This title is for centering.

Sponsor The official sponsor of [your opera]

Please unwrap candies and turn off beepers and cell phones prior to the performance. Photography of any kind is prohibited.

Now, sweetheart, we're alone. We can speak in secret.

It won't be important. I mustn't linger over my work.

Just one little word, you stubborn girl!

Then speak, I'm listening.

If you won't give me a friendlier look, I won't be able to get a word out.

If you don't do as I wish, I'll plug up my ears!

- If it's the only way I'll get peace, then talk away. - Hear me out, then I'll leave you in peace.

I… I have chosen you for a wife, you see?

I see quite clearly.

And if your “Yes” is not lacking, what do you think?

- Then we'd be a pair. - We could, in a few weeks…

- (That's just great. You're already setting a date!) - In a few weeks…

- That damned knocking! Things were going so well! - I'll finally be rid of him! His love makes me anxious!

- That knocking made me lose my prey! - His boring wooing makes the hours seem so long!

I know the poor lad suffers, and I feel badly for him.

I have chosen Fidelio; to love him is a sweet prize.

Where was I? (She's not looking at me!)

There he is, starting all over again.

When will you say “Yes?” Today would be good.

(He's killing me!) Now, tomorrow, and always, No!

- You're truly made of stone! No wish or begging moves you! - (I must be hard on him, the smallest sign gives him hope.)

Then, you'll never change your mind? Well?

- You should go. - You won't even let me look at you?

Then stay here.

- You promised me so often… - Promised?! No, that's too far!

- Finally I'm free! - To the devil with that knocking!

- That's a welcome sound. I was getting deathly afraid! - She was nervous. Who knows if I might have succeeded?

If I haven't opened this door two hundred times today, my name is not Jaquino.

At last I can have another word with you. Good gracious! So soon again!

How can I help it, that I no longer care for him as I used to?

All right! I'll look out for it. So! Now, I hope no one will disturb us.

- Do you hear? Father is calling! - We can let him wait a while. To go on with our love affair…

- Do go along! Father probably wants to inquire about Fidelio. - Oh, of course, one can't be quick enough, then.

- Jaquino, don't you hear? - I'm coming directly! Stay here, I'll be with you in two minutes.

Poor Jaquino! I could almost feel sorry for him. But how can I change it?

I really used to like him, then Fidelio came into our house, and since that time everything within and without me is different.

Oh, if I were already united with you, if I could already call you my husband!

A maiden may only admit half of what she's thinking.

Yet when I don't have to blush at a warm, heartfelt kiss, when nothing on earth can disturb us…

Hope fills my breast with such sweet delight, how happy I will be!

I'll awake each day in the peace of quiet domesticity, we greet each other tenderly, and work banishes our cares.

And once work is finished, the blessed night creeps upon us, then we rest from our troubles!

Hope fills my breast with such sweet delight, how happy I will be!

- Good morning, Marcelline. Hasn't Fidelio come back yet? - No, Father.