Nikolai Rimsky‐Korsakov A tender moon and calm, SCENE II Caresses with its rays Fairy Spring, King Winter The Snow Maiden The blossom‐laden trees, And in men's souls KING WINTER Opera in a prologue and four acts I waken love. When the cold cracks the timbers. Libretto by Rimsky‐Korsakov after Now in the very shadow, vast and chill, And the walls of the houses ; Alexander Ostrovsky of woods that mourn, When the frost makes the great I bid the flowers spring up from the courtyard gates frozen sod. Creak on their hinges, SUNG TEXTS Speaking to the Birds, who are trembling Then the smoke rising over the ENGLISH TRANSLATION with cold. dwellings, Dear birds of mine, you gossips dear to The smoke floating upward to vanish PROLOGUE me, 'Neath the breath of the wind, It is at the beginning of spring; night has 'Tis sixteen years ago, moved by mere I freeze of a sudden. fallen, and the Red Mountain is covered caprice, Aye, I freeze it and hold it with snow. To the right, bushes, a That I coquetted with old Winter here, Suspended ; scattered cluster of leafless birches. To Galant with heart of ice. And since that O'er the plain, above the trees the left, a thick forest of pine and firtrees, day, Suspended — their branches bending beneath the 'Tis I who am his slave. A girl What pleasure it gives me. weight of the snow. At the back, at the Was born us, and is in his power. How I enjoy it! foot of the mountain, a river; holes in the He keeps my child, my cherished ice are surrounded by small firs. On the Snègurotchka, FAIRY SPRING other side of the river, the town of In these vast forests of eternal shade, Your holiday has lasted long enough. Berendeycff, the capital of the Tzar Deep in the heart of woods that never Come, Berexdey. Its palaces, houses and izbas thaw. Be reasonable, and go! Off with you! are of wood, ornamented with carvings Her father in his palace guards my child; painted in various colors. Lights shine in I, who adore her, fain would see her KING WINTER the windows. A full moon silvers the open happy. Let be! country. In the distance the cocks are For love of her I must submit I'm going — You no longer love me, crowing. To my old husband Winter, despot though. morose. No longer you recall the days gone by. SCENE I Ruling this land and me. Fairy Spring and the Birds. He will not, does not wish to yield his FAIRY SPRING The Faun is seated in a hollow tree. Little place to gentle Spring! Now to whom by little, the entire sky is covered with Come, come, dance a round, dance to Will you confide your daughter? birds arriving from warm yourselves. beyond the seas. Dance, dance, as dance the sons of men! KING WINTER Sonic Birds seize their instruments, others She is here, THE FAUN begin to sing, while still others dance. Already grown up, steady, old enough to Farewell winter ! The cocks have crowed, behave; and Fairy Spring will come to earth with CHORUS OF BIRDS No road leads to her refuge safe: dawn. From one end to the other There she can stay all undisturbed. The time's at hand when my long vigil Of this vast world. o'er, The birds come hastening; FAIRY SPRING I’ll once more sleep in peace. To their queen's presence. Madness ! He disappears in the hollow of the tree. Subjects leal. Nay, liberty is what a young girl needs. The Birds continue to arrive in increasing The birds assemble. numbers. Fairy Spring, borne through the Who among our folk KING WINTER air by storks, swans and geese, and Are the strong, the masters? Well do I know the sun surrounded by a retinue of Birds, alights Who are the small and weak? Would gladly slay our darling child, on the Red Mountain. Hail, followed by snowflakes, commences I know the burning sun would clasp and to fall on the dancing Birds; the wind melt FAIRY SPRING begins to blow, the sky is veiled in clouds In the sky's fire, in passion's flame the At the hour given, the day is marked in which hide the moon; the storm spreads heart the calends afar. Of our child Snégurotchka. She, however, of time, I seek the country of the As long as she is pure and innocent. Berendeys ; THE BIRDS Need never fear the burning sun. Listen ! A land of cold, a land of winters long, Crowding around Fairy Spring, cry out. No girl can ever be too straightly A silent land, whose welcome does not Ah, ah! It is snowing! The big fîakes guarded. cheer. are falling! Bobyl, the poor devil, he is childless. Where are, alas, those lands, We'll give her to him, she shall be his Those lovely lands of sunshine? FAIRY SPRING daughter I The land whose joy endures, Quick! Into the woods! Beside the azure waves? King Winter himself is coming! FAIRY SPRING Yonder, the flowering meads, The Birds hide in the bushes. King Winter I am willing. The sombre myrtle thickets, comes out of the forest. And gardens full of roses KING WINTER Scent all the evening air. Little Snégurotchka, come here quickly! A fragrance warm and sweet Is breathed forth by the earth. Yonder, a silver moon,

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SNÉGUROTCHKA Without rest or repose SNÉGUROTCHKA Peering out from the edge of the forest. I hark and listen; O mother mine. Hallo! Hallo! And feel my whole heart melt. Whether or not I may find happiness, She runs out upon the stage and goes up at least I’ll seek it! to her father. KING WINTER Melt! Melt! FAIRY SPRING SCENE III O dreaded word! Word filled with evil Come now, let winter cease! Snégurotchka, King Winter and Fairy omen! A truce to hailstorms and to frosts ! Go Spring, afterward the Faun. Snégurotchka, avoid Lel, my daughter. swiftly. Mistrust his song and pleasant words! Do not sadden thus the merry carnaval FAIRY SPRING cortege! Poor little flower, poor wild flower. FAIRY SPRING Come to me quickly, come into my arms! O my daughter, KING WINTER Caressing her. Your mother loves you, and will watch A truce to cold, the winter's o'er! My sweet, would you live alone and free o'er you! Off, making a sign with his cap. The Among mere men ? snowfall ceases, the clouds disappear. SNÉGUROTCHKA The weather becomes clear as at the SNÉGUROTCHKA I am a child both prudent and discreet, beginning of the act. A crowd of the Oh yes, oh yes, dear mother ! but I Berendeys. Some are pushing the sleigh To go a‐strawberrying in the woods, Fear neither Lel, nor yet the songs he bearing the mannekin representing the Replying to merry‐voiced companions, sings. Carnaval toward the forest (Chorus I.); A‐ou, A‐ou ! others remain somewhat further to the To sing in chorus, after Lel repeat FAIRY SPRING rear (Chorus II.). Snégurotchka remains The joyous songs that celebrate the Snégurotchka, if it should chance that behind the bushes, near the hollow tree. spring, you Oi, Lado Lel! Some day are filled with anguish and SCENE IV Such is my dream, were my delight; with grief. Snégurotchka, Bobyl, Bobylicka, For without song I cannot live. Come seek me in the vale of the god Berendeys. Consent, dear father, and when you Yarilo. return. Call on my name, and whatever you CHORUS II With Winter to deep forest fastnesses. demand. Entering upon the stage. At fall of night then I will sing, I’ll sing. That will I do for you! Oï, oï, oÏ! To lend our loneliness a needed cheer. Oï, fair Carnaval! Oï, fair Carnaval! The gayest of the songs I know. SNÉGUROTCH KA Carnaval procession. 'Tis handsome Lei who'll teach me them. Thanks, mother mine. And I’ll be quick to learn. CHORUS I VOICES IN THE FOREST The cocks have crowed since dawn KING WINTER A‐ou! A‐ou! began. This handsome Lel, who made him The Faun comes out of the hollow tree‐ Announcing merry carnaval. known to you ? trunk, stretching and yawning. Farewell, farewell. Carnaval, farewell! You have gorged us with good food, SNÉGUROTCHKA KING WINTER Made us tipsy with hydromel and beer, From out my hiding place Hark to me, Faun: Farewell, farewell, Carnaval, farewell! I’ve seen him passing. I have seen the If Lel, or any other of these men. Good wine has been running in streams. girls Ever pursues the daughter of the snow. Good wine has been running like water. Go to him, promising the shepherd boy Against their culpable attempts, defend Farewell, farewell, Carnaval, farewell! The sweetest kisses if he'd sing for them. her; There you stand, so haughty and proud, And call him tender names: You Lead them astray amid the tangled Stuffed with straw, dressed in moss, handsome Lel! thickets. Farewell, farewell. Carnaval, farewell! You charming Lel, Oh Lel beloved! And set them floundering in the water‐ Royal honors have been paid you here, bogs! We lead you to the woods in a FAIRY SPRING handsome sleigh. This Lel. THE FAUN Farewell, farewell. Carnaval, farewell! Say, does he sing so well, my pet? I shall, my master! We shall leave you in a moment or so. Crossing his arms above his head he And our eyes shall see you no more. SNÉGUROTCHKA disappears in the hollow trunk. The Farewell, farewell, Carnaval, farewell! Mother! I know Berendeys are celebrating the Chorus I pushes the sleigh toward the I know, dear mother mine, all of the carnaval, off stage. forest and steps aside. loveliest songs. The lark's, which rises laughing to the CHORUS CHORUS II skies, Oï, oï, oï, Oï, oï, oï! And the swan's plaintive call, sounding Oï, fair Carnaval, Carnaval! Oï, fair Carnaval, Oï, fair Carnaval oï! o'er lakes adream. Oï, fair Carnaval, Carnaval! A whole year long there you shall sleep. Yes. and I know, I know And when next year comes awake again. The nightingale's pure voice, her song FAIRY SPRING Farewell! sublime. They are the joyous songs sung by the Enchantress of profoundest night; Berendeys. but I love Lel's songs best of all. King Winter, let us be off! Snégurotchka, Yes, I love best the songs of Lel, and day farewell! and night. Be happy now, O child of mine!

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CARNAVAL Come all of you, come step into my LEL The summer coming soon will fly, palace, Shall I sing? Farewell, thou sun of gold and flame! Enter my palace with its seven marble Fall will take flight when summer's gone. pillars. SNÉCUROTCHKA Farewell, ye crops, harvests farewell! Come, boyards and princes, come one Ah, Lel, I hardly dared to beg you to. Then come the months whose nights are and all! long. Bring unto me all your most splendid LEL The winter white with fallen snows. gifts Little maid, there is a price Already, though, the day grows long, And I, who am not proud, will smile on Which I prefer to others for my songs. the Sun grows hotter. When sets in you. Little maid, with a little kindness The thaw, and when the birds once more Poor Lel, the shepherd Drink running water from the brooks. SNÉGUROTCHKA Fain would be paid, or with a kiss. You will see Carnaval again! Farewell, father, farewell, farewell, my He disappears. Bobyl catches hold of the mother! SNÉGUROTCHKA empty sleigh, his wife clings to him. Oh forest, farewell, farewell, farewell! In truth, is that the price you ask? A kiss is it so dear? BOBLICKA VOICES IN THE FOREST A kiss is not enough to pay your songs. Come, let us go back! Farewell, farewell, farewell, farewell! And therefore I’ll not kiss you, Lel! The trees and bushes salute BOBYL Snégurotchka, bending down before her. LEL Now wait! Then pick a flower 'mid the grass, What, wife of mine, is it already over? CHORUS OF BERENDEYS And offer me it for my song! Our laughter done? Are we no more A‐ou, a‐ou! How terrifying! To eat and drink while others pay? Aie, aie, aie, aie, aie! SNÉGUROTCHKA Must we now toil and tighten up the The crowd disperses in a panic. picking a flower. belt? Here, take it then! Thanks, thanks! In truth, that will not do Curtain. for me. LEL Bobyl, what shall we do, alas! If any ask Poor dear, how can we manage without ACT I Who offered it to me I shall say 't was drink? A suburb of Berendey, across the river. To you! he dances. the right, Bobyl’s wretched hut, with its Snégurotchka stands, wellnigh in tears, Most beggarly of all beggars crumbling front; before it, a bench. To her hand resting on Lels shoulder. Is Bobyl! — named wretchedness. the left, Koupava's house, painted with The forest gaily awakens He has nothing here on earth. various colors. At the back a street; at And yonder the herdsman sings; To spend or wear, no goods nor chattels. the other end of the street a hop‐garden Ah, how sweet it is to live! and a bee‐hive. Between them, a path The sun shines radiantly BORYLICKA leading to the river. It is evening; the Among the branches, the silver birches Will you come back here, drunkard! horns of the shepherd's are heard. The Quiver when blows the breeze. inhabitants of the suburb gather Ah, how sweet it is to live! CHORUS OF BERENDEYS together, among them Bobyl. Amid the bushes, in the distance, Bah, let him be! By the narrow woodland path, Bobyl moves off toward the forest. SCENE I A maid comes running hurriedly; Snégurotchka shows herself. Everybody Bobyl, Lel, Snégurotchka, somewhat She runs and runs, fast and ever faster. draws near the tree trunk. later. Young Girls. She bears two bouquets of flowers. For her lover and herself! BOBYL LEL Good people, come and see this He enters, playing his shepherd pipe. CHORUS OF YOUNG MAIDENS wondrous miracle! Bobyl signs to him to enter his hut. Lel, Lel, Lel, handsome Lel. For your kindly greeting Loeli, Loeli, Lel, so kind, so graceful ! CHORUS OF BERENDEYS Poor Lel has naught to offer you, Our Lelionka, Lel, our Lel, handsome Lel, A princess! A live one, a real one! He only has his music and his songs. Come join us quickly, Lelionka! With her gloves, her boots and her Say, friend, would you have him sing? Lel casts away the flower given him by pelisse ! Snégurotchka, and is about to go toward BOBYL the Young Maidens. BOBYL For music I have no great liking. Princess, tell us where you're going! Sing for Snégurotchka rather than for SNÉGUROTCHKA What shall we call you ? Speak, Princess! me; Whither away? Do you reject my flower? But watch out lest your songs be sung in SNÉGUROTCHKA vain. LEL Snégurotchka ! Where I go how can I She is chary of her favors, What shall I do with it? It has already tell? And cold as the snow, faded! Yet if you be kind, then be my hosts. You'll get but a word of thanks and — Where do I go? Behold, on yonder And I will follow you into your town. farewell! branch. He who had the wit to discover me Off. That perching‐ bird. He'll pipe a snatch of Let him take me for his daughter. song SNÉGUROTCHKA Then fly away. Say, can you hold him? BOBYL Good‐day, handsome Lel, good‐day! Ah well, then I'm a great lord this Come closer ! moment.

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SCENE II MIZGUIR Mizguir and Koupava draw near to O fair young maidens, of more use than Snégurotchka. SNÉGUROTCHKA to you Alone. Koupava is to me. I have no one KOUPAVA Ah, how ill I feel, and how my poor heart To care for me and for my dwellingplace Snégurotchka, to please me, once again; suffers! No one to comb my long and curling hair. For the last time come dance with us! Like some heavy stone the flower Lel cast aside has bruised this heart of CHORUS OF YOUNG MAIDENS SNÉGUROTCHKA mine! He must pay ransom who would gain the Go dance then, let Lel follow us! The other girls know how to charm him. beauty I'll lay my spindle down and quickly join With laugh more kindling, and with Whom you come seeking in our midst. you. warmer voices. Give us a rouble, a half a rouble, quickly. she goes into her izba. Alas, I stay alone here and I weep. And you shall have Koupava. For Lel disdains me, flees afar from me! KOUPAVA O Father Winter, what evil you have MIZGUIR My dear love, let us go, and they will done me? Taking money front a bag which a follow! O Mother Spring, be kind, and give to me Servitor holds, and giving it to the A bit of ardent sunshine and of flame. maidens. MIZGUIR To warm again this poor cold heart of Here, take this gold, you handsome O wait! Do wait! mine! maidens. It gladdens me to pay the ransom to you. KOUPAVA SCENE III He hands them a bag full of walnuts and The village girls are waiting for us Snégurotchka, Koupava. gingerbread. yonder. Here are some bags of spiced cake for Snégurotchka returns, Bobyl and KOUPAVA you, Bobylicka coming behind her. Snégurotchka, I am happy, Accept them, pray! I'm happy, and would like to throw my the Young Maidens begin to sing a MIZGUIR arms around wedding chorus, while the Young Men This little maid is Snégurotchka; but Lel, The neck of every passer‐by, and shout surround Koupava. Say, who is he? my joy aloud. Hearken, Snégurotchka, and share with CHORUS OF YOUNG MAIDENS SCENE V me the joy I feel! Filled with pride, he struts superbly, Snégurotchka, Koupava, Mizguir, Lel, At dawn I gathered flowers on the hill Just like a peacock when he spreads his Bobyl, Bobylicka. Amid the sunshine; when I saw appear tail; A handsome youth with long and curly Yet golden are the feathers he is KOUPAVA hair. moulting. Without Lel, Snégurotchka will be very His glance was kind; and well you know It is the bridegroom by Koupava chosen, sad. yourself. Him to follow, him to follow That without friendship it were vain to She is ready to desert her comrades! MIZGUIR live. You think so, eh? With Mizguir, I am sure Some one day or another we must love... CHORUS OF YOUNG MEN That she would be far happier. He swore and meant it honestly, You shall not have Koupava, we'll protect At dawn, the day held holy to god Yarilo, her! KOUPAVA Before the tzar he'd crown my brow with We'll defend her, nor yield her up for But Mizguir, what of me? flowers, naught, And make of me his wife. Or everyone may think that they can MIZGUIR Snégurotchka, soon my dear Mizguir come and take O well, then Lel shall have you! Will hasten hither, seeking his betrothed Our loveliest village maids if so inclined. Among the other maids. Lo, here he they hold out their hats. KOUPAVA comes! My well‐beloved, I am your own; Mizguir makes his appearance in the MIZGUIR The grave alone can part us twain. distance, with two servitors. The Young to the Young Men. Maidens and Lel re‐enter. To you, I'll speak in quite another tone! MIZGUIR Go where you choose! SCENE IV KOUPAVA For my part, here I stay. Snégurotchka, Koupava, Mizguir, Lel, my dear love, my dearest love, Servitors, Young Maidens and Young I leave my parents and my village home, BOBYL Men. Mizguir and his two servitors enter I leave them both for you, my I greet you! bearing bags. Koupava hastens to hide wellbeloved. among the Young Maidens. Bid not Koupava sorrow, nor break her KOUPAVA heart so faithful and tender. A flood of burning tears KOUPAVA My dear sisters, now sing a festive Now blinds my eyes, Young maidens, my comrades dear, chorus The mill‐stone of his scorn Alas, here comes the lover who would And let us dance gaily in the meadow! Crushes this heart of mine. bear me off Go, love another woman, since mine From my loved parents and my village CHORUS OF YOUNG MAIDENS eyes home! Ah, in the plain, ah, in the plain, No longer can behold the wrong you do; Do not yield up your sister, comrades Stands a linden‐tree ; Nor my heart feel the agony you cause! mine! Beneath the linden, beneath the linden‐ Oh, Snégurotchka, cruel one. Or if needs must, let there be ransom tree Return to me my well‐beloved! paid! Is a tent.

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SNÉGUROTCHKA MIZGUIR THE TZAR Koupava, hapless friend, and you, mad Your eyes plunged into my eyes' very To the children love of hers, depths, Of my people, my door Depart in peace. Snégurotchka would no All unafraid, your voice was ardent; Is never closed! longer know you. And I thought, seeing you thus lack she endeavors to leave them. restraint. SCENE III Some day some other lover The Tzar, Bermiate, Koupava, Pages. The MIZGUIR Might take my place! Page introduces Koupava. Holding her back. Ah, no! Snégurotchka, remain. KOUPAVA KOUPAVA Tell me what is your happy lover's name? Ah, my father, ah, my father! O tzar, my fater! Who will defend me? SNÉGUROTCHKA THE TZAR I have none! CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE Raising her, kindly. The just protector of all those who suffer Speak, I am listening. MIZGUIR. Is our tzar. Go see the tzar, Koupava! Then I shall be your lover! KOUPAVA To Koupava. KOUPAVA May I tell all? Look yonder, Koupava, do you see the Mizguir! O wretched fate! My heart sun despairs! THE TZAR Already seek the shadows, soon to She loses consciousness, Lel supporting You must tell all! vanish? her. Will he again illumine the skies? KOUPAVA End of act one. Deign to reply : KOUPAVA When a youth looks at one and speaks to Suns that have set have lost their flame! ACT II one of love. An open anteroom in the palace of When one believes that one could live MIZGUIR Berendey. At the back, behind the with him happily, A dead love is not born again! balustrade of the gallery, tree‐tops as When, finally, one loves him, is one at Vainly you would rekindle it, Koupava! well as towers and wooden balconies, fault? ornamented with carvings, are visible. KOUPAVA THE TZAR Misfortune is my fate! SCENE I No, my dear daughter. The Tzar Berendey is seated in a golden SCENE VI chair, occupied with painting one of the KOUPAVA Snégurotchka, Mizguir, Bobyl, Lel, columns in colors. Somewhat further on 'Tis my sole crime. Koupava, Berendeys and Wives of the may be seen blind gusli‐players with their May I tell all? Berendeys. instruments; the Tzar's pages stand at the doors opening on the gallery. THE TZAR KOUPAVA You must tell all! Re‐enters. CHORUS OF BLIND GUSLI‐PLAYERS. Aid me in my distress! The vibrant and prophetic voice of the KOUPAVA gush For him I had forgotten all the universe. CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE Sings, O tzar of ours, thy grandeur and The tenderest love possessed me, life hapless friend, how he has outraged you! thy glory! and soul. What an unworthy insult, what an Our sightless eyes are turned toward the In the deep forest our two hearts were unworthy insult! earth, happy. What an affront for our young maidens! They are closed forever in a night that Lost in each other's gaze, we were in knows no dawn. ecstasy. KOUPAVA Glory, glory through the ages, to the wise Tell me. cruel one, before all the people. tzar, THE TZAR Did your heart then betray the faith you To the protector of the peac! My heart is moved by this your honest plighted Ceaselessly upon our guslis we will sing grief. At the same time when you declared you O sire and tzar, thy grandeur and thy loved me? glory! KOUPAVA Or this one day, has it made you a The Tzar thanks the blind men with a Great tzar, my father, tell me. perjurer? gesture, and they are led off. Happiness, is it naught but an empty Answer! dream? SCENE II MIZGUIR The Tzar, Bermiate, a Page, later THE TZAR I might have loved you always, now I love Koupava. O simple, hapless child! another: Snégurotchka! A PAGE KOUPAVA Entering. O great tzar, to the meadow... CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE A young girl prays His cowardly betrayal insults us all! In tears, that she THE TZAR O shame we all must suffer! Be given an audience. Speak, I am listening. Such a misfortune we have not yet suffered!

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KOUPAVA THE TZAR SNÉGUROTCHKA I had gone, taking my comrades with me, I thank you, children! The culprit, where Looking about the palace. And there no more had Mizgnir seen is he? How fair a palace! How splendid all among us things are! Treacherous Snégurotchka... BERMIATE Look, mother mine, all shines and Great tzar, Mizguir awaits your sparkles, look! THE TZAR judgment. She crouches on the ground to examine a Go on, go on! flower painted on a column. THE TZAR KOUPAVA And is his crime known unto all? BOBYLICKA Than he rushed up to this fair thief of Do I not look like a lady? hearts; CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE Do they see my handsome bonnet? Forgets me, mocks me and insuks me, Aye, it is known! too! WIVES OF THE BOYARDS All strength forsakes my body, which THE TZAR Bobylicka, see her! Look at her grows cold; And you, do you admit your fault? handsome bonnet! Suddenly, as falls a sheaf of grain 'Tis one with horns of ribbon and a pearl! I totter; ah, look at me, I fall, MIZGUIR I fall, I fall, my senses flee... Yes, tzar! SNÉGUROTCHKA She is about to fall, the Tzar supports her. They admire and look at you. THE TZAR THE TZAR Speak, how shall he be punished? THE TZAR Go, and straightway seize within his This beauty could be useful to us. home BERMIATE This felon vile! Let him be haled at once Command he take Koupava for his wife! BERMIATE Before his tzar. And then let there be To appease Yarilo. called CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE From all the towers my people O tzar, let him implore her to forgive. BOBYLICKA wellbeloved. Or else let him be punished! Come, say "good‐day!" That they make haste to come to the tribunal. THE TZAR SNÉGUROTCHKA He goes off into his own apartments. Mizguir, would'st ask her to forsgive Forgive me, I beg of you! Two heralds mount the gables. you? She bows. Do you wish her for wife? Good‐day, dear friends, good‐day to all! SECOND HERALD Sonorously. MIZGUIR BOBYLICKA Hark to my words! Mizguir has but one love within his soul, The wives of the boyards all are here; Most valiant boyards. Snégurotchka. Yet my bonnet is of all the handsomest. Most powerful and noble. Majestic boyards, KOUPAVA SNÉGUROTCHKA With your long, flowing beards, O tzar sublime, Yours is the handsomest! Lords of fair castles There is naught but scorn for him now in Yet who is that? Yonder, And of bare‐foot serfs! my heart! In a robe with golden girdle. And that long beard of white? FIRST HERALD ThE TZAR Hear, all of ye, the summons of your tzar. Then we will leave BOBYL Know the expression of his sov’reign will! The task of vengeance to the august Why that's the tzar! Go to him without gods. fear, THE TWO HERALDS Therefore do I, his judge, condemn Bow to him, little one! Draw near his throne magnificent. Mizguir to exile from his native land; Draw near that throne sublime Let him live with the wolves in forest SNÉGUROTCHKA Of the palace whereto your tzar you wastes, Greetings, O tzar! summons! Wolves cruel as himself; their savage Come to the courtyard of the tzar, hearts THE TZAR Come all unto his tribunal of justice, Will understand your own, Mizguir! Solemn and kindly nature, O holy power Where he gives judgment! and mystery divine. they descend from the gables.From the MIZGUIR My heart rejoicing worships all the inner rooms of the palace issue forth I have no word to say in my defence; wondrous gifts you give to us; Courtiers, Wives of the And yet, O tzar, if you had ever seen Your hidden purposes and goodness. Far Boyards, Pages; through the outer door Snégurotchka appear — from the sight of all, and by way of the staircase the people Enter Snégurotchka, Borbyl and his Wife. Deep in the savage woods you bade for enter, Lel among them. Mizguir is led in. us unfold Bermiate orders the rank's of the Chorus of the People This fresh and humble flower, this little Courtiers. At the end of the procession There comes Snégurotchka, with Bobyl mayflower white. appears the Tzar Berendey himself. and Bobylicka. You made dawn weep o'er her his silvery tears of dew; SCENE V SCENE VI So subtle and profound a perfume this The Tzar, Bermiate, Lel, Koupava, The Tzar, Bermiate, Koupava, Lel, flower exhales. Mizguir, Wives of the Boyards, Heralds, Mizguir, Snégurotchka, Bobyl, Bobylicka, It charms each sense and stirs the very Pages, the People. Wives of the Boyards, Pages, the People. soul!

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Snégurotchka, lo the time has come, MIZGUIR For whom is the crown? Happy the youth So choose the bridegroom whom you Illustrious tzar ! Recall my banishment. who wears it! may desire! And this I swear to you, 'tis I The crown is for her well‐beloved! Who'll gain the love of that young virgin Snégurotchka places the crown on the SNÉGUROTCHKA heart! head of Lel. Whom shall I choose, O tzar! I know not! THE TZAR BOBYL THE TZAR Mizguir and Lel, your promise I accept; Dancing and imitating the beaver. Your heart will tell you! Hopeful am I, and without fear will wait A beaver What fate decree. Into the sacred wood Bathes in the water, SNÉGUROTCHKA This evening we shall all together go; And ducks about, But my heart has not spoken. your songs Ai, Loeli, Loeli, Loeli! And dances they shall while the hours. Then leaves the stream THE TZAR The sweet spring night will pass as does a And climbs a rock. Be not afraid, dream. And dried himself‐. For age, my child, it brings the old man And on the morrow, when the first dawn Ai, Loeli, Loeli, Loeli! near pales. From the top of the rock To the young maiden. Wherefore should To‐morrow with the people I myself He looks all around. you blush Shall go to meet you, O sun‐god, lord of To see if anyone is coming. Before these faded and paternal eyes? flame! Ai, Loeli, Loeli, Loeli! So tell me all, for whom then, do you The merry huntsmen, wait, CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE And their swift hounds At night, upon the doorstep, Honor and glory be thine, Are trailing the beaver. tremblingly? Most mighty and sagacious tzar! Ai, Loeli, Loeli, Loeli! The one who ever, ever comes too late, O father of thy people! Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, Loeli, Loeli, Aï! the one Master beneficent! Whom your lips welcome with a cry of O tzar most wise! THE TZAR joy. That we may happy be, Entering the foreground with his suite. A\'ith laughter and with kisses and with O live forever, I greet you, O my children! I give thanks tears? Most mighty and sagacious tzar! to all. AA'ho is it? Tell me. daughter! Thanks for your songs, and for your End of act two. merry dance. SNÉGUROTCHKA My heart rejoices in the joy you feel! There is no one. Yet you would like to laugh a little ACT III longer, BERMIATE A vast glade in the forest; to the left and Buffoons, now dance and show the tricks Her candid heart as yet knows naught of to the right a thick growth of timber you know! love. which rises like a wall behind the brush. The Buffoons hurry up, they dance. In the distance, among the bushes, may THE TZAR be seen splendid tents. The sun is about LEL Know naught of love when one is fair as to set. Blowing his horn. she? One day the cloud said to the thunder: 'Tis an offence to Yarilo the great! SCENE I Growl, growl. 'Tis I who pour down rain Because of that the god is angry with us. The young Berendeys are dancing their That the earth may be refreshed; He who before another dawn will wake rounds. The youths and maidens wear And the flowers may be happy, thanks to Love in the frozen heart of this fair crowns of flowers upon their heads. The us. child— old men and women are seated in groups The maidens they shall gather I vow and swear — with a most roval gift among the bushes, drinking beer and strawberries, Shall take her for his wife! eating gingerbread. Among the first And the young men shall follow them. group of dancers is Koupava, in the Lel, my Lel, mv Loeli, Loeli, Loeli, Lel! BERMIATE middle of the group Lel and Through the woods an old man slowly There's no one says a word! Snégurotchka, Mizguir, who takes no passes part in the merriment, now show's Who, seeing the young maidens says to WIVES OF THE BOYARDS himself amid the crowd, now moves off them: O lord and tzar! Among the youths toward the forest. Bobyl plays the My children, tell me why so hard you're Of this place there's only one who knows shepherd pipe while he dances. Bobylicka weeping? With but a word to move a woman's and some of her neighbors are seated The naughty girl now hiding from you heart. near by, drinking beer. The Tzar and his yonder, And waken it to love, 'tis Lel! suite watch the people amuse themselzes Will she not answer to the calls you from a distance. utter? THE TZAR Behold her laughing at you 'mid the How great an honor waits you, YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG MAIDENS, bushes! shepherd! SNÉGUROTCHKA, LEL my Lel, my Lel, Loeli, Loeli. Loeli, Lel! Ah, a linden‐tree grows on the plain! LEL Beneath the linden‐tree a white tent THE TZAR My ardent passion shall embrace her rises, Thanks, handsome Lel! Children, this soul. Beneath the tent stands a girl. story And thanks to god the sun, our lord In the prairie, ah, the fair one I disbelieve! Among the fair young omnipotent. Has gathered flowers and made a crown maidens She too shall love! of them. Pick out the one you think most charming,

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Lead her before me, and this very SNÉGUROTCHKA KOUPAVA moment Terrified. Seeing Lel, she hurries to him. Let her, before the people here No, no, begone! At last once more I find you, whom I assembled love. Give a kiss to pay you for your song! MIZGUIR My dearest friend, my Lel, my only joy! Lel moves toward the young girls. Ah, speak the word which bids my hope My heart once more can feel, for you Snégurotchka arranges her hair. In rekindle! have saved me passing before her, Lel stops a Upon my knees, behold, I beg that you From insult cruel, and from deepest moment as though undecided. will say it! chame. Ah, shall I be loved by you some day? You have restored to me my pride in life, SNÉGUROTCHKA Reply! And with your kiss made me the equal of Take me, handsome Lel! Take me, take the happiest! me, dear Lel! SNÉGUROTCHKA Lel passes her by and goes on to Your jewels and your wealth keep for LEL Koupava. Snégurotchka, in tears, yourself. Well did I know which heart would conceals herself in the bushes. Lel For my poor heart is not worth somuch overcome me! chooses Koupava, and leads her across treasure; In your sweet eyes my ravished glance is the entire stage to the Tzar Berendey: Yet it is not for sale, my heart, lost; then drawing her to him, embraces her. It only craves a little bit of love, At last my soul its place of refuge finds! But not your love, Mizguir! Snégurotchka shows herself among the THE TZAR bushes, watching Lel and Koupava. Come, my friends, night closes round us; MIZGUIR Come, take your part now in the festival. I am your master! SNÉGUROTCHKA The while together we await god Yarilo. In despair. Let us make haste! SNÉGUROTCHKA O mother, they've deceived me! My children dear, I pray that joy attend Mercy, mercy! O save me, my handsome mother, O Fairy Spring, you! Lel! I weep and I implore you ; Off with his suite. Hasten to save me. Handsome Lel! I want to love! give me, mother mine, CHORUS OF THE PEOPLE MIZGUIR A heart like other maidens have! May joy fill all your soul as well! If Lel should hear you, let him come! I want to love I I want to love! Come, we will see our kind tzar's festival! Yet he would come too late to save you mother, O Fairy Spring! Little by little, they go off. It is night. The now. I want to love, or else I want to die! stage is empty. Snégurotchka struggles to release Off, running. herself. The Faun appears. SCENE II End of act three. Snégurotchka and Mizguir, then the THE FAUN Faun. Clasping Mizguir from behind. Wait, wait, now wait a bit, Mizguir! ACT IV SNÉGUROTCHKA Snégurotchka disengages herself, and The valley of the god Yarilo: at the back a Enters. runs across the glade to hide in the lake covered with aquatic plants and How is it, dear Lel, your heart is so cold forest. flowers; along its border, flowering To Snégurotchka, the poor orphan girl? The Faun changes himself into a dead shrubs whose branches overhang the Is she not pretty? Yes, indeed! tree. Mizguir atteinpts to pursue water to the right of the lake, the Yet you, you choose Koupava, lead her to Snégurotchka, but a forest spring is up mountain of Yarilo, a bare rock, with the tzar, from out of the ground and stops him. He pointed summit. The sun is rising. And kiss her. She must be handsomer. endeavors to make his way through the She must be handsomer, alas, than I? thickset trees. SCENE I My handsome Lel, listen to me! Snégurotchka,coming down from the The daughter of the snow will love you THE FAUN mountain, then Fairy Spring, followed by too, some day! Reappears. Flower‐Spirits. Come, give me your hand, and let us go In woodland depths pursue her shadow together still! SNÉGUROTCHKA To see the rising sun break from the A vision of Snégurotchka appears beyond O mother, my eyes are full of tears. shades! the trees, beckoning to Mizguir. My heart weighed down with anguish She takes off her crown. and with sorrow! But I am alone, by Lel already I'm MIZGUIR You, whom my call brought from forgotten. 'Tis you, 'tis you I see once more! beneath the waves. Me he abandons, he is with another. 'Tis you. whom I will follow everywhere! Hark to my plaint and take pity upon me! She begin's to sing, pensively. Fairy Spring rises from the lake, Ah, it is not to please me. THE FAUN surrounded by Flower‐Spirits. No, it is not to please me, The clear sunlight alone can drive away Alas, that he doth sing his songs. his dream. FAIRY SPRING He disappears underground. Snégurotchka, oh my child, what do you MIZGUIR The glade resumes its previous aspect. ask of me? Entering. Lel enters. Tell me what sorrow moves you? Snégurotchka, long have I looked for I have a single moment only to appease you! SCENE IV it. He seises her hand. Lel, then Koupava, later Snégurotchka.

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SNÉGUROTCHKA I want to love you, know no other law THE TZAR Oh grant me the gift of love, for I would Than your own wish! For ever I am May your marriage be blessed! love or die! yours! Live lovingly, live happily. Hide me where deepest woodland And in abundance. And at last. FAIRY SPRING shadows lie. Surrounded by your children end your O my child, your wish is granted! From Yarilo, the sun‐god's mortal fires! days! Snégurotchka and Mizguir place FAIRY SPRING AND CHORUS OF FLOWER‐ themselves in the shade of a bush. The MIZGUIR SPIRITS crowd descends from the mountain, Leading Snégurotchka before the Tzar. Flower of the springtide dawn. moving across the forest. In the van O tzar august, you have commanded me White lily of the sombre woods. come the gusli‐players playing upon their To win this heart, and I have done your Fier face illumine instruments, and the shepherds blowing bidding; With your reflection kind and sweet! their horns; behind them the Tzar and his And now I ask that you will bless us here! Flower of dreams, black poppy‐bloom, suite. Following the Tzar, in pairs, come You magic flower, the Young Men and Young Maidens who THE TZAR Lull her, and enchant her thoughts! are betrothed, in holiday attire; further Is it by your own wish that you confide Golden flower o' the hop. your exaltation on the rest of the Berendeys. Reaching In Mizguir's love? My daughter, with Spread through her heart! the valley, the crowd separates into two your hand She places the crown upon Snégurotcka's groups. Do you give him your heart? forehead. SCENE III SNÉGUROTCHKA SNÉGUROTCHKA Snégurotchka, Mizguir, the Tzar, Lel and O Lord tzar, In ecstase. the People. A hundred times I'll tell you, if you wish Ah, mother, what a miracle, how great He is my well‐beloved! Before the dawn, my joy! GENERAL CHORUS. I fondly had confessed to him How lovely all on earth and in the skies, I. The love I feel, and given him my life! What soft reflections on the waves, what We have sown the millet in the plain. A dazzling ray pierces the clouds and kindly shadows! Oï, did Lado, you have sown it. alights on Snégurotchka. How calm the forests! How pure and fair How I am moved! Is't ecstasy or death? the dawn! II. What fire profound penetrates all my We will thresh the millet on the floor, being! FAIRY SPRING Oï, did Lado, we will thresh it. O Mother Spring, thanks for this Dear daughter, hide your love from exaltation, Yarilo the god; I. This joy divine given me, to know love! Back to your dwelling, child, now quickly And how will you thresh the millet? My heart, my blood, the fibre of my haste, Oï, did Lado. being Nor lag to watch the dawn suffuse the Takes fire and burns! I die and melt away sky. II. In love and happiness ! Farewell, all ye Farewell, my daughter, and be faithful We will put the horses to it, Companions mine! Farewell, farewell, now Oï, did Lado. my well‐beloved! To your great vow supreme! Oh love of mine, I am all yours. She disappears in the lake, together with I. In this last glance receive my soul! the Flower‐Spirits. The horses, we will take them, She sinks to earth. Oï, did Lado. SCENE II CHORUS Snégurotchka and Mizguir. II. Ah, marvel strange and most mysterious! We will pay the ransom for them easily, Thus, as the snow melts in the sun's clear MIZGUIR Oï, did Lado. fire. Enters running. She has perished — Snégurotchka is no Wait, wait for me, Snégurotchka! I. more! What is the ransom offered us? SNÉGUROTCHKA Oï, did Lado. LEL Ah, whom do I see? O sun, radiance and power, II. Sun, splendor of the world, MIZGUIR We will give you a young maiden, Glory to thee, god Yarilo! Snégurotchka, in vain I sought you Oï, did Lado. Last night in the forest; say, do you fear CHORUS me? I. Glory to thee! And there will be one more of us, At a sign from the Tzar, servitors lead in SNÉGUROTCHKA Oï, did Lado. cattle and sheep with gilded horns, Nay, my heart knows fear no longer. barrels of hydromel, plates and dishes Let me look into your eyes! II. and all the paraphernalia of a banquet. No longer terror troubles and vexes my And there will be one less of us, soul, Oï, did Lado. End of act four. I see your open glance, I hear your During this song the two groups have ardent voice! slowly drawn nearer each other, moving THE END Dear one, I am your own! in cadence to the rhythm of their singing. Take me in your arms and carry me When the song is ended, the Young Men away! take their sweethearts and bow to the Tzar.

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