Page:Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (IA diemeistersinger68wagn).pdf/9

himself as the first of the competitors, and is led by the apprentices to the grassy mound from which the aspirants are to deliver their songs. With the song of Hans Sachs concealed in his doublet, Beckmesser strikes a few chords on his lute, and commences awkwardly, endeavoring to fit the text to the melody of his own serenade. He becomes hopelessly confused, and the populace audibly titters, which increases his misery; as he continues, the half-suppressed merriment of the audience becomes amazed laughter. Trembling with rage Beckmesser springs down from the mound telling the Masters that the sorry trash he has been endeavoring to sing was composed by Hans Sachs, with the sole object of accomplishing his ruin; he then rushes furiously away amidst great commotion. The Masters enquire of Sachs the truth of the assertion. Sachs explains that the fault lies not in the song, but in the singer, and to prove his point announces Walter as the true author of the song, and entreats permission of the Masters for Walter to sing his composition. Having obtained their consent Sachs hands the scroll to the Masters in order that they may follow each line as sung. Walter takes his place on the mound and commences to sing the immortal Prize Song. Silence falls on all, wonder evident on every face. At the close of the song the Masters rise and hail Walter as victor, glorious singer, winner of the prize. Eva crowns Walter with a wreath of leaves and Pogner extends his hands in benediction over the happy lovers.