Je suis seul

English Libretto or Translation:

DES GRIEUX
alone
I am alone! At last alone!
It is the supreme moment!
There is nothing more that I want
except the sacred calm that my faith brings me.
Yes, I have sought to place God himself
between the world and me.
Ah! Vanish sweet memory too dear to my heart;
respect a calm won through much suffering,
and remember that if I have tasted of a bitter cup,
my heart could fill it full with the blood it has shed!
Ah! Vanish, vanish, go far from me!
Life itself and sham glory mean nothing to me.
I want only to expel from the depths of my memory...
A cursed name!... this name... which obsesses me, and why?

PORTER OF THE SEMINARY
The service is beginning.

DES GRIEUX
I'm on my way... Heavenly Father!
With Your fire
purify my soul!
and by its light dispel
the shadow that still lurks in the depths of my heart!
Ah! Vanish, sweet memory, too dear to my heart.
Vanish, vanish, go far away from me! etc.
exit

PORTER OF THE SEMINARY
He is young... and his faith appears sincere...
He created a great stir among the most
beautiful ladies among our faithful!