Voyons Manon plus de chimeres

English Libretto or Translation:

MANON
I'll stay right here, since I must!
Let me wait... without a thought!
I must avoid these distractions.
Those schemes which so upset my thinking.
I'll daydream no more!
Long silence during which Manon seems lost in reflection. From the look on her face, it is obvious that some inner conflict is taking place. Suddenly, in a simple manner, she turns her eyes towards the summer-house,
where Poussette, Javotte and Rosette are still eating.
How very pretty those ladies are!
The youngest one was wearing a necklace of gold beads!
Ah! how those elegant dresses
and those enticing jewels
made them even prettier yet!
Come now, Manon, do not indulge your mind!
No more wild fancies...
Give up these passing desires
at the door of your convent!
Come now, Manon! Come now!
No more longings, no more wild fancies!
And yet!...
When I let myself be carried away with feelings of delight,
everything in those ladies seems attractive!
Ah! How very marvellous it must be
to enjoy oneself for a whole lifetime!
Come now, Manon,no more wild fancies, etc.
She sees Des Grieux.
Someone's here! Quick, back to my stone bench!