In Weber's opera, Der Freitshutz, the character, Casper, has made a deal with the devil several years prior to the time period of the opera. When the opera begins, Casper has only a few days left before he is taken down to the underworld by the hands of the devil. Casper comes up with the idea to persuade his friend Max to make a deal with the devil, hoping that in exchange, he'll get more time added to his life.


In this aria, Casper and Max are sharing a few rounds of drinks, while Casper sings about the joys of cards, dice, and women.

Italian Lyrics
Hier im ird'schen Jammerthal
Wär' doch nichts als Plack und Qual,
Trüg' der Stock nicht Trauben;
Darum bis zum letzten Hauch
Setz ich auf Gott Bacchus' Bauch
Meinen festen Glauben!
Eins ist eins und drei sind drei!
Drum addiert noch zweierlei
Zu dem Saft der Reben;
Kartenspiel und Würfellust
Und ein Kind mit runder Brust
Hilft zum ew'gen Leben!
Ohne dies Trifolium
Gibt's kein wahres Gaudium
Seit dem ersten Übel.
Fläschchen sein mein Abc,
Würfel, Karte, Katherle
Meine Bilderfibel!

English Lyrics
Here in the earthly vale
Oh, it is all toil and and torment,
Even the stick fails to bear grapes;
Therefore until my last breath
Sit me on Bacchus' belly
My firm belief!
One is one and three is three!
And two more are still added
To the juice of the grape;
Lust for cards and dice
And girls with round breasts
Helps achieve life eternal!
Without this trio
There's no true joy
Since the first evil.

His bottle is my ABC,
Dice, cards, Katherle
My picturebook!