Excerpt from Act III of the New Libretto

It cannot be news to you!
…We have all known for a long time…
But several nights ago he himself confessed to me.
I wish you could have seen him—
Then, only then, could you understand.
His paling face, his yearning eyes,
The way his body leaned in closer,
As if to clasp you to his chest and hold you forever.
Were you there to see him,
I am sure your heart would break.
Isn’t it a pity
That you cannot return his love?
I wish you could have heard him—
Then, only then, could you understand.
His pleading words, his trembling voice,
The way he glowingly described you,
As if to call your memory into essence and life.
Were you there to hear him,
I am sure your heart would break.
Isn’t it a pity
That you cannot return his love?
I wish you could have felt him—
Then, only then, could you understand.
His shaking hands, his unsteady knees,
The way he struggled to take a breath,
As if to inhale your spirit from very far away.
Were you there to feel him,
I am sure your heart would break.
Isn’t it a pity
That you cannot return his love?
Oh, how painful it was to perceive his anguish.
It is good that you do not really understand me.
If you knew of his pain, it would break your heart.
You are lucky, little sister, to live in bliss, unknowing.