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Act I.
Pinkerton And the walls – and the ceiling...
Goro They will come and will go, just as it may suit your fancy to exchange and to vary new and old in the same surroundings.
Pinkerton The marriage chamber, where is it?
Goro Here, or there!... according...
Pinkerton A wonderful contrivance! The hall?
Goro Behold!
Pinkerton In the open?...
Goro A wall slides outward...
Pinkerton I see now!... I see it!... Another...
Goro Runs along!
Pinkerton And so the fairy dwelling...
Goro Springs like a tower from nowhere, complete from base to attic.
Pinkerton Comes and goes as by magic!
Goro This is the trusty handmaid, who waits upon your wife, faithful and devoted. She is embarrassed at such great honor.
Pinkerton Her name?
Goro Miss Gentle Breeze-of Morning. Ray-of-the-golden Sunbeam. Sweet-scented Pinetree.
Pinkerton Foolishly chosen nicknames! I will call them scarecrows! scarecrow first, scarecrow second, and scarecrow third!
Suzuki Your Honor deigns to smile? Your smile is fair as flowers. Thus spoke the wise Ocunama: A smile conquers all, and defies every trouble. Pearls may be won by smiling; Smiles can open the portals of Paradise. The perfume of the Gods, the fountain of Life, Thus spoke the wise Ocunama: A smile conquers all, defies every trouble.
Pinkerton When they begin to talk, alike I find all women. Why do you look?
Goro Watching for the bride's arrival.
Pinkerton All is ready?
Goro Ev'ry detail.
Pinkerton You shining light of brokers!
Goro Here comes the Consul.
Sharpless Ah! the scramble up has left me breathless!
Pinkerton Good-day, friend, welcome.
Goro Good-day, sir, welcome.
Sharpless Ough!
Pinkerton Quickly, Goro, fetch some refreshment.
Sharpless Lofty!
Pinkerton But lovely!
Sharpless Nagasaki, the ocean, the harbor...
Pinkerton This is a dwelling which is managed by magic. Sharpless Yours?
Pinkerton I bought this house for nine hundred and ninety nine years, but with the option, at every month, to cancel the contract! I must say, in this country, the houses and the contracts are elastic!
Sharpless The man of business profits by it.
Pinkerton Surely.
Pinkerton The whole world over, on business and pleasure, the Yankee travels all danger scorning. His anchor boldly he casts at random... Milk-Punch, or Whisky? His anchor boldly he casts at random, until a sudden squall upsets his ship, then up go sails and rigging. And life is not worth living if he can't win the best and fairest of each country,...
Sharpless That's an easy-going gospel...
Pinkerton and the heart of each maid.
Sharpless A very easy gospel which makes life very pleasant, but is fatal in the end.
Pinkerton Fate cannot crush him, he tries again undaunted. No one and nothing breaks his plucky spirit. And so I'm marrying in Japanese fashion, tied for nine hundred and ninety nine years! Free, though, to annul the marriage monthly!
Sharpless An easy going gospel.
Pinkerton ``America for ever!''
Sharpless ``America for ever!''
Sharpless Is the bride very pretty?
Goro Fair as a garland of fragrant flowers. Brighter than a star in the heavens. And for nothing: one hundred yen! If your Augustness will entrust me, I have a fine selection... Pinkerton Go and fetch her, Goro.
Sharpless What folly has seized you! Do you think you are intoxicated?
Pinkerton May be! Perhaps! Depends what you call intoxication! Is't love or fancy, I cannot tell you. All that I know is, she, with her innocent charm has entranced me. Almost transparently fragile and slender, Dainty in stature, quaint little figure, Seems to have stepped down straight from a screen. But from her background of varnish and lacquer, Suddenly light as a feather she flutters, And like a butterfly, hovers and settles, With so much charm, such seductive graces, That to rush after her a wild wish seized me Though' in the quest her frail wings should be broken.
Sharpless The other day, she came up to call at the Consulate! I did not see her, but I heard her speak. And the mystery of her voice touched my very soul. Surely, love that is pure and true, speaks like that. It were indeed sad pity to tear those dainty wings, and perchance to torment a trusting heart.
Pinkerton Dearly beloved Consul, allay your fears! We know
Sharpless It were indeed sad pity...
Pinkerton men of your age look on life with mournful eyes. No harm I reckon these wings to raise and guide them to the tender flights of love!
Sharpless No cry of anguish should ever be uttered by that gentle and trusting little voice.
Pinkerton Whisky?
Sharpless Yes, mix me another.
Sharpless Here's to your friends and relations at home.
Pinkerton And to the day on which I'll wed in real marriage a real wife a wife from America.
Goro See them! they've mounted the summit of the hill! A crowd of women hustling, Like the wind in branches rustling, Here they come bustling!
Butterfly's Friends Ah! ah! ah!
Friends Ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! what a sky! and what a sea! Butterfly There is one step more to climb. Girl Friends How long you tarry, Butterfly One moment. Friends at last the summit. Look, oh look, the mass of flowers! Butterfly Across the earth and o'er the ocean, Friends what a sky! and what a sea! Butterfly Balmy breeze and scent of spring are blowing Sharpless Oh happy prattle, careless days of youth! Butterfly I am the happiest maiden, the happiest in Japan, in all the world! Friends, I have obeyed the summons, the sweet summons of love, upon the threshold standing, Friends Oh, what flowers what a sea! What a sea! how many flowers! Best of luck, good luck attend you, gentle maiden, Butterfly Ah, here the glory that life or death can offer doth now await me. Friends but 'ere you go beyond the threshold which invites you, turn and admire, Friends Turn and admire all the things your heart holds so dear; Friends admire the lovely sky, the lovely flowers and the sea! Butterfly Dear maidens, I hastened here
at the call of my heart, at the call of my beating heart! I have come hither at the call of my heart! Friends Best of fortune attend on you gentle maiden, but 'ere you cross o'er the threshold pause and look behind you, and admire the things you hold the dearest! Friends Best of fortune attend on you gentle maiden, but 'ere you cross o'er the threshold pause and look behind you, and admire and wonder!
Butterfly We're there now. F. B. Pinkerton. Bow.
Friends Bow.
Butterfly Augustly welcome.
Girl Friends (S) [curtseying] Hail! most Mighty.
Pinkerton [smiling] The ascent is rather trying?
Butterfly [measuredly] Not so trying to a bride as are the weary hours of waiting...
Pinkerton [rather sarcastically, but not unkindly] What a pretty compliment!
Butterfly [ingenuously] I know better ones than that...
Pinkerton Gems, I doubt not!
Butterfly [anxious to show off her stock of compliments] If you care for some at present...
Pinkerton Thank you... no.
Sharpless [after scanning the group of maidens with curiosity, approaches Butterfly, who listens to him attentively] Miss ``Butterfly'' How pretty, your name. was well chosen Are you from Nagasaki?
Butterfly Sir, I am. My people were formerly wealthy. [to her friends] Say so?
Girl Friends (S) [assenting with alacrity] It is so!
Butterfly [quite simply] There's no one likes to own that he was born in poverty; Is not ev'ry vagrant, when you listen to his tale, of ancient lineage? But yet indeed I have known riches. But the strongest oak must fall, when the storm wind wrecks the forest... and we had to go as geishas to earn our living. [to her friends] Truly!
Girl Friends (S) [corroborating her] Truly!
Butterfly I frankly own it, and don't blush for it. [noticing that Sharpless smiles] You're laughing? And why?... That's how the world runs.
Pinkerton [has listened with interest and turns to Sharpless] (With her innocent baby-face she sets my heart throbbing...)
Sharpless [he also is interested in Butterfly's prattle, and continues to question her] And have you no sisters?
Butterfly None, Augustness. I have my mother.
Goro [importantly] A most notable lady.
Butterfly But thro' no fault whatever, dreadfully poor is she.
Sharpless And where is your father?
Butterfly [stops short in surprise, then answers very shortly] Dead.
[The friends hang their heads. Goro is embarassed. They all fan themselves nervously.]
Butterfly [to break the painful silence, Butterfly turns to Pinkerton] But I have other relations: there is the Bonze, my uncle.
Pinkerton [with exaggerated surprise] Never!
Girl Friends (S) A miracle of wisdom!
Goro Of eloquence a fountain!
Pinkerton Thank you, thank you, kind fate!
Butterfly And yet another uncle! But that one...
Girl Friends (S) Good for-nothing!
Butterfly [Kind-heartedly trying to hush them up] Is just a little wanting.
Girl Friends (S) An everlasting tippler.
Pinkerton One thinker, and one drinker! They make a pretty couple.
Butterfly [mortified] You are not angry?
Pinkerton Not I! I do not care a jot!
[while Pinkerton is speaking with Butterfly, Goro leads Sharpless up to the friends and ceremoniously introduces some of them to the Consul.]
Sharpless [returning to Butterfly] What might your age be?
Butterfly [with almost childish coquetry] Now try to guess it!
Sharpless Ten years.
Butterfly Guess higher.
Sharpless Twenty.
Butterfly Guess lower. Fifteen, exactly, fifteen! [slyly] I am old, am I not?
Sharpless Fifteen years old!
Pinkerton Fifteen years old!
Sharpless The age of playthings,
Pinkerton And of sweetmeats!
Pinkerton [To Goro, who claps his hands, summoning the three servants, who come running out from the house.] Call my scarecrows, to hand round Candied flies and spiders, [Goro gives them the orders which he in his turn takes from Pinkerton] Preserves and pastry, and all sorts of curious liquors, And most peculiar delicacies that they fancy in Japan. [Goro signs to the servants to hurry into the house and to bring out everything]
[Having received fresh orders from Pinkerton, Goro is just going into the house himself, when he perceives some more people climbing the hill; he goes to look, then runs to announce the new arrivals to Pinkerton and Sharpless]
Goro [announces importantly] The august High Commissioner; The official Registrar; the relations.
Pinkerton Come now, hurry. [Goro runs into the house]
[From the path in the background Butterfly's relations are seen climbing the hill and passing along: Butterfly and her friends go to meet them: deep bows and kowtowing: the relations stare curiously at the two Americans. Pinkerton has taken Sharpless by the arm, and leading him to one side, laughingly makes him look at the quaint group of relations.] [The Imperial Commissioner and the official Registrar remain in the background.]
Pinkerton What a farce is this procession Of my worthy new relations, Held on terms of monthly contract!
Relations and friends (4 only) (S) [to Butterfly] Where is he?
Relations and friends (4 only) (TT) [to Butterfly] Where is he?
Butterfly, Relations and friends (4 others) (AA) [pointing to Pinkerton] That is he there!
/ A Cousin | Handsome he's not. | Relations and friends (4 only) (TT) | Handsome he's not. | No, in good truth, | handsome he's not! | Pinkerton | I feel sure that there behind the | mighty fan of peacock's feathers, | my moth'rin law is hiding. | Butterfly [offended] | Handsomer man you never saw, | not in your dreams. | Relations and friends (4 only) (SS) | I think him fine! | (2 only) | He's worth a lot! | Relations and friends (4 others) (AA) | He's worth a lot! | (2 others) | I think him fine! | The Mother [with deep admiration] \ I think him fine!
/ Cousin [to Butterfly] | Why, Goro offer'd | him to me. | Butterfly [contemptuously, to her Cousin] | To you, my dear! | Pinkerton [pointing to Yakuside] \ And that shabby looking ninny Is the mad and boozy uncle.
Relations and friends (3 only & 3 only) (ST) [to the Cousin] Because on her his choice did fall, She would look down / upon us all! | Relations and friends (3 others) (AT) | I think her beauty's | on the wane. | Relations and friends (3 others) (T) [pitying Butterfly]
| I think her beauty's \ on the wane. Relations and friends (3 only & 3 only) (ST) He'll never stay. Cousin, Relations and friends (3 others) (A) I hope he won't. Relations and friends (3 only & 3 others) (T) I hope he won't. Relations and friends (3 only & 3 others) (SA) I think her beauty on the wane.
Goro [annoyed at the idle chatter, goes from one to another, entreating them to lower their voices] For goodness' sake be silent all.
Uncle Yakusidé [staring at the servants who are bringing wines and liquors] Is there no wine?
The Mother [leering, trying to keep out of sight], The Aunt Let's look around.
/ Relations and friends (4 special ones) (S) [with satisfaction, to Yakusidé] | I've just seen some, | the hue of tea, | the hue of tea, | and crimson too! | Relations and friends (4 others) (AA) [looking pityingly at Butterfly] | I think her beauty | on the wane, | 'tis on the wane. \ He'll never stay. The Mother, The Aunt, Relations and friends (tutti) (SSA) [falsetto] Ah! hu! Relations and friends (T) [in a nasal tone] Ah! hu! The Mother, The Aunt, Relations and friends (SA) ah! hu! / The Mother | I think him fine! | To tell the truth, a finer man | you never saw, not in your dreams. | I think him fine! | A finer man you never saw, | not in your dreams, not in your dreams. | I think him fine! He's worth a lot. | I think he is fine!
| Cousin [to Butterfly] | Goro had offer'd him to me, but I said no! | Handsome he's not, to tell the truth! | Why, Goro offer'd him to me, but I said no. | To tell the truth, I think him plain, to tell the truth. | He'll never stay, I hope he won't. I hope he won't! | Relations and friends (S) | Handsome he's not, to tell the truth, handsome he's not! | Handsome he's not, to tell the truth! | Why, Goro offer'd him to me, but I said no. | To tell the truth, I think him plain, to tell the truth. | He'll never stay, I hope he won't, I hope he won't! | Relations and friends (A) | Handsomer man you never saw, not in your dreams! | I think him fine! He's worth a lot. | To tell the truth he is so fine, I think him grand, | To tell the truth, I think him fine, to tell the truth. | He'll never stay, I hope he won't, I hope he won't! | Uncle Yakusidé | Is there no wine? Let's look around, let's look around. | I've just seen some the hue of tea, and crimson too, and crimson too. | Is there no wine? Let's look around! | Relations and friends (T) | Handsome he's not, to tell the truth, handsome he's not! | Why, Goro offer'd him to you, | but you said no! but you said no! | I think her beauty on the wane, yes, on the wane. | He'll never stay, I hope he won't, I hope he won't! | The Aunt | He's worth a lot! | To tell the truth, a finer man | you never saw, not in your dreams. | I think him fine! | A finer man you never saw, | not in your dreams, not in your dreams. | I think him fine! He's worth a lot. | I think he is fine! | Butterfly [to the cousin] \ A likely tale!
Goro [tries again to stop their chatter, then he signs them to be silent] For pity's sake be silent now! Sh! sh! sh!
Sharpless [to Pinkerton, aside] Indeed, my friend, you're lucky!
[at signs from Goro the relations and guests crowd together in a bunch, but still chattering excitedly.]
/ Relations and friends and the Cousin (S) | Goro offer'd him to me! | Relations and friends and the Mother (A) | He is grand, I think him fine! | Pinkerton | Ah she's a gem, a flower. | Sharpless \ Ah trebly lucky Pinkerton, [meanwhile Goro has made the servants bring out some small tables on which are placed various cakes, sweetmeats, wines, liquors, and tea-sets.] / Relations and friends and the Cousin (S) | Goro offer'd him to me! | Relations and friends and the Mother (A) | He is grand, I think him fine! | Pinkerton | Her fascinating presence | Sharpless \ Since fate has let you gather / Relations and friends and the Cousin (S) | But my answer it was no! | Relations and friends and the Mother (A) | I would not have answered no! | Pinkerton | Fans the flame of my passion. | Sharpless \ A flower hardly open'd [They then place on one side some cushions and a table, with writing materials,] / Relations and friends and the Cousin (S) | But I answer'd no! | Relations and friends and the Mother (A) \ I would not say no! Sharpless I have never seen fairer, / nor sweeter maiden than | this little Butterfly. | Do not look on this contract | And on her faith as folly | Relations and Friends (S) | I should not have far to seek, | Better men than him to find | and I would answer no, | and I would answer no, no, no! | Relations and Friends (A) | No, my dear, that is not so, | Truly a great lord is he, | I'd never answer no, | I'd never answer no, no, no!
| Butterfly [to her people] | Attention, if you please. | Pinkerton | Ah she's a gem, a flower | Which in good faith I have gather'd! | Relations and Friends (TT) \ She will be divorced, she will be divorced, she'll be divorced!
Sharpless I warn you! For she trusts you. [points to Butterfly]
Butterfly Mother, come here, [to the others] listen to me: all of you look, [spoken, in childish tones] one, two, three, all of you down! [at a sign from Butterfly they all kowtow to Pinkerton and Sharpless]
[Butterfly introduces her relations to Pinkerton, whilst the others note with marked satisfaction the liquors and sweetmeats which have been spread]
Butterfly My mother.
Pinkerton Most charm'd to meet you.
The Mother Your Augustness dazzles me with fairness.
Butterfly My cousin and her son.
Pinkerton [giving the child a playful smack; the latter draws back timidly] He bids fair to grow sturdy!
The Cousin [bowing] Your Augustness.
Butterfly My uncle Yakusidé.
Pinkerton Is that he? [laughing loudly] Ha! Ha!
Relations and Friends (SAT) [pushing Yakusidé forward] Yakusidé... [laughing] Ha! Ha!
Yakusidé [laughing] Eh! eh! eh! eh! [obsequiously to Pinkerton] Your antecedents shall live forever!
Relations and Friends (one half) (ST) [to Pinkerton] May the Heavens smile upon thee.
Relations and Friends (the other half) (ST) May your path be strewn with roses.
Yakusidé Your antecedents shall live forever.
Pinkerton [thanks them all, and to get rid of them shows them the delicacies spread out, then he turns to Sharpless again] Lord, what foolish people!
Pinkerton Come, my darling! How do you like your new house?
Butterfly Mister F. B. Pinkerton forgive me... I should like to... a young girl's few possessions.
Pinkerton But where are they?
Butterfly They are here... are you angry?
Pinkerton Nay, angry, why dear little Butterfly?
Butterfly Silken kerchiefs... For smoking... A colored ribbon. A little silver buckle... And a mirror... And a fan...
Pinkerton What is that you have?
Butterfly A little jar of carmine.
Pinkerton Oh fie!
Butterfly You mind it? There!
Pinkerton And that thing?
Butterfly That I hold most sacred.
Pinkerton And am I not to see it?
Butterfly Not here in public. Pray excuse me.
Goro It was sent by the Mikado to her father, with a message...
Pinkerton And her father?
Goro Was obedient.
Butterfly The Ottokè.
Pinkerton These small figures? Can you mean it?
Butterfly The souls of my forefathers.
Pinkerton Ah! I bow before them.
Butterfly Hear what I would tell you: Yesterday I crept softly to the Mission. Entering on my new life, I wish to adopt another religion. No one knows what I've done, neither friends nor relations. My fate I have to follow, And full of humble faith, I bow before the God of my dear master. The Fates have willed it. For me you spent a hundred yen, But I shall take care to be most frugal. And to give you more contentment, I can almost forget my race and kindred! My love!
Goro Everyone, silence!
Girl Friends Madame Butterfly.
Butterfly Madame F. B. Pinkerton.
Sharpless The best of wishes.
Pinkerton I thank you most sincerely.
Sharpless We shall meet tomorrow.
Pinkerton I surely hope so.
Goro Posterity.
Pinkerton I'm much obliged.
Sharpless Be careful!
Pinkerton And here we are with family. Let’s hurry in earnest. Hip! Hip! Chorus O Kami! o Kami! Pinkerton Let's drink to the newly married couple, Chorus O Kami! o Kami! Pinkerton Let's drink to the newly married couple. Chorus O Kami! o Kami! Let's drink to the newly married couple. Her uncle, the Bonze Cho-cho-san! Cho-cho-san! Abomination!
Butterfly and Chorus Uncle Bonze! Goro A plague on this intruder! What on earth brought him hither of all troublesome people?
The Bonze Cho-cho-san! Cho-cho-san! The Bonze Cho-cho-san! What were you doing at the Mission? Chorus and the Cousin Respond, Cho-cho-san!
Pinkerton What's that lunatic shrieking?
The Bonze Respond, what did you do?
Friends Respond, Cho-cho-san!
The Bonze How then, don't you even falter? Are these the fruits of evil? She has renounced us all!
Chorus Hou! Cho-cho-san!
The Bonze She's renounced, let me tell you, her true religion
Chorus Hou! Cho-cho-san!
The Bonze Kami sarundasico!
Chorus Hou! Cho-cho-san!
The Bonze In everlasting torment may your wicked soul perish!
Pinkerton Enough, do you hear me!
The Bonze Come with me all we'll leave her! You have renounced us all!
Friends We renounce you!
Pinkerton Leave this instant! In my house, I’ll have no yelling and no Bonzo! Chorus Hou! Hou! Cho-cho-san! Hou! Cho-cho-san!]
The Bonze Kami sarundasico!
Chorus Hou! Cho-cho-san! Hou! Cho-cho-san! Pinkerton Dearest, my dearest, weep no more. Let the frogs croak their loudest.
Chorus Hou! Cho-cho-san!
Butterfly How they yell!
Pinkerton All your respected tribe and all the Bonzes in Japan are not worth a tear from those dear little eyes of yours.
Butterfly Really? I'll weep no more. And now I'm scarcely grieved at their desertion. So sweet are your words of comfort, Which fall like gentle balm on my heart.
Pinkerton What's this? my hand?
Butterfly They tell me that abroad, where the people are more cultured, this is a token of the highest honor.
Suzuki And Izaghi and Izanami sarundasico, and Kami
Pinkerton Who's murmuring in there?
Butterfly It is Suzuki who offers up her evening prayer.
Pinkerton Evening is falling
Butterfly With shadows and quiet.
Pinkerton You're here alone.
Butterfly Alone and renounced! Renounced, and yet I'm happy!
Pinkerton Come hither, the shosi.
Butterfly Yes, we are all alone The world is yonder.
Pinkerton And your raging uncle!
Butterfly Suzuki, bring my garments.
Suzuki Goodnight.
Butterfly I long to be rid of this ponderous obi,... A bride must be robed
in a garment of white. He's peeping and smiling, concealed by the lattice, Oh, could I but vanish, my blushes to hide!
Pinkerton Just like a little squirrel are all her pretty movements! To think that pretty plaything is my wife! My wife! But her charm is so alluring, My heart is beating madly with passionate longing!
Butterfly I hear his angry voice still shouting curses... Butterfly they've renounced her, They've renounced her, still she's happy.
Pinkerton Child, from whose eyes the witchery is shining, now you are all my own. You're clad all in lily white raiment. How sweet are your tresses of brown in your snowy garment.
Butterfly I am like the Moon's little Goddess, the little Moon-Goddess who comes down by night From her bridge in the star-lighted sky.
Pinkerton Bewitching all mortals...
Butterfly Then she takes them, And she wraps them in mantle of white And away she bears them, To realms high above.
Pinkerton But dear one, as yet you have not told me, Have not told me yet that you love me
Do you think that my Goddess knows the sweet words I am yearning to hear?
Butterfly She knows, but perhaps will not say them, For fear she may die of her love, for fear she may die of her love!
Pinkerton Fear not, my dearest, for love does not mean dying, rather living, And it radiates happiness celestial. I see it shine, as in your eyes, dearest, I'm gazing.
Butterfly I used to think: if any one should want me...
Pinkerton Why do you falter?
Butterfly I used to think: if any one should want me Then perhaps for a time I might have married 'Twas then that the Nakodo Came to me with your marriage offer But, the truth I must confess: At the beginning, all he said was useless. A stranger from America! a foreigner! a barbarian! Forgive me, I did not know...
Pinkerton My gentle darling! and then? Continue...
Butterfly But now, belovèd You are the world, more than the world to me. Indeed I liked you the very first moment That I saw you. You're so strong, so handsome! Your laugh is so open and so hearty! The things you say are so fascinating.
Now I am happy. Yes, I am happy. Ah, love me a little, oh, just a very little, As you would love a baby 'Tis all that I ask for. Ah, love me a little I come of a people accustomed to little; Grateful for love that's silent; Light as a blossom And yet everlasting As the sky, as the fathomless ocean.
Pinkerton Give me your darling hands that I may kiss them My Butterfly! aptly your name was chosen, Gossamer creation...
Butterfly They say that in your country If a butterfly is caught by man, He'll pierce its heart with a needle, And then leave it to perish! Pinkerton Some truth there is in that, And can you tell me why? That you may not escape. See, I have caught you... I hold you as you flutter. Be mine.
Butterfly Yes, yours forever.
Pinkerton Come, then, come then... Love, what fear holds you trembling. Have done with all misgivings. The night doth enfold us! See the world lies sleeping!
Butterfly Ah! Night of rapture!
Pinkerton Come then, come then.
Butterfly Stars unending! Never have I seen such glory!
Pinkerton The night doth enfold us! Ah! hasten, hasten! The night enfolds us!.. See the world lies sleeping!
Butterfly Night of rapture! Stars unending! Pinkerton Hasten, hasten! Butterfly Never have I seen such glory! Pinkerton Hasten, hasten! Butterfly Throbbing, sparkling, each star in heaven, Pinkerton Come, my dearest! Butterfly like a fiery eye is flashing. Oh! Oh! how kindly are the heavens, Ev'ry star that shines afar! Is gazing on us, lighting our future for us... Pinkerton Cast all fear from out your heart! Close to my heart I hold you. You're mine now, ah! come, come you are mine now Ah! come then, see the whole world lies a-sleeping!.. Close to my heart I hold you, come! Butterfly Oh how kindly are the heavens on us shining! Pinkerton See the world lies a-sleeping. Ah! come! ah, come then, dearest! Ah! come, come then, be mine ah come! Butterfly see the stars!
Ah, lovely night! Thy perfect calm is breathing love near and far!
End of Act I.
Act II.
Suzuki And Izaghi and Izanami Sarundasico and Kami My head is throbbing! and thou, Ten-Sjoo-daj! Grant me that Butterfly shall weep no more, no more, no more!...
Butterfly Lazy and idle are the Gods of Japan! The God my husband prays to Will give an answer far more quickly To those who bow before him. But I am afraid he knows not That here we are dwelling.]
Butterfly Suzuki, How soon shall we be starving?
Suzuki This is all that is left us.
Butterfly No more? Oh, we have been spendthrifts!
Suzuki Unless he comes, and quickly, Our plight is a bad one.
Butterfly He'll come, though.
Suzuki Will he come?
Butterfly Why did he order the Consul To provide this dwelling for us? Now answer that! And why was he so careful To have the house provided with safe locks, If he did not intend to come again?
Suzuki I know not.
Butterfly Know you not? Then I will tell you. 'Twas to keep outside Those spiteful plagues, my relations, who might annoy me; And inside, 'twas to give to me, his wife, protection, His beloved little wife Butterfly.
Suzuki I never heard as yet of foreign husband Who did return to his nest.
Butterfly Ah! Silence, or I'll kill you. Why, just before he went, I asked of him, You'll come back again to me? And with his heart so heavy, To conceal his trouble, With a smile he made answer: ``O Butterfly My tiny little child-wife, I'll return with the roses, The warm and sunny season When the red-breasted robins Are busy nesting.'' He'll return.
Suzuki We'll hope so.
Butterfly Say it with me: He'll return.
Suzuki He'll return.
Butterfly Weeping? and why? and why? Ah, 'tis faith you are lacking! Hear me. One fine day we'll notice A thread of smoke arising on the sea In the far horizon, And then the ship appearing; Then the trim white vessel Glides into the harbor, thunders forth her cannon. See you? Now he is coming! I do not go to meet him. Not I! I stay upon the brow of the hillock, And wait there... and wait for a long time, But never weary of the long waiting. From out the crowded city There is coming a man, a little speck in the distance, Climbing the hillock. Can you guess who it is? And when he's reached the summit, Can you guess what he'll say? He will call: ``Butterfly'' from the distance. I, without answering, Hold myself quietly concealed, A bit to tease him and a bit so as not to die At our first meeting; and then, a little troubled He will call, he will call: ``Dear baby wife of mine, Dear little orange blossom!'' The names he used to call me when he came here. This will all come to pass as I tell you. Banish your idle fears, For he will return I know it.
Goro Come. She's here.
Sharpless I am seeking... Madame Butterfly...
Butterfly Nay, Madame Pinkerton, excuse me. Oh! Why, here is the Consul; yes, the Consul!
Sharpless What, you remember?
Butterfly You are welcome, Be seated You're most honorably welcome!
Sharpless Thank you.
Butterfly And your honorable ancestors, Is their health good?
Sharpless I hope so.
Butterfly You smoke?
Sharpless Thank you. I'm here...
Butterfly Augustness, The sky is quite unclouded.
Sharpless Thank you... I have...
Butterfly You prefer, most likely to smoke American cigarettes?..
Sharpless Well, thank you. I have to show you...
Butterfly A light?
Sharpless I've a letter from Mister Pinkerton...
Butterfly What? really? How's his honorable health?
Sharpless He's quite well.
Butterfly Then I am the happiest woman in Japan. Would you answer me a question?
Sharpless Gladly.
Butterfly At what time of the year in America, Do robins nest?
Sharpless Are you serious?
Butterfly Yes... Sooner or later than here?
Sharpless Tell me, why?...
Butterfly My husband gave his promise He would return in the joyous season, When robin red-breasts rebuild their nests. Here they have built them thrice already, But I thought that over there, They might do so more rarely. Who's laughing? Oh, the nakodo. A wicked fellow.
Goro I was...
Butterfly Silence.
Why, he dared... No, first I'd like your answer; Answer me what I asked you.
Sharpless I am sorry, but I don't... I never studied ornithology.
Butterfly Orni...
Sharpless ...thology.
Butterfly Ah, then you cannot tell me?
Sharpless No. We were saying... Now at last! Now if you please, be seated here, And read this letter through with me.
Butterfly Show me. On my lips, on my heart... You're the best man that ever existed! Begin, I beg you.
Sharpless ``Dear Friend, I beg you seek out that child, that pretty flower,''
Butterfly Does he truly say that?
Sharpless Yes, he truly says so; But if you interrupt so...
Butterfly I'll be quiet, and listen.
Sharpless ``Those were happy days together; Three years are now gone by since''—
Butterfly Then he too has counted!...
Sharpless ``Perhaps dear Butterfly remembers me no more.''
Butterfly I not remember? Suzuki, tell him quickly. ``Remembers me no more!''
Sharpless O Patience! ``If she still cares for me, and expects me''—
Butterfly Oh, what glorious tidings! You blessed letter!
Sharpless ``On you I am relying to act discreetly, And with tact and caution to prepare her...
Butterfly He's coming
Sharpless the blow to...''
Butterfly Tell me? quickly! quickly!
Sharpless (Well really!) (Here I ought to prevent her... That devil of a Pinkerton!) Now say,
what would you do, tell me, Madam Butterfly... If he were never to return again? Butterfly Two things I might do: Go back... and entertain the people with my songs... Or else, ...better... to die. Sharpless I am loth indeed to tear you From illusions so beguiling; But I urge you to accept the hand of wealthy Yamadori. Butterfly You, you, Augustness! You tell me this?... You?
Sharpless Holy Powers, what can I do?
Butterfly Here, Suzuki, come quickly, please, Show his Honor to the door.
Sharpless You dismiss me?
Butterfly I beseech you, let my words be quite forgotten.
Sharpless I was brutal, I admit it.
Butterfly Oh, you've wounded me so deeply, Wounded me so very deeply!
Butterfly 'Tis nothing, Thank you! I felt ready to die... But see, it passes, Swift as shadows that flit across the ocean. Ah, am I forgotten?
Butterfly Look here, then! Look here, then! Look here then! Can such as this child well be forgotten?..
Sharpless Is it his?
Butterfly What Japanese baby ever was born with azure eyes, I wonder? Such lips too? and such a head of golden ringlets?
Sharpless 'Tis his image. Has Pinkerton been told?
Butterfly No. No. I bore this child when he was far off, In his big native country. But you will write and tell him, There awaits him a child who has no equal! And would you tell me then, that he won't hasten Over land, and over sea! Do you know, my sweet, what that gentleman had heart to think? That your mother should pick you up, And forth should wander in rain and wind Through the town, seeking to earn enough For bread and clothing. And then before the kindly people To stretch out a trembling hand: ``Listen, listen to my sad song. Show love to an unhappy mother and take pity!'' And Butterfly, in her horrible fate, dances for you And as she has done, the geisha will sing! And the joyful and happy song Will end in anguish Ah! No more! This practice that brings dishonor! Kill me! Kill me! I’ll never dance again! I’d rather my life be cut short! Ah! Death!
Sharpless (Pitiful soul!) I must be going. You will forgive me?
Butterfly Now you give him your hand, love.
Sharpless What pretty golden ringlets! Darling, what do they call you?
Butterfly Respond: Sir, my name now is Sorrow, But yet, Write and tell my father: on the day Of his returning, Joy... Joy shall be my name.
Sharpless Your father shall be told, that I will promise,...
Butterfly You'll see, little love My grief, and yet my comfort, my own little love, Ah! you will see That your protector soon will be here, And take you and me to his own country, take you and me far away.
[a cannon shot]
Suzuki A cannon from the harbor! Look, it’s a ship of war!
Butterfly White, white,... the American stars and stripes!... It’s pulling into port to anchor! Keep my hand steady that I may read the name, The name, there it is: ABRAHAM LINCOLN! They all were liars! liars! liars! But I knew it always. Just I who love him! Now do you see the folly of doubting? He's coming! He's coming! He's coming! Just at the moment you all were saying: Weep and forget him. My love wins the day! See, my love and my faith have won completely.
He's here, he loves me! Shake that cherry tree till every flower White as snow, flutters down, His noble brow, in a sweet-scented shower I would caress.
Suzuki Be calm, I pray, this weeping—
Butterfly Nay, laughing, laughing! When may we expect him up here? What do you think? In an hour?
Suzuki Too soon.
Butterfly Two hours more likely Flowers, flowers be everywhere, As many as stars are in the heavens. Fetch the flowers!
Suzuki Not a flower left.
Butterfly Not a flower left? Come and help me.
Suzuki Roses shall adorn the threshold.
Butterfly, Suzuki Balmy breath of spring shall Balmy breath of springtime, shed her sweetness here. Let us sow fair April here,
Butterfly Ah, let the scented balm of spring shed her sweetness here...
Suzuki Ah, let the scented balm of spring be shed here. Lilies?.. violets?..
Butterfly Come scatter, scatter flowers all over.
Suzuki Let us sow fair April here.
Butterfly Let us sow fair April here. Now round his seat make a garland, this convolvulus entwining; Lilies and roses let us scatter, Let us sow fair April here! Suzuki Lilies, roses scatter, all his seat entwining; Roses let us scatter, let us sow fair April here!
Butterfly, Suzuki In handfuls let us scatter violets and white roses, And sprays of sweet verbena, Petals of every flower! And sprays of sweet verbena, Petals of every flower!
Butterfly Now come and make me fine. No, first bring me the baby. Bring me now my wedding obi Bring it hither quickly. I would have him see me in it As on my wedding day. In my hair we will put a scarlet poppy... Like this. Suzuki 'Tis daylight!... Cho-Cho-San...
Butterfly He'll come, he'll come... I know, he'll come.
Suzuki I pray you, go and rest, for you are weary, And I will call you when he arrives.
Butterfly Sweet, thou art sleeping, Cradled on my heart; Safe in God's keeping, While I must weep apart. Around thy head the moonbeams dart: Sleep, my beloved!
Suzuki Poor Madam Butterfly!
Butterfly Sweet, thou art sleeping, Cradled on my heart; Safe in God's keeping, While I must weep apart.
Suzuki Poor Madam Butterfly! Who is it?... Oh!
Sharpless Hush!
Pinkerton Hush!
Suzuki Hush!
Pinkerton Hush! Hush!
Pinkerton Do not disturb her!
Suzuki She was so very weary! She stood awaiting you all through the night with the baby.
Pinkerton How did she know?
Suzuki No ship has crossed the harbor these three years Whose flags and colors Butterfly has not eagerly seen and examined.
Sharpless Did I not tell you?...
Suzuki I'll call her...
Pinkerton No, no, not yet.
Suzuki Look around you, Last night she would have the room decorated with flowers.
Sharpless Did I not tell you?...
Pinkerton Oh, torment!
Suzuki Who's that outside there in the garden? A lady!!..
Pinkerton Hush!
Suzuki Who's that? who's that?
Sharpless Better tell her all.
Suzuki [in consternation] who's that? who's that?
Pinkerton She came with me.
Suzuki who's that? who's that?
Sharpless She's his wife!
Suzuki Hallowed souls of our fathers! Ah, the world is plunged in gloom is plunged in gloom!
Sharpless We came here so early in the morning To find you all alone here, Suzuki, that you might give us your help and your guidance in this our plight.
Suzuki How can I? How can I?
Sharpless I know that for such misfortune There is no consolation! But the child's future welfare Must be secured from trouble. Pinkerton Oh! the bitter fragrance of these flowers, It is poison to my heart! Sharpless This gentle lady, Who dare not enter, Will give the child a mother's care! Suzuki Woe is me! Do you ask me to go and tell a mother...
Pinkerton Unchanged is the chamber Where once we loved... Sharpless Delay not, call her, delay not, Call in that gentle lady, And conduct her here... If even Butterfly should see her, no matter. Then with her own eyes she will learn The cruel truth we dare not tell her. Go then, speak with that gentle lady, Go quickly and bring her here, and bring her here. Pinkerton But a deathly chill haunts the air. And here my portrait... Three years have passed away, Three years have passed away, Three years have passed away and every day, every hour she counted, alas, she counted! Suzuki Can you ask me to go and tell a mother... Woe is me! Hear my sorrow! Hallowed souls of my fathers!... Now all the world is plunged in gloom! Hear my sorrow! Hallowed souls of my fathers!... Ah! all the world is plunged in gloom! Sharpless Go, Suzuki, go! Pinkerton I cannot remain, Suzuki Hear my sorrow! Pinkerton Sharpless, I'll wait you outside...
Sharpless Is it not as I told you?
Pinkerton Give her this money, just to support her... Remorse and anguish choke me, Remorse and anguish choke me.
Sharpless I warned you, you remember? When in your hand she laid hers: ``Be careful! For she believes you'' Alas! how true I spoke! Deaf to all entreaties, deaf to doubting, humiliation, Blindly trusting to your promise, Her heart will break...
Pinkerton Yes, in one sudden moment, And feel that I shall never, ah never Free myself from remorse, no never more! no!
Sharpless Now go: the cruel truth she best should hear alone.
Pinkerton Farewell, o happy home, Farewell, home of love... Haunted forever I shall be by her reproachful eyes...
Sharpless But now this faithful heart has already divined... Pinkerton Farewell, home where she waited and loved. Sharpless I warned you, alas, you see how true I prophesied! Pinkerton I cannot bear to stay, ah! I cannot bear to stay! Like a coward, ah! let me fly! Farewell, I cannot, I cannot stay, Sharpless Yes go, and let her learn the cruel truth. Pinkerton ah! I am vile!
Kate Then you will tell her.
Suzuki I promise.
Kate And will you advise her to trust me?...
Suzuki I promise.
Kate I will care for this child as my own.
Suzuki I trust you. But I must be quite alone beside her... In this cruel hour... alone! She will weep so sadly! she'll weep so sadly!
Butterfly Suzuki! Suzuki! Where are you? Suzuki!
Suzuki I'm here... I was praying, and going back to watch... No... no... no... no... Do not come... no... no... no...
Butterfly He's here... he's here... where is he hidden? He's here... he's here... Here's the Consul... and... where is?... where is?... Not here!.. Who are you? Why have you come here? No one answers!... Why are you weeping? No, no, tell me nothing... nothing... Lest I fall dead at your feet at the words I hear... You, Suzuki, are always so faithful, don't weep, I pray! Since you love me so dearly, say ``yes,'' or ``no,'' quite softly... He lives?
Suzuki Yes.
Butterfly But he'll come
no more, They have told you!... Viper! I want you to reply!
Suzuki No more.
Butterfly He reached here yesterday?
Suzuki Yes.
Butterfly Who is this lady that terrifies me? terrifies me?
Sharpless Through no fault of her own, She's the cause of your trouble. Ah, forgive her pray.
Butterfly Ah! She is his wife. All is dead for me! All is finished. Ah!
Sharpless Courage!
Suzuki Like to a poor imprisoned bird Beats this little fluttering heart!
Butterfly Too much light shines outside And too much laughing spring. Close them.
Butterfly Where is the child?
Suzuki Playing... Shall I call?
Butterfly Leave my child to play, Leave my child to play... Go and play.
Suzuki I’ll stay with you.
Butterfly Go, Go, obey my order.
Butterfly Death with honor is better than life with dishonor.
Butterfly You? you? you? you? you? you? you? Little iIdol! My love, Pure as lilies and roses,. Though you ne'er must know it Through your pure eyes, Butterfly dies. That you may go away Beyond the ocean, Never to feel the torment when you are older, That your mother forsook you! My son, sent to me from Heaven, Straight from the throne of glory, Take one last look and trust your mother's face! That it's memory may linger, One last look! Love, farewell! Farewell, little love! Go, play, play. Pinkerton Butterfly! Butterfly! Butterfly!
END
