ACT II.

(A physicians room, richly furnished.)

HOFFMAN (alone).

Come! Courage and confidence; I become a well of science.

I must turn with the wind that blows, To deserve the one I love.

I shall know how to find in myself The stuff of a learned man.

She is there... if I dared.

(He softly lifts the portiere.)

'Tis she!

She sleeps... how beautiful!

Ah! together live... both in the same hope, The same remembrance Divide our happiness and our sorrow, And share the future.

Let, let my flame Pour in thee the light, Let your soul but open To the rays of Love.

Divine hearth! Sun whose ardor penetrates And comes to kiss us.

Ineffable desire where one's whole being Melts in a single kiss.

Let, let my flame, etc., etc.

(Nicklausse appears.)

NICKLAUSSE.

By Jove, I felt sure you'd be here.

HOFFMAN (letting portiere fall).

Chut.

NICKLAUSSE.

Why? 'tis there that breathes The dove who's now your amorous care, The beautiful Olympia? Go, my child, admire!

HOFFMAN.

Yes, I adore her!

NICKLAUSSE.

Want to know her better.

HOFFMAN.

The soul one loves is easy to know.

NICKLAUSSE.

What? by a look... through a window?

HOFFMAN.

A look is enough to embrace the heavens.

NICKLAUSSE.

What warmth!... At least she knows that you love her.

HOFFMAN.

No.

NICKLAUSSE.

Write her.

HOFFMAN.

I don't dare.

NICKLAUSSE.

Poor lamb! Speak to her.

HOFFMAN.

The dangers are the same.