Part 7 (1/2)

BEA. Fidelio, Were you ever in love?

FID. I was never out of it.

BEA. But truly?

FID. Well. I was only out of it What time it takes a man to right himself And once again lose balance. Ah, indeed, 'Tis good to be in love, I have often noticed, The moment I fall out of love, that moment I catch a cold.

BEA. Are you in love, then, now?

FID. Ay, to be sure.

BEA. Oh! Oh! With whom, Fidelio?

Tell me with whom!

FID. Why, marry, with yourself,-- That are the nearest to me,--and by the same troth, The farthest away.

BEA. Go to, Fidelio!

I am in earnest, and you trifle with me As if I were a child.

FID. Are you not a child, then?

BEA. Not any more.

FID, How so?

BEA. I am in love.

FID. Oh--oh--oh, misery, misery, misery, misery!

BEA. Why do you say that?

FID. Say what?

BEA. ”Misery, misery.”

FID. It is a song.

BEA. A song?

FID. Ay, 'tis a love-song.

Oh, misery, misery, misery, misery, oh!

BEA. Nay, sweet Fidelio, be not so unkind!

I tell you, for the first time in my life I am in love! Do you be mannerly now, And cease to mock me,

FID. What would you have me do?

BEA. I would have you shake your head, and pat my shoulder, And smile and say, ”G.o.dspeed.”

FID. [Doing so very tenderly.] G.o.dspeed.

BEA. [Bursting into tears.] I do not know if I am happy or sad.

But I am greatly moved. I would Bianca Were here. I never lacked her near so much As tonight I do, although I lack her always.