ANNA BOLENA
(ANNE BOLEYN)
Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Felici Romani
ACT I
CUTS in the dell’Arte production indicated with a strike-through
SCENE 1 (A room in Windsor Castle in the Queen’s suite. The room is illuminated.)
CHORUS Tenor
Hasn’t the King arrived?
CHORUS Bass
Silence. He still hasn’t come.
CHORUS Tenor
And she?
CHORUS Bass
Her heart moans, but she pretends.
CHORUS (TUTTI)
Her star is already setting.
Henry’s fickle heart already burns with another love.
Oh Heaven, wretched woman, she is destined for [even] greater grief.
SCENE 2
Jane
She asked for me more eagerly than usual.
She… Why?
What trembling! What doubts have awakened in me!
Face to face with my victim, my heart loses all boldness.
Oh love, make me deaf to remorse, or be extinguished in my heart.
SCENE 3
Anne
(She looks around and says to Jane Seymour)
I’ve never seen the court so quiet and sad…
You yourself, once so cheerful, can’t even summon a smile.
Jane
And who could look serene when she sees her Queen so troubled?
Anne
It’s true, I’m troubled, and I don’t know why.
A restless, unknown frenzy has been robbing me of my peace of mind for days.
Smeaton (aside)
(Poor woman!)
Jane (aside)
(I tremble at her every word!)
Anne
Where is Smeaton?
Smeaton
My Queen!
Anne
Come near to me. Would you like to cheer up the court with your songs for awhile
until the King arrives?
Jane (aside)
(Oh my troubled heart, you can breathe again!)
Anne
Ladies, please listen.
Smeaton (aside)
(Love, inspire me!)
(All are seated. A harp is brought to Smeaton.
Anne sits, encircled by her Ladies-in-waiting.
Jane is on her feet at Anne’s side.)
(Smeaton)
Please, do not try to force a smile to your face;
your sadness is as beautiful as your smile.
Even when covered in clouds, the dawn is still beautiful,
and the mournful moon is beautiful in its paleness.
(Anne becomes more pensive. Smeaton more cheerfully says:)
Whoever sees you being so thoughtful and silent
would think you an ingenuous maiden sighing for her first love;
and forgetting the crown that adorns your hair
sighs with you and feels as if he were that first love.
Anne
(Rises, affected) Stop!, Please stop!
Jane
My Queen!
Smeaton
Oh heavens!
CHORUS (aside)
(She is perturbed, upset.)
Anne (aside)
(Oh how you have shaken my heart, you innocent young man!
The ashes of my first love are still warm.
Had I not opened my heart to another love, ah no,
I would not be so unhappy now, in my vain splendor.)
(Shaking herself off; to all present:)
But I believe only a few hours of night remain.
Jane
It is almost dawn.
Anne
Gentlemen, I dismiss you; it’s hopeless to still expect the King to come now.
(She leans on Jane.)
Jane
What is troubling you?
Anne
If only you could read my thoughts!
No one’s gaze can penetrate my sad heart;
I’m condemned by cruel fate to sigh in solitude.
Ah, if you are ever seduced by the splendor of a royal throne,
remember my heartache, and do not let yourself be deceived.
Jane, Smeaton (aside) (I don’t dare lift my eyes to her. I don’t dare speak.
May sleep bring her some moments of rest.)
Anne
[Repeat of Cabaletta]
Jane, Sm.
I don’t dare speak.
Chorus
May sleep bring her some moments of rest.)
(Exeunt)
SCENE 4
(Bit by bit, the SCENE darkens, and all that remain of the lights is a great lantern that illuminates the gallery.)
Jane
(Alone and agitated) Oh, how she spoke! How it struck my heart!
Did I betray myself? Has I been discovered?
Could she have read the guilt on my face?
Ah, no; she embraced me tenderly to her bosom;
she remains unaware that she has embraced a serpent.
Oh, if only I could stand back from the abyss to which fate has brought my step
and erase the time that has passed.
Ah, my fate is fixed. Fixed in Heaven as on the Day of Judgement.
Jane
(a knock is heard at a secret door…Jane goes to it. Henry enters.)
Here is the king!
SCENE 5
Henry
Are you shaking?
Jane
(distracted) Yes, I am shaking.
Henry
What is she doing?
Jane
She is resting.
Henry
Not I.
Jane
Do you think I can rest? Let this be our last conversation…
…the last one, oh Sire, I beg you.
Henry
Yes, and so it shall be.
From now on, we must see each other in broad daylight.
Heaven and Earth must know that I love you.
Jane
Never. I’d rather hide my shame underground.
Henry
Henry’s love is glory, and it was such for Anne in the eyes of all England.
Jane
After the marriage it was so… only after the marriage.
Henry
And does Jane Seymour love me in this way?
Jane
And does the King love me in this way?
Henry
Ungrateful woman, what do you desire?
Jane
Love and reputation.
Henry
Reputation! Yes, you shall have it, and matchless in the world.
All my glory shall be shed upon you.
Seymour shall have no rivals, as the sun has no rivals.
Jane
My reputation lies at the foot of the altar;
Elsewhere, only shame is reserved for me;
and that altar is forbidden to me; Heaven knows it and the King knows it.
Ah, if it is true that the King holds me dear, he will hold my honor dearer still.
Henry
Yes… I understand.
Jane
Oh Heavens! Sire!
Henry
I understand you.
Jane
And you have that much anger in you?
Henry
It is anger and grief.
Jane
Sire!
Henry
You love only the King; you only covet the throne.
Jane
I, Sire?
Henry
I understand you.
Jane
No, Sire!
Henry
I understand you.
Anne also offered me love, longing for the English throne.
She also coveted the throne of that haughty Aragonese woman.
She scarcely had the crown, when it wavered on her head.
Unfortunately, sadly for her, another woman tempted my heart.
Jane
Ah, I did not offer this heart, prompted into wrong-doing.
My King stole it from me; and let it be returned to me by my King.
I have more to weep for than Ann.
I’ll have the pain of rejection , but I won’t even have an offended husband.
(Jane walks away, weeping)
Henry
You’re leaving me?
Jane
I must.
Henry
Stay.
Jane
I cannot.
Henry
Listen: I want you to stay. The altar is already being prepared for you.
You shall have husband and scepter and throne.
Jane
Heaven! And Anne?
Henry
I hate her.
Jane
Ah, Sire!
Henry
The day of punishment has arrived.
Jane
For what crime?
Henry
The blackest! She gave me a heart that was not hers.
She deceived me before becoming my wife,
and as my wife she deceived me yet again.
Jane
And her vows?
Henry
The King annuls them.
Jane
By what means?
Henry
Only I know how.
Jane
But by what means?
Henry
Only I know.
Jane
Ah, my oppressed heart doesn’t dare discover how;
but I only hope that it will not be by cruel means.
Henry
Calm yourself.
Jane
May a royal husband not cost me any more remorse, for pity’s sake.
Henry
Ah, calm your troubled heart.
Let your King take your mind off dire thoughts.
Let him see you happier now in the love that makes you his.
(Henry leaves by the secret door; Jane enters her suite.)
SCENE 6 (A Park on the grounds of Windsor Castle. It is daybreak.)
Rochefort
Who is this I see? You, in England, Percy?
(they embrace)
Percy
An order from Henry brings me here to England, my friend,
and I mean to present myself when he passes on his way to the hunt.
After such long exile, breathing the air of the old native sky
would be sweet to most hearts, but it’s bitter for me.
Rochefort
Dear Percy! Grief has changed you so much that I couldn’t recognize you at first.
Percy
My grief isn’t the kind that shows on my face; it’s collected deep in my heart.
I don’t even dare ask about your sister.
Rochefort
She is Queen. This is her one and only joy.
Percy
So the rumor was true? She’s unhappy? The King has changed?
Rochefort
Does love ever remain happy?
Percy
Well said. Her love lives without hope, as does mine.
Rochefort
Speak softly.
Percy
What do I have to fear?
From that day that I walked desperately into exile, having lost her,
from the day I crossed the sea, I began to die…
Every light was snuffed out for me; I separated myself from the living;
Every land where I settled seemed a tomb to me.
Rochefort
So you came here, close to her, to make things worse?
Percy
Heartlessly, mindlessly, blindly, I follow my fate, but yet sometimes,
in my cruel grief my mind is assured that fate has avenged my misfortune.
(Sounds of the hunt are heard)
Rochefort
The hunt is already gathering. Quiet…someone may hear you.
(Groups of hunters, pages, and men armed with pikes, etc. enter from various directions))
SCENE 7
CHORUS
Hey there! Quickly gather the pages and grooms.
Get the greyhounds ready; saddle the horses.
The King is more eager than ever to go out hunting this morning.
Percy
And Anne, she too?
Rochefort
Ah, calm yourself, Richard!
Percy
Ah, in the same way, I felt my heart beat at the prospect of seeing her again,
in the smiling days of my first happy love.
Heaven, give me just one of those lovely moments,
and then take my life away, so that I may die of pleasure.
Rochefort
Quiet, someone may hear you. Come, Richard!
Percy
It’s Anne herself!
Percy
[Return of cabaletta]
Rochefort
Quiet, someone may hear you. Come, Richard!
SCENE 8 (All present are arranged in two rows. Rochefort takes Percy aside. Henry enters and passes
between the two rows, and Anne enters surrounded by her Ladies-in-waiting. Percy places himself in order
to be seen by Henry. Hervey and the guards [also present].)
Henry
Awake so early… are you restless?
Anne
The desire to see you was stronger than the desire for rest.
It’s been several days since I’ve enjoyed the countenance of my Lord.
Henry
I have many grave concerns on my mind,
yet I’ve always had my mind on you.
Not for one moment did I avert my watchful eye.
You here, Percy?
Anne (aside, in a start) (Heaven! Who is this I see? Richard!?)
Henry
Approach.
Percy (aside)
(I am shaking.)
Henry
You were very prompt.
Percy
Sire, to delay for a moment making known my gratitude
to others would seem a fault – to me would seem a crime.
Devotedly, I kiss the hand that ends my exile from my country, my home.
Henry
Not Henry’s hand. (He draws it [his hand] back.)
For some time, I have been assured of your innocence by someone who,
brought up with you, grown up with you, knows the purity of your soul. Anne, of
course.
Anne (aside)
(Oh my heart, do not betray me!)
Percy (to Anne)
You, my Queen! And is it true that you thought of me? You?
Anne
(agitated) The whole kingdom believed you innocent and defended you…
Henry
…And I believed you innocent, because you seemed so to her.
The entire kingdom, believe me, was in vain, your guarantor.
Percy
(prostrates himself at her feet and kisses her hand) Ah, my Queen!
Anne
Oh God! Get up!
Rochefort (aside)
(He is doomed!)
Henry
(calling Hervey over) Hervey.
Hervey
My Lord.
(Percy crosses to Rochefort; Henry draws to the opposite side with Hervey;
Anne is in the middle, struggling to conceal her distress.)
[LARGO]
Anne (aside)
(I felt his burning tear on my hand, reaching into my heart.)
Henry (to Hervey)
(You must see to it that my great plan does not go awry.
Be a constant observer of every step, every word.)
Hervy (to Henry)
(My sovereign does not entrust his plan to me in vain.
I shall be, I swear, the executor of your orders.)
Percy (to Rochefort)
(Ah, she thought of me when I was far away; she could not allow me to stay in exile;
my heart forgets every care; I am reborn and hope again.)
Rochefort (to Percy)
(Ah, what are you doing!? Restrain yourself, madman!
Every glance is turned to you. What is in your heart, you are showing on your face.)
CHORUS [aside]
What is going on? The King so gentle and human today? His face happy?
His smile is deceiving: it is a harbinger of fury.
Henry (to Percy, benignly) Now that you have returned to your native shores and fully absolved,
I hope that you will stay here in my court, among my most trusted men.
Percy
Melancholy by nature, Sire, and destined for the shadows, I could hardly…
Henry
No, I wish it so. Rochefort, I entrust him to you.
Let us leave now for the hunt. (coldly) Goodbye, Anne.
Anne (aside)
(bowing) (I am beside myself!)
Henry
To the hunt!
Anne
(I am beside myself!)
Rochefort (to Percy)
(What is in your heart, you are showing on your face.)
Anne
(Ahime!)
Henry
Let us leave.
TUTTI
This day that has dawned with such happy and auspicious hopes, shall shine, crowned
with the gladdest of outcomes.)
Percy, Anne, Roche.
(Ah, let this day not be stormy for me/them when the day is done.)
Henry
Friendly fate will guide other prey into my snares.
SCENE 9 (A small room in the castle leading into Anne’s suite. Smeaton alone, enters looking about.)
Smeaton
The place is completely deserted.
The ladies-in-waiting are busy with their duties elsewhere,
and even if one of them saw me here,
she’d know that Anne sometimes invites me to these most private rooms for musicales.
(pulls a portrait from his breast pocket.)
I must put back this portrait of her that I stole, before my boldness is discovered.
One more kiss, adored features… Farewell, beauty that rested on my heart,
and which seemed to beat with my own heart – farewell!
Ah, it seemed that, as if by magic, you responded to my suffering,
and that each of my teardrops awakened one of your sighs.
At such a sight, my bold heart, full of hope and desire,
would reveal my eager passion, which I dare not reveal to her.
(he is about to enter the [Queen’s] apartments)
I hear a noise…. Someone is approaching these rooms…. I tarried too long!
(he hides behind a curtain)
SCENE 10
Anne
Stop, you go to far, you push for too much, brother.
Rochefort
Will you please listen to him for just one moment?
Believe me, you can’t run any danger. But you do run it, and badly,
if you cause grief to trump all reason in him by being severe with him.
Anne
Alas, and I was the reason for his return!
Well then, bring him to me, and watch carefully that no one who is not loyal to us come
approach.
Rochefort
Trust me. (he leaves)
SCENE 11
Smeaton (aside)
(peeks out, looking around) (I can’t escape!)
[Anne and Rochefort enter]
Anne
I was weak! I should have firmly refused – never again to see him.
Ah, the voice of reason is useless when my cowardly heart refuses to listen.
Here he is! I’m shaking, I’m freezing!
Percy
Anne!
Anne
Richard!
SCENE 12
Percy
Yes, I have returned to you with the hope of a happier fate.
When I lost you, I asked heaven one day for death.
Now that you want me near you, I ask heaven for a better fate:
I long for the happiness of our loving days.
Anne
Ah, poor man. Perhaps you’re ignoring that you’re in Henry’s court.
The time for love is past, for here, shame and death reign.
I did not request your return.
Percy
No?
Anne
It was the King.
Percy
He himself?
Anne
…to my shame.
Leave, and save my dignity;
Save yourself for pity’s sake.
Percy
I leave you,… and you tell me this?...
Ah, cruel woman!
Anne
Leave!
Percy
Cruel woman!
Anne
Ah, go!
Percy
This poor man that loves you could cede to others in order to see you envied,
only to give you honor and fame.
But finding you unhappy I take back by gift and claim from you
your love and your faithfulness.
Anne
Oh, Percy, fate is the enemy weaving this terrible plot.
Here this victim desires, needs perhaps to harden herself to you.
It would not be sadness to die at your side, for I would die happy with you,
but the shame of it frightens me. (This is the only thing that frightens me.)
Percy
If he hates you, your days here will be dangerous.
Anne
Do you love me?
Percy
Yes.
Anne
Then you cannot ever make me unhappy.
Percy
Henry hates you.
Anne
I am the wife of…
Percy
…of a wicked man…
Anne
…of your King!
Percy
Well, if you still stay, you’ll hear that I’m dead, but faithful to you –
and then you’ll remember that you were cruel to me.
Anne
You’ll hear that I’m alive, my beloved, dead [inside] but faithful to you.
Percy
Ah, no!
Anne
…and then you will remember that you were cruel to me
Percy
I shall go, but tell me first: will I see you? Promise! Swear!
Anne
No. never again.
Percy
Never? Let his be the answer to your own. (He draws his weapon, to kill himself)
Anne
Ah! What are you doing?
Percy
(Believing Percy is about to attack Anne) No!
Anne
Pitiless man!
SCENE 13
Smeaton
Stop!
Anne
Merciful Heaven!
Percy (to Smeaton)
Don’t come near!
([Percy and Smeaton] hurl themselves one against the other)
Anne
Please, stop! I’m doomed! Someone is coming…
I can’t stand this any longer… (she faints)
SCENE 14
Rochefort
Ah, sister!
Smeaton
She’s fainted.
Rochefort
The King is approaching.
Percy, Smeaton
The King!
SCENE 15
Henry
What do I see? Men armed in these apartments?
Naked blades in my palace!
Hey there! Guards!
SCENE 16
Percy (aside)
(Adverse fate!)
CHORUS
What happened?
Smeaton (aside)
(What can I say? What can I do?)
Percy (aside)
Adverse fate!
Henry
Everyone is silent and trembling!
What mystery, what crime was being planned just now?
I already see on her face that my shame is complete;
the entire kingdom is witness that she betrayed the King.
Smeaton
Ah, sire, it isn’t true, I swear it at your feet.
Henry
Such boldness! Already such an expert at betrayal, young man?
Smeaton
Kill me if I lie: bare, unarmed, I offer you my breast.
Henry
So expert!
Smeaton
Yes, bare, unarmed, I offer you my breast.
(In opening his garment, the portrait of Anne falls out)
Henry
Whose locket is that?
Smeaton (aside)
(Oh Heaven!)
Henry
What is this I see?
Smeaton (aside)
(Oh Heaven!)
Henry
I scarcely believe my eyes!
This is the real accuser of her black betrayal.
Percy (aside)
Anne! Oh anguish!
Smeaton (aside)
Oh, my terror!
Anne
(Revives) Where am I?
Henry
(Shaking with rage) Here is the betrayal.
Anne
Where am I? (Seeing the King) Ah, my Lord! In your gaze I see your suspicion;
for pity’s sake, I beg you, do not condemn me, oh King.
Let my oppressed heart revive.
Henry
(Fuming) See here in my hand the proof of your vile excesses.
Weeping is no use. Flee far from me.
It would be better if you could die now.
Smeaton, Rochefort
(Ah, I myself have caused her ruin; I’ve made her misfortune overflow.)
The day darkens for me. I can barely stand up.
It would be better if I could die now.
Percy
(referring to Smeaton)
(Heaven! Him, my happy rival?
And that deceiving woman wanted to banish me from her presence?
Ah, now may all the rage of fate erupt from within me.)
Jane
(Oh, if only I could be close to this unhappy woman, oh Heaven!
There is no heart so seized with chill and horror as mine.
My black sin has extinguished every good thing in me.)
Henry
Let all of them be dragged to separate dungeons.
Anne
All of them?
Henry
Yes.
Anne
Please, Sire.
Henry
Get away from me!
Anne
Just one word…
Henry
Away!
Anne
Ah, Sire!
Henry
Away!
Giov, Sm., Per. Roch. (Her death is certain!)
Henry
Let all of them be dragged to separate dungeons.
Anne
Just one word…
Henry
Not I! Only the judges must hear your confession.
Anne
Judges!? For Anne!?
(Ah, my fate is sealed if he who condemns me is my accuser.
Ah, I shall perish under the power of such a tyrannical law,
but one day, after my death, I shall be cleared and absolved.
Jane Sm. Per., Roch.
Ah, my fate is sealed; every attempt to evade it is useless;
there is no earthly way or human power that can mitigate it now.)
Henry (aside)
(Yes, your fate is sealed; of my suspicion I am certain.
Whoever shares my throne, cannot have any stain on earth.
Your death will hurt me, but I will have you killed anyway.)
CHORUS (aside)
(Ah, on how many people has the English throne inflicted such adverse evil fate,
and no deadlier fate has ever dropped down like this one that just burst forth.
Here innocence receives the death that crime contrived.)
([Just prior to the return of the cabaletta] Henry looks at [Anne] angrily and leaves)
ACT II
SCENE 1 (A hallway leading to the rooms where Anne is being held. There are guards at the door)
CHORUS (Ladies)
Oh, wherever have they gone, the flattering crowds,
that used to come around in her happier days.
Seymour herself has stayed away.
But we will be with you forever, poor woman,
whether in your triumph or your final catastrophe.
Fate has left you but a few tender hearts.
Ah yes, here she comes… Cast down and pale, she’s having trouble walking.
(Anne enters; the Ladies-in-waiting all crowd around her; she sighs and sits)
SCENE 2
Anne
Ah!
CHORUS
Oh Queen, take heart! Place your faith in Heaven.
There’s an end to tears – virtue cannot perish.
Anne
Oh my faithful ones, the only ones left to console me,
every hope, it is true, is placed in Heaven only…
On earth there is no remedy for my ruin.
What news do you bring, Hervey?
Hervey
My Queen! I am pained by the bitter duty to which the Council of Peers has elected me.
Anne
What then? Speak.
Hervey
It summons these ladies-in-waiting.
CHORUS
Us?
Anne
Is the King so adamant in his intentions? Will he deal my heart so many wounds?
Hervey
What can I say?
Anne
We must bow our heads to the royal will, whatever it may be.
(to the Ladies)
May you be witnesses of my innocence, dear friends.
CHORUS
Oh, what a tragic day!
Anne
Go. (She embraces the Ladies-in-waiting, and they leave with Hervey)
SCENE 3 (After the Ladies-in-waiting have left, Anne lifts her hands to heaven,bows and says:)
Anne
God, who lookest into my heart, I turn to Thee, oh God.
If I deserved this shame, judge Thou, oh God.
Jane
(This suffering woman is weeping…
Ah, how will I be able to look her in the face?)
Anne
Ah, yes, the wrongs of the unhappy Catherine should not be unpunished,
and for me Your severity is planning terrible suffering.
But it is too harsh…
Jane
(Throws herself at Anne’s feet) Oh, my Queen!
Anne
Seymour! You’ve returned to me! You haven’t forgotten me?
Rise… What do I see?.. You’re growing pale?.. You’re shaking?
Perhaps you bring me more bad news?
Jane
Awful… final… Can I bring you joy? Ah, no…
Listen to me: the plots that are being woven are such that you are doomed.
At any cost, the King wishes the wretched bonds that bind you to him dissolved.
You must save your life, at least, if not your royal name.
Anne
How so? Explain yourself.
Jane
I tremble to say, yet tell you I must.
If you admit you are guilty, the King will free you from death.
Anne
What are you saying?
Jane
The fate that pursues you leaves no other means of escape.
Anne
And you can advise me to do this? You, my Seymour?
Jane
Please, for pity’s sake!
Anne
…that I should buy my life with the price of shame?
…and you, Seymour, you can give me this advice?
Jane
My Queen, do you want both shame and death? Oh Heaven, agree!
The King advises you to do so, and the wretched woman whom Henry’s love has
destined for the throne also begs you to do so.
Anne
Oh! Who is she? Do you know her? Speak!
She has the brazenness to advise me to an act of cowardice?
…cowardice to her Queen! Speak, who is she?
Jane
A wretched woman.
Anne
And such she has made me.
May God bring down his punishing arm upon her head!
Jane
Please, listen to me! Please!
Anne
Let her cowardly heart be torn just like my own!
Jane
Ah, forgive!
Anne
Let the crown she covets be of thorns!
Jane
Forgive! Listen, please, for pity’s sake, listen to me.
Anne
Let there be fear and suspicion upon the pillow of the royal bed.
(Anne gradually loses herself.)
May my menacing specter rise between her and her guilty husband,
and more cruel, may the King deny her the ax accorded for me.
Jane
(Covers her face) Ah, cruel sentence! I’m dying… Ah, please, be silent, for pity’s sake!
[Repetitions]
Anne
You? What is this I hear?
Jane
Ah yes, the betrayer is prostrate at your feet.
Anne
My rival!
Jane
But unhappy, and torn my remorse.
Anne
You! Get out!
Jane
Ah, no, forgive me!
Anne
You, my rival! God, you, Seymour?
(Anne is shaking, without looking at Seymour)
Jane
Ah, forgive me! I’m already punished by my own heart…
Inexperienced, flattered, unhappy… I was seduced.
Anne
She, my rival! Ah, God!
Jane
I love Henry and am ashamed of it.
This love is my torture; I moan and weep, but my love is not extinguished by my
weeping.
Anne
Leave, go!
Rise… Only the one who kindled this flame in you is guilty.
Go, unhappy woman, and take with you the forgiveness of Boleyn;
In my grief, furious and blinded, I called a terrible suffering down on you.
I now ask God to forgive you, and it shall be granted to me.
May my love remain with you in this farewell, and my pity.
Jane
Ah, your forgiveness is worse than the scorn I feared.
You leave me a throne as punishment for the crime of which I am guilty
A just God who has no forgiveness awaits me there.
Ah, this embrace of yours is the first of the punishments he gives me.
(Anne reenters her rooms; Jane exits, terribly afflicted)
SCENE 4 (Vestibule leading to the room where the Council is gathered. The doors are closed, and posted
with guards)
CHORUS Bass
Well then? In front of the judges which of the accused was brought?
CHORUS Tenor
Smeaton
CHORUS Bass
Has the youngster perhaps revealed any crime?
CHORUS Tenor
His testimony is still unknown; he’s still behind closed doors.
CHORUS Tutti
[CHORUS Tutti]
Ah, may Heaven prevent the weak, inexperience heart to be tempted or overcome by
hope or fear; prevent him from forgetting that his accuser is the King. (The doors open;
Hervey comes out)
Here is Hervey.
Hervey
(To soldiers who leave) Bring in Anne and Percy.
CHORUS
(Surrounding Hervey) What is it?
Hervey
Smeaton talked.
CHORUS
Could that thoughtless one have accused Anne? Hervey, tell us!
Hervey
He has revealed a crime that made us tremble and blush.
CHORUS
Ah!
Hervey
She is doomed, ah, wretched woman. She made us embarrassed for her.
CHORUS
Ah, wretched woman! Her accuser is the King. She is doomed.
SCENE 5
Hervey
(to the Chorus) Be off… the King is coming. (the chorus exits)
What takes you away from the Council?
Henry
My presence now would be inopportune.
The first blow has fallen. Let he who dealt it stay hidden.
Hervey
Oh, how Smeaton fell into the trap.
Henry
Let the young blind fool be returned to his dungeon, and continue to believe that he has
saved Anne’s life until the hour of my vengeance strikes.
She is coming…
Hervey
And there comes Percy, led between his guards.
Henry
Let me avoid them. (He tries to leave)
SCENE 6
Anne
(from afar) Stop, Henry; stop and hear me. (She comes closer, dignified)
Henry
You shall be heard by the Council.
Anne
I prostrate myself at your feet;
Kill me, but do not expose me, Sire, to the shame of a trial.
Let my royal name be respected.
Henry
Have you respected your own royal rank?
As wife of Henry, you lowered yourself to a Percy.
Percy
And you did not disdain to take away the beloved of this same scorned Percy, and thus
become his rival.
Henry
You criminal! Do you dare?
Percy
I’ll tell you the truth. Listen.
I will soon be before a tribunal more sacred and fearful than yours can ever be.
I swear by it, that she did not wrong you, that she drove me away, and that she burned
with indignation at my bold hopes. I swear that…
Henry
She held a vile page boy’s love worthier of her love…
He confesses it, and names a hundred witnesses.
Anne
Be silent! I reclaim my dignity against this evil accusation, and loudly proclaim that
you, Sire, were the only one who ‘seduced’ Smeaton!
Henry
Bold woman!
Anne
I defy all your power. It can give me death, but not shame.
My crime was to prefer a throne to a noble heart like Percy’s,
having believed it would be supreme happiness to be consort to a King.
Percy (aside)
(Oh extreme joy!)
No, you did not encourage Smeaton’s base love, I am certain,
and I happily await my destiny with this certainty…
But you will live, yes.
Henry
What is this I hear? Both of you will die, wicked ones;
who can rescue you from death?
Percy
Justice can.
Anne
Justice is silent in Henry’s court.
Henry
Justice learned to be silent when from the English throne, a Queen had to cede her place
to you. But it will speak soon.
Percy
[Percy]
And you listen to it, oh King.
If anyone has the right to avenge an ill-fated marriage, it should be me.
It is written so in Heaven.
We were betrothed!
Henry
You, betrothed?
Anne
Ah, what are you saying?
Henry
You dare…?
Percy
I reclaim my rights: let her be given back to me.
Henry (to Anne)
And you are his betrothed?
Anne
I…
Henry
And you are his betrothed?
Percy
Can you deny it?
Henry
Well?..
Anne
Alas…
Percy
Since your tenderest youth you were mine, you know it;
you left me, and I, pitiful, loved you even though you were faithless.
He who took you from me now take both your honor and your life.
I open my arms to you and I want to give you back your life and honor.
Anne
Ah, what proof of your generous heart!
Perish the day that I, wicked me, left you for that cruel man,
but Heaven in its justice punished me for my betrayed faith.
I found on the throne only anguish and horror.
Henry
The deception is clear; useless… The plot is clear indeed;
but, guilty couple, do not think that I will ever deny your guilt.
You will be punished for your wily tricks;
your heartache will be more cruel, your torment will be bigger.
Let them be taken to the Council, guards.
Anne
Still you insist?
Percy
Let the Council hear us.
Henry
Go on… confess your old ties; fear not that I may want them undone.
Anne
Heaven! Explain yourself.
Henry
Go… Go!
Anne
Heaven! Explain yourself.
Far more terrible fury can be seen repressed on your face.
Henry
Wicked couple! Your very deceit shall fall back on your hated head.
Anne, Percy
Ah!
Henry
Another woman, more worthy of affection, shall ascend the English throne.
Your name, your blood shall be hated, disgraced and rejected by everyone.
Anne, Percy
Ah, no other woman should learn how tragic your gift is.
England should never hear of the torture to which Anne is being subjected.
SCENE 7
Henry
Betrothed to Percy before she was married to Henry!
No, never; this is a lie with which my guilty wife seeks to escape the terrible law that
condemns her. And if it were true, a law no less fearsome would catch her and enmesh
her daughter as well in her ruin. (Jane enters)
Jane
Sire…
Henry
Come, Seymour, you are Queen.
Jane
Ah, Sire, my remorse leads me to your feet.
(Jane tries to prostrate herself at Henry’s feet; he lifts her up)
Henry
Remorse?
Jane
Bitter, extreme, horrible. I saw Anne, I listened to her.
I have her tears on my heart. Have pity on her and me as well.
I don’t want to be nor can I be the reason for her death.
May my King receive my last farewell.
Henry
I am more than your King. I am the lover who received your promises,
and who will soon receive other more sacred vows at the altar.
Jane
Ah, if I only had never made them, those dire promises that have damned me.
To atone for them, Sire, I will go away to a remote refuge where no living glance will
see me, where my sighs will be heard by Heaven alone.
Henry
Are you raving? And where do these strange intentions come from, woman?
And do you hope to save Anne by leaving? I loathe her more now because she
distresses you and disturbs you, and manages to extinguish your very love.
Jane
It isn’t extinguished. It devours my heart.
By this uncontrollable passion, which I have chosen over virtue,
by those bitter pangs, by the tears that it is costing me,
listen to my prayer: Anne should not perish on account of me;
do not make me more guilty before Heaven and mankind.
Henry
Foolish woman! You don’t know… (The doors of the Council Chamber open)
…but stop – the Council has adjourned.
Jane
Ah, listen to me! By these tears, listen to me!
Henry
Stop, foolish woman!
SCENE 8
Hervey
The Peers unanimously dissolved the royal marriage.
The unfaithful consort, Anne, is condemned to death, and with her
all who were accomplices and instigators.
CHORUS
The sentence is dependent upon you, supreme judge.
The sole hope for the wretches is royal clemency;
pitying Kings are an earthly image of Heaven’s wishes.
Henry
I will reflect upon it.
Jane
Yield!
Henry
Foolish woman! You don’t know!
Jane
By these tears, please, let Anne not perish!
CHORUS
Pitying Kings are an earthly image of Heaven’s wishes.
Henry
Justice is the first obligation of Kings. (He takes the sentence from the hands of the
sheriffs; Jane approaches Henry with dignity; the chorus stops in the distance)
Jane
(Looks Henry in the face stealthily)
Ah, know that the eyes of Heaven and earth are upon you, that every heart has its
weaknesses to show others some mercy.
Henry should give heed to pity even if the King is driven to severity.
CHORUS
Henry should give heed to pity even if the King is driven to severity.
Henry
Enough! Leave!
Jane
Listen to my plea. For these tears...
Henry
Let the Peers be convened again before me.
Jane
Henry, let Anne not perish…
Henry
Leave!
Jane
(Jane takes a few steps, then returns)
Ah, know that the eyes of Heaven and earth are upon you,
that every heart has an ability within to show others some mercy.
Henry should give heed to pity even if the King is driven to severity.
SCENE 9 (Prison in the Tower of London. Soldier occupy the base)
Percy
Even you condemned to death… You, guilty of no crime?
Rochefort
Being Anne’s brother is my weighty crime.
Percy
Oh, into what a terrible abyss I have dragged you!
Rochefort
I deserved to fall into it.
I, who driven by blind ambition, tempted Anne into aspiring to the throne.
Percy
Oh, friend, my heartache is joined to yours.
Ah, if I could still hope for your safety,
this hope would make my death less painful and bitter for me.
Rochefort
Let us share our strength.
Someone’s coming…
SCENE 10
Hervey
I am herald of glad tidings for you both.
The King in his clemency spares both your lives.
Percy
He spares only us! And Anne?
Hervey
She must endure her just sentence.
Percy
Does he think me so cowardly that I, the guilty one, should want to live,
when she, the innocent one, goes to her death?
Return to him and tell him that I refused his shameful gift.
Hervey
What is this I hear?
And you?
Rochefort
I am ready for the execution.
Percy
I implore you to live, less sad and pained;
seek a land in which an innocent man may find refuge;
seek a shore where it is not forbidden to pray for us.
Ah, someone at least should remain on earth to weep for us.
Rochefort
Ah, Percy, I am no less strong and steadfast than you.
Hervey
Decide.
Rochefort
You heard me… death.
Percy
Death.
Hervey
Separate them.
Rochefort
Farewell, friend. (Percy embraces him)
[Percy/Rochefort]
[To death, friend. Farewell.] [They depart, led by soldiers]
Percy
Seeing your steadfastness, my heart grows calmer;
I feared only your distress, and only worried about your anguish.
We can defy the final hour that is approaching both of us,
for we leave neither fear nor desire on earth.
SCENE 11
CHORUS (Ladies)
[CHORUS (Ladies)]
Who can watch her with dry eyes, in such grief and mourning,
and not feel one’s heart breaking?
Now silent and motionless as a cold stone, now walking about,
either briskly, or slowly watching every step,
now sad and pale, as if a shadow fell over her face,
now composed, and with a smile.
How many different expressions she affects;
how diverse the thoughts and feelings that arise in her delirium and grief.
Who can watch her with dry eyes, in such grief and mourning,
and not feel one’s heart breaking?
SCENE 12 (Anne is seen in her prison in shabby clothes, bare-headed, and in deep thoughts. The Ladiesin-waiting, upset, are around her. She looks at them, and as if to calm them, says:)
Anne
Are you weeping? Whence these tears?
This is my wedding day. The King awaits me. The altar is decked with flowers.
Quickly, give me my white robe; adorn my head with my crown of roses…
Don’t let Percy find out… The King has ordered it so.
CHORUS (Ladies)
Oh, what tragic memories.
Anne
Oh, who is grieving? Who spoke of Percy?
Let me not see him; let me hide from his sight.
It’s hopeless… he comes, he accuses me, he scolds me.
(terrified) Ah, forgive me!
I am unhappy. Take me away from this utter misery.
You are smiling? Oh joy!
Don’t let me die alone here!
Lead me to the dear castle where I was born, to the green plane trees,
to the quiet brook which still murmurs to our sighs.
There, I forget past griefs; give me back one day of my youth,
just one day of our love.
CHORUS (Ladies)
Who can watch her with dry eyes, in such grief and mourning,
and not feel one’s heart breaking?..
SCENE 13
(The sound of drums is heard; at this sound, Anne rouses and slowly comes to. The guards come forward)
Anne
What a sad sound! What do I see? Hervey! The guards!
(She looks at the guards attentively and returns to her delirium)
Hervey
(to the guards) Go, and bring the prisoners here from their cells. (The guards leave)
Anne
(Terrified) Oh Heaven, at what a moment you rouse me from my delirium!
For whatever reason do you rouse me?
FINAL SCENE
(From various cells enter Rochefort, Percy, and finally Smeaton)
Rochefort, Percy
Anne
Anne
Brother, and you Percy! You shall die because of me!
Smeaton
I alone, I caused your ruin… Curse me. (He advances, throws himself at Anne’s feet)
Anne
(Dismayed) Smeaton!
Percy
Wicked man!
Smeaton
Ah, yes, I am that! May I descend with such a name into the shadows.
I let myself be tempted by the King. (Anne slowly returns to her delirium)
I accused you, thinking I could keep you alive;
and I was urged to lie by an insane desire,
a hope I harbored and repressed in my heart for an entire year.
Curse me!
Anne
(Completely in delirium) Smeaton, approach. Rise, what are you doing?
(Smeaton still kneeling, Anne gets him up)
Why aren’t you tuning your harp? Who broke it’s strings?
Rochefort
Anne!
Percy
What are you saying?
CHORUS
She is raving again.
Anne
They make a low sound, like a suppressed moan from a wounded, dying heart,
that sighs its last prayer to Heaven. Listen, all of you.
Percy
Oh, cruel suffering!
Percy, Rochefort
Anne
She is raving.
Heaven, grant at long last rest to my suffering,
and at least let my last heartbeats be of hope.
Sm., Per., Roche.
Oh pitying Heaven, prolong her delirium;
make her beautiful soul rise up to your bosom.
(The sounds of cannon and bells are heard. Anne comes to slowly)
Anne
Who awakens me? Where am I? What ever am I hearing?
A festive sound? What is it? Speak. Where am I?
Sm., Per., Roche.
Ah!
Anne
Well?
Sm., Per., Roche.
Acclaimed by the populace, the Queen is happy…
Anne
Keep silent! Stop! The only thing lacking to complete the crime is Anne’s blood,
and it will be spilled. (She throws herself into the arms of her Ladies-in-waiting)
TUTTI
Heaven, spare her afflicted heart this blow which it cannot endure.
Anne
Wicked couple, I do not invoke the utmost vengeance at this fearful hour;
let me descend into the open grave that awaits me with forgiveness on my lips;
it will gain me clemency and favor in the eyes of a merciful God.
TUTTI
Heaven, spare her afflicted heart this blow which it cannot endure.
Anne
Keep silent! Stop!
TUTTI
…this blow which it cannot endure.
Anne
The only thing lacking to complete the crime is Anne’s blood,
and it will be spilled.
Wicked couple, I do not invoke the utmost vengeance at this fearful hour;
let me descend into the open grave that awaits me with forgiveness on my lips;
it will gain me clemency and favor in the eyes of a merciful God.
Sm., Per., Roche.
One victim is already destroyed.
(The sheriffs come forward and take the prisoners; in leaving, Anne faints)