Walther now comes to meet his love, and, full of resentment against the
Masters, proposes an elopement. Eva readily agrees, but Sachs, who has
overheard them, frustrates the scheme by opening his window and throwing
a strong light upon the street by which they would have to pass.
Beckmesser, lute in hand, now comes down the street and begins a
serenade under Eva's window. Sachs drowns his feeble piping with a lusty
carol, hammering away meanwhile at a pair of shoes which he must finish
that night for Beckmesser to wear on the morrow. Beckmesser is in
despair. Finally they come to an arrangement. Beckmesser shall sing his
song, and Sachs shall act as 'marker,' noting every technical blunder in
the words and tune with a stroke of his hammer. The result is such a din
as disturbs the slumbers of the neighbours. David, the apprentice, comes
out and recognises his sweetheart Magdalena at Eva's window. He scents a
rival in Beckmesser, and begins lustily to cudgel the unfortunate
musician. Soon the street fills with townsfolk and apprentices, all
crying and shouting together. Eva and Walther, under cover of the
uproar, are making their escape, when Sachs, who has been on the watch,
steps out and stops them. He bids Eva go home, and takes Walther with
him into the house. Suddenly the watchman's horn is heard in the
distance. Every one rushes off, and the street is left to the quiet
moonlight and the quaint old watchman, who paces up the street solemnly
proclaiming the eleventh hour.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232