Tosca [libretto] lyrics

Cast:

FLORIA TOSCA (Soprano)

MARIO CAVARADOSSI (Tenor)

BARON SCARPIA (Baritone)

CESARE ANGELOTTI (Bass)

SACRISTAN (Baritone)

SPOLETTA (Tenor)

SCIARRONE (Bass)

GAOLER (Bass)

SHEPHERD BOY (Treble)

CHORUS

priests, pupils, choir singers, soldiers, police agents,

ladies, nobles, bourgeois, populace

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ACT ONE

###############

The Church of Sant' Andrea della Valle

To the right, the Attavanti Chapel. To the left, a painter's scaffold with a large painting covered with cloth. Painter's tools. A basket.

Enter Angelotti in prisoner's clothes, dishevelled, tired, and shaking with fear, nearly running. Looks quickly about.

ANGELOTTI

Ah! At last! In my stupid fear I thought

I saw a policeman's jowl in every face.

stops to look around more attentively, calmer now that he recognises the place. Sighs with relief as he notices the column with its basin of Holy Water an the Madonna.

The column … and the basin …

"At the base of the Madonna"

My sister wrote me …

Goes up to the Madonna and searches about at the base. Gives a muffled shout of joy as he picks up the key.

This is the key, and this is the chapel!

With the utmost care, he puts the key in the lock of the Attavanti Chapel, opens the gate, goes in, closes the gate and disappears within. Enter the Sacristan from the rear, carrying a bunch of painter's brushes, and muttering loudly as though he were addressing someone.

SACRISTAN

Forever washing! And every brush is filthier

Than an urchin's collar.

Mister Painter … There!

looks toward the scaffold with its painting and is surprised on seeing nobody there

No one … I would have sworn

The Cavalier Cavaradossi

Had come back.

puts down the brushes, mounts the scaffold and examines the basket, remarking:

No. I'm mistaken.

The basket has not been touched.

The Angelus sounds. The Sacristan kneels and prays in hushed voice.

Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae,

Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Ecce ancilla Domini;

Fiat mihi secundum Verbum tuum

Ei Verbum carofactum est

Et habitavit in nobis …

Enter Cavaradossi from the side door and sees the Sacristan kneeling

CAVARADOSSI

What are you doing?

SACRISTAN

rising

Reciting the Angelus.

Cavaradossi mounts the scaffold and uncovers the painting: it is of a Mary Magdalene with great blue eyes and a cascade of golden hair. The painter stands in silence before it and studies it closely.

The Sacristan turns to speak to Cavaradossi and cries out in amazement as he sees the uncovered picture.

Oh holy vessels!

Her picture!

CAVARADOSSI

Whose?

SACRISTAN

That strange girl who has been coming here

These past few days to pray

Such devotion… such piety.

waves towards the Madonna from whose base Angelotti has taken the key

CAVARADOSSI

It is so. And she was so absorbed

In fervent prayer that I could paint

Her lovely face unnoticed.

SACRISTAN

to himself

Away, Satan, away!

CAVARADOSSI

Give me my paints.

The Sacristan does so. Cavaradossi paints rapidly, with frequent pauses to observe his work. The Sacristan comes and goes; he carries a small basin in which he continues his job of washing the brushes.

Suddenly Cavaradossi leaves his painting: from his pocket he takes a medallion with a portrait in miniature, and his eyes travel from the miniature to his own work.

Oh hidden harmony

Of contrasting beauties! Floria

Is dark, my love and passion…

SACRISTAN

to himself

Jest with knaves and neglect the saints …

CAVARADOSSI

And you, mysterious beauty…

Crowned with blond locks,

Your eyes are blue

And Tosca's black!

SACRISTAN

to himself

Jest with knaves and neglect the saints…

CAVARADOSSI

Dissimilar beauties are together blended

By the mystery of art,

Yet as I paint her portrait, Tosca,

My sole thought is of you.

SACRISTAN

to himself

These various women

In rivalry with the Madonna

Smell of the devil.

Jest with knaves and neglect the saints …

But we can have no truck

With these agnostic dogs,

Enemies of the Holy Government!

Jest with knaves and neglect the saints …

Yes, they are sinners the whole pack of them!

Let us rather make the sign of the cross.

to Cavaradossi

Excellency, may I go?

CAVARADOSSI

As you wish.

resumes his painting

SACRISTAN

Your basket's full …

Are you fasting?

CAVARADOSSI

I'm not hungry.

SACRISTAN

ironically rubbing his hands

Oh! So sorry!

He cannot contain a gleeful gesture as he glances avidly at the full basket. He picks it up and places it to one side.

Be sure to close up when you leave.

CAVARADOSSI

Run along!

SACRISTAN

I'm going.

Exit at the rear.

Cavaradossi continues working, his back to the chapel.

Angelotti appears at the gate there, and puts the key in the lock, believing the church is still deserted.

CAVARADOSSI

turns at the creaking of the lock

Someone in there!

startled by the painter's movement, Angelotti stops as though to return to his hiding-place, but looks up and cries out in joy as he recognises Cavaradossi.

Smothering his cry, he stretches out his arms towards the painter as toward an unexpected friend in need.

ANGELOTTI

You! Cavaradossi!

Heaven itself has sent you!

Don't you recognise me?

Has prison, then, wrought such a great change in me?

CAVARADOSSI

looks closely at Angelotti’s face and finally remembers. Quickly drops his palette and brushes, and comes down from the scaffold. Looks about wanly as he goes up to Angelotti.

Angelotti! The Consul!

Of the lamented Roman Republic!

runs to close door at right

ANGELOTTI

I have just escaped from Castel Sant'Angelo.

CAVARADOSSI

I am at your service.

TOSCA

from without

Mario!

at Tosca's call, Cavaradossi motions Angelotti to be quiet

CAVARADOSSI

Go and hide! It's a jealous woman!

Only a moment and I'll send her away.

TOSCA

Mario!

CAVARADOSSI

in the direction of her voice

Here I am.

ANGELOTTI

feeling suddenly weak, he leans against the scaffold

I'm faint with exhaustion. I can't stand up.

CAVARADOSSI

fetches the basket from the top of the scaffold and pushes Angelotti towards the chapel with words of encouragement

There's food and wine in this basket.

ANGELOTTI

Thanks!

CAVARADOSSI

Quick now!

Angelotti enters the chapel

TOSCA

still from without, calling angrily

Mario! Mario! Mario!

CAVARADOSSI

opening the gate

I am here …

TOSCA

bursts in with a kind of violence, thrusting Cavaradossi aside as he tries to embrace her, and looks around suspiciously

Why was it locked?

CAVARADOSSI

That was the Sacristan's wish.

TOSCA

With whom were you talking9

CAVARADOSSI

With you!

TOSCA

You were whispering with someone else.

Where is she? …

CAVARADOSSI

Who?

TOSCA

She! That woman!

I heard her quick steps

And her dress rustling.

CAVARADOSSI

You're dreaming!

TOSCA

Do you deny it?

CAVARADOSSI

trying to kiss her

I deny it and I love you!

TOSCA

with gentle reproach

Oh no! Before the gentle, Madonna,

No, Mario!

First let me pray and offert hese flowers.

approaches the Madonna, arranges artfully about her the flowers she has brought, and kneels to pray, then rises to address Mario who has resumed his work

Now listen: tonight I am singing,

But the programme will be brief. Wait for me

At the stage entrance, and we two shall go

Alone together to your villa.

CAVARADOSSI

his thoughts still elsewhere

Tonight?

TOSCA

It is the time of the full moon, when the heart

Is drunk with the nightly fragrance

Of the flowers. Are you not happy?

CAVARADOSSI

still somewhat distraught and thoughtful

So very happy!

TOSCA

struck by his tone

Say it again!

CAVARADOSSI

So very happy!

TOSCA

How faintly you say it'

sits on the steps next to Cavaradossi

Do you not long for our little house

That is waiting for us, hidden in the grove?

Our refuge, sacred to us and unseen by the world,

Protected with love and mystery?

Oh, at your side to listen there

To the voices of the night

As they rise through the starlit,

Shadowed silences:

From the woods, from the thickets

And the dry grass, from the depths

Of shattered tombs

Scented with thyme,

The night murmurs

Its thousand loves

And false counsels

To soften and seduce the heart.

Oh wide fields, blossom! and sea winds throb

In the moon's radiance, ah,

Rain down desire you vaulted stars!

Tosca burns with a mad love!

CAVARADOSSI

Ah! Sorceress, 1 am bound in your toils …

TOSCA

Tosca's blood burns with a mad love!

CAVARADOSSI

Sorceress, I will come!

looks towards where Angelotti went out

But now you must let me work,

TOSCA

You dismiss me?

CAVARADOSSI

You know my work is pressing.

TOSCA

I am going!

glancing up she sees the painting

And who is that blond woman there?

CAVARADOSSI

Mary Magdalene. Do you like her?

TOSCA

She is too beautiful!

CAVARADOSSI

laughing

Ah, rare praise!

TOSCA

suspicious

You laugh?

I have seen those sky-blue eyes before.

CAVARADOSSI

unconcerned

There are so many in the world!

TOSCA

trying to remember

Wait … wait …

It's the young Attavanti!

CAVARADOSSI

Brava!

TOSCA

blindly jealous

Do you see her? She loves you! Do you love her?

CAVARADOSSI

By pure chance …

TOSCA

Those steps and whispers …

Ah … She was here just now …

CAVARADOSSI

Come here!

TOSCA

The shameless flirt! And to me!

CAVARADOSSI

serious

By pure chance I saw her yesterday …

She came here to pray …

And I, unnoticed, painted her.

TOSCA

Swear!

CAVARADOSSI

I swear!

TOSCA

her eyes still on the painting

How intently she stares at me!

CAVARADOSSI

Come away!

TOSCA

She taunts and mocks me.

CAVARADOSSI

What foolishness!

holding her close and gazing at her

TOSCA

insisting

Ah, those eyes …

CAVARADOSSI

What eyes in the world can compare

with your black and glowing eyes?

It is in them that my whole being fastens,

Eyes soft with love and rich with anger

Where in the whole world are eyes

To compare with your black eyes?

TOSCA

won over, resting her head on his shoulder

Oh, how well you know the art

Of capturing women's hearts!

still persisting in her idea

But let her eyes be black ones!

CAVARADOSSI

My jealous Tosca!

TOSCA

Yes, I feel it, I torment you

Unceasingly.

CAVARADOSSI

My jealous Tosca!

TOSCA

I know you would forgive me

If you knew my grief.

CAVARADOSSI

You are my idol Tosca,

All things in you delight me;

Your storming anger

And your pulsing love!

TOSCA

Say again

Those consoling words …

Say them again!

CAVARADOSSI

My life, my troubled one, beloved.

I shall always say, "I love you Floria"

Set your uneasy heart at rest,

I shall always say "I love you."

TOSCA

disengaging, lest she be won completely

Good heavens! What a sin!

You have undone my hair.

CAVARADOSSI

Now you must leave me!

TOSCA

You stay at your work until this evening.

And will you promise that, blond locks

Or black, by chance or otherwise,

No woman shall come here to pray?

CAVARADOSSI

I swear it beloved. Go now!

TOSCA

How you do hurry me along!

CAVARADOSSI

mildly reproving, as he sees her jealousy return

Come, again?

TOSCA

falling into his arms, with upturned cheek

No, forgive me!

CAVARADOSSI

smiling

Before the Madonna?

TOSCA

She is so good!

But let her eyes be black ones!

A kiss and Tosca hurries away. Cavaradossi listens to her withdrawing footsteps, then carefully opens the door half-way and peers out. Seeing that all is clear, he runs to the Chapel, and Angelotti at once appears from behind the gate.

CAVARADOSSI

opening the gate for Angelotti, who has naturally heard the foregoing dialogue

She is good my Tosca, but, as she trusts

Her confessor, she hides nothing.

So I must say nothing. It is wiser so.

ANGELOTTI

Are we alone?

CAVARADOSSI

Yes, What is your plan?

ANGELOTTI

As things stand now, either to flee the State

Or stay in hiding in Rome. My sister …

CAVARADOSSI

Attavanti?

ANGELOTTI

Yes, she hid some women's clothes

Under the altar there,

A dress, a veil, a fan. As soon as it gets dark

I'll put these garments on …

CAVARADOSSI

Now I understand!

That prudent behaviour

And that fervent prayer

In so young and beautitul a woman

Had made me suspect

Some secret love! …

It was the love of a sister!

ANGELOTTI

She has dared all

To save me from that scoundrel Scarpia!

CAVARADOSSI

Scarpia? That licentious bigot who exploits

The uses of religion as refinements

For his libertine lust, and makes

Both the confessor and the hangman

The servant of his wantonness!

I'll save you, should it cost my life!

But delaying until nightfall is not safe.

ANGELOTTI

I fear the sunlight.

CAVARADOSSI

The Chapel gives on a vegetable garden:

Beyond that is a canefield

That winds along through meadows to my villa.

ANGELOTTI

Yes, I know.

CAVARADOSSI

Here is the key. Before evening

I shall join you there. Take

The woman's costume with you.

ANGELOTTI

bundling together the clothes from under the altar

Should I put them on?

CAVARADOSSI

You needn't now, the path's deserted.

ANGELOTTI

about to go

Good-bye!

CAVARADOSSI

running towards him

If there's sign of danger, go

To the garden well. There's water at the bottom,

But half-way down, a little passage

Leads to a dark room. It's a sure,

Impenetrable hiding place!

The report of a cannon. The two men look at each other in alarm.

ANGELOTTI

The cannon of the castle!

CAVARADOSSI

They've discovered your escape! Now Scarpia

Lets loose his pack of spies!

ANGELOTTI

Good-bye!

CAVARADOSSI

with sudden resolve

I will come with you. We must be on guard!

ANGELOTTI

Someone's coming!

CAVARADOSSI

If we're attacked we fight!

They leave quickly by the Chapel. Enter the Sacristan running, hustling and shouting.

SACRISTAN

Joyful news, Excellency!

he looks towards the scaffold, and is surprised that once again the painter is not there

He's gone. I am disappointed.

He who aggrieves a misbeliever

Earns an indulgence!

Priests, pupils and singers of the Chapel enter tumultuously from every direction

The whole choir is here!

Hurry!

Other pupils arrive tardily, and at length all group themselves together.

ALLIEVI

in great confusion

Where?

SACRISTAN

pushing some of the priests along

In the sacristy.

SOME PUPILS

But what's happened?

SACRISTAN

You haven't heard?

Bonaparte … the scoundrel …

Bonaparte …

OTHERS

Well? What?

SACRISTAN

He was plucked and quartered

And thrown to Beelzebub!

CHORUS

Who says so? It’s a dream! It’s nonsense!

SACRISTAN

Its a true report,

The news just reached us.

CHORUS

Let's celebrate the victory!

SACRISTAN

And tonight

A mighty torch procession,

A gala evening at Farnese Palace,

And a new cantata for the great occasion

With Floria Tosca!

And in the churches,

Hymns to the Lord!

Now get along and dress,

And no more shouting.

On with you to the Sacristy!

CHORUS

laughing and shouting gaily

Double pay … Te Deum … Gloria!

Long live the King! Let's celebrate the victory!

Their shouting is at its height when an ironic voice cuts short the uproar of songs and laughter. It is Scarpia. Behind him, Spoletta and several policemen.

SCARPIA

Such a hubbub in church! A fine respect!

SACRISTAN

stammering with fright

Excellency, the joyous news …

SCARPIA

Prepare for the Te Deum.

all depart crest-fallen; even the Sacristan hopes to slip away, but Scarpia brusquely detains him

You stay here!

SACRISTAN

cowering

I shan't move!

SCARPIA

to Spoletta

And you search every corner,

Track down every clue.

SPOLETTA

Very well.

SCARPIA

to other policemen

Keep watch at the doors,

Without arousing suspicion!

to Sacristan

Now, as for you …

Weigh your answers well.

A prisoner of State

Has just escaped from Castel Sant'Angelo.

He took refuge here.

SACRISTAN

Heaven help us!

SCARPIA

He may still be here. Where is the Chapel

Of the Attavanti?

SACRISTAN

That is it there,

goes to the gate and finds it half-open

It's open … Merciful Heaven!

And there's another key!

SCARPIA

A good sign. Let's go in.

They enter the Chapel and then return. Scarpia, balked, has a fan in his hands which he shakes nervously.

It was a bad mistake

To fire the cannon. The cheat

Has flown the roost, but left behind

A precious clue, a fan.

Who was the accomplice

In his flight?

puzzles over the situation, then examines the fan; suddenly notices the coat of arms

The Marchesa Attavanti! Its her crest …

looks around scrutinizing every corner of the church. His gaze rests on the scaffold, the painter's tools, the painting and he recognises the familiar features of the Attavanti in the face of the saint

Her portrait!

to the Sacristan

Who painted that picture?

SACRISTAN

The Cavalier Cavaradossi.

SCARPIA

He!

One of the policemen returns from the Chapel bringing the basket which Cavaradossi gave to Angelotti.

SACRISTAN

Heavens! The basket!

SCARPIA

pursuing his own thoughts

He! Tosca's lover! A suspect character!

A revolutionary!

SACRISTAN

peering into the basket

Empty! Empty!

SCARPIA

What do you say?

on seeing policeman with the basket

What's that?

SACRISTAN

taking the basket

They found this basket

In the Chapel.

SCARPIA

Have you seen it before?

SACRISTAN

Yes, indeed!

hesitant and fearful

It's the painter's basket … but … even so …

SCARPIA

Spit out what you know!

SACRISTAN

I left it for him filled

With excellent food …

The painter's meal!

SCARPIA

attentive, seeking to discover more

Then he must have eaten!

SACRISTAN

In the chapel? No. He had no key,

Nor did he want to eat. He told me so himself.

So I put the basket safely to one side.

Libera me domine!

Shows where he put the basket, and leaves it there.

SCARPIA

to himself

It's all clear now

The Sacristan's food

Became Angelotti's booty!

sees Tosca, who enters in haste

Tosca? She must not see me.

hides behind the column with the basin of Holy Water

Iago had a handkerchief, and I a fan

To drive a jealous lover to distraction!

TOSCA

runs towards the scaffold sure of finding Cavaradossi, and is taken aback on not seeing him there

Mario! Mario!

SACRISTAN

at the foot of the scaffold

The painter Cavaradossi? Who knows

Where the heretic is

And with whom?

He's slipped away, evaporated

By his own witchcraft.

he slips away

TOSCA

Deceived? No …

He could not betray me!

SCARPIA

circling the column, he advances towards the astonished Tosca. Dips his fingerin the basin, and offers her the Holy Water. Bells sound outside, summoning the faithful to the church

DivineTosca,

My hand awaits

Your delicate hand,

Not out of idle gallantry,

But to offer Holy Water.

TOSCA

touching Scarpias hand and crossing herself

Thank you, Sir!

Slowly the central knave of the church fills with the faithful - people of every station, rich and poor, townsmen and peasants, soldiers and beggars. Then a Cardinal, with the head of the Convent, who proceeds to the main altar. Before that altar, the crowd jams into the central nave.

SCARPIA

It is a noble example

That you give, Tosca;

Filled with holy zeal, you draw

From Heaven the mastery of art

To revive the faith of men.

TOSCA

distraught and preoccupied

You are too kind.

SCARPIA

Pious women are so rare …

Your life is the stage …

significantly

Yet you come to church to pray.

TOSCA

surprised

What do you mean?

SCARPIA

And you are not

As other strumpets are

points to the portrait

Who have the dress and face of Magdalene

And come to scheme in love.

TOSCA

at once aroused

What? In love? Your proof!

SCARPIA

showing her the fan

Is this a painter's tool?

TOSCA

grabbing it

A fan! Where was it?

SCARPIA

There on the scaffold. Obviously

Somebody surprised the lovers,

And she lost her feathers in her flight!

TOSCA

studying the fan

The crown! The crest! It’s the Attavanti's!

Oh prophetic doubt!

SCARPIA

to himself

I've hit the mark!

TOSCA

forgetting both the place and Scarpia, tries to hold back her tears

And I came sadly here to tell him

That in vain, tonight, the sky will darken;

For the lovesick Tosca is a prisoner …

SCARPIA

to himself

The poison bites home already!

TOSCA

A prisoner of the royal jubilee!

SCARPIA

to himself

The poison bites home already!

sweetly to Tosca

Oh gracious lady,

What avails you?

For I see

A rebel tear

Mars your fair cheek

And moistens it.

Oh gracious lady,

Why are you grieving?

TOSCA

It is nothing!

SCARPIA

insinuating

I would give my life

To wipe away those tears.

TOSCA

unheeding

Here I am heartbroken, while he

In another's arms, mocks at my anguish.

SCARPIA

to himself

The poison bites deep.

TOSCA

her anger rising

Where are they? Could I but catch

The traitors! Oh dark suspicion!

Double loves now nest

Inside this villa!

Oh traitor!

with immense grief

Oh my fair nest befouled with mud!

with quick resolve

I'll fall upon them unexpected!

turns threateningly towards the portrait

You shall not have him tonight, I swear!

SCARPIA

with a scandalized air and tone of rebuke

In church!

TOSCA

God will pardon me. He sees me weeping!

She leaves in great distress, Scarpia accompanying her and pretending to reassure her. As she leaves, he returns to the column and makes a sign.

SCARPIA

to Spoletta, who emerges from behind the column

Three men and a carriage … Quick, follow

Wherever she goes! And take care!

SPOLETTA

Yes Sir. And where do we meet?

SCARPIA

Farnese Palace!

Spoletta hurries out with three policemen

Go,Tosca!

Now Scarpia digs a nest within your heart!

Go, Tosca. Scarpia now sets loose

The roaring falcon of your jealousy!

How great a promise in your quick suspicions!

Now Scarpia digs a nest within your heart!

Go, Tosca!

Scarpia kneels and prays as the Cardinal passes

CHORUS

Adjutorum nostrum in nomine Domini

Qui fecit coelum et terram

Sit nomen Domini benedictum

Et hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.

SCARPIA

My will takes aim now at a double target,

Nor is the rebel's head the bigger prize …

Ah, to see the flame of those imperious eyes

Grow faint and languid with passion …

For him, the rope,

And for her, my arms …

CHORUS

Te Deum laudamus,

Te Deum confitemur!

SCARPIA

The sacred chant from the back of the church startles him, as though awakening him from a dream. He collects himself, makes the Sign of the Cross

Tosca you make me forget God!

he kneels and prays devoutly

CHORUS, CHORUS

Te aeternum

Patrem omnis terra veneratur!

ACT TWO

Scarpia's apartment on an upper floor of the Farnese Palace

A table set for supper. A wide window opening on the palace courtyard. It is night. Scarpia is at the table taking his supper; every now and again he pauses to reflect. Looks at his watch, he is angry and preoccupied.

SCARPIA

Tosca is a good falcon!

Surely by this time

My hounds have fallen on their double prey!

And tomorrow's dawn will see

Angelotti on the scaffold

And the fine Mario hanging from a noose.

rings a bell. Enter Sciarrone

Is Tosca in the palace?

SCIARRONE

A chamberlain has just gone

To look for her.

SCARPIA

points towards the window

Open the window. It is late.

The sound of an orchestra is heard from the lower floor, where Maria Carolina, the Queen of Naples, is giving a party in honour of Melas.

The Diva is still missing from the concert.

And they strum gavottes.

to Sciarrone

Wait for Tosca at the entrance:

Tell her I shall expect her

After the concert ...

Or better ...

rises and goes to write a note

Give her this note.

exit Sciarrone. Scarpia resumes his seat at the table

She will come for love of her Mario!

And for love of Mario she will yield

To my pleasure. Such is the profound misery

Of profound love ... For myself the violent conquest

Has stronger relish than the soft surrender.

I take no delight in sighs or vows

Exchanged at misty lunar dawn.

I know not how to draw

Harmony from guitars, or horoscopes

From flowers, nor am I apt at dalliance,

Or cooing like the turtle dove. I crave.

I pursue the craved thing, sate myself and cast it by,

And seek new bait. God made diverse beauties

As he made diverse wines, and of these

God-like works I mean to taste my full.

He drinks. Enter Sciarrone.

SCIARRONE

Spoletta's here.

SCARPIA

Show him in. In good time, too.

enter Spoletta. Scarpia questions him without looking up from his supper

Well, my fine man, how did the hunt go?

SPOLETTA

(Saint Ignatius help me!)

We kept on the lady's trail

Following her to a lonely villa

lost in the woods.

She entered there and soon came out alone.

At once with my dogs I vaulted over

The garden wall and

Burst into the house.

SCARPIA

Well done, Spoletta!

SPOLETTA

hesitant

I sniff ... I scratch ... I rummage ...

SCARPIA

sensing Spolettas hesitation, rises scowling and pale with anger

And Angelotti?

SPOLETTA

Nowhere to be found

SCARPIA

in a rage

Ah dog! Traitor!

Snout of a snake,

To the gallows!

SPOLETTA

Jesus!

trying to appease Scarpia's wrath

The painter was there …

SCARPIA

Cavaradossi?

SPOLETTA

nods and quickly adds

And he knows where the other is.

He showed such taunting irony

In every word and gesture

That I arrested him.

SCARPIA

with a sigh of satisfaction

Not bad, not bad.

SPOLETTA

waving towards the antechamber

He is there.

Scarpia paces up and down, pondering. He Stopps abruptly as he hears, through the open window, the choral cantata being sung in the Queen's apartment.

SCARPIA

to Spoletta

Bring in the Cavalier.

Exit Spoletta. To Sciarrone:

Fetch Roberti and the Judge.

Exit Sciarrone. Scarpia sits down again. Spoletta and four bailiffs bring in Mario Cavaradossi; then enter Roberti and the executioner, the Judge with a scribe, and Sciarrone.

CAVARADOSSI

with disdain

Such violence!

SCARPIA

with studied courtesy

Cavalier, please be seated.

CAVARADOSSI

I want to know...

SCARPIA

indicating a chair at the other side of the table

Be seated.

CAVARADOSSI

Declining

I’ll stand.

SCARPIA

As you wish. Are you aware that a prisoner...

Tosca's voice is heard in the cantata

CAVARADOSSI

Her voice!

SCARPIA

who has paused on hearing Toscas voice

You are aware that a prisoner

Fled today from Sant'Angelo Castle?

CAVARADOSSI

I did not know it.

SCARPIA

And yet it is reported

That you sheltered him in Sant'Andrea,

Gave him food and clothing.. .

CAVARADOSSI

unflinching

Lies.

SCARPIA

still quite calm

And took him

To a suburban place of yours.

CAVARADOSSI

I deny that. What proof have you?

SCARPIA

sweetly

A faithful servant...

CAVARADOSSI

The facts! Who is my accuser? In vain

Your spies ransacked my villa.

SCARPIA

Proof that he is hidden well.

CAVARADOSSI

Suspicions of a spy!

SPOLETTA

offended

He laughed at our questions...

CAVARADOSSI

And I laugh still.

SCARPIA

harshly

Beware! This is a place for tears!

Enough now. Answer me!

rises and angrily shuts the window to be undisturbed by the singing from the floor below, then turns imperiously to Cavaradossi

Where is Angelotti?

CAVARADOSSI

I don't know.

SCARPIA

You deny you gave him food?

CAVARADOSSI

I deny it.

SCARPIA

And clothes?

CAVARADOSSI

I deny it.

SCARPIA

And refuge in your villa?

And that he is hidden there?

CAVARADOSSI

vehemently

I deny it! I deny it!

SCARPIA

craftily, becoming calm

Come, Cavalier, you must reflect.

This stubborness of yours is not prudent.

A prompt confession saves enormous pain.

Take my advice and tell me:

Where is Angelotti?

CAVARADOSSI

I don't know.

SCARPIA

Be careful.

For the last time, where is he?

CAVARADOSSI

I don't know.

SPOLETTA

to himself

Oh, for a good whipping!

Enter Tosca breathless

SCARPIA

to himself

Here she is!

TOSCA

sees Cavaradossi, and runs to embrace him

Mario, you, here?

CAVARADOSSI

speaking low

Of what you saw there, say nothing.

Or you will kill me!

Tosca indicates she understands

SCARPIA

solemnly

Mario Cavaradossi,

The judge awaits your testimony

to Roberti

First, the usual formalities. And then … as I shall order.

Sciarrone opens the door to the torture chamber. The judge goes in and the others follow. Spoletta stations himself at the door at the back of the room. Tosca and Scarpia, now alone together.

SCARPIA

And now let's talk together like good friends.

Come now, don't look so frightened.

Beckons Tosca to be seated

TOSCA

with studied calm

I am not afraid

SCARPIA

What about the fan?

passes behind the sofa where Tosca is sitting and leans upon it. He still adopts a gallant air.

TOSCA

with feigned indifference

That was foolish jealousy.

SCARPIA

So, the Attavanti was not at the villa?

TOSCA

No, he was alone.

SCARPIA

Alone? Are you quite sure?

TOSCA

Nothing escapes a jealous eye. Alone. Alone.

SCARPIA

taking a chair he places it in front of Tosca, sits down, and studies her face

Indeed!

TOSCA

annoyed

Yes. Alone!

SCARPIA

You protest too much! Perhaps you fear

You may betray yourself

calling out

Sciarrone, what does the Cavalier have to say?

SCIARRONE

appearing

He denies everything.

SCARPIA

raising his voice, towards the open door

Keep pressing him!

Sciarrone goes out and shuts the door.

TOSCA

laughing

You know it's quite useless.

SCARPIA

serious, pacing back and forth

We shall see, Madam.

TOSCA

It seems that one must lie to please you?

SCARPIA

No, but the truth might shorten

An extremely painful hour for him …

TOSCA

surprised

A painful hour? What do you mean?

What are you doing in that room?

SCARPIA

It is force that carries out the law.

TOSCA

Oh, God! What's happening? What is happening?

SCARPIA

Your lover is bound hand and foot.

A ring of hooked iron at his temples,

So that they spurt blood at each denial.

TOSCA

bounds to her feet

It isn't true! It isn't true!

Oh, leering devil!

a prolonged groan from Cavaradossi

He groans! Oh, pity! Pity!

SCARPIA

It is up to you to save him.

TOSCA

Good, good! But stop it! Stop it!

SCARPIA

shouting

Stop it, Sciarrone!

SCIARRONE

appearing

Stop everything?

SCARPIA

Everything.

Sciarrone returns to the torture chamber, shutting the door

And now the truth!

TOSCA

Let me see him.

SCARPIA

No!

TOSCA

managing to get near the door

Mario!

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

Tosca!

TOSCA

Are they still torturing you?

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

No. Courage … and be silent. I despise pain!

SCARPIA

Come on Tosca, speak!

TOSCA

strengthened by Mario’s words

I know nothing.

SCARPIA

Wasn't that enough for you?

Roberti, start again …

TOSCA

throwing herself in front of the door, to keep him from giving the order

No! Stop!

SCARPIA

Will you speak?

TOSCA

No, no! Ah, monster!

Murderer … you're killing him!

SCARPIA

lt's your silence

That is killing him.

TOSCA

Monster, do you laugh

At this ghastly torment?

SCARPIA

with fierce irony

Tosca on the stage

Was never more tragic!

to Spoletta

Open the door so she

Can hear his groans better.

Spoletta opens the door and stands stiffly on the threshold.

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

I defy you.

SCARPIA

Harder! Harder!

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

I defy you all!

SCARPIA

to Tosca

Speak now …

TOSCA

What can I say?

SCARPIA

Come, speak …

TOSCA

Oh, I know nothing!

Must I lie to you?

SCARPIA

Where is Angelotti?

TOSCA

No,no!

SCARPIA

Speak up, come, quickly. Where's he hiding?

TOSCA

I can stand no more. Oh, horror!

Stop this torture … It's more than I can bear …

I can stand no more … no more …

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

Ah!

TOSCA

she turns imploringly to Scarpia, who signals to Spoletta to let her come near; she goes to the open door and is overwhelmed by the horrible scene within. She cries out in anguish to Cavaradossi:

Mario, will you let me speak?

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

No.

TOSCA

pleading

Listen, I can bear no more …

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE

Fool! What do you know and what can you say?

SCARPIA

enraged at this, he shouts furiously at Spoletta

Shut him up!

SPOLETTA

goes into the torture chamber, returning after a moment. Tosca overcome with emotion, has fallen prostrate on the sofa. Sobbing she appeals to Scarpia. He stands silent and impassive. Spoletta, meanwhile, mumbles a prayer under his breath:

"Judex ergo cum sedebit

quidquid latet apparebit

nil inultum remanebit".

TOSCA

What have I done to you in my life?

It is I you torture so. It is

My spirit …

bursts into convulsive sobs

Yes, my spirit you are torturing.

SPOLETTA

continues to pray

Nil inultum remanebit!

Scarpia profiting from Tosca’s breakdown goes towards the torture chamber and orders the resumption of the torment. There is a piercing cry, Tosca leaps up, and in a choking voice says rapidly to Scarpia:

TOSCA

In the well, in the garden …

SCARPIA

Angelotti is there?

TOSCA

Yes.

SCARPIA

loudly, towards the torture chamber

Enough, Roberti!

SCIARRONE

re-opening the door

He has fainted!

TOSCA

to Scarpia

Murderer!

I want to see him.

SCARPIA

Bring him here.

Sciarrone re-enters and then Cavaradossi, in a faint, carried by the policemen who lay him on the sofa. Tosca runs up, but on seeing her lover spattered with blood, she covers her face in fright and horror. Then ashamed of her show of weakness, she kneels beside Cavaradossi, kissing him and weeping.

Sciarrone, Roberti, the judge and the scribe go out at the rear. At a sign from Scarpia, Spoletta and the policemen stay behind.

CAVARADOSSI

as he comes to

Floria!

TOSCA

covering him with kisses

Beloved …

CAVARADOSSI

It is you?

TOSCA

How you have suffered,

Oh my soul! But this foul villain

Will pay for it!

CAVARADOSSI

Did you speak?

TOSCA

No, beloved …

CAVARADOSSI

Truly not?

SCARPIA

loudly to Spoletta

In the well …

In the garden. Get him, Spoletta.

Exit Spoletta. Cavaradossi has heard; he rises threateningly towards Tosca, but his strength fails him and he falls back 00 the sofa, bitterly reproachful as he exclaims:

CAVARADOSSI

Ah, you have betrayed me!

TOSCA

beseeching

Mario!

CAVARADOSSI

rejecting her embrace and thrusting her from him

Accursed woman!

SCIARRONE

bursting in, breathless

Excellency! Bad news!

SCARPIA

taken aback

What are you looking so worried about?

SCIARRONE

It is news of defeat!

SCARPIA

How? Where? What defeat?

SCIARRONE

At Marengo.

SCARPIA

impatient

Blockhead!

SCIARRONE

Bonaparte has won!

SCARPIA

And Melas?

SCIARRONE

No. Melas has fled!

Cavaradossi, having listened to Sciarrone with anxious expectation, now, in sheer enthusiasm, finds the strength to rise threateningly towards Scarpia

CAVARADOSSI

Victory! Victory!

The avenging dawn now rises

To make the wicked tremble!

And liberty returns,

The scourge of tyrants!

TOSCA

trying desperately to calm him

Mario, be still!

Have pity on me!

CAVARADOSSI

You see me now rejoice

In my own suffering …

And now your blood runs cold,

Hangman, Scarpia!

Tosca clutches Cavaradossi and with a rush of broken words tries to calm him, while Scarpia answers with a sardonic smile.

SCARPIA

Go, shout your boasts! Pour out

The last dregs of your vile soul!

Go, for you die,

The hangman's noose awaits you.

shouts to the policeman

Take him away!

Sciarrone and the policemen seize Cavaradossi and drag him towards the door. Tosca makes a supreme effort to hold on to him, but they thrust her brutally aside.

TOSCA

Mario, with you …

SCARPIA

Not you!

The door closes and Scarpia and Tosca remain alone.

TOSCA

moaning

Save him!

SCARPIA

I? … You rather!

He goes to the table, notes his supper interrupted midway, and again is calm and smiling

My poor supper was interrupted.

sees Tosca, dejected and motionless, still at the door

So downhearted? Come, my fair lady.

Sit down here. Shall we try to find

Together a way to save him?

Tosca bestirs herself and looks at him. Scarpia, still smiling, sits down and motions to her to do the same.

Well then, sit down, and we shall talk.

And first, a sip of wine. It comes from Spain.

Refils the glass and offers it to Tosca

A sip to hearten you.

TOSCA

still staring at Scarpia, she advances towards the table. She sits resolutely facing him, then asks in a tone of the deepest contempt:

How much?

SCARPIA

imperturbable, as she pours his drink

How much?

laughs

TOSCA

What is your price?

SCARPIA

Yes, they say that I am venal, but it is not

For money that I will sell myself

To beautitul women. I want other recompense

If I am to betray my oath of office.

I have waited for this hour.

Already in the past I burned

With passion for the Diva.

But tonight I have beheld you

In a new role I had not seen before.

Those tears of yours were lava

To my senses and that fierce hatred

Which your eyes shot at me, only fanned

The fire in my blood.

Supple as a leopard

You enrapped your lover. In that instant

I vowed you would be mine!

Mine! Yes, I will have you …

Rises and stretches out his arms towards Tosca. She has listened motionless to his wanton tirade. Now she leaps up and takes refuge behind the sofa.

TOSCA

running towards the window

I’ll jump out first!

SCARPIA

coldly

I hold your Mario in pawn!

TOSCA

Oh, wretch

Oh, ghastly bargain …

It suddenly occurs to her to appeal to the Queen, and she runs to the door.

SCARPIA

ironically

I do you no violence. Go. You are free.

But your hope is vain: the Queen would merely

Grant pardon to a corpse

Tosca draws back in fight and, her eyes fixed on Scarpia, drops on the sofa. She then looks away from him with a gesture of supreme contempt.

How you detest me!

TOSCA

Ah! God!

SCARPIA

approaching

Even so, even so I want you!

TOSCA

with loathing

Don't touch me, devil! I hate you, hate you!

Fiend, base villain!

flees from him in horror

SCARPIA

What does it matter?

Spasms of wrath or spasms of passion …

TOSCA

Foul villain!

SCARPIA

You are mine!

trying to seize her

TOSCA

Wretch!

retreats behind the table

SCARPIA

pursuing her

Mine!

TOSCA

Help! Help!

A distant roll of drums draws slowly near, then fades again into the distance.

SCARPIA

Do you hear?

It is the drum that leads the way

For the last march of the condemned. Time passes!

Tosca listens in terrible dread, and then comes back from the window to lean exhausted on the sofa.

Are you aware of what dark work is done

Down there? They raise a gallows. By your wish,

Your Mario has but one more hour to live.

coldly leans on a corner of the sofa and stares at Tosca

TOSCA

I lived for art. I lived for love:

Never did I harm a living creature! …

Whatever misfortunes I encountered

I sought with secret hand to succour …

Ever in pure faith,

My prayers rose

In the holy chapels.

Ever in pure faith,

I brought flowers to the altars.

In this hour of pain, why,

Why, oh Lord, why

Dost Thou repay me thus?

Jewels I brought

For the Madonna's mantle,

And songs for the stars in heaven

That they shone forth with greater radiance.

In this hour of distress, why,

Why, oh Lord,

Why dost Thou repay me thus?

kneeling before Scarpia

Look at me, oh, behold!

With clasped hands I beseech you!

And, vanquished, I implore

The help of your word!

SCARPIA

Tosca you are too beautiful and too loving.

I yield to you. And at a paltry price;

You ask me for a life. I ask of you an instant.

TOSCA

rising with great contempt

Go, go, you fill me with loathing!

A knock at the door

SCARPIA

Who's there?

SPOLETTA

enters breathless

Excellency, Angelotti

Killed himself when we arrived.

SCARPIA

Well, then, have him hanged

Dead from the gibbet. The other prisoner?

SPOLETTA

The Cavalier Cavaradossi?

Everything is ready, Excellency.

TOSCA

to herself

God help me!

SCARPIA

to Spoletta

Wait.

to Tosca

Well?

Tosca nods assent. She weeps with shame and hides her face.

to Spoletta

Listen …

TOSCA

suddenly interrupting

But I demand that he be freed this instant …

SCARPIA

to Tosca

We must dissemble. I cannot openly

Grant pardon to him. All must believe

The Cavalier is dead.

points to Spoletta

This trusted man of mine will see to it.

TOSCA

How can I be sure?

SCARPIA

By the orders I give him in your presence.

to Spoletta

Spoletta, shut the door.

Spoletta shuts the door and comes back to Scarpia

I have changed my mind.

The prisoner shall be shot …

Tosca starts with terror

Wait a moment …

He fixes on Spoletta a hard, significant glance and Spoletta nods in reply that he has guessed his meaning

As we did with Count Palmieri.

SPOLETTA

An execution …

SCARPIA

significantly stressing his words

… A sham one! As we did

With Palmieri! You understand?

SPOLETTA

I understand.

SCARPIA

Go.

TOSCA

I want to explain to him myself.

SCARPIA

As you wish.

to Spoletta

You will let her pass …

And remember, at four o'clock.

SPOLETTA

Yes. Like Palmieri.

Exit Spoletta, Scarpia, near the door, listens to his retreating footsteps, and then his whole behaviour changing, advances towards Tosca flushed with passion.

SCARPIA

I have kept my promise.

TOSCA

stopping him

Not yet.

I want a safe conduct, so that he and I

Can flee the State together.

SCARPIA

gallantly

You want to leave?

TOSCA

Yes, for ever.

SCARPIA

Your wish shall be granted.

goes to the desk and begins writing. He stops to ask.

And which road do you prefer?

As he writes, Tosca goes up to the table to take, with shaking hand, the glass of wine that Scarpia has poured: but as she lifts it to her lips, her eye falls on a sharply pointed knife that is lying on the table. She sees that Scarpia at this moment is absorbed in writing, and so, with infinite caution, still answering his questions, and never taking her eye from him, she reaches out for the knife.

TOSCA

The shortest!

SCARPIA

Civitavecchia?

TOSCA

Yes.

Finally, she is able to grasp the knife. Still watching Scarpia, she hides it behind her as she leans against the table. He has now finished making out the pass. He puts his seal upon it and folds the paper, and then, opening his arms, advances towards Tosca to embrace her.

SCARPIA

Tosca, now you are mine at last!

But his shout of lust ends in a cry of anguish: Tosca has struck him full in the breast.

Accursed one!

TOSCA

This is the kiss of Tosca!

Scarpia stretches out an arm towards her, swaying and lurching as he advances, seeking her aid. She eludes him, but is suddenly caught between him and the table, and seeing that he is about to touch her, she thrusts him back in horror. Scarpia crashes to the floor, shrieking in a voice nearly stifled with blood.

SCARPIA

Help! I am dying! Help! I die!

TOSCA

She watches him as he struggles helplessly on the floor and clutches at the sofa, trying to pull himself up

Is your blood choking you?

And killed by a woman!

Did you torment me enough?

Can you still hear me? Speak!

Look at me! I am Tosca! Oh, Scarpia!

SCARPIA

after a last effort he falls back

Help! Help!

TOSCA

bending over him

Is your blood choking you?

Die accursed! Die! Die! Die!

seeing him motionless

He is dead! And now I pardon him!

All Rome trembled before him!

Her eyes still fixed on the body, Tosca goes to the table, puts down the knife, takes a bottle of water, wets a napkin and washes her fingers. She then goes to the mirror to arrange her hair. Then she hunts for the safe-conduct pass on the desk, and not finding it there, she turns and sees the paper in the clenched hand of the dead man. She takes it with a shudder and hides it in her bosom. She puts out the candle on the table and is about to leave when a scruple, detains her. She returns to the desk and takes the candle there, using it to relight the other; and then places one to the right and the other to the left of Scarpia's head. She rises and looks about and notices a crucifix on the wall. She removes it with reverent care, and returning to the dead man, kneels at his side and places it on his breast. She rises, approaches the door cautiously, goes out and closes it.

ACT THREE

The platform of Castel Sant' Angelo

At left, a casemate: there is a lamp, large registry book with writing materials, a bench and a chair. A crucifix hangs on one of the casemate walls with a lamp in front. To the right, the door to a small stairway leading up to the platform. In the distance, the Vatican and the Basilica of St. Peter's. It is still night, but gradually darkness is dispelled by the grey, uncertain light of the hour before dawn. Church bells toll for matins. The voice of a shepherd passing with his flock can be heard.

VOICE OF SHEPHERD

I give you sighs,

There are as many

As there are leaves

Driven by the wind

You may scorn me, and my heart is sick.

Oh lamp of gold, I die for you

A jailer with a lantern mounts the stairs from below. He goes to the casemate and lights the light in front of the crucifix, and then the one on the table He sits down and waits, half drowsing. Soon a picket of guards, led by a Sergeant, emerges from the stairway with Cavaradossi. The picket halts as the Sergeant leads Cavaradossi to the casemate and hands a note to the jailer. The latter examines it, opens the registry book and writes, as he questions the prisoner.

JAILER

Mario Cavaradossi?

Cavaradossi bows his head in acknowledgement. The jailer hands the pen to the Sergeant.

For you

to Cavaradossi

You have one hour.

A priest awaits your call.

CAVARADOSSI

No … but I have a last favour to ask of you.

JAILER

If I can …

CAVARADOSSI

One very dear person

I leave behind me. Permit me

To write her a few lines.

taking a ring from his finger

This ring is all that remains

Of my possessions.

If you will promise to give her

My last farewell,

Then it is yours.

JAILER

hesitates a little, then accepts. He motions Cavaradossi to the chair at the table, and sits down on the bench.

Write.

CAVARADOSSI

begins to write, but after a few lines a flood of memories invades him.

And the stars shone and the earth was perfumed.

The gate to the garden creaked

And a footstep rustled the sand to the path …

Fragrant, she entered

And fell into my arms …

Oh soft kisses, oh sweet abandon,

As I trembling

Unloosed her veils and disclosed her beauty.

Oh vanished forever is that dream of love,

Fled is that hour,

And desperately I die.

And never before have I loved so much!

Bursts into sobs, Spoletta appears at the stairhead, the Sergeant at his side and Tosca following. Spoletta indicates where Cavaradossi is and then calls the Jailer. He warns the guard at the rear to keep careful watch on the prisoner, and then leaves with the Sergeant and the Jailer. Tosca sees Cavaradossi weeping his head in his arms. She lifts his head, and he jumps to his feet in astonishment. Tosca shows him a note but is far too overcome with emotion to speak.

CAVARADOSSI

reading

Ah! A safe-conduct for Floria Tosca …

TOSCA

reading with him in a hoarse and shaken voice

… and for the Cavalier accompanying her.

to Cavaradossi with an exultant cry

You are free!

CAVARADOSSI

studies the pass and sees the signature

Scarpia!

Scarpia yields? This is the first

Act of clemency …

TOSCA

And his last!

CAVARADOSSI

What?

TOSCA

Either your blood or my love

He demanded: my entreaties and my tears were useless.

Wild with horror, I appealed in vain

To the Madonna and the Saints.

The damnable monster told me

That already the gallows

Stretched their arms skyward!

The drums rolled and

He laughed, the evil monster, laughed,

Ready to spring and carry off his prey!

Is it yes? He asked, and yes, I promised

Myself to his lust. But there at hand

A sharp blade glittered:

He wrote out the liberating pass,

And came to claim the horrible embrace -

That pointed blade I planted in his heart.

CAVARADOSSI

You, with your own hand you killed him?

You tender, you gentle - and for me!

TOSCA

My hands were reaking with his blood!

CAVARADOSSI

lovingly taking her hands in his

My Saviour!

Oh sweet hands pure and gentle,

Oh hands meant for the fair works of piety,

Caressing children, gathering roses,

For prayers when others meet misfortune …

Then it was in you, made strong by love,

That justice placed her sacred weapons?

You dealt out death, victorious hands,

Oh sweet hand pure and gentle.

TOSCA

disengaging her hands from his

Listen, the hour is near. I have already

Collected my gold and jewels. A carriage is waiting …

But first … Oh, laugh at this my love … First

You will be shot, in play and pretence, with

Unloaded arms … mock punishment.

Fall down at the shot,

The soldiers leave, and we are safe!

And then to Civitavecchia, and there a ship.

And we're away by sea!

CAVARADOSSI

Free!

TOSCA

Free!

CAVARADOSSI

Away by sea!

TOSCA

Where now have pain and sorrow fled?

Do you smell the aroma of the roses?

Do you feel that all things on the earth

Await the sun enamoured?

CAVARADOSSI

with tender exaltation

Only for you did death taste bitter for me,

And only you invest this life with splendour.

All joy and all desire, for my being,

Are held in you as heat within flame.

I now shall see through your transfiguring eyes,

The heavens blaze and the heavens darken

And the beauty of all things remarkable

From you alone will have their voice and colour.

TOSCA

The love that found the way to save your life

Shall be our quide on earth, our pilot on the waters,

And make the wide world lovely to our eyes;

Until together we shall fade away

Beyond the sphere of earth, as light clouds fade,

At sundown, high above the sea.

They are stirred and silent. Then Tosca recalled to reality, looks about uneasily

They still don't come …

turning to Cavaradossi with affectionate concern

And be careful

When you hear the shot

You must fall down at once.

CAVARADOSSI

reassuring her

Have no fear,

I'll fall on the instant, and quite naturally.

TOSCA

insisting

But be careful not to hurt yourself,

With my experience in the theatre

I should know how to manage it.

CAVARADOSSI

interrupting and drawing her to him

Speak to me again as you spoke before.

So sweet is the sound of your voice.

TOSCA

carried away with rapture

Together in exile

We shall bear our love through the world.

Harmonies of colour...

CAVARADOSSI

And harmonies of song!

TOSCA and CAVARADOSSI

ecstatically

Triumphant …

The soul trembles

With new hope

In heavenly

Increasing ardour.

And in harmonious flight

The spirit soars

To the ecstasy of love.

TOSCA

With a thousand kisses I shall seal your eyes,

And call you by a thousand names of love.

Meanwhile a squad of soldiers has entered from the stairway. The officer in command ranges them to the rear. Enter Spoletta, the Sergeant and the Jailer, Spoletta giving the necessary orders. The sky lightens; dawn appears; a bell strikes four. The Jailer goes to Cavaradossi, removes his cap and nods towards the officer.

JAILER

It is time.

CAVARADOSSI

I am ready.

The Jailer takes the registry of the condemned and leaves by the stairway.

TOSCA

to Cavaradossi, speaking low and laughing secretly:

Remember: at the first shot, down …

CAVARADOSSI

in a low voice, also laughing

Down …

TOSCA

And don't get up before I call you …

CAVARADOSSI

No, beloved!

TOSCA

And fall down properly …

CAVARADOSSI

Like Tosca on the stage …

TOSCA

You mustn't laugh …

CAVARADOSSI

So?

TOSCA

So.

Their farewells over, Cavaradossi follows the officer. Tosca takes her place on the left side of the casemate, in position, however, to observe what is happening on the platform. She sees the officer and the Sergeant lead Cavaradossi towards the wall directly facing her. The Sergeant wishes to blindfold Cavaradossi, who declines with a smile. The grim preparations begin to strain Tosca's patience.

TOSCA

How long is this waiting!

Why are they still delaying? The sun already rises.

Why are they still delaying? It is only a comedy,

I know, but this anguish seems to last for ever!

The officer and the Sergeant marshall the squad of soldiers before the wall and impart their instructions.

TOSCA

There! They are taking aim! How handsome

My Mario is!

The officer lowers his sabre, the platoon fires and Cavaradossi falls.

TOSCA

There! Die! Ah, what an actor!

The Sergeant goes up to examine the fallen man. Spoletta also approaches to prevent the Sergeant from delivering the coup de grace, and he covers Cavaradossi with a cloak. The officer realtigns the soldiers, the Sergeant withdraws the sentinel from his post at the rear and Spoletta leads the group off by the stairway. Tosca follows this scene with the utmost agitation, fearing that Cavaradossi may lose patience and move or speak before the proper moment. In a hushed voice she warns him:

TOSCA

Oh Mario, do not move …

They're going now. Be still. They are going down …

Seeing the platform deserted, she goes to listen at the stairhead. She stands there for a moment in breathless dread as she thinks she hears the soldiers returning. Again in a low voice she warns Cavaradossi:

TOSCA

Not yet, you mustn't move …

She listens: they have all gone. She runs towards Cavaradossi.

TOSCA

Up, Mario. Quickly. Come, come. Quickly.

she bends down to help Mario to his feet. She raises the cloak and suddenly gasps with terror and astonishment as she looks at her hands.

Mario! Mario!

kneels and quickly removes the cloak and leaps to her feet pale and terrified

Dead! Dead!

sobbing she throws herself on Cavaradossi’s body

Oh Mario, dead? You? Like this?

Dead like this? Like this?

From the courtyard below the parapet and from the narrow stairway come the confused voices of Spoletta, Sciarrone and the soldiers. They draw nearer.

CONFUSED VOICES

Scarpia stabbed?

The woman is Tosca!

Don't let her escape.

Spoletta rushes in from the stairway, and behind him Sciarrone shouting and waving at Tosca.

SCIARRONE

There she is!

SPOLETTA

charging towards Tosca

Ah, Tosca you will pay

For his life most dearly!

Tosca springs to her feet, pushing Spoletta violently, answering:

TOSCA

With my own!

Spoletta falls back from the sudden thrust. Tosca escapes and runs to the parapet, she leaps onto it and hurls herself over the ledge, crying:

TOSCA

Oh Scarpia! Before God!

Sciarrone and soldiers rush in confusion to the parapet and look down. Spoletta stands stunned and pale.

• Artist:Giacomo Puccini