Antonia has been told by her father, Crespel, to sing no more. When Hoffmann, who has long loved her, comes, he wonders why, but he soon learns by overhearing a conversation between Crespel and an evil person called Doctor Miracle that Antonia is afflicted with consumption. He then begs her also not to sing, and she promises him. When Hoffmann goes, Miracle comes in and tells her it is all nonsense, to sing as much as she likes; but she will not break her promise to Hoffmann. Miracle then causes the ghost of Antonia's mother to appear, and to her prayers the girl yields. Miracle urges her on and on, until she is utterly exhausted. She falls dying, and her father receives her last breath. Hoffmann is heartbroken. EPILOGUE. A return to the scene of the first act. Hoffmann has told his stories. His companions leave him. The Muse appears and tells him that she is the only mistress to follow, the only one who will remain true to him. His spirit flickers a moment with gratitude. Then his head sinks on the table, and he sleeps. The Tales of Hoffmann ACT I. (The Tavern of Martin Luther. The interior of a German inn. Tables and benches.) CHORUS of Students. Drig, drig, drig, master Luther, Spark of hades, Drig, drig, drig, for us more beer, For us thy wine, Until morning, Fill my glass, Until morning, Fill our pewter Mugs! NATHANAEL. Luther is a brave man, Tire, lan, laire, T'is to-morrow that we brain him, Tire, lan, la! CHORUS. Tire, lon, la! LUTHER (going from table to table). Here, gentlemen, here. HERMANN. His cellar is a goodly spot, Tire lon, laire, 'Tis tomorrow we devast it, Tire lon la! CHORUS. Tire lon la! (Knocking of glasses.) LUTHER. Here, gentlemen, here. WILHELM. His wife is a daughter of Eve, Tire lan laire, 'Tis to-morrow we abduct her, Tire lon la. CHORUS. Tire lon la! LUTHER. Here, gentlemen, here. CHORUS. Drig, drig, drig, master Luther, etc., etc. (The students sit drinking and smoking.) NATHANAEL. And Luther, my goodly vat, What have you done with our Hoffman. HERMANN. T'is your wine poisoned him, You've killed him faith of Herrmann, Give us back Hoffmann. ALL. Give us Hoffmann. LINDORF (aside). To the devil, Hoffmann. NATHANAEL. Let them bring him to us Or your last day has dawned. LUTHER. Gentlemen, he comes. (He opens the door, and Nicklausse is with him.) ALL. Hurrah, 'tis he. LINDORF (aside). Let's watch him. HOFFMANN (entering with sombre voice). Good day, friends. NICKLAUSSE. Good-day. HOFFMANN. A chair, a glass, A pipe... NICKLAUSSE (mocking). Pardon, my lord, without displeasing, I drink, smoke and sit like you... place for two. CHORUS. He's right... place for both of them. (Hoffmann and Nicklausse sit down, Hoffmann has head in his hands.) NICKLAUSSE (humming). Notte a giorno mal dormire... HOFFMANN (brusquely). Shut up, in devil's name.