Page:Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (IA diemeistersinger68wagn).pdf/6

The scene is laid in Nuremberg in the middle of the sixteenth century. Walter von Stolzing, a young Franconian knight, is deeply in love with Eva, daughter of Veit Pogner, a goldsmith, and senior member of the Master Singer's Guild.

His affection is reciprocated by Eva. At the rise of the curtain service is just closing in St. Catherine's church. Eva attended by her nurse Magdalena, is about to leave the sacred edifice when Walter approaches and endeavors to have a few words with the object of his devotion. Eva deftly finds opportunity by sending Magdalena to fetch a handkerchief left in her pew, and when Magdalena returns, sends her back to the pew again for a scarf pin. Walter presses his suit but hears the bad news from Eva that her father has announced that her hand shall be given in marriage only to a suitor who has proved himself a Master Singer and been accepted as a member of venerable guild. Walter eagerly announces his intention of presenting himself forthwith for a trial, and he hears from David that the Mastersingers are on the point of assembling for their periodical audition.

David endeavors to alarm Walter by a length description of the severe study necessary to conform to the standards of the guild, but Walter determines to present himself without delay. The apprentices busy themselves carrying in the furniture required for the trial, including a small platform with seat for singer, and a screened seat close by for the marker, whose duty it is to chalk on a slate the good and bad points made by the candidate. On the present occasion the post of marker is held by Sixtus Beckmesser, Town Clerk, also a suitor for the hand of Eva. Kothner reads out the Laws of the Society, explaining carefully the many rules never to be violated.

When all is prepared Walter is invited to mount the platform, and sits upon the Singer's Stool. Kothner then loudly announces "The Singer sits," and Beckmesser from within his curtained space petulantly cries "Now begin."

Walter then sings the lovely Trial Songs. Meanwhile evidences of dissatisfaction, and many scratchings of the chalk on the slate of Beckmesser,