Elisabeth by Sylvester Levay and Michael Kunze - Dialogue and Script

Prolog Voice of Judge: But why Lucheni? Why did you kill the Empress Elisabeth? Lucheni: Alla malora! Voice of Judge: Answer, Luigi Lucheni! Lucheni: Why, why? Every night the same question – for a hundred years! Why all this questioning? Merda! I'm dead! Voice of Judge: The terrible assassination of the Empress of Austria! Lucheni: Va a farti fottere! Voice of Judge: Explain at last what was the motive! Lucheni: The motive? I killed her because...she wanted it! Voice of Judge: Don't talk such nonsense. Lucheni: She really did! There are honourable witnesses to testify for it! Voice of Judge: What witnesses would that be? Lucheni: Her contemporaries, my dear sir! They can't find peace and still talk about....Elisabeth! Chorus: The old world has Gone down and dust goes to dust, but we still dance the dance of death ***, grief (or suffering) duty, which suffocates us Dream, h..... ? That's all that's left. Sisi's Parents: We meant well with Sisi The child was so sensitive She did expect too much from life Our little daughter Her Husband (Franz Joseph): Her life was difficult we were too much alike she felt misunderstood. Voice: For the last time Lucheni! Who was pulling the strings behind you? Lucheni: Death, Only Death! Voice: The motive Lucheni!!!! Lucheni: Love. UNA GRANDE AMOREEE!!! Chorus and Lucheni: Elisabeth Wie Du (Like You) Young Elisabeth: (Sisi) Mother is expecting guests tonight, I hate it so much All the uncles and aunts will come And I sure wish I could escape all the gossip and the affectations, but the governess won't have it. Father, why can't I go with you? Her father: Because it's not possible. Sisi: But everything you like, I like even more Father: Nevertheless, it's not possible Sisi: Dreaming and writing poems or ride with the wind.  I would love to be like you. Father: Life is too short to get bored, even for an hour,  and family gatherings, I hate as much as the plague. Sisi: Me too!  Why can't I climb the cherry tree today? Father: Just be happy that you're not in your poor sister's shoes... Sisi: Or try to balance on a rope! Father: They're training her to be a princess! Sisi: Or play with my brothers on the meadows behind the house. Father: I will not take sides! Sisi: But the Governess won't allow it. Father: I just can't help you. Sisi: Father, but why can't I go with you.... Father: Maybe I'll be back by tomorrow afternoon! Sisi: As far as Egypt, Spain, or Kathmandu Father: Time to go now! Sisi: I would like to be free as a gypsy, just travel with a zither, do what I like. Father: Adieu Sisi. Sisi: And always want (to do?) what I am doing. Father: Be good. Sisi: I would love to be like you. Jedem Gibt er das Seine (He gives to everyone what he deserves) Narrator: It is the year 1853. In Vienna rules the young emperor Franz Josef, his power is secured by a standing army of soldiers, a sitting army of administrators and a kneeling army of priests and a crawling army of informers---  And he relies heavily on the advice of his mother People say she is the only man at Court. Sophie (His mother): Be severe, be strong, be cold, be hard Court people: He gives everybody what he deserves He does everything for the greater good God Save and Protect our young emperor. Guard: THE ARCHBISHOP... Archbishop: Majesty, the Holy Church encounters resistance. Sophie: OUTRAGEOUS! Archbishop: Majesty, the church wishes to have the supervision of schools in the country. Emperor: Granted! Court: He gives everybody what he deserves.... Guard: A Mother Woman: Majesty, my son loves freedom and now he is in jail. Sophie: GOOD! Woman: Mercy, Mercy, whatever he has done he does not deserve to die. Sophie: Be Severe... Franz Josef: If I could do what I would like to... Sophie: Be Strong... Franz Josef: If I would not have to rule the way an emperor should Sophie: Be hard....Be hard... Franz Josef: Declined. Sophie: What other business do we have? Count Gruenne: Assessment of the current political situation: Majesty the war at Crimea threatens to spread over to other countries. It is unavoidable that we becomes Russia's ally this time. We have to thank Russia for saving us from the revolution (?)  and besides we get a piece of Turkey for our services. Franz Josef: What do you think of the political development, Count Gruenne? Count: If we defend Russia, England will be against us but if we become England's ally, the Russians will be upset, in any case an alliance would be fatal. Franz Josef: We have to decide! Sophie: The emperor of Austria does not have to do anything! Repeat choruses: He gives everybody what he deserves... Sophie: Be sly, be smart... So Wie Man Denkt, so Kommt es nie (Things never happen the way you plan them) Narrator: A summer in Bad Ischel is always worth a visit and the heart so hopeful,  Sophie has explained to her sister the whole arrangement in detail, but it does not work the way she planned it! Sophie: So why did you arrive so late? Her sister (Sisi's mother): The weather on our journey was really bad, we have to rest now for a while. Sophie: No way! The emperor is expecting you at 4 p.m.! Sister: What, that early? How does Helen look? Sisi's father: Max could not come, but I brought Sisi instead. Sophie: (To Sisi) That dress is completely inappropriate and your hair looks awful. Sisi: I'll go change! Sophie: You won't make the emperor wait for you! Narrator: What use is a plan, even if it is a very smart one? It's in the end just theory only one thing is certain for sure The way you plan and think is never the way it will be in the end The mothers have a lot to talk about, the emperor is silent.  The marriage candidate feels uncomfortable. The whole thing gets out of hand because the emperor demonstrates that he has his own opinion about his marriage! Sophie: Well Franz, speak Freely. How do you like her? Franz Josef: Who? Sophie: Why, your charming cousin, of course. Franz Josef: She looks like a fresh almond... Sophie: Like what? Franz Josef: A fresh almond about to burst. Sophie: That is almost poetry! Franz Josef: Her eyes so lovely and warm and her lips are as red as strawberries Sophie: And her manners are good too. Franz Josef: At the Ball tonight I will only dance with her! (indicating Sisi) Mothers: He likes..her???! Her!!!?? Well then, let's invite her.  Get up, go get her!!! Narrator: What use is a plan, even a smart one... Sophie: 3 years of training, experience, education and careful planning, all for nothing!! Chorus: What use is a plan.... Alle Fragen sind gestellt (All questions are asked) Narrator: 6:30pm in the Vienna Augustine's Church, Strange time for a wedding ceremony but appropriate on this 24th of April 1854, very appropriate. Chorus: All questions are asked, all phrases learned We are the last of a world with no hope left  because all Sins are ( either asked, or lasted or past) all virtues are memorised and all curses are said and all blessings are voiced ugliness can't shock us,  the good deed no longer an example the evil deed leaves us indifferent because all miracles are done  and all borders destroyed we have seen every image and all questions are asked and all chances are gone we are the last of a world, which always thinks about suicide and everything, everything that happens helps us kill time We finally see the stars' descent ELISABETH..... Priest: Is that your wish, then answer with "Yes" Elisabeth: Yes. Bells. Sie passt nicht (She does not fit in) Voice: Love makes one stupid Sisi gives up for him everything that makes life exciting! Love will kill her!  She should escape while she still has a taste (German Expression) before she gets used to it to not having the taste (for life?) Sophie: Love makes one blind Franz does not know what he's doing. He does not listen to me. Max: Why did it have to be him!? Sophie: When I look at that child, I just get furious. She has destroyed all of my plans. Both: I see her/him and think he/she isn't the one! An old aristocrat: "What a beautiful wedding". A young aristocrat: The priest (incense giver) has spoken too long. His wife: As always! Wedding Guests (1st Group simultaneously) Really sweet! Touchingly naïve!  And soft as wax! Didn’t speak much. A Countess: How do you like the new empress? Two Aristocrats: She does look nice... Three Aristocrats: She is really charming! Wedding Guests (1st Group simultaneously) New to the court, simple to lead. We’ll have an easy game with her! An old man: Her family tree has two blemishes. A young Prince: That we will overlook! Male Aristocrats: A child still! Female Aristocrats: That is a bad omen! Countesses (simultaneously) She is friendly! Aristocrats: In the Treasury (Jewelry Room) ... More Aristocrats: She is shy... Aristocrats: ... the crown fell on the floor. Sophie: She is naïve. Female Aristocrats: ... and at her alighting from the coach Male Aristocrats: ... somewhat clumsy ... Female Aristocrats: ... the young empress almost lost... Aristocrats: She does herself Female Aristocrats: ... her new diadem! Male Aristocrats: ...still difficult .... Wedding Guests (1st Group) It is almost like a fairy tale. A child becomes Empress. Wedding Guests (2nd Group) Red-rimmed eyes! Awkward and honest. So charmingly helpless like a sheep.  She carries no weight here ... she is a small light. Chorus: She fits/does not fit in here. Der Letzte Tanz (The last dance) Death: It's an old story but new for me two guys who love the same girl - you. You've already chosen. I am the loser. I'm only a guest at your wedding. You turned away from me, but you only pretend. You would be loyal to him but you have been wanting me. He holds you in his arms, but you smile at me. And where that will lead to, you know as well as I do. The Last dance belongs only to me The last dance, I dance only with you. Time becomes old and tiresome The wine becomes stale The air is sultry and stifling In the Hall of Mirrors. Invisible eyes looks at us while everybody waits for the rendezvous. The last dance, the last dance belongs to me. The last dance I only dance with you. And I am waiting in the dark, and always look at you and seem to be the big loser, but I know that I will win. The last dance... Eine Kaiserin muss Glanzen (An Empress has to shine) Sophie: Where is the Empress? Servant: Still sleeping, Your Highness. Sisi: What's going on? Sophie: My dear child, you can't sleep in that long. Sisi: Why? Sophie: I won't have any laziness from you Sisi: But I was tired Sophie: The day starts punctually at 5 a.m. in the morning  with the stroke of the bell! Sisi: I want to go horseback riding today. Sophie No. that's too vulgar and risky. You can't behave that way as an Empress. That's disgusting. Sisi: Why not? Sophie: You can't do what is not permitted by protocol. An empress has to shine and only see to her duty which is to keep the dynasty alive  and she has to sacrifice everything. Now show me your teeth. Sisi: My teeth? Sophie: Well, is it so hard to do this? Open your mouth! They are too yellow, we'll have to do something about them. Sisi: Am I a horse!!!? Sophie: Of course not..only a pony. Sisi: Everybody tries to train all the time... Everything I want is forbidden to me Sophie: I want you to be an Empress. You're too wild and not raised properly. Sisi: I think you're just jealous of me! Sophie: Jealous of you...that's ridiculous Sisi: I want.... Sophie: You'll learn first to be modest. Sisi: I would like to....-----(NO!!!!) Help me Franz Josef- look here your mother is torturing me! Sophie: I'll teach you manners! Leave her to me my son. Sisi: Franz Jozef, don't leave me alone! Franz Josef: I would like to be on your side But it would be better for both of us if you would take the advice of my mother. Sophie: Be dominant, be strong... Sisi: So you abandon me? Ich Gehor nur mir (I belong to me) (These is an amalgamation of all my favourite translations :-) Elisabeth: I will not give up my own self Just to be with you I will not be glad just to do What I'm told to do I'm not meant to be your property No, I belong I me If I want to reach for the stars You can't hold me back I want to take chances Far off from the beaten track Don't force me to be what I can't be I belong to me If you try to tame me I will not obey I'd rather leave you alone If you try to change me I must break away To be what I am on my own I'm freezing, I'm burning I live without compromise I'm growing, I'm learning I'm ready to pay the price I know it's not easy to be free But I belong to me I hate to be burdened With duties that I despise You know I can't stand To be watched by a thousand eyes I flee from the crowd in agony I just belong to me If you want to keep me Don't hold me so tight I can't give my life for your love If you want to break me I'll not even fight I'll just fly away like a dove I'm here when you need me I live and I die with you I'll share all your troubles I'll laugh and I'll cry with you You can blame me and bless me But you cannot possess me 'Cause I belong to me To me!     (Literal translation) I don't want to become obedient, tamed and well mannered I don't want to be modest, popular and deceived  I am not your possession I want to look down from a rope (?) at the world I want to go on the ice and see for myself how long it will hold me What is it to you what I risk? I only belong to me! If you want to lecture me then you will force me to escape the tiresome duty If you want to convert me I will break free and fly. Like a bird into the light. And if I want the stars, then I will find myself a way to them I will grow and learn and will still be the person I am. I want it all before I am lost. Because I only belong to me. I don't want to be pressured with questions and wishes and  From head to feet be looked at by curious eyes I get defensive when I feel strange eyes on me because  I only belong to me And if you want to be with me, then don't tie me down I won't give up my freedom and if you want to tie me down I will leave your nest and dive like a bird into the ocean. I am waiting for my friends and look for comfort. I share the joy and I share the sadness But don't demand my life that I can't give to you because I only belong to me! Die Frohliche Apokalypse (The cheerful apocalypse) The world will end-- everyone knows that in the Cafe of Vienna What's the latest news in the journals? How is the soup Who wants to play skat with me!? Dear God everything is so boring!!! Our young Empress cries all day long. She does not eat anymore since she's lost her child... Would you like another melange She's probably pregnant again, she doesn't show herself anymore we have waited too long already for an heir to the throne She was visiting circus Rene the other day The mother of the emperor was not too pleased We sit around in the cafe and wait for the apocalypse Chatterers (German) who don't know anything, they just sit there and kill time Again a year is gone-- LIKE I should care!!! Who would like to play skat with me? Our young Emperor does not seem to be very clever or at least not in political affairs-- another drink? The last war in Crimea put us in a neutral position And now Austria is politically completely isolated France, England and Russia stay on one line what is worse we have a war with Pieramont (?) So what if we sit in the cafe and kill time and wait cheefully for the apocalypse, this time she's got a son,  we didn't believe it anymore and him they took away from her. I found out she likes the Hungarians Is she a liberal or is she radical? She is a strange woman Whatever, we cheefully wait for the apocalypse. When young Rudolf was born, his mother had a terrible vision She saw red flags, and crowds of people at the Batthaus place Threatening her with their fists. She saw barricades and her own son as the leader of the revolution wonderful eccentric and decadent Austria now needs a parliament (repeated a few times)  Whatever, we sit in the cafe and kill time and cheefully wait for the apocalypse. Milch (Milk) When do we finally get milk? Why don't you open the store? There is no milk today Again waiting for nothing-the pitcher is empty like so often, we were freezing and hoping  half the night for nothing. Someone lies to us Someone now deceives us Someone's making a fool of us. We have to starve while others live in the palace -ENOUGH!!!- Would you like to know who is taking the milk from you? -WE WOULD!!! All the milk goes only to her!  -TO WHOM? Your Empress...she needs for HER BATH!  -HER BATH!? YEEEEEEEEEEES!!!! For what? What a scandal We would have never thought that of her (Yes you would have never thought that of her) Kids keep dying because there's no milk for them no milk for the kids Our Empress stole from us What use are our laments we have to endure the ones who bring misfortunes upon us We can't spare them (repeated twice) Let them feel the wrath of the people (twice) Would you like to know what makes the Empress unhappy?  -We Would! She mourns about her HAIR!  -HER HAIR!? YEEEEEEEEEEEES! Freedom for the people, A new time begins Schonheitspflege (Beauty Care) The empress is already in the bathtub Lower your eyes when you approach her. And pour very gently hot milk into the bathtub are her perfumes scented with perfume? And did you prepare the shampoo? that's the way she wants it Our Empress should always be in a good mood and refreshed. That will keep her away from mingling in state affairs. This type of water is wonderful,  it makes the eyes clear and shiny. She also likes a daily manicure. The emperor, the emperor, what, at this time??? Franz Josef: Where is the Empress, I have to talk to her. Servant: She hasn't finished her beauty care, Majesty, but you can talk to her,  she's behind the parasol,  she can hear you. Franz Josef: I just want to tell you that I accept your conditions.  I can't take not being loved by you anymore. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you before I lose you. I ruled and think they want me to supress my feelings,  I am not permitted to feel but when I think about you,  I can't be calculating anymore,  I am not loyal to myself anymore for you. Sisi: If I must understand you,  you have to understand me too. Iwant to go with you  but don't put me in a cage any longer  you don't have to give me anything-- but leave me my life,  because I only belong to me.  I only belong to me. Ich Will dir nu sagen (I just want to tell you) Franz Josef: Elisabeth, please open the door to me Your husbands longs for you.  Let me be with you Behind me is a problem-filled day France is now threatening me openly Scandals are neverending National bankruptcy, war and revolution, A wave of suicide and a new wave of typhus But help me sleep in a ship in a safe port guarded by your tenderness and  without wish for one night Please open up to me, and don't let me wait Be the woman who understands me...Elisabeth Sisi: Why don't you go to your mother?  usually you like that much better. Franz Josef: Angel, please spare me that.  What did I do? Sisi: You allow them to torture Rudolf!  I know everything. Franz Josef: They torture Rudolf? Sisi: Your mother gave him to her torturers  she has to "educate" him.  He can't defend himself.  But I won't take it any longer. It's either her now or me. I give you an ultimatum, if you don't want to lose me, fulfil it.  I want to be in charge of the education of my children and I want to decide by myself what I do and where I go Now read this document, and decide between your  mother and me, and now leave me alone. Franz Josef: Elisabeth, don't despair relax in my arms I want to comfort you, escape and you will be free and all the fighting will be over I want to take you away from space and time into a better reality Elisabeth, Elisabeth, I love you Sisi: NO I want to live,  I am too young to give up I know I can free myself now I will use my beauty to my advantage--Go! I don't want you.  I don't need you. Go! Kitsch Narrator: Please approach ladies and gentlemen While in the cathedral on this memorial day of July 8th 1867, the Emperor of Austria and his beautiful wife Elisabeth become King and Queen of Hungary--  you have this once in a lifetime opportunity  to buy a valuable souvenir,  everything is cheap, please come closer. I have two translations of the next few lines...I thought I'd include them both! Wie wär´s mit diesem Bild? Elisabeth als Mutter, mit Rudolf ihrem Sohn!  Und hier ist das nicht nett? Die Kaisers feiern Weihnacht, im festlichem Salon.  Auf diesem Glas seh´n wir, das hohe Paar in Liebe zugeneigt. Einen Teller hab ich auch, der Elisabeth beim beten, in der Hochkapele zeigt. Nehmt ein hübsches Souvinier mit,  aus der Kaiserlichen Welt. Alles innig, lieb und sinning,  so wie es euch gefällt. KITSCH How would you like this card? It shows our lovely Empress, with Rudolf on her knee! And this one is real art, the whole imperial family, around the Christmas tree. And painted on this glass, the lovely couple on their wedding day. And on this dammed desk, you can see Elisabeth, while kneeing down to pray. Take a nice souvenir, out of the cheapest and the best. All her life was sweet and rightful, but now she´s nothing less than KITSCH How about this picture, Sisi as wife,  and as mother of Rudolph and this one isn't that nice... The majesties celebrate Christmas. On this glass we see the high couple turning to each other in love.  I also have a plaque showing  Elisabeth praying in the court chapel. Take a nice souvenir with you from the old world everything beautiful and lovely  the way you like it. Kitsch, Kitsch, Kitsch. Don't make a face, don't pretend as if you are interested in the truth you can have the truth for free, but nobody wants her because she's too depressing Elisabeth is popular -  folks will still talk about her 100 years from now but the way she truly was  you won't get from any book or movie  andleast of all, from me!  What made her an idol amongst the people?  What left her with envy?  What is left of her life?  KITSCH....KITSCH... I want to tell you a secret, your Sisi was in reality a mean selfish person  She was fighting for her son,  but just to show Sophie that she is the stronger one. But then she got rid of him  she was always only talking of fleeing herself. She was living away from the Monarchy  and got a bank account in Switzerland  but what do I talk about?  People hear only what they want to hear.  That's why the only thing left of beauty and (dirt?death?I dunno!) and dream and reality is... KITSCH Mama, Wo bist Du (Mama, Where are you) Rudolf: Mama, Mama. Mama where are you?  Can you hear me? I am so cold, please hold me. Everybody says I should not disturb you Why am I not allowed to be with you? Mama, my room is so dark in the night now that I am awake, nobody is with me where I am crying. Why do you leave me alone? Death: She does not hear you.  Don't call for her Rudolf: Who are you? Death: I am your friend.... whenever you need me, just come to me. Rudolf: STAY!!! Death: I will be close to you. Rudolf: When I try hard, I can be a hero Yesterday, I killed a cat! I can be hard and evil as the world around me. But sometimes I would rather like to be wise Oh mum, I would like to be always with you But when you travel you never take me with you and when you're at home, you close the door behind you. Why do you leave me alone? Nur Kein Genieren (Don't get embarrassed) Don't get embarrassed, why be so shy  in this kind of establishment Don't be stingy and don't blush leave your worries until tomorrow in this Salon you never say "pardon"! Don't think about your position. Relax! So many nice ladies in beautiful surroundings You will find here the girl of your dreams Marie is dumb and funny Helene is good natured and plump Tatiana likes to curse in bed For gentlemen who like to cuddle there is Grit with the soft *** and Madeleine I can recommend to every man  who likes danger-- the kid is injected! Don't get embarrassed, why be so shy  in this kind of establishment Don't be stingy and don't blush leave your worries until tomorrow in this Salon you never say "pardon"! Don't think about your position. Relax! Not everyone comes in person,  it's not unusual that a confidant comes  in his master's place  instead of doing it himself, this gentleman selects and then takes the most beautiful to come for him  This man comes from the very top  and you have to admit he choses with an expert's eye.  The girl has suddenly hot flushes,  for a reason unknown to me. Don't get embarrassed, why be so shy  in this kind of establishment Don't be stingy and don't blush leave your worries until tomorrow in this Salon you never say "pardon"! Don't think about your position. Relax! Rastlose Jahre (Restless Years) How can she be healed-- maybe a change of air, a different country She would like to go to Madeira  that is too far away away for the Emperor... but that won't change her mind that's exactly why she likes to go there. Franz Josef: My poor angel, I hope you don't suffer too much I will count the days till your return. They never have any peace anywhere,  just hurry from place to place.  They hardly arrive and start to pack their bags again. Today they climb the mountains,  and tomorrow they see the ocean.  Breathless with tired feet,  we try to keep up with them. Where is she going to, I wonder? How is she doing? When will she come back to Vienna? Mirror, mirror in my hand,  10 years of restless travelling have passed by. We dare ask the question " is she still young...or...?" OH A Grey hair! Franz Josef: Since mom died, my angel I am longing even more for you. Rudolf is 28 this year, and he worries me. Where is she now? What are her plans? She's running away with panic and fear from the emptiness inside her.  The question may be asked  is she still beautiful..or? She is riding like the devil,  always in front of everyone We see them hunting through forests  and jumping over ditches-  the horses with flying manes and foaming mouthes. There she is coming right after the pack,  not missing any hurdle,  she jumps over it and goes on with the hunt.  They are already out of sight,  behind the bushes behind the forest. There they are again.  The captain rides first, Elisabeth follows him. Now there is a wall, the horses slow down,  but the captain risks the jump, his horse jumps and breaks down the next moment,  and there is again his pursuer.  She gives her horse the spurs... jumps over the wall... laughs and is already out of sight. Die Schatten Werden Langer (The shadows grow longer) I have two translations of some of this song as well...I'll put the partial translation first, with the German, and then the whole thing afterwards. Tod: Zeit, das wir uns endlich sprechen,  zeit, das schweigen zu durchbrechen. Du kennst mich, ja du kennst mich. Weisst du noch du warst ein Knabe, als ich dir versprochen habe,  das ich dir immer nah bleib. Rudolf: Oh, ich hab dich nie vergessen, meinen Freund nach dem ich rufe. Wenn mich meine Ängste fressen. Tod: Ich kam weil du mich brauchst Rudolf: Zeit den rest der Welt zu sehen, könnt ich nur das Steuer drehen. Doch ich muss daneben stehen, man bindet mir die Hände. Tod: Nichts ist schlimmer als zu wissen, wie das unheil sich entwickelt. Und in Ohnmacht zu sehen müssen. Rudolf: Das macht mich völlig krank. Tod: Was hlät dich zurück? Dies ist der Augenblick. Greif nach der, tu es aus Notwehr. Rudolf: Notwehr? Death: Now it is the right location, for a private conversation. You know me, yes you know me. Since your childhood we've been friends and our friendship hasn't ended, I promised not to leave you. Rudolf: I call you in desperation, everytime this nightmare hunts me. Death: You need me, here I am. Rudolf: Have the gods run out of kindness? Our ship has lost direction. Is the shipman struck with blindness? He does not even hear me. Death: On the black sky´s golden letters, you can see them spell disaster. Rudolf: It´s driving me insane. Death: It´s all up to you, so do what you have to do. There you can take it, to be a rebel. Rudolf: Rebel? Death: It is time that we talk to each other It's time to break the silence you know me, yes, you know me Do you still remember?  you were a young boy when I promised you that I will always be near you Rudolf: Oh, I have not forgotten you, my friend I call for you when my fears overcome me. Death: I'll come when you need me. Both: The shadows grow longer but everybody has a blind eye for it, as long as the Pied Piper plays,  everybody is dancing around the Golden calf, the shadows grow longer.  It's always 5 minutes before midnight.  Time is almost over. Time to see the rift of the old world,  I wish to turn the steering wheel,  But I have to stand by, my hands are tied.  Nothing is worse as seing how the evil develops  and watching it in utter powerlessness,  it makes me sick. The shadows grow longer  and the songs become heavy and cold the vicious circle becomes tighter But one only believes what one likes to believe the shadows grow longer--  it is 5 to midnight What keeps your back? This is the moment! Seize the power, it's just self defense. Nothing else. The shadows grow longer--  what will be will be We have to withstand evil The shadows grow longer--  Emperor Rudolph will be with the new time. Wenn Ich Dein Spiegel War (If I would be your mirror) Rudolf: How often did I wait for you to talk to me? How did I hope for you to break the silence? But you are scared because we are so much alike So tired of a world which is slowly beginning to die. If I would be your mirror you could see yourself in me then it would not be so hard for you to understand what I don't say.  You will turn around because you see yourself in me You want to be close to me but not too close When I look at you, your eyes look the other way We are 2 strangers and at the same time We're so close I give you signals, want to reach you but there is this  wall that stands between us. If I would be your mirror, you could see yourself in me Then it wouldn't be so hard for you to understand What I don't say Sisi: What's this disturbance? What's going on? What do you want? Rudolf: Mom, I need you I come to you in great pain I feel trapped in a cage and alone I face the danger to be dishonoured  in the face of the world Only you can tell my problems I don't see a solution. Sisi: I don't want to know... Rudolf: Court and marriages are torture to me oh this dispicable scandal Only you can help  if you would talk to the Emperor on my behalf then there might have been some hope left.... Sisi: Don't tell me! I don't belong to the Emperor anymore I cut all his shackles I never say please and I won't do it for you either! Rudolf: So you abandon me? Mayerling--Walzer (Mayerling Waltz) Totenklage (Death Lament) Sisi: Rudolf, where are you? Can you hear me? You were like me, you needed me I did not help you because I wanted to liberate myself.  How can you forgive me? I have failed..and now I carry my own guilt. If I could only hug you once last time and defend you against the world But it's too late, they've taken you away We're both alone Come open to me. Don't let me wait. Have I not endured enough? Have mercy, come sweet death, cursed death Redeem ME!......TOO LATE! I don't want you. I don't need you. GO! Mein Neues Sortiment (My new sortiment) My new sortiment sells like crazy A strong collection--especially these pictures The grieving mother at the coffin of her son that moves every heart on shivers and feels full sympathy -- the mighty can also feel pain God be thanked that we are not all rich and mighty That is a comfort and has moral value as you like it---KITSCH, Kitsch.... And our Empress still travels,  and starves and keeps silent. Once in a while the Emperor travels after her because he likes self punishment And if she is still there when he arrives there we have a rendezvous, gentle in the night with view of the beach. Boote in der nacht (Boats in the night) Franz Josef: You know why I came? Sisi: No, but I can guess Franz Josef: Come home Sisi, we belong together I still believe in that I love you, and love, the saying goes, can heal all wounds Sisi: Love can do alot,  but sometimes, love is not enough Faith is strong, but sometimes it is also self deception We wanted miracles, but they didn't happen It is about time that we see things more clearly We are like two boats in the night Every boat has its own destination and its own cargo We meet each other on the ocean,  and then we are sad to part,  but what's left of our rendezvous isn't for us to decide. Franz Josef: You want everything  but sometimes a little can be a lot. Sisi: Your dream is too small for me Franz Josef: To be close in the darkness,  is that not good enough as a goal? Sisi: I don't want to be your shadow Both: Could you only once see through my eyes,  then you wouldn't misunderstand me any longer. We are like 2 boats in the night every boat has its own destination and its own cargo we meet each other on the ocean and then we're sad to part, why is happiness so hard to achieve for us? Sisi: We're like 2 boats in the night... Franz Josef: I had you, I love you Why don't you want to be with me? Understand me, I need you. I love you Why are we both alone? Both: We meet each other on the ocean we are more alone than before why is achieving happiness so hard for us? Franz Josef: I love you Sisi: Please, understand, what cannot be cannot be. Epilog (Epilogue) Voice: What did you want in ...Lucheni? Lucheni: I wanted to kill the Prince of Orleans, but he was not there! Voice: Why instead the Empress Elisabeth? Lucheni: I heard on the news that she was visiting the city. Voice: When was that? Lucheni: On September 10th, 1898-- A sunny day. Majesty! Help! Oh my God! A doctor! Quickly, a doctor! Oh God, she is dying, she is dying!!! Der Schleier Fallt (The Veil is falling) Death: The Veil is falling, Leave the shadows I was longing so much for you  Don't let me wait. Sisi: Let me be safe and free erase all memories of me  give my soul a home Both: Let the world perish  I want to drown with you in the emptiness and ascend with you in the fire again lose myself with you in eternity Sisi: I have laughed and cried,  I despaired and hoped again, But whatever I did, I was always loyal to myself Both: The world searches in vain For the meaning of my/your life Sisi: For I belong... Death: You belong... Both: ...to me! End