Some sudden gifts before me from her treasures;

Perhaps, I will be visited by raptures

And a creative night and inspiration;

Perhaps, another Haydn will create

New greatnesses -- wherein I will delight...

As I was feasting with a hateful guest --

Perhaps, I mused, I'm yet to find a worse,

More vicious foe; perhaps, a worse offense

Will crash upon me from disdainful heights --

Then you shall not be lost, Isora's gift.

And I was right! and I have found at last

My greatest foe, and now the other Haydn

Has filled me wonderfully with my rapture!

The time has come! Prophetic gift of love,

Transfer today into the cup of friendship.

Scene 2 (A special room at an inn; a piano. Mozart and Salieri at a table.) Salieri

You seem a little down today?

Mozart

Me? No!

Salieri

You surely are upset with something, Mozart?

Good dinner, glorious wine, but you keep quiet

And sit there looking gloomy.

Mozart

I should own,

My Requiem's unsettling me.

Salieri

Your Requiem!--

You've been composing one? Since long ago?

Mozart

Long: some three weeks. A curious incident...

I haven't told you, have I?

Salieri