This is not a lyric, it is an aria. And it appears in the second scene of my opera, The Willows by the Western Gate, based on an ancient Chinese You ran away yesterday in the garden?
love story. The hero, Wan, studying for his exams in a remote part of
the country, has fallen in love at first sight with a beautiful young girl named Meilan. Invited to dinner at her mother's, Wan and Meilan are left alone for a few moments. But, try as he may, Wan cannot get Meilan to react to him.
For all those true romantics, click on the bird below and it will take
you to ancient China and a very tragic tale of love.
Speak to Me
WAN
Am I that unpleasant to your eyes? (No response.) You may speak to me now, Meilan, (Silence.)
For we are cousins
And we have now been
Formally introduced.I do not ask gratitude (Silence.)
For sending the guard.
All I ask is to hear your voice.Meilan, Meilan, (SHE says nothing.)
I have never asked a girl to speak before.
In the capitol
It is hard to keep them silent.
But just a word or two, Meilan,
For the voice must be as exquisite as the face.Oh, speak to me, Meilan, (SHE reacts not at all.)
And tell me anything you wish.
How glowing is the sun,
How green the countryside.
Oh, speak to me, Meilan,
And tell me only what you will.
How pleasant is the night
Or how clear the distant evening star.
What wine did you drink with dinner?
Was it red,
Was it rich,
Was it warm?
What work did you weave with your needle?
Is it as lovely
As the hands that caressed it?
Oh, speak to me, Meilan,
If just to let me hear your voice.Oh, speak to me, Meilan, (MEILAN'S face does not change expression. It is as though he has not sung at all.)
And tell me anything you wish.
Oh, speak to me, Meilan,
And tell me only what you will.
How cool the brook nearby,
How ripe the deep plum tree,
Where you have walked today
And the things that you have seen.
And maybe someday
You will tell me
What you think,
What you feel,
What you dream.
But, oh, Meilan,
Somewhere we must begin.
Oh, speak to me, Meilan,
Please speak to me, Meilan.