E lucevan le stelle,
  e olezzava la terra
  stridea l'uscio dell'orto,
  e un passo sfiorava la rena.
  Entrava ella, fragrante,
  mi cadea fra le braccia.
  Oh! dolci baci, o languide carezze,
  mentr'io fremente le belle forme discogliea dai veli!
  Svani per sempre il sogno mio d'amore...
  L'ora e fuggita e muoio disperato!
  E non ho amato mai tanto la vita!
  
  SYNOPSES
  The painter Cavaradossi has been sentenced to death for helping to hide an escaped political prisoner. As he awaits his fate, he sings of the sweet memories of his beloved Tosca and his dashed dreams.
  
  ENGLISH TRANSLATION
  How the stars seemed to shimmer,
  the sweet scents of the garden,
  how the creaking gate whispered,
  and a footstep skimmed over the sand,
  how she then entered, so fragrant,
  and then fell into my two arms!
  Ah sweetest of kiss, languorous caresses,
  while I stood trembling, searching her features
  concealed by her mantle. My dreams of pure love,
  forgotten forever! All of it's gone now!
  I die hopeless, despairing, and never before
  have I loved life like this!