(Main square of the village, with an inn, at time of a church-festival in Spring.)
SCENE I.
(Chorus of Country People.—Marie and Hans.)
Chorus.
See the buds burst on the bush,
Hear the blithe birds sing,
Joy and splendor everywhere,
Oh you lovely spring!
Every one a sweetheart finds
in youth's ardent years,
But ere himself he binds,
Let him spare no fears.
Wedlock,
Bad luck,
Closely are related!
May the Lord protect us!
'Tis known by many a man.
Love lures us into its snare,
'Tis known the wide world over!
Therefore all of you beware,
Lassie and your lover!
I pray you, tell me
Why so taciturn and sad!
And how otherwise could I be?
Did not Mother say
That the chosen one for me
Is to come to-day?
Do you know no remedy?
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If you really hate the wooer,
Let him only come.
Steadfast be! Believe me:
A firm heart can ne'er be forced.
No complaining, no despairing!
Love shows us how to bear sorrow,
Love must venture everything.
See the buds burst on the bush,
Hear the blithe birds sing.
Joy and splendor everywhere,
O, you lovely spring!
Therefore all of you beware,
Lassies and your lovers.
Love lures us into its snare,
'Tis known the wide world over!
To he dance, now quickly turning,
Merrily they dance!
Come and let each one
Do his very best!
SCENE II.
(Marie and Hans.)
Marie.
To-day they call me
In vain to dance . . . .
O, sad am I to-day!
How, my love?
Your eyes still tearful?
What's the good of it?
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