CHANDOS

CHAN 3119 BOOK.qxd 20/9/06 12:00 pm Page 88SentaCan I prevent sympathy and compassion?ErikYou sang the ballad once again today!SentaI am a child. I don’t know what I’m singing!But wait… What? Do you fear a song? A face?ErikYou are so pale, speak; are my fears all groundless?SentaShould such a tragic destiny not move me?ErikMy suff’ring, Senta, does not move you too?SentaAh, face the truth! What is your pain to his?You know the story of that wretched man.(She leads Erik close to the picture and points at it.)Do you feel the pain, the weight of grief,that calls to me, if not to you?Think how his torment has known no relief.How could my heart not suffer too?ErikAlas! It brings back my ill-omened dream!God keep you safe! Satan has set a trap!SentaWhat is frightening you?ErikSenta, this is my dream…My nightmare… Hear what the warning says…(Senta sinks exhausted into the armchair. WhenErik begins his story she appears to fall into amagnetic trance so that she seems to dream thedream Erik relates to her. He stands by the chair.In a subdued voice.)Upon the cliff I lay there dreamingwatching the breakers swell below.The rocks destroyed them, dark and gleamingin noisy clouds of salty foam.I saw a ship across the water,forbidding, foreign, black as night.Your father came to meet his daughter,but not alone, for at his side…Senta (her eyes closed)Another?ErikNot unknown, I fear,the ashen face, the sombre clothes…Senta (as before)The brooding eyes……Erik (pointing to the picture)Your captain here!SentaAnd l?ErikYou came towards them both,and ran at once to greet your father.But even as you kissed, you saw himthen threw himself upon the strangerand saw you on your knees before him…Senta (in increasing excitement)He took my hand…ErikCloser you came;until, your lips pressed on his lips,you kiss’d, with one desire aflame…SentaAnd then?Erik (watching her with uneasy amazement)You left to join his ship.Senta (rapidly awakening and in the highestexcitement)He called my name! I heard his voice!I’ll die for him, that is my choice!ErikI knew it! All is revealed!My love is lost! The dream was real!(He rushes away, full of horror and despair. Afterher passionate outburst, Senta falls back intocontemplation of the picture.)Senta (softly, but deeply moved)Pale captain, pray, pray to God that you’ll findher!Beg Him to make her faithful in life, true unto…(The door opens and the Dutchman and Dalandappear. The Dutchman enters immediately; Senta’s34gaze turns from the picture to him, and she gives aviolent cry of surprise, after which she remainstransfixed without taking her eyes off him.)Ha!No. 6: Aria, Duet and TrioThe Dutchman walks slowly forward, his eyes fixedon Senta, and stops. Daland waits at the door,expecting Senta to come to him.Daland (gradually approaching Senta)My child, your father’s on the threshold;what, not a greeting, not a kiss?You’ve taken root! Now what’s the matter?I’m owed a little more than this!Senta (grasps Daland’s hand, as he reaches her)You’re welcome home!(pulling him closer to her)But who is this? Who is the stranger?Daland (smiling)Patience child.AriaDalandSenta, my child, extend a welcome to this stranger:fresh from the cruel sea, I bring him as a guest.Sailing in search of wealth on journies fraughtwith danger,success rewards him, and his credit’s of the best.But banished from his home forever,he’ll pay us well if you’ll be kind.8889