Part 4 (1/2)

'Tis to-morrow we will make it hot, Tire lan laire, Tire lan la.

NICKLAUSSE.

Very good, indeed. At least we are pruned With reason and practical sense!

Away with languorous hearts.

NATHANAEL.

Let's wager that Hoffmann's in love.

HOFFMANN.

What then?

NATHANAEL.

You need not blush, I imagine Our friend Wilhelm who's there, Burns for Leonor and finds her divine.

Hermann loves Gretchen and I am near ruined For the Fausta.

HOFFMANN (to Wilhelm).

Yes, Leonor, thy virtuose.

(To Hermann.)

Yes, Gretchen, thy doll inert, of icy heart.

(to Nathanael.)

And thy Fausta, poor insensate, The courtezan with front of bra.s.s.

NATHANAEL.

Morose spirit, Many thanks for Fausta, Gretchen and Leonore!...

HOFFMANN.

Pish. They are all alike.

NATHANAEL.

Then your mistress is such a treasure That you despise so much our own?