SPALANZANI.

Sing to a grand air, following with the voice, Rare talent The clavichord, the guitar, Or the harp, at your choice!

COCHENILLE (at the rear).

The harp!

Ba.s.s VOICE (in the wings).

The harp!

SPALANZANI.

Very good, Cochenille!

Go quickly and bring my daughter's harp!

(Cochenille exits).

HOFFMAN (aside).

I shall hear her... oh joy!

NICKLAUSSE (aside).

Oh, crazy pa.s.sion!

SPALANZANI (to Olympia).

Master your emotion, my child!

OLYMPIA.

Yes.

COCHENILLE (bringing the harp).

There!

SPALANZANI (sitting beside Olympia).

Gentlemen, attention!

COCHENILLE.

Attention!

THE CHORUS.

Attention!

OLYMPIA (accompanied by Spalanzani).

The birds in the bushes.

In the heavens the orb of day, All speaks to the young girl Of love, of love!

There!

The pretty song, There!

The song of Olympia, Ha!

THE CHORUS.

'Tis the song of Olympia!

OLYMPIA.

All that sings and resounds Has its sighs in turn, Moves its heart that trembles With love.

There.

The little song, There, there, The song of Olympia, Ha!

CHORUS.

'Tis the song of Olympia.

HOFFMAN (to Nicklausse).

Ah, my friend, what an accent.

NICKLAUSSE.

What runs!

(Cochenille has taken the harp and all surround Olympia. A servant speaks to Spalanzani).