by French
writer Gaston Leroux
. It was first published as a serialisation in "Le Gaulois
" from September 23, 1909 to January 8, 1910. Initially, the story sold very poorly upon publication in book form and was even out of print
several times during the twentieth century; it is overshadowed by the success of its various film and stage adaptations.
The bridge is crossed so stand and watch it burn.
Angel of music, you denied me, turning from true beauty.
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Lead me, save me from my solitude. Say you want me with you here, beside you. Anywhere you go let me go too. Christine, that's all I ask of —
Masquerade! Paper faces on parade. Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you.
The world showed no compassion to me!
Past the point of no return, the final threshold. What warm unspoken secrets will we learn?
You alone can make my song take flight. Help me make the music of the night.
Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest. Sir, this is indeed an unparalleled delight. I had rather hoped that you would come. And now, my wish comes true. You have truly made my night.
A toad, Madam? Perhaps it is you who are the toad.
You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you!