QUEEN: (to MONOSTATOS) Get back!
PAMINA: (awakening) Oh Heavens!

MONOSTATOS: (backing away) Oh no!
PAMINA: Mother, mother, my dearest mother . . .
PAMINA falls into the QUEEN OF NIGHT’s arms.
MONOSTATOS: (to himself) Her mother? This might be worth listening
to.
MONOSTATOS leaves to hide.
QUEEN: Where is the young man I sent to you?
PAMINA: Oh mother, he is lost for ever. He has allied himself
to the brotherhood.
QUEEN: The brotherhood? Then you too are lost.
PAMINA: We must fly, mother. Under your protection, what
have I to fear?
QUEEN: My protection? I can protect you no longer. My
power died with your father.
PAMINA: With my father?
QUEEN: He gave up the sevenfold sign of the sun to the
brotherhood; bequeathed it, on his deathbed, to
Sarastro who, he said, would use it as honourably as
he had done. He said our duty, daughter, was to
subject ourselves to the guidance of wise men.
PAMINA: But why cannot I love Tamino still, though he join
the brotherhood?
QUEEN: No!
PAMINA: My father was a member of their order: he loved
them, praised their good works. Sarastro is no less
virtuous . . .
QUEEN: What are you saying? How can you, my own

daughter, defend these barbarians? How can you love
such a man, accomplice to my deadliest enemy, that
man who would rob me of my power and thus
destroy me?
(Drawing out a knife.) Do you see this knife? It is for
Sarastro. Take it – kill him – return the sign of the
sun to me!
The QUEEN OF NIGHT forces PAMINA to take the knife.
PAMINA: But, mother!
QUEEN: Not a word!
Music No. 14 ARIA

The Wrath of Hell is Burning in my Bosom
(Queen of Night)
The wrath of Hell is burning in my bosom;
Death and destruction,
Death and destruction blaze about my head.
If you refuse,
Refuse to kill Sarastro,
Refuse to kill Sarastro,
Then all your mother’s love for you is dead,
Then all my love,
All my love for you is dead,
Ah, all my love for you is dead,
Ah, then all your mother’s love for you is dead.
My curse will reign for ever;
All nature’s ties I’ll sever;
You’ll wish that you had never,
That you never had been born.
I’ll curse you,
Despise you,
(QUEEN:) And reject you.

Fear my anger and my scorn,
Fear my anger,
Fear my anger and my scorn.
If you refuse,
If you refuse to slay him!
Hear, hear, hear, Gods of vengeance,
Here what I have sworn!
The QUEEN OF NIGHT disappears amidst thunder.
Scene Nine
Dialogue
PAMINA: (holding the knifef) What am I to do? Who can help
me?
Scene Ten
MONOSTATOS emerges from his hiding place.
MONOSTATOS: (taking the knife from PAMINA) Put your trust in me . . .
What are you afraid of? Me, or the murder you’re
planning?
PAMINA: (frightened, timidly) So you know?
MONOSTATOS: I know that not only your life, but also you mother’s,
is in my hands. I have only to say the word to Sarastro
and she will be taken and drowned, drowned in the
very water they use for their rituals. There is only
one way to save her and yourself . . .
PAMINA: Oh my God!
MONOSTATOS: What’s your answer: yes or no? Love or death?
Decide!
PAMINA: (trembling) I have pledged my heart to Tamino.
MONOSTATOS: (angrily) What is that to me? Decide!

PAMINA: (firmly) No.
MONOSTATOS: Then die.
Scene Eleven
SARASTRO enters, coming between MONOSTATOS and PAMINA. He raises his arm
threateningly and throws MONOSTATOS back.
MONOSTATOS raises the knife, and then falls before SARASTRO.
MONOSTATOS: (to Sarastro) Sir, she was plotting your death. I was
only seeking revenge . . .
SARASTRO: Just as her mother is seeking revenge on me. I know
everything. I know that knife was intended for me.
And you must be thankful that I have greater evils to
punish than yours. Out of my sight!
MONOSTATOS: If I can’t have the daughter, I’ll go and find the
mother.
Monostatos leaves.
Scene Twelve
PAMINA: (to Sarastro) Sir, do not punish my mother.
SARASTRO: You will see how I will treat your mother.
PAMINA: I beg of you, do not punish her.
Music No. 15 ARIA

Before Our Holy Altar Revenge Can Hold No Sway
(Sarastro)
SARASTRO: Before our holy altar
Revenge can hold no sway.
So if a man should falter
(SARASTRO:) We’ll help him on his way.

He will go forth from our embrace
To make the world a better place,
A better, better place.
Where vengeance is forbidden,
Where love has conquered sin,
No enemy lies hidden,
No traitor lurks within.
The man who spurns our holy laws
Does not deserve to serve our cause,
The man who spurns out holy laws
The man who spurns our laws
To serve, to serve our cause.
PAMINA and SARASTRO leave.
Scene Thirteen – A Great Hall.

A hall in the Temple of Probation.
TAMINO and PAPAGENO, still blindfolded, are led in by the TWO PRIESTS.
Dialogue
1ST PRIEST: Here we must leave you on your own.
2ND PRIEST: When you hear the trumpets sound you may proceed
on your way. Do not forget your oath: remain silent.
Anyone who breaks this vow will be punished with
thunder and lightning. Fare you well.
The TWO PRIESTS leave.
Scene Fourteen
PAPAGENO: Tamino. . .
TAMINO: Sshh!
PAPAGENO: Quiet in here, isn’t it? What a life, eh? I’d much
rather be back home in my hut, or out in the forest.
At least you could hear the odd bird twittering.
TAMINO: Sssshh!
PAPAGENO: Look, I can talk to myself if I want to . . . and I’m
sure we’re allowed to talk to each other. We’re both
adults, after all.
TAMINO: Sshh!
PAPAGENO: (singing) La, la, la . . . (Spoken.) You can’t even get a
glass of water round here, let alone anything
stronger.
Scene Fifteen
An OLD WOMAN appears with a glass of water.
PAPAGENO: God, that’s service! Is that for me?
OLD WOMAN: Yes, my ducks.
PAPAGENO: (drinks) Thanks. Ugh, it’s water.
OLD WOMAN: How is it?
PAPAGENO: Passable.
OLD WOMAN: I’m glad.
PAPAGENO: Good . . . So, here we are then. Well, what shall we
talk about? How old are you?
OLD WOMAN: How old am I?
PAPAGENO: Yes.
OLD WOMAN: Eighteen years and two minutes.
PAPAGENO: Eighteen years and two minutes? Well, you don’t
look it.
OLD WOMAN: Oh, thanks.
PAPAGENO: So, you’ll have a boyfriend, I’d imagine.
OLD WOMAN: Oh yes.
PAPAGENO: About your age, more or less . . .?
OLD WOMAN: Oh no, older; a good ten years older.
PAPAGENO: Well, well: Love’s young dream. What’s he called,
your boyfriend?
OLD WOMAN: Papageno.
PAPAGENO: Oh, small world. What? Where is he?
The OLD WOMAN points at PAPAGENO.
Here? Me? I’m your boyfriend?
OLD WOMAN: That’s it!
PAPAGENO splashes the OLD WOMAN with water.
PAPAGENO: Quick, tell me your name!
OLD WOMAN: Of course: it’s . . .
Scene Sixteen
Thunder and lightning. The OLD WOMAN disappears as the THREE BOYS enter,
carrying the magic flute and silver bells.
Music No. 16 TRIO

Now For the Second Time We Greet You
(Three Boys)
THREE BOYS: Now for the second time we greet you,
Here where the great Sarastro dwells.
He bade us send you,
When we meet you
Your magic flute and silver bells.
The THREE BOYS reveal a golden table covered with food and drink.
Seeing your need, thus we provide you,
So quench your thirst and eat your fill.
When next you see us here beside you
Joy will have crowned your dauntless will.
Be of good cheer and fear no ill.
You, Papageno, silent still,
Still, still, silent still,
Still, still, silent still.
The THREE BOYS give the magic flute to TAMINO, the silver bells to PAPAGENO, and
then leave.
Scene Seventeen
Dialogue
PAPAGENO: Tamino . . . shouldn’t we have something to eat?
TAMINO plays the flute.
All right, you do your flute practice: I’m getting
stuck in . . . (He goes to the table and eats.) Mmm, not
bad, not bad at all.
PAMINA enters. TAMINO stops playing the flute.
PAMINA: (happily, to Tamino) You’re here. I heard your flute
and I followed its voice.
TAMINO indicates to PAMINA that she should leave.

(PAMINA:) But what’s the matter? Why don’t you say anything?
Don’t you love me any more? Oh, how have I offend-
ed you?
(To Papageno) Papageno, tell me what’s wrong.
PAPAGENO indicates to PAMINA that she should leave.
You too? At least explain the reason for your silence!
Oh, this is worse than death! Tamino!
Music No. 17 ARIA

Now I Know That Love Has Vanished
(Pamina)
PAMINA: Now I know that love has vanished.
Now I know that love brings pain.
Now all joy, all hope, is banished;
I have loved and loved in vain,
I have loved and loved in vain,
Have loved in vain.
See, Tamino, how I suffer:
How I wish these tears would cease,
Tears would cease.
If you spurn the love I offer,
The love I offer;
Only death will bring me peace,
Will bring me peace.
Only death,
Will bring me peace,
Will bring me peace.
PAMINA leaves, distraught.
Scene Eighteen
Dialogue
PAPAGENO: You see, Tamino, I can keep quiet if I have to. (Eats.)
In this at least, I can act like a man. It’s good stuff . . .
My compliments to the chef!
The threefold chord is heard. TAMINO leaves.
You go on ahead, I’ll catch you up . . . You see, the
stronger man remains: I just want to be left alone.
Just when I’m getting stuck into my food, I get called
away. Well, it won’t do.
The BRETHREN appear. PAPAGENO runs off.
Scene Nineteen – The Vault of the Pyramids.
Music No. 18 PRIESTS’ CHORUS

O Isis and Osiris, Gods All-Knowing
(Brethren)
BRETHREN: O Isis and Osiris, Gods all-knowing,
The night takes flight
From golden sunlight glowing.
This youth will soon succeed
In his endeavour.
Soon he will swear
To serve our cause for ever.
His soul is strong, his heart is good,
His soul is strong, his heart is good;
Soon, soon, soon he will join our brotherhood,
Soon, soon, soon he will join our brotherhood,
Brotherhood, brotherhood.
Scene Twenty
SARASTRO leads on TAMINO.
Dialogue
SARASTRO: Prince, you still have two dangerous paths to tread. If
your heart still yearns for Pamina, and if you aspire to
lead the brotherhood, the Gods will remain with you.
Give me your hand. (TAMINO does so.) Bring in Pamina.
TWO PRIESTS leave and return with PAMINA, who is blindfolded.
PAMINA: Where am I? What a fearful silence. Where is my be-
loved?
SARASTRO: Here. You must say your last farewell.
PAMINA: Tamino!
TAMINO: Stand back!
Music No. 19 TRIO

Will I Not See My Love Again?
(Pamina, Sarastro, Tamino)
PAMINA: Will I not see my love again?

SARASTRO: Yes, you and he will meet again.
PAMINA: Who knows what dangers will attend him?
TAMINO: A man must pray the Gods defend him.
PAMINA: Who knows what dangers will attend him?
TAMINO/
SARASTRO: A man must pray the Gods defend him.
PAMINA: I dream of death and of disaster.
Who knows what dangers lie in wait?
TAMINO: The will of God will be my master,

And it alone will rule my fate.
SARASTRO: The will of God will be his master,
And it alone will rule his fate.
PAMINA: How can you leave without emotion?
How can you spurn the love you’ve shown,
How can you spurn the love you’ve shown?
TAMINO: You must believe in my devotion,
My love is yours and yours alone,
My love is yours and yours alone.
SARASTRO: You must believe in his devotion,
His love is yours and yours alone,
His love is yours and yours alone.
The time has come: now you must leave me.
PAMINA/
TAMINO: Ah, how the pains of parting grieve me!
SARASTRO: The time has come: now you must leave me.
PAMINA/
TAMINO: Ah, how the pains of parting grieve me!
SARASTRO: The time has come: now you must go,
You must go.
The time has come: now you must leave me,
The time has come for you to go,
Yes, you must go.
TAMINO: The time has come: now I must go,
I must go.
Ah, how the pains of parting grieve me!
The time has come: now I must go.
PAMINA: Tamino. Must you really go?
Tamino!
(PAMINA:) Tamino!
SARASTRO: Now you must go,
TAMINO: Now I must go,
PAMINA: Now he must go,
SARASTRO: It must be so.
TAMINO: It must be so.
PAMINA: It must be so.
TAMINO: Pamina!
PAMINA: Tamino!
TAMINO/
PAMINA: Fare you well,
SARASTRO: Now you must go,
TAMINO/
SARASTRO: It must be so,
TAMINO/
Ah, fare you well!
SARASTRO: Tamino, Tamino,
The time has come,
Now you must go.
The time has come,
TAMINO/
PAMINA: These precious moments,
SARASTRO: The time has come,
PAMINA: They will go with you,
TAMINO: They will stay with you,

SARASTRO: The time has come,
TAMINO/
PAMINA: Ever with you,
SARASTRO: The time has come:
Now you must leave me . . .
TAMINO/
PAMINA: Ever, ever with you.
SARASTRO: May God go with you,
TAMINO/
SARASTRO: May God go with you.
TAMINO/
PAMINA: Fare you well.
PAMINA is led away by TWO PRIESTS. SARASTRO leaves with TAMINO.
Scene Twenty-One
Dialogue
PAPAGENO: (entering) Tamino! Tamino! (Looking around him.) It
wouldn’t be so bad if I knew where I was. Tamino! I
won’t leave you again, I promise. Don’t abandon
your faithful companion.
PAPAGENO reaches the door through which TAMINO was taken.
VOICE: (off-stage) Go back!
PAPAGENO: Which way should I go?
VOICE: Go back!
Thunder and flames burst from the door.
PAPAGENO: I can’t go backwards or forwards. I’ll have to stay

here and starve. I know I should have stayed at home.
Scene Twenty-Two
The 2ND PRIEST enters, bearing a torch, and approaches PAPAGENO.
2ND PRIEST: Papageno, you deserve to walk the dark cliffs of the
earth for all eternity. The Gods, however, have seen
fit to pardon you, but you will never achieve enlight-
enment.
PAPAGENO: Ah well, you win some, you lose some. And a good
glass of wine will always be company enough.
2ND PRIEST: You have no other wish in the world?
PAPAGENO: None that I can think of.
2ND PRIEST: That’s pathetic.
The 2ND PRIEST exits. A glass of wine appears.
PAPAGENO: That’s wonderful! (He drinks.) Heavenly! I’m walking
on air . . . I could fly to the sun! If only I had wings.
But there’s always something missing. If only . . . if
only . . .
Music No. 20 ARIA

If Only I Could Meet Her
(Papageno)
PAPAGENO plays the silver bells.
If only I could meet her,
How happy I would be. (Plays bells.)
No sweetheart could be sweeter
Than one that’s made for me. (Plays bells.)
The maiden made for me, (Plays bells.)
The maiden made for me. (Plays bells.)
(PAPAGENO:) My life would be brimming with pleasure

And princes would covert my treasure.
I’d dandle the girl on my knee
And that would be Heaven for me.
I’d dandle (Plays bells.) the girl
On (Plays bells.) my knee,
I’d dandle the girl on my knee,
And that would be Heaven for me, (Plays bells.)
Would be Heaven for me, (Plays bells.)
Would be Heaven for me. (Plays bells.)
While plainly I should be desired
There’s no-one who’s so un-admired.
And if I don’t get what I crave,
I’ll fret myself into my grave. (Plays bells.)
There’s no-one (Plays bells.)
Who’s so un- (Plays bells.) admired.
And if I don’t get what I crave,
I’ll fret myself into my grave, (Plays bells.)
Yes, into my grave, (Plays bells.)
Yes, into my grave. (Plays bells.)
I’m getting more pale and more sickly,
I’d better find somebody quickly.
(PAPAGENO:) If I had a sweetheart to kiss

Then sorrow would turn into bliss.
If I had (Plays bells.) a sweetheart (Plays bells.) to kiss,
If I had a sweetheart to kiss,
Then sorrow would turn into bliss, (Plays bells.)
Would turn into bliss, (Plays bells.)
Would turn into bliss. (Plays bells.)
Scene Twenty-Two
The Old Woman enters, dancing happily.
Dialogue
OLD WOMAN: Here I am, darling.
PAPAGENO: You took pity on me.
OLD WOMAN: Yes, love, I did.
The OLD WOMAN tickles PAPAGENO.
PAPAGENO: Oh stop it, you daft thing!
OLD WOMAN: Come on, let me clasp you to my bosom.
PAPAGENO: Such as it is.
OLD WOMAN: Give me your hand. Promise to be faithful, and we’ll
seal our union.
PAPAGENO: Not so fast, darling! A big step like this requires due
consideration.
OLD WOMAN: Papageno, take my advice: don’t delay. Give me your
hand, or you’ll be locked up here forever.
PAPAGENO: Lock me up?
OLD WOMAN: Yes. Solitary confinement. Bread and water. Not a
friend, male or female, to console you.
PAPAGENO: Bloody Hell. No, I’d rather have an old boiling fowl
than no bird at all. So: here is my hand. And yes, I
promise to be faithful to you. (To himself.) (That’s if I
don’t get any better offers.)
OLD WOMAN: Do you swear?
PAPAGENO: I do.
The OLD WOMAN transforms into PAPAGENA, who is dressed in a similar manner to
Papageno.
P . . . P . . . P . . . Papagena!
Scene Twenty-Three
As PAPAGENO attempts to embrace PAPAGENA, the 2ND PRIEST appears and takes
PAPAGENA by the hand.
2ND PRIEST: Away with you, young lady: he is not yet worthy of
you.
The 2ND PRIEST starts to exit with PAPAGENA.
PAPAGENO: A bird of paradise! I won’t let her slip though my net!
PAPAGENO chases after PAPAGENA.
Scene Twenty-Four – An Exiguous Garden.

The THREE BOYS enter.
Music No. 21 FINALE ACT TWO

Behold the Harbinger of Morning
(Three Boys, Pamina, Two Men, Tamino, Papageno, Papagena,
Monostatos, Queen of Night, Three Ladies, Sarastro, Chorus)
THREE BOYS: Behold the harbinger of morning,
The golden sunlight’s gleam.
A new Enlightenment is dawning
When truth will reign supreme.
(THREE BOYS:) Let Love, which all our hearts desire,

Return and burn with sacred fire;
Then peace will rule the human race
And make the earth a holy place.
1ST BOY: (looking off) But see, Pamina wildly staring!
2ND & 3RD BOYS: (looking off) What’s wrong with her?
1ST BOY: She is despairing!
THREE BOYS: Before her grief turns into madness
We’ll find a way to soothe her sadness.
We’ll find a way to calm her fear.
Alas, Tamino is not here. CUT TO NEXT
3RD BOY: She comes! HIGHLIGHT?
2ND BOY: She comes!
1ST BOY: She comes!
THREE BOYS: Now let us stand aside
And see what help we can provide,
1ST & 3RD BOYS: And see what help,
What help we can provide.
2ND BOY: And see what help we can provide.
Scene Twenty-Five
PAMINA enters, half mad, holding the knife in her hand which was given to her by
the Queen of Night. The THREE BOYS hide.
PAMINA: (addressing the knife) Are you the one I love the best?
See how I squeeze you to my breast!
THREE BOYS: (to themselves) She is distraught with grief and pain:
The weight of woe has turned her brain.
PAMINA: My love, the deed will soon be done:

Then you and I will die as one,
Will die as one,
Then you and I will die as one.
THREE BOYS: (to themselves) See the madness burn inside her;
We must comfort and guide her.
(to Pamina) Lovely lady, we are here.
PAMINA: I must perish, for the man
Who promised to protect me
Now has chosen to reject me.
PAMINA points to the knife.
See: I take my mother’s knife
THREE BOYS: Stay! You may not take your life!
PAMINA: Better far to face damnation
Than to live in desolation.
Mother, mother,
My pain grows from yours
And your curse its only cause.
THREE BOYS: Maiden, will you go with us?
PAMINA: Ah, my sorrows overflow!
False beloved, I must go.
Thus Pamina, pure and true,
Meets her fate and dies for you.
PAMINA raises the knife to stab herself.
THREE BOYS: (snatching the knife from PAMINA)
Stay, unhappy woman, stay!
Be assured your love adores you.
No affliction would he cause you
For his love is yours alone.
PAMINA: (calming down) You say that he adores me,

Yet he spurns me and ignores me
And he turns his face away.
Was there nothing he could say?
THREE BOYS: Certain truths must stay unspoken
But your faith should not be broken.
Follow us and you will see
That this youth is brave and true
And prepared to die for you!
Come with us and you will see,
PAMINA: Lead me on and let me see,
THREE BOYS: Come with us and you will see,
PAMINA: Lead me on and let me see,
THREE BOYS: Come with us and you will see.
PAMINA: And let me see,
And let me see,
And let me see.
ALL: Two loving hearts no man can sever:
They live in love and last forever.
Their enemies may plot in vain,
The Gods will shelter them from pain,
PAMINA: The Gods will shelter,
Shelter them from pain.
Will shelter them from pain,
Will shelter them from pain,
Shelter them safe from pain.
THREE BOYS: The Gods will shelter them from pain,
Shelter them safe from pain.
The THREE BOYS and PAMINA leave.
Scene Twenty-Six – Two Great Mountains.

Craggy cliffs in the mountains at dusk.
TWO MEN in armour appear with TAMINO.
TWO MEN: (to TAMINO) The man who dares
To tread this path of danger must bear
The trials of earth
And water, fire and air.
If he contends with fear and death
And wins the fight,
Then he deserves to share
In Heaven’s light.
Thus crown’d in glory he will stand alone,
And all the mysteries of Isis shall be known.
TAMINO: No fear of death will overawe me:
The path of Virtue lies before me.
Unlock the gates and let me in,
And let my last ordeal begin.
PAMINA: (calling, off-stage) Tamino, wait! I’ll go with you.
TAMINO: Pamina? I hear her calling.
TWO MEN: Yes, yes, that is Pamina calling.
Rejoice, you will not walk alone.
What greater joy can fate allow?
Not even death can part you now,
Not even death can part you now.
TAMINO: Rejoice, I will not walk alone.
What greater joy can fate allow?
Not even death can part us now,
Not even death can part us now.
Am I allowed to break my silence?
TWO MEN: You are allowed to break your silence.

TAMINO: Oh joy, my love will soon be here:
Together, what have we to fear?
TWO MEN: Rejoice, his love will soon be here:
Together, what have they to fear?
TAMINO: If she can fight death’s darkest night
She’s worthy to attain the light,
She’s worthy to attain the light.
TWO MEN: If she can fight the darkest night
She’s worthy to attain the light,
She’s worthy to attain the light.
PAMINA enters and embraces TAMINO.
PAMINA: Tamino mine! Welcome at last.
TAMINO: Pamina mine! Sorrow has passed.
(pointing) Behold the dreaded portal,
The doors to death and fear.
PAMINA: Our love makes me immortal
And safe whilst you are here.
While you are by my side,
Our love will be our guide.
PAMINA takes TAMINO’s hand.
Our pain with patience must be borne,
For ev’ry rose must have a thorn.
This magic flute will ease our pain
And lead us safely back again.
You know the story of its power:
My father in a mystic hour
Once carved it from an ancient tree
When storms were raging, fierce and free.
(PAMINA:) Now, take the magic flute and play,

For it will guard us on our way.
PAMINA/
TAMINO: We need its magic pow’r and might
To lead us through death’s darkest night,
We need its magic pow’r and might
To lead us through death’s darkest night,
Darkest night, darkest night.
TWO MEN: You need its magic pow’r and might
To lead you though death’s darkest night,
You need its magic power and might
To lead you through death’s darkest night,
Darkest night, darkest night.
TAMINO and PAMINA undergo the Trial by Fire, whilst he plays the flute.
PAMINA/
TAMINO: The fiery furnace could not harm us:
We faced the flames and we came through.
Let music shelter and arm us
When water threatens us anew,
Let music shelter and arm us
When water threatens us anew.
TAMINO and PAMINA undergo the Trial by Water.
Behold, a glimpse of Heav’n above:
The Gods have blessed us with their love.
VOICES: (from the temple) Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
The end is near,
Now you have conquered pain and fear.
The temple gates are open wide:
SOPRANOS: Come, come,
Come, come,
Isis welcomes you inside,
(SOPRANOS:) Welcomes you inside,

Come, come, come,
Come, come, come,
Isis welcomes you inside.
ALTOS/TENORS: Come, come,
Come, come,
Isis, Isis welcomes you inside,
Come, come,
Come, come,
BASSES: Come, come,
Come, come,
Come, come,
Come, come
TAMINO and PAMINA enter the temple.
Scene Twenty-Seven – An Exiguous Garden.

Daylight. PAPAGENO appears with a rope wrapped around his waist. He plays his
pipes.
PAPAGENO: Papagena! Papagena! Papagena!
(plays pipes) Sweetheart! Darling! Little starling!
It’s useless; ah, I am forsaken,
Since from my side my bride was taken
For chattering, chattering, my one delight:
So I suppose it served me right,
I suppose it served me right.
Now I have found my love at last,
(PAPAGENO:) Now I have tasted wine so rare,

My heart is beating twice as fast,
Fluttering here, fluttering there.
Papagena, let me kiss you!
Papagena, how I miss you!
Little wife, I longed to win you.
Now my life cannot continue.
When you’re burning with desire
Only death can quench the fire.
PAPAGENO fixes the rope on a tree.
When your hopes of love have ended
All your plans must be suspended.
When your only love has gone,
What’s the point of hanging on?
Must I die unloved and lonely?
You can save me now, if only
Someone here would be my wife:
Lovely ladies, save my life.
Say the word and save my life!
Is it me that’s hard of hearing
Or is no one volunteering?
Here’s your chance before you go.
Don’t be shy: say yes or no!
Don’t be shy: say yes or no!
Not an answer.
(looking around) Total silence.
Totally rejected.
This is not what I expected!
(starts to climb up the tree) Papageno, up you climb:
You must perish in your prime.
Papageno, up you climb:
You must perish in your prime.
(PAPAGENO:) (looking around) Right! I’ll wait a bit! Okay!

I’m going now! Oh, I see!
You want me to count to three!
(plays pipes) One!
(plays pipes) Two!
(plays pipes) Three!
(looking around) Now my life is at an end,
Now my life is at an end,
Now the time has come to die.
Let me kiss the world goodbye,
Let me kiss the world goodbye!
PAPAGENO prepares to hang himself. The THREE BOYS rush in.
3RD BOY: Enough!
2ND BOY: Enough!
1ST BOY: Enough!
ALL THREE BOYS: Enough!
No, Papageno, foolish man,
You live but once, enjoy it while you can,
You live but once, enjoy it while you can.
PAPAGENO: You’re always dropping in to guide me,
But if you felt the fire inside me
You’d want to die for love like me,
You’d want to die for love like me.
THREE BOYS: You needn’t die when we can save you:
What of the magic bells we gave you?
PAPAGENO: I had forgotten them completely!
I had forgotten them completely!
(He produces the silver bells.)
Come, pretty bells, sing out so sweetly
And bring my sweetheart back to me,
And bring my sweetheart back to me.
PAPAGENO plays the silver bells.

(PAPAGENO:) Play your magic music,
Let my love appear.
Play your magic music,
Lead my sweetheart here! (Plays bells.)
Play your magic music, (Plays bells.)
Let my love appear.
Lead my sweetheart here! (Plays bells.)
Lead my sweetheart here!
Bring my love, (Plays bells.)
My turtle dove, (Plays bells.)
Bring her to me!
THREE BOYS: Look around and tell us what you see!
The THREE BOYS leave. PAPAGENA is revealed. PAPAGENO turns around and is
astounded to see PAPAGENA.
PAPAGENO: (dancing around PAPAGENA) Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENA: (dancing around PAPAGENO) Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENO: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENA: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENO: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENA: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENO: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENA: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa-
PAPAGENO: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Papagena!
PAPAGENA: Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Pa- Papageno!
PAPAGENO: Will you stay with me for ever?
PAPAGENA: Yes, I’ll stay with you for ever.

PAPAGENO: Now at last we’ll be together.
PAPAGENA: Two little love-birds of one feather,
BOTH: Yes, now at last we will be together.
PAPAGENO: But the one thing that we need,
PAPAGENA: Yes, the one thing that we need,
PAPAGENO: If the Gods do not ignore us,
PAPAGENA: If the Gods do not ignore us,
BOTH: Is a tiny little chorus,
Yes, a tiny little chorus
Of lots of hungry mouths to feed,
Mouths to feed, mouths to feed, mouths to feed,
Yes, lots of hungry mouths to feed,
Yes, lots of hungry mouths to feed.
PAPAGENO: First there’s a little Papageno!
PAPAGENA: Then there’s a little Papagena!
PAPAGENO: Then there’s another Papageno!
PAPAGENA: Then yet another Papagena!
PAPAGENO: Papageno!
PAPAGENA: Papagena!
PAPAGENO: Papageno!
PAPAGENA: Papagena!
PAPAGENO: Papageno! Papageno!
PAPAGENA: Papagena! Papagena!
There is no more that we can pray for
PAPAGENO: There is no more that we can pray for

PAPAGENA: Than lots of little Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-genas!
PAPAGENO: Than lots of little Papagenos,
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-genos!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-genos!
BOTH: What greater gift can God provide?
PAPAGENO: There is no more that we can pray for
PAPAGENA: There is no more that we can pray for
PAPAGENO: Than lots of little Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-genos!
PAPAGENA: Than lots of little Papagenas,
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-genas!
BOTH: You’ll see their parents burst with pride,
PAPAGENA: Papagena!
Papagena!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-gena!
PAPAGENO: Papageno!
Papageno!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-geno!
BOTH: What greater gift can God provide?
PAPAGENA: Papagena!
Papagena!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-gena!
PAPAGENO: Papageno!
Papageno!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-geno!
BOTH: You’ll see their parents burst with pride,
(BOTH:) You’ll see their parents burst with pride,

You’ll see their parents burst with pride!
PAPAGENA: Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-gena!
PAPAGENO: Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-geno!
PAPAGENA: Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-gena!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-gena!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-gena!
PAPAGENO: Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-geno!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-geno!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-geno!
PAPAGENO and PAPAGENA leave.
Scene Twenty-Eight – An Underground Vault.

It is dark. MONOSTATOS, the QUEEN OF NIGHT and the THREE LADIES appear with
lighted torches.
MONOSTATOS: We must go softly, softly, softly:
We are about to break inside.
QUEEN/
THREE LADIES: We must go softly, softly, softly,
We are about to break inside.
MONOSTATOS: Your Highness, keep your word.
You promised.
You swore your child would be my bride.
QUEEN: I gave my word, I will not break it.
Indeed my child shall be your bride,
3RD LADY: She will not break her promise,
Her child will be your bride.
2ND LADY: Her child, her child, her child will be your bride.
1 LADY:
ST
Her child, her child, her child will be your bride.
QUEEN: My child, my child will be your bride.

Sounds of thunder and rushing water are heard.
MONOSTATOS: Do you not hear the roar of water,
Like distant thunder underground?
QUEEN/
THREE LADIES: Yes, we can hear the roar of water.
Who could ignore its dreadful sound?
MONOSTATOS: There in the temple we will meet them,
Where we will fight them and defeat them,
And defeat them.
QUEEN: Where we will fight them and defeat them,
Where we will fight them and defeat them,
And defeat them.
3RD LADY: Where we will fight them and defeat them,
Where we will fight them and defeat them.
1ST & 2ND LADIES: Where we will fight them and defeat them,
Where we will fight them and defeat them.
ALL: We’ll give blasphemers their reward
And put the heathen to the sword.
THREE LADIES/
MONOSTATOS: (kneeling) O great and holy Queen of Night,
O great and holy Queen of Night,
May our dark deeds be bless’d in your sight.
Thunder and a blast of lightning.
ALL: The forces of evil have put us to flight!
Their pow’r has condemned us to infinite night!
MONOSTATOS, the QUEEN OF NIGHT and the THREE LADIES all sink into the earth.
Scene Twenty-Nine – Temple of the Sun.

SARASTRO, PRIESTS and PRIESTESSES. TAMINO and PAMINA stand before SARASTRO.
SARASTRO: The banner of sunlight at last is unfurled:
Bring death to blasphemers and light to the world.
CHORUS: Virtue is rewarded,
Virtue is rewarded,
And darkness is past.
Thanks, thanks, Isis and Osiris!
Thanks, thanks, now light shines at last!
Now beauty and wisdom have conquered the night
And crown’d their endeavour with glory and light.
Now beauty and wisdom,
Now beauty and wisdom have conquered the night,
Have conquered the night,
SOPRANOS: And crown’d their endeavour with glory and light,
And crown’d their endeavour with glory and light.
ALTOS/TENORS/
BASSES: And crown’d them with glory,
With glory and light,
And crown’d them with glory,
With glory and light.
ALL CHORUS: Now beauty and wisdom have conquered the night
And crown’d their endeavour with glory and light,
With glory and light,
With glory and light.
END OF OPERA

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WOLFGANG AMADEUS

THE MAGIC FLUTE

Josef Weinberger Limited

Tel: +44 (0)20-7580 2827 Fax: +44 (0)20-7436 9616

First published in 2006 by Josef Weinberger Limited

All Rights Reserved

Printed in England by Caligraving Limited

Application for a licence to perform this work

JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED

Scene One – A Rocky Stretch of Ground, Mountains on Either Side.

Music No. 1 INTRODUCTION

(THREE LADIES:) Has saved him in his hour of need.

2ND LADY: (to herself) Why should I go?

(THREE LADIES:) I will not, will not go!

(ALL THREE:) Until we meet again,

1ST/2ND LADIES: Until we meet again,

Music No. 2 ARIA

(PAPAGENO:) Each day I’d catch a hundred more.

Music No. 3 ARIA

(TAMINO:) I’d say to her . . .

3RD LADY: . . . and Pamina . . .

Music No. 4 RECITATIVE AND ARIA

(QUEEN:) Alone, abandoned and forsaken,

Music No. 5 QUINTET

PAPAGENO: Now Papageno’s free to chatter . . .

(ALL:) And build Heaven here on earth,

THREE LADIES: . . . will be yours when danger lowers.

Scene Eleven – A Splendid Room in Sarastro’s Palace.

Music No. 6 TRIO

The SLAVES leave.

PAPAGENO: (to himself) I wasn’t really scared. Why should I be

PAMINA: He loves me. But where is he? What has become of

PAPAGENO: Not even a girlfriend. There are do many things in

Music No. 7 DUET

Scene Fifteen – Before the Temples of Wisdom, Reason and Nature.

Music No. 8 FINALE ACT ONE

(TAMINO:) Where diligence thrives,

THE SPEAKER: You will not wound us with your slander.

(THE SPEAKER:) Oh, if you’d found Sarastro here

(TAMINO:) My magic flute

PAPAGENO: I wish I was a mouse:

(PAMINA:) An evil man tried to molest me.

PAMINA: . . . Can this be true?

MONOSTATOS: Oh sir, you give me more than I’ve deserved.

END OF ACT ONE

Scene One – Sarastro’s Sacred Grove.

Music No. 9 MARCH

THE SPEAKER: Sarastro: we all recognise and admire your wisdom,

Music No. 10 ARIA AND CHORUS

SARASTRO: O Isis and Osiris, arm them

(SARASTRO:) But should it be their fate to perish

Scene Two – The Cabinet of Reflection.

1ST PRIEST: Strangers, what do you want with us?

PAPAGENO: Made for me? What’s she called?

Music No. 11 DUET

Music No. 12 QUINTET

PAPAGENO: The Queen? What is she doing here?

TAMINO: (to PAPAGENO) Blasphemers’ stories, women’s lies,

Scene Seven – A Delightful Garden.

Music No. 13 ARIA

PAMINA: (awakening) Oh Heavens!

QUEEN: What are you saying? How can you, my own

Music No. 14 ARIA

(QUEEN:) And reject you.