Libretto: La Traviata

Cast: VIOLETTA VALÉRY FLORA BERVOIX ANNINA ALFREDO GERMONT GIORGIO GERMONT GASTONE, Viscomte de Letorières BARON DOUPHOL MARQUIS D'OBIGNY DOCTOR GRENVIL GIUSEPPE Flora's SERVANT MESSENGER CHORUS ladies and gentlemen, friends of Violetta and Flora, matadors, picadors, gypsies, servants of Violetta and Flora, masquers, dancers Prelude ACT ONE A room in Violetta's house. Violetta is seated on a sofa talking to the Doctor and other friends, who come and go. Some of the guests turn to meet a group of new arrivals, amongst whom are the Baron and Flora, on the arm of the Marquis. Introduction CHORUS I It's long past the time you were invited, You're late. CHORUS II We've been playing cards at Flora's, Time flies when one is playing. VIOLETTA going to meet them Flora, my dear friends, the evening Will be gayer now you're here, Let's raise our glasses and enjoy ourselves. FLORA AND THE MARQUIS Can you be so gay? VIOLETTA I must be; I put my faith in pleasure As a cure for all my ills. ALL Yes, pleasure adds zest to life. Gaston, Vicomte de Litorières, entering with Alfredo. The servants prepare the table. GASTON Alfredo Germont, dear lady, Is a great admirer of yours And one of my most valued friends. VIOLETTA giving her hand to Alfredo, who kisses it Thank you, Vicomte, for sharing such a gift. MARQUIS My dear Alfredo! ALFREDO How are you, Marquis? GASTON to Alfredo Didn't I tell you that friendship In this house joins hands with pleasure? The servants, meanwhile, have laid the supper table. VIOLETTA to the servants Is it ready, now? The servant nods assent. Sit down, my dear friends And let's open our hearts to each other ... You say well, for wine is a friend That puts secret sorrow to flight! They sit down with Violetta between Alfredo and Gaston. Let's open our hearts to each other. GASTON softly, to Violetta Alfredo thinks of nobody but you. VIOLETTA You're joking. GASTON When you were ill He came here every day, Enquiring anxiously about you. VIOLETTA Be quiet! I'm nothing to him. GASTON I'm telling you the truth. VIOLETTA to Alfredo Is it true, But why should you? I don't understand. ALFREDO with a sigh Yes, it's true. VIOLETTA to Alfredo I'm very grateful to you. You never did as much for me, Baron. BARON I've only known you a year. VIOLETTA He's only known me a few minutes. FLORA to the Baron, quietly You'd have done better to keep quiet. BARON to Flora, quietly This young man annoys me. FLORA Why? I find him charming. GASTON to Alfred You haven't so much as opened your mouth, yet. MARQUIS to Violetta It's the lady's privilege to loosen his tongue. VIOLETTA pouring a drink for Alfredo I'll be Hebe, who pours the wine. ALFREDO gallantly May you be As immortal as she. ALL Let's drink! GASTON Now, Baron, Can't find you a verse, a toast To mark this happy moment? The Baron shakes his head. turning to Alfredo What about you? ALL Yes, yes, a drinking song! ALFREDO The Muse doesn't smile on me. GASTON Command her, Master! ALFREDO to Violetta Would it please you? VIOLETTA Yes. ALFREDO rising Yes? You put heart into me. MARQUIS Listen, now ... ALL Yes, let's hear the singer. ALFREDO Let's drink from the joyous chalice Where beauty flowers ... Let the fleeting hour To pleasure's intoxication yield. Let's drink To love's sweet tremors - To those eyes That pierce the heart. Let's drink to love - to wine That warms our kisses. ALL Ah! Let's drink to love ? to wine That warms our kisses. VIOLETTA rising With you I would share My days of happiness; Everything is folly in this world That does not give us pleasure. Let us enjoy life, For the pleasures of love are swift and fleeting As a flower that lives and dies And can be enjoyed no more. Let's take our pleasure! While its ardent, Brilliant summons lures us on. ALL Let's take our pleasure Of wine and Singing and mirth Till the new day Dawns on us in paradise. VIOLETTA to Alfredo Life is just pleasure. ALFREDO to Violetta But if one still waits for love ... VIOLETTA to Alfredo I know nothing of that ? don't tell me … ALFREDO to Violetta But there lies my fate. ALL Let's take our pleasure Of wine and Singing and mirth, Till the new day Dawns on this paradise of ours. Music is heard from the other room. What's that? VIOLETTA Would you like to dance now? ALL Oh, what a pleasant thought! We all accept. VIOLETTA Let's go then! The guests move towards the centre door, but Violetta turns suddenly pale. Oh! ALL What's the matter? VIOLETTA Nothing, nothing. She takes a few steps. ALL Why do you linger? VIOLETTA Let's go! She is obliged to sit down. Oh, heavens! ALL Again! ALFREDO Are you ill? ALL Heavens! What's the matter? VIOLETTA I'm trembling, She indicates the other room But go along. I'll join you in a moment. ALL If you say so. They all go into the other room except Alfredo. VIOLETTA getting up to look at herself in the glass Oh, how pale I am! She turns and sees Alfredo You here! ALFREDO Do you still feel upset? VIOLETTA I'm better now. ALFREDO The way you're going on You'll kill yourself. You should take more care of your health! VIOLETTA How can I? ALFREDO Oh, if I only had the right, I'd be the most watchful guardian Of your dear life. VIOLETTA What a thing to say! Who cares what happens to me? ALFREDO ardently For no one in the world loves you VIOLETTA No one? ALFREDO ... except for me. VIOLETTA laughing That's true! I'd forgotten that grand passion. ALFREDO You laugh! But all the same, you have a heart. VIOLETTA A heart? Yes, perhaps. Why do you ask? ALFREDO Yet if you had, You wouldn't make fun of me. VIOLETTA Are you really serious? ALFREDO I wouldn't deceive you. VIOLETTA Then how long have you loved me? ALFREDO For more than a year. One happy day You flashed lightly into my life; And since then I've lived In tremulous possession Of that unspoken love, The pulse of the whole world, Mysterious, unattainable, The torment and delight of my heart. VIOLETTA If that is true, then leave me. Friendship is all I can offer you. I don't know how to love, I couldn't feel so great an emotion. I'm being honest with you ? sincere … You should look for someone else, Then you wouldn't find it hard To forget me. GASTON appearing in the centre doorway Well now? What the devil are you up to? VIOLETTA We're talking nonsense. GASTON Ha, ha! Splendid! Go on! VIOLETTA to Alfredo So no more about love. Is that a promise? ALFREDO I'll do as you say. I'll go. He turns away. VIOLETTA So it's come to that already? She takes a flower from her corsage. Take this flower. ALFREDO Why? VIOLETTA So that you can bring it back to me. ALFREDO turning back When? VIOLETTA When it's withered. ALFREDO You mean ... tomorrow? VIOLETTA Very well, tomorrow. ALFREDO rapturously taking the flower I'm happy ... Oh, so happy! VIOLETTA Do you still say you love me? ALFREDO about to go How much, how much I love you! I'm happy ... oh, so happy! VIOLETTA You're going? ALFREDO coming back to kiss her hand I'll go now. VIOLETTA Good?bye, then. ALFREDO I ask for nothing more. Good?bye! He goes out. All the others come in from the ballroom flushed with dancing. ALL The dawn is breaking in the sky And we must take our leave; Thank you, dear lady For such a splendid party. The town is still a-revelling; Pleasure rolls on its way. In slumber we’ll store up again The zest for further joys. They go out, right. VIOLETTA alone How strange it is … how strange! Those words are carved upon my heart! Would a true love bring me misfortune? What do you think, o my troubled spirit? No man before kindled a flame like this. Oh, joy … I never knew … To love and to be loved! Can I disdain this For a life of sterile pleasure? Was this the man my heart, Alone in the crowd, Delighted many times to paint In vague, mysterious colours? This man, so watchful yet retiring, Who haunted my sick?bed And turned my fever Into the burning flame of love! That love, The pulse of the whole world, Mysterious, unattainable, The torment and delight of my heart. It's madness! It's empty delirium! A poor, lonely woman Abandoned in this teeming desert They call Paris! What can I hope? What should I do? Enjoy myself! Plurge into the vortex Of pleasure and drown there! Enjoy myself! Free and aimless I must flutter From pleasure to pleasure, Skimming the surface Of life's primrose path. As each day dawns, As each day dies, Gaily I turn to the new delights That make my spirit soar. ALFREDO outside the window Love is the pulse VIOLETTA Oh! ALFREDO ... of the whole world ... VIOLETTA Yes! Love! ALFREDO Mysterious, unattainable, The torment and delight of my heart. VIOLETTA It's madness! Pleasure! Free and aimless, I must flutter … etc. ACT TWO A country house near Paris. A ground?floor room. ALFREDO enters wearing hunting clothes; putting down his gun There's no pleasure in life when she's away! It's three months now since Violetta Gave up for me her easy, luxurious life Of love?affairs and expensive parties ... There she was used to the homage of all Who were enslaved by her beauty, But she seems happy here in this Charming place, Where she forgets everything for me. With her beside me, I feel myself reborn, Revived by the breath of love, Forgetting the past in present delights. My passionate spirit And the fire of youth She tempers with the Gentle smile of love. Since the day when she told me "I want to live, faithful to you alone!" I have forgotten the world And lived like one in heaven … Annina enters in great agitation, dressed for travelling. Annina, where have you been? ANNINA To Paris. ALFREDO Who sent you? ANNINA My mistress. ALFREDO Why? ANNINA To sell the horses and carriages And all her other things. ALFREDO What do you mean? ANNINA It's very costly living here on our own. ALFREDO But why didn't you tell me? ANNINA She said I mustn't. ALFREDO Mustn't? How much do we need? ANNINA A thousand louis. ALFREDO All right, you may go .. I'm going to Paris, myself. Don't tell your mistress that you talked to me; There's still time to put things straight. Go! Go! Annina goes out. Oh, my remorse! Oh, disgrace! And I lived so mistaken! But the truth, like a flash, Has broken my base sleep! For a little while be calm in my breast, Oh, cry of honour; In me you shall have a sure avenger; I shall wash away this infamy. Oh, shame! Oh, disgrace! Ah, yes, I shall wash away this infamy! Alfredo goes out. Violetta enters with some papers in her hand, talking to Annina. Behind them is Giuseppe. VIOLETTA Where's Alfredo? ANNINA He's just gone to Paris. VIOLETTA When's he coming back? ANNINA Before it gets dark … He told me to tell you. VIOLETTA It's strange! GIUSEPPE presenting her with a letter This is for you. VIOLETTA taking the letter Very well. In a little while A man will be coming on business. Show him in at once. Annina and Giuseppe go out. Violetta opens the letter. VIOLETTA alone, reading Aha! So Flora's discovered my hiding?place; She invites me to a dance this evening! She throws the letter on to the table and sits down. She'll wait for me in vain. Giuseppe comes in and approaches Violetta. GIUSEPPE There's a gentleman here. VIOLETTA It'll be the man I'm expecting. signing to Giuseppe to show him in GERMONT Mademoiselle Valéry? VIOLETTA Yes. GERMONT I'm Alfredo's father. VIOLETTA surprised, invites him to sit down You are? GERMONT sitting down Yes, I'm the father of that headstrong boy, Who's rushing to his ruin Because of his infatuation for you. VIOLETTA rising indignantly I am a woman, Sir, And this is my house; Please excuse me if I leave you, More for your sake than mine. She turns to go out. GERMONT to himself What manners! All the same ... VIOLETTA returning to her chair There must be some mistake! GERMONT He wants to make over everything to you. VIOLETTA He wouldn't dare, I should refuse. GERMONT looking round him You live luxuriously ... VIOLETTA showing him a document That puzzles a lot of people But you shall know the truth. GERMONT looking at the document Heavens! What are you telling me? You're sacrificing Everything you possess? Is this how the past reproaches you? VIOLETTA with enthusiasm The past is over. I love Alfredo now, God has wiped out the past. He knows of my repentance! GERMONT Your feelings do you credit. VIOLETTA getting up How kind your voice sounds now. GERMONT I have to ask a sacrifice Of those noble feelings of yours. VIOLETTA No! Don't tell me! Don't tell me your terrible demand! I foresaw it … I expected it … I was too happy! GERMONT Alfredo's father Pleads with you now for the future Of his two children! VIOLETTA His two children? GERMONT Yes. God gave me a daughter As pure as an angel; And if Alfredo refuses To return to the bosom of his family, The man she loves and who loves her, The one whose wife she was to be, Will break the chain That was to bind them in their happiness. I pray you not to change the roses of their Love to flowers of sadness. Surely your heart will not deny The prayer I utter now. VIOLETTA Ah yes, I understand. If I left Alfredo for a time … It would be a sacrifice, but then ... GERMONT That's not what I'm asking. VIOLETTA Heavens! What more do you expect? So much I've offered, already! GERMONT But not enough. VIOLETTA You want me to leave him For ever? GERMONT It's necessary. VIOLETTA Oh, no! Never! No, never! You cannot know the kind of passion - Living, overwhelming - That burns in my heart! I have no friends, no family still living. Alfredo swore, That I should find them all in him. How should you know that my life Is threatened by a fell disease? That already I see the end is near? If I parted from Alfredo, My suffering would be so unbearable That I would rather die, Why yes, much rather die! GERMONT The sacrifice is heavy, But hear me out with patience, You're young and beautiful And in time … VIOLETTA Oh, say no more … I understand you. But it's impossible for me ... I want nothing but to love him! GERMONT That may be, But men are often less faithful. VIOLETTA Oh, heavens! GERMONT One day, when time Has put your charms to flight, Boredom will swiftly rise. What will happen then? Think! The gentle balm of affection Will not be for you, Because the threads that bound you Had not been blessed by heaven. VIOLETTA It's true! GERMONT Ah, why not, then, abandon So tempting a dream? VIOLETTA It's true! GERMONT Be the consoling angel Of my family! Violetta, only think, You still have time for that. My child, it's God who inspires The words this father speaks. VIOLETTA in great grief So, for the wretched woman Who's fallen once, The hope of rising is for ever gone! Though God should show His mercy, Man will never forgive her. to Germont, weeping Say to your daughter, pure as she is and fair, That there's a victim of misfortune Whose one ray of happiness Before she dies Is a sacrifice made for her. GERMONT Weep, unhappy girl, weep! I see the sacrifice I ask Is the greatest one of all, In my own heart I feel your sorrow; Have courage, and your generous Heart will conquer! VIOLETTA Tell me what I must do. GERMONT Say you don't love him. VIOLETTA He won't believe me. GERMONT Then leave him. VIOLETTA He would follow me. GERMONT Then ... VIOLETTA As your daughter now embrace me, So you may give me strength. embracing Germont Soon he will be restored to you, But more unhappy than words can tell. You must be there To comfort him. She indicates the garden. She goes to the writing-table. GERMONT What are you doing? VIOLETTA If I told you, You would oppose me. GERMONT You are generous indeed! And what can I do for you? What can I do for you who are so generous? VIOLETTA turning to him I shall soon die! And he'll not curse My memory If someone tell him How much I suffered. GERMONT No, generous girl, you must live, You must be happy, For one day Heaven will repay you for these tears. VIOLETTA Let him know the sacrifice I made of the love That will be his Till I draw my last breath. GERMONT Your sacrifice shall be rewarded, And in days to come You will be proud Of so great a love. Yes! VIOLETTA Someone is coming, you must go now. GERMONT I thank you from my heart! VIOLETTA Go now. They embrace We may not meet again. VIOLETTA AND GERMONT May you be happy! Farewell! Germont goes to the door. VIOLETTA weeping Let him know the sacrifice I made of the love ... GERMONT at the door Yes! Yes! VIOLETTA That will be his for ever ... Her tears stifle the words. Farewell! GERMONT Farewell! VIOLETTA AND GERMONT May you be happy! Farewell! Germont goes through the door into the garden. VIOLETTA sitting down to write Heaven, give me strength! She rings a bell. ANNINA You want me? VIOLETTA Yes, Deliver this note yourself ... ANNINA surprised at the name on the note Oh! VIOLETTA Hush! Go at once. Annina goes out. And now a note to him. What shall I say? Who will give me the courage to say it? She writes and seals the letter. Alfredo comes in. ALFREDO What are you doing? VIOLETTA hiding the letter Nothing. ALFREDO You were writing? VIOLETTA confused Yes ... no ... ALFREDO Why are you so confused? Who were you writing to? VIOLETTA To you. ALFREDO Give me the letter. VIOLETTA No, later. ALFREDO I'm sorry, There's something worrying me. VIOLETTA getting up What is it? ALFREDO My father's arrived ... VIOLETTA Have you seen him? ALFREDO No, But he left me an angry letter. I shall wait for him. He'll love you when he sees you. VIOLETTA in great agitation Don't let him find me here ... Let me go ... You can calm him down ... near to tears I'll throw myself at his feet, He won't want to part us any more. We shall be happy, Because you love me, Alfredo, Don't you? ALFREDO So very much, but why are you crying? VIOLETTA I felt like crying But I'm better now. controlling herself You see ... I'm smiling ... you see? I'm all right now ... I'm smiling. I shall be there amongst the flowers, Always near to you. Love me, Alfredo, Love me as I love you! Farewell! She runs out into the garden. ALFREDO Her love for me Is her whole life! He sits down and picks up a book, reads for a mo ment, then gets up and looks at the clock above the fireplace. It's late, perhaps my father Won't come back today. GIUSEPPE entering hurriedly Madame has gone, There was a carriage waiting, It's on its way to Paris now. Annina went on ahead. ALFREDO I know, don't agitate yourself. GIUSEPPE to himself What does it mean? He goes out. ALFREDO I expect she's gone to hurry up the sale Of her things, But Annina will stop her. His father is seen in the distance, crossing the garden. There's someone in the garden? Who is it? He turns to go out. MESSENGER at the door Monsieur Germont? ALFREDO Yes. MESSENGER A lady in a carriage, A little way from here, Gave me this note for you. He gives Alfredo a letter, receives a tip and goes out. ALFREDO From Violetta! Why am I so disturbed? Perhaps she suggests my joining her? I'm afraid! Oh, heaven! Give me courage! He opens the letter and reads. “Alfredo, when you get this note …” He cries out. Ah! He finds himself in his father's arms. My father! GERMONT My son! I know how much you suffer! But don't give way to tears, Rather become your father's Pride and joy again. Alfredo, in despair, sits down near the table with his face in his hands. What has vanished from your heart The dear sea and soil of Provence? What has dimmed from your eyes The bright sunshine of your native country? Even in sorrow, Remember you were happy there, There alone can peace Shine on you again. It was God who brought me here! You do not know What pain your old father has suffered! With you away His home has been desolate indeed. But if in finding you again My hopes are not in vain, If the voice of honour Is not silent for you, God has heard me! He embraces Alfredo. What, no response to your father's love? ALFREDO A thousand serpents devour my breast. repulsing his father Leave me. GERMONT Leave you? ALFREDO resolutely Oh, revenge! GERMONT No more delay. Let us go, hurry. ALFREDO Ah, it was Douphol! GERMONT Are you listening to me? ALFREDO No! GERMONT Then I have found you in vain? No, you will not hear reproaches; Let us cover the past with oblivion: Love which has guided me to you Can forgive everything. Come, see again with me Your dear ones rejoicing; Do not deny such joy To those who have suffered till now. Hasten to console a father and a sister. ALFREDO Ah! Freeing himself, he sees Flora's letter on the table. He reads is hastily and exclaims. She's gone to the party! I'll have my own back for that! He rushes out. GERMONT What's that you say? Stop! Germont follows. A brilliantly lighted, richly furnished room in Flora's house. A door at the back and one on each side. Downstage right is a table where guests are playing cards; on the left another table decked with flowers, where refreshments are set out. There are chairs and a sofa. Flora, the Marquis, the Doctor and other guests come in left, talking together. FLORA There'll be maskers To liven up the evening; The young vicomte at their head. And I've invited Violetta and Alfredo … MARQUIS Hadn't you heard that Violetta and Germont have parted? DOCTOR AND FLORA Is it true? MARQUIS She'll coming with the baron. DOCTOR But I saw them only yesterday! They seemed happy enough. There is a sound of new arrivals, off right. FLORA Hush! Do you hear? ALL moving right Our friends are coming. A crowd of guests wearing masks and gypsy costumes enter right. GYPSY GIRLS We are gypsies, Come from a distant land; We can read the future In anybody's hand. We're in touch with the stars; Nothing is hidden from us, All the happenings of the future We can reveal to you. A GROUP OF GYPSIES Let's see; looking at Flora's hand You, Madame, Have several rivals. ANOTHER GROUP OF GYPSIES looking at the Marquis's hand You, Marquis, Are no model of faithfulness. FLORA to the Marquis Are you at your games again? Believe me, I shall make you pay! MARQUIS to Flora What the deuce do you mean? It's an utter falsehood! FLORA The fox may change his skin, But he doesn't forget his tricks. My dear Marquis, you be careful, Or you may be sorry for it. ALL Come along, let's draw a veil Over what is past and gone; What is done can't be undone, Let us welcome what's to come. Flora and the Marquis press each other's hands. Gaston comes in right, with a lively band of guests in masks, dressed as Spanish bullfighters and picadors. GASTON AND THE BULLFIGHTERS We're matadors from Madrid, The heroes of the bull?ring, We've come to enjoy the fun That Paris makes over the fatted ox; There's a tale we can tell, if you'll listen, And would like to know how we can love! FLORA, THE DOCTOR, THE MARQUIS, CHORUS OF LADIES Yes, yes, you splendid fellows, tell us! We are eager to hear you! GASTON AND THE BULLFIGHTERS Then listen. There's a matador of Biscay, The bold and handsome Piquillo; Strong of arm and proud of aspect, He's the lord of the arena. With an Andalusian maiden He fell violently in love But the saucy little beauty Challenged her admiring swain: "Let me see you bring to earth Five bulls in a single day, And if you return in triumph, You shall have my heart and hand." "I accept!" said the bullfighter And he hurried to the fight; All five bulls the conquering hero Stretched lifeless upon the sand. FLORA, THE DOCTOR, THE MARQUIS, CHORUS OF LADIES Bravo, bravo, brave bullfighter, You have shown yourself a hero, And have proved to the maiden The kind of love yours is. GASTON AND THE BULLFIGHTERS Midst the cheering he went back To the girl of his heart, And eagerly embraced his prize In the strong arms of love. FLORA, THE DOCTOR, THE MARQUIS, CHORUS OF LADIES With feats like this, bullfighters Know how to win the fair. GASTON AND THE BULLFIGHTERS But here our hearts are gentler, We make do with fun and games! ALL Yes, lively friends, first let us try The temper of fickle fortune; Let us open the lists To the bold gamester. The men take off their masks. Some move around and some get ready for gambling. Alfredo enters. ALL Alfredo! You! ALFREDO Yes, my friends. FLORA Where's Violetta? ALFREDO I don't know. ALL How unimpassioned! Bravo! Now, let's have a game! Violetta enters on the arm of the Baron. FLORA Here's the one we've been waiting for. VIOLETTA I couldn't refuse such a lovely invitation. FLORA I'm grateful to you too, Baron, For consenting to come. BARON softly to Violetta Germont is here! Do you see? VIOLETTA to herself Heavens! So he is! softly to the Baron Yes, I see him. BARON sombrely Not a word From you to Alfredo, Not a word! VIOLETTA to herself Ah, why did I come? It was rash of me! Heaven, Have mercy on me! Flora makes Violetta sit beside her on a sofa. The Doctor approaches them; the Marquis talks to the Baron. Gaston cuts the cards; Alfredo and the other stake their money, Guests pass to and fro. FLORA Sit down with me And tell me about this new turn of events. Flora and Violetta talk together. ALFREDO Four! GASTON You've won again. ALFREDO Unlucky in love, Lucky at cards … He stakes again and wins. ALL He's winning all the time! ALFREDO Oh, I shall win tonight And return happily To the country To spend my winnings. FLORA Alone? ALFREDO Oh no, with her who was with me there, Until she ran away from me. VIOLETTA to herself Dear God! GASTON to Alfredo, pointing to Violetta Spare her feelings. BARON to Alfredo angrily Monsieur! VIOLETTA softly to the Baron Remain calm, or I leave you. ALFREDO Did you speak to me, Baron? BARON ironically You're so favoured by fortune That I'm tempted to try my luck … ALFREDO with equal irony Really? I'll take you on. VIOLETTA to herself Ah! I feel like death! Great heaven, Have pity on me! BARON staking his money A hundred louis on the right ... ALFREDO pushing over his stake And a hundred on the left ... GASTON cutting An ace ... a knave ... to Alfredo You win! BARON Will you double? ALFREDO Double it is! GASTON cutting A four ... a seven ... ALL Again! ALFREDO Then I'm the winner. ALL Bravo! Alfredo has all the luck. FLORA The Baron's going to pay for that stay in the country … I can see that! ALFREDO to the Baron Shall we go on? A servant enters. SERVANT Supper is served. FLORA Let's go! ALL Let's go. VIOLETTA to herself What's going to happen? I feel like death! Great heaven, Have pity on me! ALFREDO to the Baron If you'd like to go on? BARON We can't now; I'll have my revenge later. ALFREDO At any game you like. BARON Let's follow our friends ... later … ALFREDO I'll be at your service. Moving upstage Let's go. BARON as they go out Let's go. Everybody goes out, the stage is empty for a few moments. VIOLETTA returns in a state of great agitation, followed by Alfredo I've asked him to follow me. Will he come? Will he heed me? I think he'll come, for his terrible hatred Moves him more than my words … ALFREDO You called me? What do you want? VIOLETTA You must go, You're in danger! ALFREDO Ah, I see, but that's enough, So you think I'm a coward? VIOLETTA No, never! ALFREDO What are you afraid of? VIOLETTA The Baron frightens me. ALFREDO It's a question of life and death between us. If I kill him, You'll lose lover and protector At a single blow. Doesn't such a fate terrify you? VIOLETTA But if he should be the killer? That's the only thought That puts the fear of death into me, ALFREDO My death? What do you care about that? VIOLETTA Please go, go at once! ALFREDO I'll go if you will swear That wherever I go, You'll follow me ... VIOLETTA No, never! ALFREDO No, never! VIOLETTA Go, you are wicked! Forget a name that's without honour! Go, leave me this minute. I've made a solemn vow To fly from you. ALFREDO Who to? Tell me, who could make you? VIOLETTA One who had every right. ALFREDO Was is Douphol? VIOLETTA with great force Yes! ALFREDO Then you love him? VIOLETTA Yes ... I love him ... ALFREDO running to the door and shouting Come here, all of you! The rest of the company rush in. ALL You called us? What do you want? ALFREDO pointing to Violetta, who leans feebly against a table You know this lady? ALL You mean Violetta? ALFREDO But you don't know what she's done. VIOLETTA Oh, don't! ALL No. ALFREDO For me this woman lost all she possessed. I was blind, A wretched coward, I accepted it all. But it's time now for me To clear myself from debt. I call you all to witness here That I've paid her back! Contemptuously, he throws his winnings at Violetta'sfeet. She swoons in Flora's arms. Alfredo's father arrives suddenly. ALL What you have done is shameful! So to strike down a tender heart! You have insulted a woman! Get out of here! We've no use for you! We've no use for such as you! Go! GERMONT dignified in his anger A man who offends a woman, even in anger, Merits nothing but scorn. Where is my son? I see him no more In you, Alfredo, No more in you. ALFREDO to himself What have I done? Yes, I despise myself! Jealous madness, love deceived, Ravaged my soul, destroyed my reason. How can I ever gain her pardon? I would have left her, but I couldn't; I came here to vent my anger, But now I've done so, wretch that I am, I feel nothing but a deep remorse! FLORA, GASTON, THE DOCTOR, THE MARQUIS, THE CHORUS to Violetta Yes, you have suffered, But take heart! Each one of us has shared your pain; Friends are about you to dry the tears You have shed. GERMONT to himself Alone I know the true devotion This poor girl hides within her breast; I know her faithful heart That's vowed so cruelly to silence. BARON softly to Alfredo Your deadly insult to this lady Offends us all, but such an outrage Shall not go unavenged! I shall find a way to humble your pride! ALFREDO Alas, what have I done? What have I done? How can I ever Gain her pardon? VIOLETTA coming to herself Alfredo, how should you understand All the love that's in my heart? How should you know that I have proved it, Even at the price of your contempt? But the time will come when you will know, When you'll admit how much I loved you. God save you then from all remorse! Even after death I shall still love you. Germont leads his son away with him; the Baron follows. Flora and the Doctor take Violetta into the other room as the rest of the company disperses. ACT THREE Violetta's bedroom. Violetta is asleep on the bed; Annina, seated near the fireplace, is dozing. Prelude VIOLETTA sitting up Annina! ANNINA waking in confusion Did you call me? VIOLETTA Were you asleep? Poor Annina! ANNINA Forgive me! VIOLETTA Give me a sip of water. Annina does so. Look and see if it's daylight. ANNINA It's seven o'clock. VIOLETTA Let's have a little light. ANNINA drawing the curtains and looking out Dr. Grenvil ... VIOLETTA What a good friend he is! I must get up, help me. She rises but falls back, then, with Annina's help, moves slowly over to the couch. The Doctor arrives in time to help her. How kind you are! To think of me so early! DOCTOR feeling her pulses How do you feel? VIOLETTA Weak in body, But tranquil of soul. A good priest came yesterday To comfort me. Religion's a great solace when one's ill. DOCTOR And last night? VIOLETTA I slept soundly. DOCTOR Then we must take heart, Convalescence is not far away. VIOLETTA Doctors are allowed A pious fib. DOCTOR taking her hand Good?bye, I'll see you later. VIOLETTA Don't forget me. ANNINA softly, as she goes to the door with the Doctor How is she, Monsieur? DOCTOR The illness only gives her A few hours. He goes out. ANNINA to Violetta Take courage, now! VIOLETTA Is it a holiday? ANNINA It's the carnival, Paris is running wild. VIOLETTA God knows how many poor souls are Suffering while the people enjoy themselves! How much have we left in the drawer? pointing to the chest?of?drawers ANNINA opening it and counting Twenty louis. VIOLETTA Take ten And give them to the poor. ANNINA You won't have much left. VIOLETTA As much as I shall need … Go and see if there are any letters for me. ANNINA What about you? VIOLETTA Nothing will happen to me … But please hurry. Annina goes out. Violetta draws a letter from her breast and reads it in a low voice, speaking in time to the music. "You kept your promise ... The duel took place. The Baron was wounded, But is getting better ... Alfredo is abroad. I have told him of your sacrifice. He is coming back to ask your pardon … I shall come too. Take care of yourself ... You deserve a better future. Georges Germont .- sadly It's too late! getting up I wait and wait, but they never come! She looks at herself in the glass. How changed I am! But the Doctor still urges me to hope! With such a disease All hope is dead! Farewell, happy dreams of by?gone days; The roses in my cheeks already are faded. Even Alfredo's love is lacking, To comfort and uphold my weary spirit. Oh, comfort, sustain an erring soul, And may God pardon and make her his own! Ah, all is over, All is over now. MASKED CHORUS offstage Make way for the quadruped, Lord of the feast, His head is wreathed about With flowers and vineleaves. Make way for the gentlest Of all horned beasts. Greet him with Horns and pipes. People of Paris, give way To the Fat Ox's triumph. Not Asia nor Africa Ever saw a finer; He's the pride and boast Of every butcher. Lively masqueraders, Crazy young boys, Hail him, all of you, With music and song! Annina hurries back. ANNINA hesitating Madame ... VIOLETTA What's happened? ANNINA You do feel better today, Don't you? VIOLETTA Yes, but why? ANNINA Will you promise to keep calm? VIOLETTA What are you trying to tell me? ANNINA I must warn you of a joy you don't expect. VIOLETTA Did you say joy? ANNINA nodding her head Yes, Madame. VIOLETTA Alfredo! You've seen him! He's coming! Oh, hurry! Annina nodds in confirmation, goes to open the door. Violetta goes to the door. Alfredo! Alfredo appears, pale with emotion, and they fall into each other's arms. Alfredo, beloved! Oh, what joy! ALFREDO Oh, my Violetta! Oh, what joy! How much to blame I am, But now, dearest, I know everything! VIOLETTA I only know I have you back! ALFREDO Judge how much I love you From the beating of my heart! I can live no longer without you! VIOLETTA That you find me still alive Means that sorrow cannot kill. ALFREDO Forget the pain, beloved, Forgive me and my father. VIOLETTA That I should pardon you When I'm the one to blame? But it was love that made me so. ALFREDO AND VIOLETTA Not man or devil, my angel, Shall ever part you from me again. ALFREDO We'll leave Paris, my dearest, Together we'll go through life. In reward for your past sorrows, You'll bloom into health again. Breath of life, sunshine you'll be to me, All the years to come will smile on us. VIOLETTA We'll leave Paris, my dearest, Together we'll go through life. ALFREDO Yes. VIOLETTA In reward for past sorrows, I shall bloom into health again. Breath of life, sunshine you'll be to me, All the years to come will smile on us. Ah, no more! Let's go to church, Alfredo, And give thanks for your return. She falters. ALFREDO You've gone pale! VIOLETTA It's nothing. A joy so sudden is overwhelming, When one has been sad at heart. She falls, exhausted, into a chair. ALFREDO supporting her in alarm God in heaven! Violetta! VIOLETTA It's the way the illness takes me! Just weakness! I'm all right now. See! I'm smiling. ALFREDO sadly How cruel fate is! VIOLETTA It was nothing! Annina, help me to dress. ALFREDO Not now! Wait a little ... VIOLETTA No! I want to go out. Annina brings Violetta's clothes, which she tries to put on, but nearly falls from weakness. Oh, heaven! I can't! She falls back on the chair. ALFREDO To see her like this! to Annina Go and get the Doctor! VIOLETTA to Annina Tell him Alfredo is back, Back in my arms, Tell him I want to live again! Annina goes out. But if you haven't saved me by coming back, No one on earth can do it. getting up impetuously Ah, God in heaven! That I should die so young, After so much suffering! To die so near the dawn After the long night of tears! It was only an illusion, My hope and my belief! My heart, so long believing Was constant all in vain! ALFREDO Breath of my life And beating of my heart, My soul's only delight! Let me mingle My tears with yours! But more than ever, believe me I need your true devotion. So do not close your heart To all hope. VIOLETTA Oh, Alfredo, how sad an ending To our love and my life! ALFREDO Oh, Violetta, your sadness Is worse to me than death! GERMONT enters with Annina and the Doctor Ah, Violetta! VIOLETTA You, Monsieur? ALFREDO Father! VIOLETTA You didn't forget me? GERMONT I come as I promised, To embrace you as a daughter, Most generous girl! VIOLETTA Alas, you come too late! They embrace But I'm grateful, all the same. You see, Dr. Grenvil, I die in the arms Of those I hold dearest in all the world. GERMONT Whatever are you telling me? looking at her Heaven help us! It's true! ALFREDO You see how it is with her, Father? GERMONT Say no more, don't torture me, Remorse seizes my soul, Her every word strikes me like lightning! Violetta opens a drawer and takes out a medallion. Rash old fool that I was, Only now do I see What I've done! VIOLETTA Come closer, Alfredo, mv beloved, Take this picture of me In happier days gone by As a remembrance of her Who loved you truly. ALFREDO Don't talk to me of dying, You must live on, beloved; God would not bring on me So dreadful a misfortune … GERMONT Dear, sublime victim Of a desperate love, Forgive me for the Torment inflicted on your fair heart. VIOLETTA If some gentle maiden In the springtime of her life Should give to you her heart, Let her be your wife, for such is my wish. Give her this picture And tell her it's the gift of one Who from heaven, amongst the angels, Prays always for her and for you. ANNINA, GERMONT, THE DOCTOR As long as I have tears to shed, I shall weep for you. Fly to the regions of the blest, For God calls you to Him! ALFREDO Death cannot Divide you From me son soon! Live, or a single coffin Shall enclose me with you! VIOLETTA reviving How strange! ANNINA, ALFREDO, GERMONT, THE DOCTOR What? VIOLETTA speaking The spasms of pain have ceased! I feel reborn in me the strength That once was mine! I feel I'm coming back to life! Oh, joy! She falls back on the sofa. ANNINA, GERMONT, THE DOCTOR Oh, heavens! She is dying! ALFREDO Violetta? ANNINA, GERMONT Oh, God, she needs help! THE DOCTOR after feeling her pulse She is dead! ANNINA, ALFREDO, GERMONT Oh, my grief!