The Locksmith: A Comic Opera

TOGETHER.

BASTIENNE.

No, no, Julien,
Demand nothing.
No Julien, I will do
nothing.

J U L I E N.

Do you think well
Of the sweet bond
That your dear Ju-
lien desires.

J U L I E N.

My dear Bastienne, why this reluctance? You know how much I love you; your aunt approves of our union; your uncle Eloy is the only one who opposes our marriage, because of your dowry for which he is the trustee, and which would have to be paid. Original: "dont il est dépositaire." In 18th-century law, a guardian often held a niece's dowry in trust until her marriage, creating a financial incentive to delay the wedding. And then he is so jealous of his wife, that all men make him suspicious, and seem like suitors to him. I only dare to come here in secret: since your grandfather is willing to receive you, will you let such a favorable opportunity slip away?

BASTIENNE.

But why dress me as a man?

J U L I E N.

To deceive your uncle's watchfulness and prevent him from recognizing you, if he saw you leaving the house.

BASTIENNE.

I willingly agree to choose a refuge in my grandfather's house; since by retreating there, I obey the leaning of my heart without anyone being able to say anything to my disadvantage; but I will always have a reluctance to disguise myself as a man. Original: "me travestir." Cross-dressing was a very popular plot device in 18th-century French theater, often used to allow female characters more freedom of movement.

J U L I E N.

You would then be completely different from others.

LITTLE AIR. Original: "Ariette."

There is no girl
Well-made and pretty,
Whose heart does not sparkle
As soon as she dresses as a man.
Certain charms
That one did not see;
Many attractions,

Vocabulary: The Locksmith, Bastienne, Julien, together, little air, libretto, comic opera, cross-dressing.