the reason I am such a dreamer.

I was betrothed to you too soon.

You deserve someone better.

The fairy tale never tells this.

Prince:

The fairy tale wants it. It’s clear,

the fairy tale will see us wed.

Cinderella:

A wide-awake fairy tale is

inside this dreaming creature here.

And I couldn’t dream at your side!

Prince:

But, but—!

Cinderella:

No, not where I would be displayed

like I was a bird in a cage.

I couldn’t take that, not being able

to kiss.

Prince:

But if you want to see it fly,

should you not expend some effort

to chase after it? You only dream

when you have to catch a dream.

Cinderella:

How nice you understand me. True,

so true.

Prince:

Now, now, compose yourself. I know

you’re now going to put this dress on

that the fairy tale chose for you.

You were born to have such sweet things

and you can’t escape these fetters,

these ten thousand too many whims

that all rise up inside of you.

May I conduct you toward the door?

They stand up.

See, it would be a shame for you.

This fineness you have inside you

ordains that you will be my wife.

You cry?

Cinderella:

For I must follow you despite

the aforesaid and so gladly

will I follow you from now on.

Prince:

I ask very, very much.

Cinderella gathers up the dresses and exits.

Hey, Father!

King (from above):

What kind of a girl is that, son?

Prince:

Is she good enough now?

King:

As a goddess she shall ascend

to my throne. Her ennoblement

shall stir the land into music

and revelry. I’ll be right down

and proclaim it to our nation.

In the meantime she’ll come with you

amid rejoicing, which like incense

will lead, follow.

He exits.

Prince:

I’ll wait here until her return.

To Cinderella, who appears above in the gallery in her extravagant dress.

Ah, is it you?

Cinderella:

To serve you, lord.

Prince:

O dear, no! O how———

He leaps up the stairs toward her.

Cinderella:

Yes, yes.

* Cinderella’s singing.

† An ironic play on teichoscopy, a classic dramatic device.

‡ A mildly pejorative expression in the German, compare to a “rare” or “strange bird.”

§ Directed at the Prince, who cannot hold his breath.

The Christ Child

THE CHRIST CHILD

Joseph:

What goes on inside this cottage?

Who are these strange people I see?

What a curious gathering!

In the weak glow of my lantern,

I can make out all kinds of faces.

Who are you? Where do you come from

and what would make you turn out here?

Speak!

Young Girl:

Speak! I can hardly explain why.

I’d rather you didn’t ask me.

I only heard that here on this night

something glorious would happen

and thought I’d like to be here too,

even though I am but a poor,

scorned girl.

Soldier:

scorned girl. Did they not say,