Page:Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (IA diemeistersinger68wagn).pdf/7

are heard. Walter bravely continues his singing until rudely interrupted by the jealous Beckmesser, who emerges from his curtains to display the slate completely covered with bad marks. Walter appears to his critics for justice, and succeeds in securing the sympathy of Hans Sachs, but the majority of the Masters agree that, according to the rules of their society, the education of Walter has been sadly neglected. No such novice could be permitted to enter their sacred circle. The scene closes in confusion as the Masters retire, still disputing on the merits of the case, and the apprentices, glad of the relief from the stern atmosphere, laugh and dance around David as they assist in the removal of the benches. Hans Sachs remains alone, lost in thought, before the empty Singer's seat.

Exterior of Pogner's house; nearby is the house and shop of Hans Sachs. Evening, and during the scene night gradually closes in.

Walter, finding himself rejected by the Guild, suggests to Eva that they elope. Whilst Walter is explaining the unjust treatment he received at the hands of the examiners, an approaching Nightwatchman compels Eva to retire into her father's house. Hans Sachs, from his shop, having overheard the suggested elopement, determines that matters must be arranged otherwise. Soon Eva emerges from her home, disguised in the dress of Magdalena, fully prepared to elope with Walter. Hans Sachs, who is closely watching the lovers, suddenly places his lamp behind a waterglobe, and so causes a brilliant stream of light to fall upon the lovers, who are compelled to hide themselves. Meanwhile Beckmesser with his lute appears upon the scene, eager to serenade Eva. The lovers conceal themselves behind some bushes. As Beckmesser commences to tune his lute Hans Sachs sings a nonsensical ballad, hammering meanwhile loudly on his last. Vainly Beckmesser entreats silence, the song and hammering grows even louder; finally the neighbors and apprentices are attracted to the scene, astonished at the unusual nocturnal sounds. Magdalena then appears at an upper window, and David, imagining that the serenade of Beckmesser is intended for his adored Magdalena, falls upon the luckless serenader. The neighbors take sides with the combatants, and soon the entire scene is in commotion. When the combat is at its height, Walter seizes Eva in his arms, and drawing his sword, declares his intention of cutting his way through the struggling crowd. Hans Sachs at this point thinks it time to interpose, and rushing out of his shop he grasps the arms of Walter. Pogner appears at the door of his house, and Sachs gives the half-fainting