Is it true that Mrs. Adams-Ortenburg has been requested to sing in Berlin next Fall?
AMADEUS
Nothing has been settled yet. (_He goes to the window at the right_) If you"ll permit.... (_Opens the window_)
FREDERIQUE
What a splendid day! And how fragrant the roses are. It is almost like....
AMADEUS
Almost like Tremezzo--yes, I know.
FREDERIQUE
How can you--as you have never been there?
AMADEUS
But you have told me enough about it. A villa standing at the edge of the water--radiantly white--with marble steps leading straight down to the blue sea.
FREDERIQUE
Yes. And sometimes, on very hot nights, I sleep in the park, right on the sward, under a plane tree.
AMADEUS
That plane tree is famous.--But time is flying. It would be better to go on with the singing. (_He seats himself at the piano again_) The polonaise--if you please, Countess. (_He begins the accompaniment_)
FREDERIQUE (_singing_)
"t.i.tania, airiest queen of fairies, Has descended from her blue cloud throne, And her way across the world is wending More quickly than the bird or lightning flash..."
AMADEUS (_interrupts his playing and lets his head sink forward_) No, no--it"s no use!... Please tell the director that he will have to look after your part himself. As for me, I have certain regards even for people who go to the opera in Summer. They should not be forced to accept _anything_. Tell the director, please, that I send him my regards and that--there are more important things to occupy my time.
(_He closes the score_)
FREDERIQUE (_quite amicably_)
I believe it. How"s your opera getting along?
AMADEUS
For the Lord"s sake, please don"t pretend to be interested in things of that kind! Why, n.o.body expects it of you.
FREDERIQUE
Will it soon be finished?
AMADEUS
Finished...? How could it be, do you think? I have to conduct two nights a week at least, and there are rehearsals in the morning, not to mention singers that have to be coached.... Do you think a man can sit down after an hour like _this_ and invite his muse?
FREDERIQUE
After an hour like _this_...? I don"t think you feel quite at your ease with me, Amadeus.
AMADEUS
Not at my ease? I? With you?--I don"t think you have imagined in your most reckless moments, Countess, that my wife might have anything to fear from you.
FREDERIQUE
You are determined to misunderstand me. (_She has gone to the fireplace and turns now to face Amadeus_) You know perfectly well why you pretend to be cross with me. Because you are in love with me.
AMADEUS (_looks straight ahead and goes on playing_)
FREDERIQUE
And that chord proves nothing to the contrary.
AMADEUS
That chord.... Tell me rather what kind of chord it is. (_He repeats it in a fury_)
FREDERIQUE
A flat major.
AMADEUS (_in a tone of boredom_)
G major--of course.
FREDERIQUE (_close by him, with a smile_)
Don"t let that semi-tone spoil our happiness.
AMADEUS (_rises, goes toward the background and looks out into the garden_)
FREDERIQUE
Is it your wife?
AMADEUS
No, my little boy is playing out there. (_He stands at the window, waving his hand at somebody outside; pause_)
FREDERIQUE
You take life too hard, Amadeus.