Die Weisheitslehre dieser Knaben

English Libretto or Translation:

TAMINO
Let these boys' words of wisdom
be forever engraved on my heart.
Where am I now? What will happen to me?
Is this the seat of the gods here?
The gates show, the pillars show
that prudence and labour and arts live here.
Where activity is enthroned and idleness in retreat,
vice cannot easily hold sway.
I shall boldly dare to enter the gate.
My purpose is noble and true and pure.
Tremble, cowardly villain!
To me, rescuing Pamina is a duty.

He goes to the door of the right-hand temple.

PRIESTS
from within
Go back!

TAMINO
Back? Then I'll try my luck here!
He goes to the door of the left-hand temple.

PRIESTS
from within
Go back!

TAMINO
They're calling "Go back" here as well!
looks round
Here I can see another door,
here perhaps I shall gain an entrance.
He knocks on the middle door, the Speaker appears.

SPEAKER
Bold stranger, where do you wish to go?
What do you seek here in the sanctuary?

TAMINO
That which belongs to love and virtue.

SPEAKER
These are words of high import!
But how will you find these things?
You are not led by love and virtue,
for you are inflamed by death and revenge.

TAMINO
Revenge only on the villain!

SPEAKER
You will surely not find him with us.

TAMINO
Does Sarastro rule in these parts?

SPEAKER
Yes, yes, Sarastro rules here!

TAMINO
Surely not in the Temple of Wisdom?

SPEAKER
He rules here in the Temple of Wisdom.

TAMINO
Then it is all a sham!
He is about to go.

SPEAKER
Are you going again so soon?

TAMINO
Yes, I want to go, glad and free,
and never see your temple!

SPEAKER
Explain yourself to me more closely;
you are taken in by a deception.

TAMINO
Sarastro lives here,
that's quite enough for me.

SPEAKER
If you love your life,
speak, stay there!
Do you hate Sarastro?

TAMINO
I hate him forever, yes!

SPEAKER
Then give me your reasons.

TAMINO
He is an inhuman tyrant!

SPEAKER
Is there proof for what you say?

TAMINO
It is shown by an unhappy woman,
oppressed by grief and woe!

SPEAKER
So a woman has beguiled you?
A woman does little, chatters a great deal.
You, young man, believe the wagging tongues?
Oh, if only Sarastro laid before you
the reason for his action!

TAMINO
The reason is only too clear!
Did not the robber ruthlessly tear
Pamina from her mother's arms?

SPEAKER
Yes, young man! What you say is true.

TAMINO
Where is she whom he stole from us?
Perhaps she has already been sacrificed?

SPEAKER
This information, dear son,
I am not yet permitted to give you now.

TAMINO
Explain this riddle, do not deceive me.

SPEAKER
My tongue is bound by oath and duty.

TAMINO
So when will this obscurity clear?

SPEAKER
As soon as the hand of friendship guides you
into the sanctuary to the everlasting bonds.
Exit.

TAMINO
O endless night! When will you pass?
When will the light strike my eyes?

CHORUS
from within
Soon, soon, young man, or not at all!

TAMINO
Soon, you say, or not at all?
You unseen ones, tell me:
is Pamina then still alive?

CHORUS
Pamina is still alive!