from Act III, Scene 1 of the French opera
Manon by Jules Massenet
Libretto: Henri Meilhac
Role: Manon Lescaut, a young woman, cousin of Lescaut
Voice Part: soprano Fach: lyric soprano
Setting: A busy square in Paris, France, 18th century
Synopsis: Manon appears in the crowd and tells her admirers about her philosophy to live only for the moment, caring not what happens afterwards. After all, there is little time in youth. One should spend it loving, singing, and dancing.