Lyrics by Frank DiGiacomo with assistance from Julian R. Pace.

Prince Hulbrand has been coerced into marrying the Princess Berthalda, with whom he is not in love, and sending away Undine. Princess Berthalda is a timid, sensitive creature who knows nothing of the Prince’s love for Undine. During their wedding feast, a waltz is danced and played inside the palace - while, on the balcony, Berthalda begs for understanding and affection, if not love, from her new husband. When he doesn’t respond, she sadly contents herself with dancing and singing the waltz alone.

LYRICS
Princess Berthalda:
     My husband, my Prince, you must understand that I am
     afraid and confused.
     Since first I heard I was to be wed with no choice of my own,
     I’ve fretted and worried and pondered so sadly how all of my dreams
     would no doubt be buried forever,
     with my youth, never to be thought of again.
     But now that I’ve seen you, my fears are forgotten.
     Now that I’ve heard in your voice, all the sounds and the music
     of dreams held fast to my heart, I want only to hold you in my arms
     and to know that the arms which embrace me are yours, only yours,
     forever more, ah, forever and ever.
     Please do not reject me, don’t cast me aside,
     for into your hands I have placed all my hopes,
     into your hands alone...ah, do not reject me!
     I would be yours forever and ever.
     It would take so little to make me happy,
     and I, your servant, your handmaid, beg you for this;
     to let me love you as I do now, forever and ever.
     Show me the way and I shall be always
     a pleasure, a helpmate, a wife, true and faithful.
     Just let me love you, and love me a little as well...just let me love you!
     What knowledge of men, courtly love and manners are mine,
     I have been taught...
     ...lessons in dance, lessons in song, lessons in love!
     So you see I shall be so easy to teach, just please tell me what
     you want me to be, tell me.
     I am vain and thoughtless, it’s true, for no one has let me
     be anything else.
     But with you, I could be different! Hear me, please hear me!
     Just let me love you! And love me a little as well.
     There is so much in me that no one has seen!
     Hear me, please hear me! For there is more to me than what you see.
     This is my wedding night, and I am pleading for one word, one look!
     The time is for dancing, the music is playing...but where is he who
     should dance with me?
     Ah, he is not with me; he will not have me.
     So I must dance alone.
     Ah! (vocalise)