7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) ANTONIO GHISLANZONI / GIUSEPPE VERDI OperaGlass Libretto Aida English translation Italian/English AIDA AM OPERA IN FOUR ACTS THE WORDS BY ANTONIO GHISLANZONI THE MUSIC BY GIUSEPPE VERDI CHARACTERS King of Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bass . . . . Mezzo-sopr. . . . . . Soprano Radames, Captain of the Egyptian Guards . . . . Tenor Ramphis, High Priest of Isis . . . . . Bass Amonasro, King of Ethiopia (Aida's Father) . . . Baritone A Messenger . . . Tenor Amneris, Daughter of the King of Egypt Aida, an Ethiopian Slave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priests, Priestesses, Ministers, Captains, Soldiers, Functionaries, Slaves, Ethiopian Prisoners, Egyptian People, etc. etc. The action takes place at Memphis and at Thebes during the reign of the Pharaohs. ACT I SCENE I Hall in the palace of the King at Memphis. To the right and left a Colonnade with statues and flowering shrubs. — At the back a grand gate, from which may be seen the temples and palaces of Memphis, and the Pyramids. Radames — Ramphis. RAM. RAD. RAM. Yes, it is rumored that the Ethiop dares once Again our power in the valley of Nilus, Threaten as well as Thebes. The truth from Messengers I soon shall know. The will of Isis? Hast thou consulted She has declared Who of Egypt's renowned Armies shall be leader. opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 1/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) RAD. Oh happy mortal! RAM. [looking significantly at Radames] Young in years is he and dauntless. The dread commandment I to the King shall take. RAD. [Exit] What if 'tis I am chosen? Ah my dream be now accomplished! Of a glorious army I the chosen leader — mine glorious victory — By Memphis received in triumph! To thee returned, Aida, my brow entwined with laurel — Tell thee, for thee I battled, for thee I conquered! Heav'nly Aida, beauty resplendent, Radiant flower blooming and bright; Queenly thou reignest o'er me transcendent, Bathing my spirit in beauty's light. Would that thy bright skies once more beholding, Breathing the soft airs of thy native land; Round thy fair brow a diadem folding, Thine were a throne next the sun to stand. Amneris and the same. AMN. In thy visage I trace a joy unwonted! What martial ardour Is beaming in thy noble glances! Ah me! how worthy were of all envy The woman whose dearly wish'd for presence Could have power to kindle in thee such rapture! RAD. A dream of proud ambition In my heart I was nursing — Isis this day Has declared my name the warrior chief appointed To lead to battle Egypt's hosts, — ah, for this honour Say what if I were chosen! AMN. Has not another vision, One more sweet, more enchanting, Found favour in your heart? Is there in Memphis No attraction more charming? RAD. I? — (fatal question!) (Has she the secret yearning Divined within me burning! Have then these eyes betrayed me And told Aida's name!) AMN. (Ah His Woe And woe, my love if spurning heart to another were turning, if hope should false have played me, bootless prove my flame!) Aida and the same. RAD. [seeing Aida] AMN. Aida! (He is troubled — ne'er lover Gazed with more raptured eyes! Aida! should I discover One who with me now vies)? [after a short pause turning to Aida] opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 2/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) Come hither, thou I dearly prize — Slave art thou none, nor menial, Here have I made by fondest ties Sister, a name more genial. Weep'st thou? the secret let me know Wherefore thy tears now flow! AIDA Alas! the cry of war I hear Vast hosts I see assemble, Therefore the country's fate I fear, For me, for all I tremble. AMN. And art thou sure no deeper woe Now bids thy tears to flow? [Aida casts down her eyes and hides her emotion] AMN. [regarding Aida] (Tremble, O thou base vassal! Lest thy secret stain is detected! All in vain thou wouldst dissemble, By tear and blush betrayed!) AIDA (No! fate o'er Egypt looming Weighs down on my heart dejected, I wept that love thus was dooming To woe a hapless maid.) RAD. [regarding Amneris] (Her glance with anger flashing Proclaims our love suspected, Woe if my hopes all dashing, She mar the plans I've laid.) The King enters preceded by his Guards and followed by Ramphis, his Ministers, Priests, Captains, etc. etc. — An Officer of the Palace, and afterwards a Messenger. KING Mighty the cause that summons Round the king the faithful sons of Egypt. From the Ethiop's land a messenger This moment has reached us, news of grave import Brings he — be pleased to hear him! [to an Officer] Bring the news-bearer forward. MESS. The sacred regions of Egyptian soil Is by Ethiops invaded, our fertile fields Lie all devastated, destroyed our harvest! Emboldened by so easy a victory the plundering hordes To the capital are marching. ALL MESS. Presumptuous daring! They are led by a warrior as fierce As he is dauntless — Amonasro. ALL The king! AIDA MESS. (My father!) All Thebes has risen, and from her hundred portals Has poured on the invader a torrent fierce Fraught with relentless carnage. opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 3/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) KING Yes, death and battle be our rallying cry! ALL Battle! battle! KING And carnage, war unrelenting! [addressing Radamès] Isis, revered goddess, Already has appointed the warrior chief, With power supreme invested — Radames! ALL RAD. Radames! Ye Gods, I thank you! My dearest wish is crowned! AMN. (Our leader!) AIDA KING (I tremble.) Now unto Vulcan's temple, Warrior brave, there to gird thee to victory, Donning sacred armour. Up! of Nilus' sacred river Guard the shores Egyptians brave Unto death the foe deliver, Egypt they never shall enslave. RAMPHIS and PRIESTS Glory render, glory abiding, To our gods all mortals guiding; Peace or war alone deciding, Their protection let us crave. MINISTERS and CAPTAINS Up! of Nilus' sacred river Guard the shores, Egyptians brave Unto death the foe deliver: Egypt they never shall enslave. RAD. Glory's sacred thirst now claims me, Only war alone inflames me, On to vic'try, naught we stay for! Death and battle we'll wreak on the foe! AMN. [presenting a standard to Radames] From my hand, thou warrior glorious, Take thy standard aye victorious, Let it ever lead the way For thy opponent's overthrow. AIDA (Whom to weep for? whom to pray for? Ah! what power to him now binds me! Doom'd to love him though all reminds That I love my country's foe.) ALL Battle, battle, we'll hunt the invader down! On! Radames, thy brow may laurels crown! [exeunt all but Aido] opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 4/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM AIDA Aida: Libretto (English) Thy brow may laurels crown! what! can my lips Pronounce language so impious! wish him Victor o'er my father! o'er him who wages war But that I may be restored to my country, To my kingdom, to the high station I now perforce dissemble! wish him conqueror O'er my brothers! e'en now I see him stained With their blood so cherished, 'mid the clamorous Triumph of Egyptian battalions! Behind his chariot A king, my father comes, his fettered captive! Ye gods watching o'er me, Those words deem unspoken! A father restore me, His daughter heart-broken; Oh, scatter their armies, Forever crush our foe! What wild words do I utter? of my affection Have I no recollection? That sweet love that consoled me, a captive pining, Like some bright sunny ray on my sad lot shining! Shall I invoke destruction on the man For whom with love I languish? Ah! ne'er yet on this earth lived one Whose heart was crushed beneath such anguish! The names so holy of father, of lover, No more dare I utter or e'en recall, Abashed and trembling, to Heaven would hover My prayer for both, for both my tears would fall. Ah, woe! transformed seemed my prayers to blaspheming, To suffer is a crime, dark sin to weep, My senses lost, wrapt in deep night are dreaming, To my grave would in sorrow I might creep! Merciful Gods, look from on high! Pity these tears hopelessly shed, Love! mystic power, mystic and dread, Break, break my weak heart, let me now die! [exit] SCENE II Interior of the Temple of Vulcan at Memphis A mysterious light from above. — A long row of columns, one behind the other, vanishing in the distance. — Statues of various Deities. — In the middle of the stage, above a platform covered with carpet, rises the altar, surmounted with sacred emblems. — Golden tripods emitting the fumes of incense. Priests and Priestesses — Ramphis at the foot of the altar — Afterwards Radames — The singing of the Priestesses is heard from within, with harp accompaniment. PRIESTESSES [within] Hail mighty Phthà, that wakest In all things breathing life, Lo! we invoke thee! — Hail mighty Phthà, that makest All fruitful things grow rife, Lo! we invoke thee! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 5/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM PRIESTS Aida: Libretto (English) — Flame uncreated, eternal, Fount of all light above, Lo! we invoke thee! — Hail, thou who madest all things created, Earth, water, heaven, Lo! we invoke thee! — Thou, who of thine own nature Art son as well as sire, Lo! we invoke thee! — Life-giver universal, Great gift of boundless love, Lo! we invoke thee! [Radames enters unarmed. — While he is proceeding to the altar the Priestesses perform a sacred dance. — A silver veil is placed on the head of Radames.] RAM. To thee, god-favoured mortal, is now confided All the welfare of Egypt. The weapon tempered By hand immortal, in thy grasp is destined To deal on thy foes ruin and carnage. [turning to the God] Hear us, oh guardian deity, Our sacred land protecting, Thy mighty hand extending, Danger, danger, to Egypt ward! RAD. Lord o'er each mortal destiny, War's dreadful course directing, Aid unto Egypt sending, Keep o'er her children guard! [During the investiture of Radames with his sacred arms, the Priests and Priestesses reassume the religious hymn and the mystic dance.] ACT II SCENE I A Hall in the Apartments of Amneris. Amneris surrounded by female Slaves, who attire her for the triumphal feast. — From the tripods perfumed vapours arise. — Moorish slave boys dance and wave feather fans. SLAVES Our songs his glory praising Heavenward waft a name Whose deeds the sun outblazing Eclipse his dazzling flame. Come bind thy flowing tresses round With laurel and with flowers, While loud our songs of praise resound To celebrate Love's powers. AMN. (Come, love, with rapture fill me, To joy my heart restore!) SLAVES Ah! where are now the foes who dared Egypt's brave sons attack? opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 6/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) As doves are by the eagle scared, Our warriors drove them back. Now wreath of triumph glorious The victor's brow shall crown, And love o'er him victorious Shall smooth his warlike frown. AMN. (Come, love, let thy voice thrill me With accents dear once more.) Ah, cease now, 'tis Aida who this way advances, Child of the conquered, to me her grief is sacred. [at a sign from Amneris the Slaves retire] Once more to see her My soul again with doubt is tortured — Thy dread secret at last shall be surrendered! Amneris — Aida. AMN. [to Aida with counterfeited affection] 'Neath the chances of battle succumb thy people, O hapless Aida; the sorrows that afflict thee Be sure I feel as keenly; My heart toward thee yearns fondly: Ask what thou wilt of me, thy days shall be happy. AIDA Ah, how can I be happy Far from my native country, where I can never Know what fate has befallen father and brothers? AMN. Deeply you move me, yet no human sorrow Is lasting here below. Time will bring comfort — And heal your present anguish — Greater than time the healing power of love is. AIDA [much moved] (Oh, love, sweet power! oh, joy tormenting! Rapturous madness, bliss fraught with woes, Thy pangs most cruel, a life contenting, Thy smiles enchanting bright heaven disclose!) AMN. [looking fixedly towards Aida] (Yon deadly pallor, her bosom panting, Tell of love's passion, tell of love's woes: Her heart to question, courage is wanting, My bosom feels of her torture the throes.) [eyeing her fixedly] Nay, tell me, then, what new fledged love Assails my gentle Aida? Unbosom all thy secret thoughts, Come, trust securely in my affection; Amongst the warriors who fought Fatally against thy country It may be that one has wakened In thee gentle thoughts of love. AIDA What meanest thou? AMN. The cruel fate of war Not all alike embraces, And then the dauntless warrior Who leads the host may perish! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 7/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) AIDA What dost thou tell me? AMN. Yes, Radames by thine Is slaughtered — And canst thou mourn him? AIDA For ever my tears shall flow! AMN. The Gods have wrought thee vengeance. AIDA Celestial favour To me was ne'er extended. AMN. [breaking out with violence] Tremble! thou art discovered! Thou lovest him, ne'er deny it. AIDA AMN. I love! Nay, to confound thee I need but one word; Gaze on my visage — I told thee falsely — Radames liveth! AIDA [kneeling with rapture] Gods, I thank ye! AMN. He liveth! Dost hope still now deceive me? Yes, thou lovest him; so e'en do I [with her utmost fury] Dost hear my words? behold thy rival here In a Pharaoh's daughter. AIDA [drawing herself up with pride] Thou my rival! What though it were so? I too — [checking herself] Ah, heed not my words, but spare and pardon! Ah! on all my anguish sweet pity take, 'Tis true that all else for his love I'd forsake, While thou art mighty — all joy's thy dower, Naught save my love have I left in life! AMN. Tremble, slave, would thy heart I saw breaking On thy mad passion life thou art staking. Do I not hold thee fast in my power, While in my breast hate and envy are rife. [sounds heard within] In the pageant now preparing Shall a part by thee be taken, Thou the dust, slave abject, biting, On the throne while I find room! Come, this strife with me inviting, Thou ere long shalt learn thy doom. AIDA Pray thee spare a heart despairing, Life's to me a void forsaken; Live and reign, thy anger blighting O'er my head no more shall loom; Soon this love thy hate inviting Shall be buried in the tomb. SCENE II opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 8/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) Entrance gate to the city of Thebes. In front a clump of palms. R.H. a temple dedicated to Ammon — L.H. a throne with a purple canopy; at back a triumphal arch. — The stage is crowded with people. Enter the King, followed by State Officers, Priests, Captains, Fanbearers, Standard-bearers. &mdash Afterwards Amneris, with Aida and Slaves — The King takes his seat on the throne. — Amneris places herself at his left hand. PEOPLE Glory to Isis and the land By her firm arm protected! To Egypt's King elected, Raise we our festive songs! Hither advance, oh glorious band, Mingle your joy with ours, Green bays and fragrant flowers Scatter their path along. WOMEN The laurel with the lotus bound The victors' brows enwreathing, Let flowers, sweet perfume breathing, Veil their grim arms from sight. Dance, sons of Egypt, circling round, And sing your mystic praises, As round the sun in mazes Dance the bright stars of night. PRIESTS Unto the powers war's issue dread Deciding, our glances raise we Thank we our gods, and praise we On this triumphant day. [The Egyptian troops, preceded by trumpets, defile before the King — Other troops enter, following war chariots, banners, sacred vessels, and images of the Gods. — A group of Dancing Girls appears bringing the spoils of the conquered — Enter Radames under a canopy carried by twelve officers]. KING [descends from the throne to embrace Radames] Saviour brave of thy country, Egypt salutes thee! Hither now advance, and on thy head my daughter Will place the crown of triumph. [Radames bows before Amneris, who hands him the crown] KING [to Radames] What thou askest Freely I'll grant it; naught can be denied thee On such a day: I swear it By the crown I am wearing, by Heaven above us. RAD. First deign to order that the captives Be before you brought. [enter Ethiopian Prisoners, surrounded by Guards. Amonasro last, in the dress of an officer] AIDA ALL AMN. What see I? He here? My father? Her father! And in our power! AIDA [embracing her father] Thou captive made! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 9/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM AMON. [whispering to Aida] KING [to Amonasro] So then thou art — AMON. Aida: Libretto (English) Tell not my rank. Come forward! Her father! I joined the war Fought, and was conquered. Death I vainly sought. [pointing to the uniform he is wearing] This my habit has told you already. I my king, I my country defended. Adverse fortune against us ran steady, Vainly sought we the fates to defy. At my feet in the dust lay extended Our King — countless wounds had transpierced him; If to fight for the country that nursed him Make one guilty, we are ready to die. [turning to the King supplicatingly] But, O King, in thy power transcendent, Spare the lives on thy mercy dependent, By the fates though to-day overtaken, Say, who can to-morrow's event descry. AIDA, PRISONERS, SLAVES We on whom Heaven's anger is falling, Thee implore, on thy clemency calling, May ye ne'er be by fortune forsaken, Nor like us in captivity lie! RAMPHIS, PRIESTS Death, O King, be their just destination, Close thy heart to all vain supplication, By the Heavens they doomed are to perish, We the Heavens are bound to obey. PEOPLE Holy priests, calm your anger exceeding, Lend an ear to the conquered foe pleading; Mighty King, thou whose power we cherish, In thy bosom let mercy have sway. RAD. [regarding Aida] (See her cheek wan with weeping and sorrow, From affliction new charm seems to borrow, In my bosom love's flame seems new lighted By each tear-drop that flows from her eyes.) AMN. (With what glances on her he is gazing, Glowing passion within them is blazing; She is loved and my passion is slighted, Stern revenge in my breast loudly cries.) KING High in triumph since our banners now are soaring, Let us spare those our mercy imploring, By the gods mercy aye is requited, And gives strength to princely sway. RAD. [to King] O King, by Heaven above us, And by the crown upon thy brow, thou sworest Whate'er I asked thee thou wouldst grant it. KING RAD. Say on! Vouchsafe thee, I pray, freedom and life To freely grant unto these Ethiop captives here. opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 10/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) AMN. (Free all, then!) PRIESTS Death be the doom of Egypt's enemies. PEOPLE RAM. Compassion To the wretched. Hear me, O King: [to Radames] And thou too, Dauntless young hero, list to the voice of prudence: They are foes to battle hardened, In them vengeance ne'er will die, Growing bolder if now pardoned They to arms once more will fly. RAD. RAM. With Amonasro, their warrior king, All hopes of revenge have perished. As earnest of safety and of peace Keep we back fair Aida's father; Set the others free. At least KING I yield me to thy counsel, Of safety now and peace a bond more certain Will I give you. Radames, to thee our debt Is unbounded. Amneris my daughter shall be Thy guerdon. Thou shalt hereafter o'er Egypt With her hold conquering sway. AMN. (Now let yon bondmaid Rob me of my love — she dares not!) KING Glory to Egypt, sacred land, Isis hath aye protected; With laurel and with lotus Bind round the victor's head. PRIESTS Praise be to Who hath our And pray the Ever be o'er Isis, Goddess bland, land protected, favours granted us us shed. AIDA (Alas! to He wed, a I left to Like some me what hope is left? throne ascending, measure all my loss poor widowed dove.) PRIS. Glory to Egypt's gracious land Who hath revenge rejected, And liberty hath granted us Once more our soil to tread. RAD. (Now Heaven's bolt the clouds hath cleft Upon my head descending. Ah no! all Egypt's treasure Outweighs not Aida's love). AMN. (Almost of ev'ry sense bereft By joy my hopes transcending, Scarce I the triumph now can measure Crowning all my love.) AMON. [to Aida] opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 11/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) Take heart, there yet some hope is left, Thy country's fate amending, Thou'lt soon behold with pleasure Vengeance light from above. PEOPLE Glory to Egypt's Goddess bland Who hath our land protected, With laurel and with lotus Bind round the victor's head. ACT III Shores of the Nile. Granite rocks overgrown with palm trees. — On the summit of the rocks a temple dedicated to Isis, half hidden in foliage. — Starry night, moon shining brightly. CHORUS O thou who to Osiris art [within the temple] Mother and consort immortal, Goddess that mad'st the human heart Flutter as does the dove, Aid us who seek thy portal, Parent of deathless love. [From a boat which approaches the shore descend Amneris and Ramphis, followed by women closely veiled and Guards] RAM. Come to the fane of Isis the eve [to Amn.] Before the day of thy bridal, pray that The Goddess grant thee her favour. To Isis Are the hearts of mortals open. All that is hidden In the heart of man she knoweth. AMN. Yes, and I will pray that Radames may give me Truly his heart, truly as mine to him Has ever been sacred. RAM. Thou shalt pray Till the daylight. I shall be near thee. [All enter the temple, the Chorus repeats the sacred hymn] AIDA [veiled, enters cautiously] He will ere long be here! What would he tell me? I tremble! Ah, if thou comest To bid me, harsh man, farewell for ever, Then, Nilus, thy dark and rushing stream Hides me forever; peace shall I find there and oblivion! O skies cerulean, breezes soft blowing, Where brightly calmness saw life's blithe morn unfold, Sweet sloping verdure by streams so softly flowing, Thee my native land ne'er more shall I behold! O blessed vales, wherein all cares were banish'd, That once did promise love, I bid adieu, Ah me! of love the sweetest dream has vanish'd, O native land, ne'er more shall I see you! Amonasro — Aida. AIDA Heaven! my father! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 12/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) AMON. To thee, Aida, I come For gravest reasons. Naught escapes my attention; For Radames thour't dying of love. He loves thee, thou awaitest him. A daughter of the Pharaohs is thy rival — Race accursed, detested, to us aye fatal! AIDA And I am in her grasp, I, Amonasro's Daughter! AMON. In her power thou? No!! If thou wishest, Thy all-powerful rival thou shalt vanquish; Thy country, thy sceptre, thy love — all shall be thine. Once again shalt thou on our balmy forests, Our verdant valleys, our golden temples gaze! AIDA Once again shall I on our balmy forests, Our verdant valleys, our golden temples gaze. AMON. The happy bride of thy heart's dearest treasure, Delight unbounded there shalt thou enjoy. AIDA Ah, but one day of such enchanting pleasure, Nay, but an hour of bliss so sweet, then let me die! AMON. Yet recall how Egyptian hordes descended On our homes; our temples, our altars dared profane! Cast in bonds sisters, daughters undefended, Mothers, children, helpless old men slain! AIDA Too well remembered are those days of mourning, All the keen anguish my poor heart that pierced; Gods! grant in mercy peace once more returning, Once more the dawn soon of glad days may burst. AMON. Lose not a moment! our people armed Are panting for the signal; now to strike the blow, Success is sure: naught but one thing is wanting — That we know by what path will march the foe. AIDA Who that path will discover? Canst tell? AMON. Thyself will! AIDA Myself! AMON. Radames, whom thou expects, will tell thee; He commands the Egyptians, and loves thee. AIDA Thought hateful! What promptst thou me to do? No! ask it not! AMON. [with savage impetus] Then, Egypt's fierce nation, Our cities devoting To flames, and denoting What ruins your path! Spread wide devastation, Your fury unbridle, Resistance is idle, Give loose to your wrath! AIDA Ah, father! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 13/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) AMON. [repulsing her] Call'st thyself My daughter! AIDA [frightened and supplicating] Nay hold! have mercy! AMON. Torrents of blood shall crimson flow, Grimly the foe stands gloating, Seest thou from Death's dark gulf below Shades of the dead upfloating, Crying as thee in scorn they show Thou hast thy country slain! AIDA Have mercy, pray! AMON. One among those phantoms dark E'en now it stands before thee. Tremble! now stretching o'er thee Its withered hand thy head doth mark! Thy mother's hands see there again, Stretched out to curse thee! AIDA [with the utmost terror] My father! Ah no! AMON. [repelling her] Thou'rt not my daughter! No! of the Pharaohs thou art a bondmaid. AIDA Father, no, their slave am I no longer. Ah, with thy curse do not appal me, Still thine own daughter thou mayst call me, Ne'er shall my country her child disdain. AMON. Think that thy race downtrampled by the conqueror, Through thee alone can their freedom gain. AIDA Oh then, my country than love has proved the stronger. AMON. Have courage! he comes! there I'll remain. [conceals himself among the palms] Radames — Aida. RAD. I see thee again, my sweet Aida! AIDA Advance not! Hence! What hopes are thine? RAD. Love led me hither in hope to meet thee. AIDA Thou to another thy hand must resign. The Princess weds thee! RAD. What say'st thou? Thee only, Aida, e'er can I love. Be witness, Heaven, thou art not forsaken! AIDA Invoke not falsely the Gods above; Brave thou wert loved, let not untruth degrade thee. RAD. Can I not of my love then persuade thee? AIDA And how then Hop'st thou to baffle the love of thy Princess? The King's high demand, the desire of thy people, opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 14/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) The certain wrath of the priesthood? RAD. Hear me, sweet Aida. Once more of deadly strife with hope unfading The Ethiopians have lighted the brand; Already they our borders have invaded. While Egypt's armies I shall command, When shouts of triumph greet me victorious, To our kind monarch my love disclosing, Thee will I claim, thee my guerdon glorious. With thee live ever in peace reposing. AIDA Nay, but dost thou not fear then Of Amneris the rage? Her dreadful vengeance Like the lightning of heaven on me will fall — Fall on my father, my nation. RAD. I will defend thee. AIDA In vain wouldst thou attempt it. Yet, if thou lovest me, then still offers A means for our safety. RAD. Name it! AIDA To fly! RAD. Together! AIDA [with the liveliest effusion] Ah, fly from where these burning skies, Are all beneath them blighting; Towards regions new we'll turn our eyes, Our faithful love inviting. There where the virgin forests rise, 'Mid fragrance softly stealing, Our loving bliss concealing, The world we'll quite forget, 'mid loving bliss. RAD. To distant countries ranging With thee thou bidst me fly, For other lands exchanging All 'neath my native sky. The land these arms have guarded, That first fame's crown awarded, When I first thee regarded How can I e'er forget? AIDA Beneath our skies more freely To our hearts will love be yielded, The gods thy youth that shielded Will not our love forget. RAD. [hesitating] Aida! AIDA Me thou lov'st not! Go! RAD. Not love thee? Ne'er in mortal bosom Burnt yet love's flame with ardour more devouring. AIDA Go, thy Ameris 'Waits thee! RAD. All in vain! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 15/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM AIDA Aida: Libretto (English) In vain, thou say'st? Then fall the axe upon me And on my wretched father! RAD. Ah no! we'll fly then! [with passionate resolution] Yes, we'll fly these walls now hated, In the desert hide our treasure. Here the land to woe seems fated, There all seems to smile with love. Boundless deserts naught can measure Where our bridal couch soon spreading, Starry skies shall lustre shedding Be our canopy above. AIDA In my native land where lavish Fortune smiles, a heaven awaits thee, Balmy airs the sense that ravish Stray through verdant mead and grove. 'Mid the valleys where nature greets thee We our bridal couch soon spreading, There the stars shall lustre shedding Be our canopy above. AIDA-RAD. Come, from hence together flying Where all woe seems to abide, Thou art lov'd with love undying, Come, and love our steps shall guide! [they are hastening away] AIDA [suddenly pausing] But tell me by what path Shall we avoid alighting On the soldiers? RAD. By the path that we have chosen To fall on the Ethiops, 'twill be vacant Until to-morrow. AIDA RAD. Say, which is that? The gorges Of Napata! Amonasro — Aida — Radames. AMON. Of Napata! 'tis well then. There will I post my troops. RAD. AMON. Who has overheard us? I, Aida's father, Ethiopia's King. RAD. [overcome with surprise] Thou! Amonasro! thou the King? Heaven! what say'st thou? No! it is false! surely this can be but dreaming. AIDA Ah no! be calm and list to me, Trust love, thy footsteps guiding. AMON. In Aida's love confiding, A throne thy prize shall be. opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 16/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) RAD. For thee I've played the traitor. My name forever branded! AMON. No, guilt can never fall on thee, It was by fate commanded. Come where beyond the Nile arrayed Warriors brave are waiting; There love thy fond wish sating Thou shalt be happy made. Enter Amneris from the temple, then Ramphis, Priests, Guards and the above. AMN. Traitor vile! AIDA The Princess here! AMON. [advancing with a dagger towards Amneris] Comest thou here to mar my projects? Die then! RAD. [rushing between them] Nay, strike not, thou madman! AMON. RAM. Oh fury! Guards there, advance! RAD. [to Aida and Amonasro] Fly! quick! Delay not! AMON. [dragging Aida] Come then, my daughter! RAM. [to the Guards] RAD. [to Ramphis] Guards! quick, follow! Holy Priest, to thee I yield. ACT IV SCENE I A Hall in the King's Palace. On the left a large portal leading to the subterranean hall of justice. — A passage on the right leading to the prison of Radames. Amneris [mournful crouched before the portal]. She, my rival detested, has escaped me! And from the Priesthood Radames is 'waiting The sentence of a traitor. Yet a traitor He is not. Though he disclosed the weighty Secrets of warfare — flight was his true intention, And flight with her too. They are traitors all then! And justly should perish. What am I saying? I love him! Still I love him. Yes, insane and desperate Is the love my wretched life destroying. Ah! could he only love me! Fain would I save him. Yet can I? One effort! Soldiers: Radames bring hither. opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 17/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) Radames [led in by Guards] — Amneris. AMN. Now to the hall the priests proceed Where judgment thou art waiting, Yet is there hope from this foul deed Thyself of disculpating. Once clear to gain thy pardon, I at the throne's foot kneeling For mercy dear appealing, Life will I bring to thee. RAD. From me my judges ne'er will hear One word of exculpation; In sight of heaven I am clear, Nor fear its reprobation. My lips I keep no guard on, The secret I imparted; But guiltless and pure-hearted; From stain my honour's free! AMN. Then save thy life and clear thyself. RAD. No! AMN. Wouldst thou die? RAD. Detested Life is; of all pleasure From henceforward divested. Without hope's priceless treasure 'Tis better far to die! AMN. Wouldst die then? ah me! consent to live. Live, of all my love assured; The keenest pangs that death can give For thee have I endured. By love condemned to languish, Long vigils I have spent in anguish, My country, power, existence All I'd surrender for thee! RAD. Have I not staked upon her All that in life was dearest! AMN. No more of her! RAD. Dishonour Awaits me, my death thou fearest? Wretched thou mad'st life ever From Aida mine to sever; Haply thou hast slain her Yet offerest life to me? AMN. I on her life lay guilty hands! No! Aida lives yet! RAD. AMN. Living! When routed, fled the savage bands, To fate war's chances giving, Perished her father! RAD. opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html And she then! 18/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) AMN. Vanished, nor ought heard we then Further. RAD. The gods her path guide then, Safe to her home returning, Guard her too e'er from learning That for her sake I die. AMN. But if I save thee wilt thou swear Her sight e'er to resign? RAD. I cannot! AMN. Swear to renounce Her for ever, life shall be thine. RAD. I cannot! AMN. Once more thy answer, Wilt thou renounce her? RAD. No! Never! AMN. Life's thread wouldst thou then sever? RAD. Ready for death am I. AMN. From the fate now hanging o'er thee Who will save thee, wretched being? She whose heart could once adore thee Thou hast made thy mortal foe. Heaven all my anguish seeing, Will avenge this cruel blow! RAD. Void of terrors death appeareth Since I die for her I cherish; In the hour when I perish With delight my heart will glow; Wrath no more this bosom feareth, Scorn for thee alone I know! [Radames goes out attended by Guards] AMN. [falling on a chair, overcome] Ah me! death's hand approaches! who now will save him? He is now in their power, His sentence I have sealed — Oh how I curse thee, Jealousy, vile monster, thou who has doomed him To death, and me to everlasting sorrow! [turns and sees the Priests, who cross the stage and enter the subterranean hall] What see I? Behold of death The ministers fatal, his merciless judges. Ah let me not behold those white robed phantoms! [covers her face with her hands] PRIESTS [within the subterranean hall] Heavenly spirit, in our hearts descending, Kindle of justice the flame eternal, Unto our sentence truth and righteousness lending. AMN. Pity, O Heaven, this heart so sorely wounded, His heart is guiltless, save him, powers supernal, For my sorrow is despairing, deep unbounded. [Radames crosses with Guard, and enters the subterranean opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 19/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) hall — Amneris, seeing Radames, utters a cry] RAM. [in the crypt] Radames, Radames: thou hast betrayed Of thy country the secrets to aid the foeman. PRIESTS Defend thyself! RAM. He is silent. ALL RAM. Traitor vile! Radames, Radames: and thou wast absent From the camp the very day before the combat! PRIESTS Defend thyself! RAM. He is silent. ALL RAM. Traitor vile! Radames, Radames: and thou hast played The part of a traitor to King, and to honour! PRIESTS Defend thyself! RAM. He is silent. ALL Traitor vile! Radames, we thy fate have decided, Of all traitors the fate shall be thine — 'Neath the altar whose God thou'st derided Thou a sepulcher living shalt find. AMN. Find a sepulcher living! hated wretches! Ever vengeful, bloodthirsty and blind. Yet who serve of kind Heaven the shrine. [assailing the Priests who re-enter from the Crypt] Priests of Heaven, a crime you have enacted, Tigers ever in bloodshed exulting, Earthly justice and Heaven's you are insulting, On the guiltless your sentence will fall. PRIESTS None can his doom recall! AMN. [to Ramphis] Priest of Heaven: thou death hast inflicted On whom well ye know once I treasured; May a broken heart's curses unmeasured With his blood on thy guilty head fall! PRIESTS None can his doom recall! AMN. [departing slowly] Impious priesthood, curses light on ye all! On your heads Heaven's vengeance will fall! [exit wildly] SCENE II The scene is divided into two floors. The upper floor represents the interior of the temple of Vulcan, resplendent with gold and glittering light; the lower floor is a Crypt. — Long Arcades vanishing in the gloom. — Colossal Statues opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 20/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) of Osiris with crossed hands support the pillars of the vault. Radames is discovered in the Crypt, on the steps of the staircase leading into the vault. — Above, two Priests in the act of letting down the stone which closes the subterranean. RAD. AIDA The fatal stone upon me now is closing, Now has the tomb engulfed me. I never more The light shall behold. Ne'er more see gentle Aida. Dear Aida, where now art thou? whate'er befalls me May'st thou be happy. Ne'er may my frightful doom Reach thy gentle ear. What groan was that? Tis a phantom! Some vision dread. No! sure that form is human! Heaven! 'tis Aida. Yes! Aida! RAD. Thou, with me here buried! AIDA My heart forboded this thy dreadful sentence, And to this tomb that shuts on thee its portal I crept unseen by mortal. Here from all where none can behold us, Clasped in thy arms I resolved to perish. RAD. To perish! so pure and lovely! To die, thine own self dooming, In all thy beauty blooming, Fade thus forever! Thou whom the heav'n only for love created But to destroy thee was my love then fated! Ah no! those eyes So dear I prize For death are too lovely! AIDA [transported] See'st thou where death in angel guise With heavenly radiance beaming, Would waft us to eternal joys On golden wings above! See heaven's gates are open wide Where tears are never streaming, Where only bliss and joy reside And never fading love! Singing and dancing of the Priestesses in the Temple. AIDA That sad chanting! RAD. 'Tis the sacred dance Of the Priesthood! AIDA It is our death chant resounding! RAD. [trying to displace the stone closing the vault] Cannot my lusty sinews Move from its place this fatal stone? AIDA 'Tis vain! all is over Hope on earth have we none! RAD. [with sad resignation] I fear it! I fear it! opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html [approaches Aida and supports her] 21/22 7/15/22, 5:37 PM Aida: Libretto (English) AIDA – RAD. Farewell, O earth! farewell thou vale of sorrow! Brief dream of joy condemned to end in woe! See, brightly opens the sky, an endless morrow There all unshadowed eternal shall glow! [Aida drops in the arms of Radames] AMN. [appears, habited in mourning, in the temple, and throws herself on the stone closing the vault] Peace everlasting, lov'd one, mayst thou know Isis, relenting, greet thee on high! [ Opera Information Page | Composer Page | OperaGlass Main Page ] 21 Dec 2009 opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/libretto_e.html 22/22