from Act III, Scene 2 of the German opera
Lohengrin by Richard Wagner
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Role: Lohengrin, a knight
Voice Part: tenor Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor
Setting: a plain on the banks of the Schelbt, Antwerp, first half of the 10th century
Synopsis: As a beautiful swan floats towards them, Lohengrin says goodbye to Elsa. He tells her that her brother Gottfried who disappeared a while ago would have reappeared in a year if Lohengrin did not have to leave. However, he is now forced to leave and gives his sword, his ring, and his horn to Elsa, saying that Gottfried should be given them when he returns.