The Magic Flute: Act I. “I’m sure that there could never be” (Papageno, Tamino, Three Ladies)
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I'm sure that there could never be
A more contented man than me
I earn my living as I please
I charm the birds from out the trees
I set my nets against the sky
I call the birds and down they fly
So when you hear my music play
You'll know that I'm not far away
If only I could cast a spell
To capture pretty girls as well
My nets would get them by the score
Each day I'd catch a hundred more
And soon I would fulfill my dream
A thousand girls in my harem
If I achieve my heart's desire
I'd hang my nets up and retire
A thousand maidens might be fun
But I'd have to set my heart on one
I'd choose the girl I liked the best
And take her home to share my nest
We'd bill and coo, we'd hug and kiss
And every night I'd pay her this
I'd hold her close, the pretty thing
And she would sleep beneath my wing
Hey there! Who are you?
Who am I? I'm a man like yourself. More to the point, who are you?
A man as well. And my father's a king, the king of many lands
King? Lands? Are you trying to tell me that
Beyond those mountains, there are other lands?
Hundreds! Look, just tell me where we are
I can't. I just live here
Then how do you live?
I eat and drink like everyone
But how do you pay for it?
I catch birds for the Queen of the Night. And
Her ladies bring me food and drink in return
This has to be the same Queen of the Night my father
Told me about. Perhaps he's one of her familiar spirits
What's he looking at me like that for? Oh, just you stay
Where you are. I've got superhuman strength when I'm roused
So it was you who rescued me from the snake!
Snake!
Is it dead?
How did you do it? You're not armed
Well, the secret's in the wrist action
Ah, Padrino!
Here you are, my beauties. Here are your birds
Thank you, but you don't deserve any wine today
Only water. And instead of bread, this stone
And instead of meat, you can stop your mouth with this padlock
The Queen has decided to punish you
For telling lies
And for claiming as your own brave acts performed by others
Did you kill the serpent?
No, we did
Young man, her radiant highness has sent you this
Portrait of her daughter. If you are moved by her
Beauty, then fame, fortune, and honor will be yours