[NARRATOR, spoken] That is the end. I will begin at the beginning. That summer when I was seventeen. That summer long ago. At Balbec by the sea [3 STROLLERS] Balbec by the sea Balbec by the sea Happy as can be at Balbec by the sea [BATHERS] Balbec by the sea Balbec by the sea Happiest are we at Balbec by the sea [1 MALE STROLLER] Long drawn out...Learn More

[MARCEL, spoken] What are you reading? [ALBERTINE, spoken] It's a poem (sung) My soul weeps like rain Upon the steaming rooftops of the town Why this piercing pain Each time a drop hits ground? My soul weeps like rain And as it falls I hear it start to sing A sad and mournful song That is empty of ev'rything [MARCEL, spoken] It's...beautiful....Learn More

[MARCEL, spoken] I follow first my ears, then my thumping heart down a path into the woods, where I reach a clearing on the cliff. And peeking from behind a bush, I see... [3 GIRLS] Oh Ferret of Fairywood he just ran by Oh Ferret of Fairywood he passed by me Oh Ferret of Fairywood [ALBERTINE] Whom will I marry? [3 GIRLS] Oh Ferret of...Learn More

[MARCEL] Talk about the weather In Paris? In Balbec? In Combray? Talk about which party they could be attending today [FRANCOISE] A change in the weather is all that it takes to begin again [MARCEL] Talk about this painter, this writer, the gossip, the hearsay Talk of which drawing room they could languish long in today? [FRANCOISE] A change in...Learn More

[NARRATOR] Albertine... Albertine... A silhouette against the sea And ev'ry time I look I see a diff'rent Albertine, Albertine A girl in Balbec with plump cheeks She boldly stares from those stairs Where the street and beach meet A silhouette against the sea And ev'ry time I look I see a diff'rent Albertine, Albertine A girl with red hair and...Learn More

[ALBERTINE] Is it too late for me to return to you? Would you be prepared to take me back? Whatever you decide, whatever you decide I shall abide by your decision If you know now, I beg, please, don't make me wait The ink from your pen will seal my fate Whatever you decide, whatever you decide Whatever you decide, I shall abide by your...Learn More