Enter Don Jose and Maritana.

Solo Don CæSar.
Health to the lady, the lovely bride,
Length of years to her be given;
Like this brightly sparkling nectar.
Radiant with the light of heaven.

Health to the lady, the lovely bride.

Laz

Life on her each bliss bestow,
Like this cup of rosy nectar,
May her hours with joy o'erflow.

By this hand so soft and trembling,
By those looks so sunny bright;
'Neath that cruel veil dissembling,
Youth and beauty hide their light.

Like the mist upon the mountain,
So this veil obscures my sight,
From this bosom palpitation,
Closing every beam of light.

Hark, the organ, sweetly pealing,
Calleth to the nuptial rite;
Time is flying; quick, be stirring,
You must wed and die to-night.

Lo, the organ, sweetly pealing,
Calleth to the hallowed rite.
Ah, what mystery—no escaping—

Don C

I must wed and die to-night.

Mar

I must be a bride to-night.

Yes, the organ, hope inspiring,
Calleth to the nuptial rite;
Like a spirit seems to murmur—
No; he shall not die to-night.

Hark, the organ softly pealing,
Calleth to the nuptial rite;
Ah, what hear we—task revolting,
He by us must fall to-night.