I finally see you again, after so many months apart. |
Brahma reunites us. |
But tell me, have you remained true to your oath? |
-Is it a friend I see again or a traitor? -I have overcome my deep love. |
We’ll forget the past and celebrate this sweet moment. |
Let’s be brothers and remain friends all our lives. |
My heart has banished its madness. |
-Yes, peace has come to you, but not oblivion. –What are you saying? |
Zurga, when we reach the age where dreams of past days have faded… |
…you’ll remind yourself of our last journey and our stop at the gates of Kandy. |
It was evening. There was a cool breeze. The Brahmins, their faces bathed in light… |
…slowly called the crowd to prayer. |
Adorned with flowers and gold, a woman appears from the back of the temple. |
I think I still see her. |
The prostrate crowd looks at her in astonishment and whispers softly. |
Look, it is the goddess… |
…who rises from the shadow and stretches out her arms towards us. |
Her veil is raised. O vision! O dream! The crowd is on its knees. |
Yes, it is she, it is the goddess, so charming and so beautiful. |
Yes, it is she, the goddess who comes to us. |
She makes her way through the crowd. Her long veil hides her face from us. |
I search for her in vain. |
She flees! |
What a strange passion suddenly flares up in my soul. |
-What new fire consumes me? -Your hand pushes away my hand. |
Love seizes our hearts and changes us into enemies. |
No, let nothing separate us! |
Let’s swear to remain friends. |
Yes, it is she, it is the goddess who unites us. |
Faithful to my promise, I will cherish you as a brother. |
Yes, we will share the same fate. Let us be united until death. |
What do I see? A canoe is approaching. I was expecting it. Thanks to Brahma. |
Who are you waiting for? |
An unknown woman, as beautiful as she is wise. |
According to ancient custom, the oldest of us brings her from afar. |
A long veil conceals her face from our eyes. No one must see or approach her. |
While we work, she prays up on the rocks. |
Her song soars over our heads. It drives away evil spirits and protects us. |
She is drawing near. Friend, stay with us to celebrate her arrival. |