1851. THE Ofs^LY CORRECT 78a. I Tasf is&i EDITION' HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE, FLORINDA, OR THE MOOES IN SPAIN. CAITTIOl’ TO THE PUBLIC. The Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public, are respectfully cautioned against the incorrect editions of Operas performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, which are offered for sale at the doors of the Theatre. All such are inaccurate and spurious. The really COEEECT AMD AUTHOEISEB EUITIOH is only to be obtained within the walls of the Theatre ; or to be procured of the vai ious Booksellers who e names appear upon the title-page. All other copies are false and printed without authority. Her Majesty's Theatre, July, 1851. FLORINDA., OR THE MOORS IN SPAIN, a jlelD «Srran5 ©pm, IN ¥OUE ACTS, THE MUSIC BY SIGHSMUND THALBERG, THE POETRY BY SCRIBE, THE ITALIAN LIBRETTO BY GIANNONI; AS REPRESENTED AT HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE, 1851. THE ONLY CORRECT AND AUTHORISED EDITION, LONDON : PUBLISHED AND SOLD IN HER MAJESTY’s THEATRE ; AND TO BE OBTAINED OF ANDREWS, NEW BOND STREET; ALLCROFT, 15 , NEW BOND STREET, AND 62 , regent’s quadrant ; MITCHELL, HOOKHAM, AND EBERS, OLD BOND STREET ; CHAPPELL, 50 , NEW BOND STREET ; SAMS, ST. JAMES’S STREET ; BAILEY (late seguin), regent street ; and FENTUM, STRAND. PRICE ONE SHII.IINO. 773.1 T3Sf /iS-1 DRAMATIS PEBSONjE. Count Julian {Governor of Ceuta) . Sig. LABLACHE. Florinda {his Daughter). . . ..Mile. SOFIE CRUVELLI. Rodrigo {King of the Goths). ..Sig. CALZOEARI. Teodomiro {his Page) .Mile. MARIE CRUVELLI. Fa VILA ..Mr. SIMS REEVES. HiiNUZZA (^the Moorish Chief),. COLETTI. ATTO I. SCENA I. Accampamento de^ mori sotto le mura di Setta. Varj gruppi di yuerrieri occupati dd preparatim d' unafesta militare, poi Munuzza cd* suoi pri- mi uffiziali. Parte del Orniam le spade — di serti e fieri Coro, L’ amor la gloria — a celebrar: II ciel del pari — concesse ai mori Vincere i prodi — le belle amar. Altra parte Goder di lieti — fugaci istanti del Coro E fra’ perigli — date al valor : Oggi la pace — le feste, i canti, Diman la guerra — co’ suoi terror. Prima parte Scenda a far prova — di sua virtude del Coro, Dalle sue torri — 1’ ispano altier : Munuzza il grande — 1’ arringo schiude Delle due genti — ai cavalier. Tutto il Coro. Orniam le spade, etc. {Durante questo Coro Munuzza entra col suo se- guito, e poco poi un ujffiziale che gli parla som- messamente, Munuzza fa cenno che gV intro- duca qualcuno, ' XJ ujfiziale parte,') ACT I. SCENE I. FMCCLtnpMcnt of Moots undev the walls of Setta, Various groups of soldiers occupied with pre- parations for a military fete ; afterwards Mu- NUzzA with his principal officers. Part of We deck our swords with wreath and Chorus. flower— So love and glory honours share ; This lot by Heaven the Moor was given, The brave to vanquish — love the fair. 2nd Part To seize each moment bright and of Chorus. fleeting, ^ Where perils throng, is valour’s lite ; To-day, joy, peace, and jovial meeting. To-morrow, war and deadly strife. Is^ Part His skill to try, his courage proving, of Chorus. His towers the haughty Spaniard leaves ; The great Munuzza, tourney holding. The knights from both the powers receives. Both Parts. We deck, &c. (In the course of this Chorus, Munuzza enters with his suite, and soon afterwards an officer, who speaks to him hurriealy. Munuzza orders that some one he brought in. The officer goes out.) SCENA II. I precedenti e un guerriero incognito con la divisa e le Armi degli Abenceraggi, seguito da un giovine scudiero e introdotto dalV ujfficiale accompagnato da qualche cavalier moro. Mun. Tu clie i miei scorridori al campo in- torno Trovar^ chi sei ? L’ Incog. Ma quale Sei tu che me richiedi? Mun. Ai mori duce, Del Califo le veci io qui sostengo ; Munuzza e il nome mio. L’ Incog. Ah, sei Munuzza ! Ben Amet son io. {Gli porge un piego che trae dal petto?) Mun. Tu Ben Amet, il prode Abenceraggio ch’ ogni prode avanzaj La gloria, la speranza De’ tuoi fratelli ! Ah, da gran tempo a noi Il tuo braccio manco, fior degli eroi. Questo e 1’ invito mio ; V udisti alfine, f Rendendogliil piego dopo averlo appena guardato.J Alfine io ti conosco ! Tu vieni a nuova gloria : Ah, certa or pe’ credenti h, la vittoria ! Sarai nostra, o Spagna indomita ; Del profeta il dir non mente ; Ei regnar sulP occidente Al suo popolo dara. Nostri i campi ameni e fertili Che ti fanno un paradise, Del tuo ciel F eterno rise, Di tue donne la belta. 7 SCENE II. The same, and an unknown warrior, with the device and arms of the Ahencerrages, followed hy a young shield-hearer, is introduced hy the officer, accompanied hy a Moorish cavalier, Mtjn. Thou, whom my scouts about the camp have found, Who art thou ? The Unknown. But who art thou That dost demand this of me ? Mun. The leader of the Moors ; I here sustain the glories of the Caliph. Munuzza is my name. Un. Ah ! thou art Munuzza ? and I, Ben Amet. (Beaches him a packet, which he draws from his hosom. J Mun. Thou Ben Amet ? the valiant Abencerrage, who every knight excellest ; The glory and the hope art thou Of all thy brethren. Ah ! long time to us Was thy arm wanting ; flower of our heroes. This i& my summons ; thou at length hast heard it. ( Beturning him the packet after having scarcely looked at it. J At length 1 have met thee ; To win fresh fame thou comest. Ah, certain now is victory for the believers ; Ours shalt thou be, O Spain, unconquered land. Not false is the word of the prophet ; Over the west dominion To his people shall he give ; Ours the plains so sweet and fertile, Which make of thee a paradise. The smile eternal in thy skies, The beauty of thy fairest maids. 8 Sovra i tuoi spalti — battuti in guerra La no?tra insegna — sventoler^; Sol dove al piede — manchi la terra arabo invitto— s’ arrester^. L’ Incog. Ma di Spagna la via Setta vi chiude. Mun. ^ E vero; E r ostacolo solo Che di nostre vittorie arresti il volo. L’ Incog. Invincibile ostacolo ! Mun. T’ inganni : Dove forza non vale arte ne giovi. Di tre giorni di tregua Per bandire un torneo gid profittai E Giuliano co’ figli io v’ invitai. L’ Incog. Come !...ed al valoroso Governator di Setta Forse nn agguato!... Mun. E chi pensare ardisce Di me cosi ? L* Incog. Qual dunque e il tuo disegno ? Mun. Lo saprai, se fiesce. Eodrigo, il giovin rege, audace, e vero, Violento e di cor, ma non guerriero. L’ Incog. Chi dirlo oso ? Mun. La fama ; e se non mente Nella real Toledo Fra le danze e le belle, Cinto d’ adulator!, Piaceri a quelle, onori Profonde a quest!, e de’ guerrier pro- vett!, Che fur del padre suo spada e difesa, Ha, non curando, P alterezza offesa. L’ Incog. Ebben ? 9 Over thy forts, in battle taken, Soon shall our banners flutter wide ; Nor, till he finds firm earth no further. Shall pause the unconquer’d Arab’s pride. Un. But the way to Spain By Setta is barred from you. Mun. ’Tis true ; it is the only obstacle Which checks the flight of our victorious power. XJn. Invincible the obstacle ! Mun. Thou art deceived ; Where force may fail, art comes to help it out. The three days truce I even now employ In holding here a tournament ; And Julian with his sons I have invited. Un. What ! and for the valiant Chief, who governs Setta, Perchance an ambush ! Mun. And who would dare to think This thing of me ? Un. What then is thy design Mun. That shalt thou know, if it succeed. • Eoderic, the youthful king, is brave, ’tis true. And passionate of heart ; but yet no warrior. Un. Who dares to say it ? Mun. Bumour ; and if it lie not. In his royal town, Toledo, With dances and with fair ones, With flatterers surrounded. Honours and pleasures to them all he scatters. And of the well-proved warriors. Who were his father’s sword and strong defence The pride by such neglect is deeply wounded. Un. Well? 10 Mun. Piu tardi il resto ; M’ attend! , e ti prepara Nel torneo la tuafama a far piu chiara. (Munuzza parte col seguito,') Coro. Orniam le spade — di serti e fieri L’ amor^ la gloria — a celebrar etc* SCENA III. L’ Incognito, lo scudiero e soldati che seguonoi loro preparativi. Teo. Ah, Sire, e qual di voi Concetto indegno e strano ! Kod. Ne smentir lo potei !...Sono in suamano! Teo. Ma venirvi e perche ? Pod. Come altrimenti In Setta assediata entrar potrei, Ed avvertire i miei ? Se del foglio mi valsi e di quest’ armi Che tolsi al prode Ben Amet, caduto Sotto i miei colpi, il feci Per questo sol. Teo. Ne causa altra vi spinse ? Pod. Qual altra?... Teo. E presso a Setta Di Santa Irene il chiostro, e a lui non lunge Non e forse un torrente ? ad un’ ignota, Dali’ onde sue rapita. Non salvaste la vita? Pod. E che percio ? Teo. L’ eta, la sua bellezza, I sensi, la delcezza Delle parole sue, quando raggiunta Fu da’ seguaci suoi, tutto scordaste ? Pod. Ah certo no ! 11 Mun. The rest anon ; ‘ Await me, and prepare thee To brighten yet thy fame in our tourney. (Exeunt Munuzza and suite.) Chor. We deck, &c. SCENE III. The Unknown, the shield-hearer, and soldiers busy in their preparations. Teo. Ah, Sire, this idea of yours Is strange and unbecoming. Kod. I cannot deny it, I am in his power. Teo. But why so place yourself? ItoD. By what other means Into beleagured Setta could I enter And warn my friends ? ’Twas only by this letter’s help, and with these arms, Won from the brave Ben Amet, fall’n by my hand. That I could do so. Teo. Did no other cause induce you ? Bod. What other ? Teo. Close to Setta Is Saint Irene’s Convent, and from that not far, Pray, is there ^ot a torrent? An unknown lady, With its wild waters struggling, From death did you not rescue ? Bod. And what of that ? Teo. Her age — her loveliness — The meaning and the sweetness Of the few words she spoke, when she was joined By her attendants — have you forgotten all ? Bod. Ah, surely not ! 12 Teo. Eod. Cortese cavaliero, ‘‘ Dicea ; die all’ armi vi conobbe ispano — In Setta un di saprete Qual sia colei che tolta a morte avete.” E qnella e Setta ! Ebbene, e ver ! Si cara Mi fu quest’ avventura, E si bella e si pura Quella gentile apparve agli occbi miei Che da quel giorno io spero e vivo in lei ; E prepongo all’ impero Lancia e spada brandir di cavaliero. L’ ire domar del Fato Come guerrier private Nobile e degno or parmi Fid che doverlo al re ; Ed or le belle, or 1’ armi Tentar propizie a me. Fra gl’ inni di vittoria, Cara m’ e pin la gloria, Se il palpito d’ un core Al mio rispondera ; Se il premio del valore Mi vien dalla belta. Mi tolga 1’ impero Destine severe ; Se loco all’ affetto Mi lascia nel petto, Non sento — spavento. Non euro dolor. Con anima forte Disfido la morte ; Un rise mi desta L’ umano furor : Il brando mi resta, Mi resta 1’ amor. 13 Teo. Courteous Knight,” she said. Whom by your arms I know to be a Spaniard, In Setta shalt thou one day know Who she is that from death thou thus hast rescued.” And this is Setta ! Kod. Well, ’tis true ; So dear to me was this adventure. And so lovely and so pure Was to my eyes this gentle apparition. That from that day I live and hope in her ; And than my kingdom’s sceptre The knightly sword and lance I better loV' to brandish. The wrath of fate subduing As a simple warrior only, A worthier task and nobler seems, Than owing it to kingly state. With arms and beauty trying Success to win in turn. ’Mid victory’s songs of triumph More dear to me is glory. If the throbbing of a single heart Move in accord with mine ; If the prize of knightly daring By' beauty’s hand be giv’n. Though hard destiny rob me Of power and dominion. So the power of loving It but leave to my bosom, I know not what fear is, I care not for grief ; With a soul full of courage. Death’s terrors despising, Man’s wrath can my laughter At most only move ; My sword is still with me. Still with me my love. c 14 SCENA IV. Eodrigo e Teodomiro in disparte. Munuzza entra dando la rnano a Florinda e a Favila seguiti da camlieri e dame spagnmle, Donne ed ufficiali mori, Coro, Nolle tende d’ Ismaello, Ben accolto lo stranier, Un amico ed un fratello Sia per V arabo guerrier. Mun. E il Conte Ginliano Con voi non e ? Fav. Signore, La figlia e il figlio invia Per provar la sua fede in voi qnal sia. Governator di Setta Di non uscirne il suo dover gV impone. Eod. (D’ onor verace speccbio, Ti conosco a quest]^ atto o nobil vecchio.) (Ab, cbe vedo ?...E dessa (piano a Teo.) Teo. E vero !) Eod. Ed e padre a lei Ginliano ! Flor. (Cieli 1 e desso !— O mio germano, ( piano a Fav. accennando Eod.) Ecco il mio liberator.) Fav. (Qnegli ?...IJn arabo guerriero !) (con disprezzo.) Flor. (0 mio cor, tn m’ bai tradito !) Mun. (Bencbe vinto al primo invito. Non ti cedo, o Conte, ancor.) Eod. (a Teo. piano.) Nemico mi credo, \ Le inspire terrore, Avverso di fede Mi deve odiar : Mi palpita il core Mi sento gelar. Insieme, 15 SCENE IV. Eoderic and Teodomieo apart Munuzza enters, girting Ms hand to Florinda, hy Spanish knights and ladies* Moorish ladies and officers* Chor* In the tents of Ismael meeting. The stranger fairly welcome make. As from friends and brothers ; greeting From Arab warriors let him take. Mun. And the Count Julian, Is he not with you ? Fav. Signor, He sends his son and daughter To prove how strong the trust he has in you ; But, as the Governor of Setta, His duty bids him not to leave her walls. Rod. Honour’s true mirror. Noble old man, I know thee in this conduct. Ah ! what 'do I see ? ’Tis she ! {aside to Teo.) Teo. ’Tis true ! Rod. And Julian is her father ! Flor. Heavens ! ’tis he ! Oh, my brother, {aside to Y A.Y . pointing to Rod.) That is the knight who saved me. Fav. That knight ? An Arab warrior ! {with displeasure.^ Flor. Oh, my heart, thou hast betrayed me ! Mun. Though my first attack be fruitless. Count, I do not yield thee yet. Rod. So hostile my bearing, I fill her with terror ; For the false faith Pm wearing What hate she must feel ; My heart wildly beating. Chill fears o’er me steal. ]6 Teo. {a Eod. piano Se avverso vi crede ria breve V errore ; Ma il more vi vede E puo dubitar : Gli affetti del core V’ e forza celar. Elor. (da sL) Or r alma s’ avvede Del misero errore : Diverse di fede Lo debbo od’iar : Ah, d’ onta e dolore Mi sento mancar. Eav. (da se accennando la sorella.') Diverse di fede, Ai nostri in orrore, Elorinda lo vede E il deve odiar ; Ma parmi nel core Tutt’ altro provar. Mun. (da se.) Se offeso si crede Dal proprio Signore, Nel conte la fede Potria vacillar ; Potria quest’ errore Quell’ alma cangiar. J Voi cbe salvato avete Un di la suora mia, {a Podrigo.) Ditemi almen chi sia Quei cbe onorar dovro. Voi Ben Amet vedete. Voi quel fatal guerriero ! (Con espressione (?’ orrore.) Piu volte il brando, e vero, Ne’ vostri insanguino. lo!. .(con impeto e per tradirsi nel veder il terror di Elorinda.) Eav. Mun. Elor. e Eav. Mun. Eod. CO 17 Teo. Of the false arms you’re wearing She’ll soon see the error ; But the Moor marks your bearing, May well doubt your zeal. Your heart’s stormy beating You needs must conceal. Flor. To my soul now appearing My mis’ry and error. For the arms that he’s bearing What hate I should feel ; With shame and with terror My strength seems to reel. Fav. In the arms that he’s wearing, Of Christians the terror. To Florinda appearing. What hate she should feel ; But her heart’s soft emotions Other feelings reveal. Mun. {to hirmelf.) By an injury appearing From the hand of his monarch, The Count his allegiance Less steadfast may feel; The force of that error May weaken his zeal. Lav. You to whose lot it fell One day to save my sister, Tell me at least the name Of him whom I must honour. Mun. ’Tis Ben Amet whom you see. Flor. ? You that deadly warrior ! ^ * (With an expression of horror.) MuN. Many a time his sword indeed In Christian blood was reddened. I, ! (eagerly and ready to hetray him- self at seeing the terror of Florin d a. y 18 Teo. (Dell, celate in core (JPiano a E-od. nel vederlo sulpunto diperdersi.) Lo sdegno ed il dispetto ; Vi puo costare un detto E regno e liberta.) Plor. Ab, non sara ! — (Kod. e per fare un gesto d^ assenso a gueste parole,') Teo. (Signore, (sempre impeden- dogli parlare perche non si tradisca.) Negarlo, ah non vogliate, 0 quella che adorate Con voi si perdera.) Kod. (Ben dici ; e di salvarla {piano a Teod.) M’ impone il mio dover.) Mun. E Ben Amet non park ! {a Kodrigo.) Flor. e Fav. E dunque vero ? — Kod. Ever! {Conisforzo.) Coro. O guerrieri fedeli alia gloria Accorrete, volate a pngnar Ove il premio di vostra vittoria Gia le Belie s’ apprestano a dar. Kod. 0 signora, di vostro guerriero Spero, imploro portare i color. Fav. (Quale ardire 1) Flor. Destine severe Accordarlo mi vieta, o Signor. Kod. Ah, perche ? Dair inchiesta cessate : {a Kod. con impazienza. lo per essa risposta daro. (Deh, signor, la vostr’ ira frenate !) {a Kod.) Fav. Teo. Mun. (Che mai fia ?) Kod. Sol da lei P udiro. {a Fav. con alterezza.) lo vel chiedo sommesso, pregando ; {volgendosi a Florinda.) Ah vi piaccia, signora, parlar I All, in your heart keep down The wrath and scorn arising ; A single word may cost you Your freedom and your crown. {Aside to Kod. seeing him on the point of betraying himself .) Flor. Ah, no ! it cannot be. (Kon. is about to mahe a sign of assent to - these words.) My lord, Ah, think not to deny it. Or the object of your passion Is lost, as well as you. ’Tis true— and her sweet safety Must still be my first duty. And Ben Amet speaks not ? ’Tis true then ? ’Tis true ! (with effort^) Oh, ye faithful warriors, glory Seeking ’mid the knightly band. Haste where victory’s honours wait you. Even now from beauty’s hand. Oh ! fair lady, as your warrior, I hope— implore to wear your colours. What boldness ! A cruel destiny Forbids that I should grant them you, oh, knight. Ah, wherefore? Cease your questions, (to Bod. impatiently .) It shall be mine to answer for her. Teo. Rod. Mun. Flor. ^Fav Rod. Chor. Rod. Fav. Flor. Rod. Fav. Teo. Oh, my lord, restrain your anger. Mun. (What may this be ?) Rod. From her alone I’ll hear it I beg it of you humbly, deeply praying, Ah, if it please you, lady, speak. 20 Fav. Kod. Mun. Teo. Floe, Kod. Floe. Kod. Fav. Kod. Ed allor ch’ io rispondo col brando Tu prosegui qual donna a pregar ? {Meitendo la mano sulla spada.) Questo e troppo ! — (^Fa lo stesso con V impeto die da il furore lungamente contenuto.) E la tregna giurata Ben Amet violare oserd ? (ppponendosi.) (No^ per ira al fratel dell’ amata, {Piano a Kod. trattenendolo.') No, la morte un amante non dA) (O fratello, d’ intorno ti guata, {Al fratello cercando calmarlo.) Di salvarsi speranza non v’ ba.) Plena, ah mel credi, ho ranima {Accostandosi timidamente a Kod. e con estrema dolcezza.) Di quel che a te degg’ io ; Ma se, del cielo immemore, Piegassi al tuo desio, Spregiar saria, sconoscere Lui che mi diede il cor. Ben io t’ intendo, ahi misero ! Ardi d’un altro amor. No, di cristiana giovane Qual sia I’amor non sai : Nessun mortale, al talamo Mi condurra giammai ; Morro, sacrata vergine Degli angeli al signor. Ah, non potrai commettere. Me vivo, un tanto error ! Empio ! e qual dritto ? — Quello, {Con impeto che non pudfrenare.) Di comandare a te. 21 Fav. And, now if I should answer with my sword. Dost thou still persecute with prayers this lady ? (laying l^i^ hand on his sword i) Rod. This is too much ! Mun. And would Ren Amet Dare the sworn truce to violate ? Teo. (No, to the brother of her he loves, In his wrath the lover death must not deal.) Flou. Oh ! my brother, look around thee. There were no hope of safety ho^. (To Rod.>) My heart is full, believe me. Of all I owe to thee j But should I, Heaven forgetting. Yield thee what thou dost ask. Scorn and ingratitude ’twould be Of him who gave to me a heart. Rod. I understand thee well.- Ah, wretched me Thou lov’st another. Flor. No I of a Christian maiden What the love may be thou know’st not ; No mortal at the altar Shall ever take my hand ; I will die a maiden holy. Rod. Ah, thou canst not be guilty. While I live, of such error I Fav. Impious I and by what right ? Rod. This— that I am thy master. ■« 22 Fav. Teo. Flor. Mun. Eod. A me! Signor. (con ira e disprezzo,} (a Rod. avvertendolo.) (pregando.) Fav. Flor Fav. Flor. e Teo. Rod. Mun. Flor. e Teo. Fav. Coro. Rod, e Fav. Fratello I Ospite e sacro ei m’ e. (opponendosi a Rod.) Qual dntto ?...Io 1’ amo ! e il Fato One fosse mia volea : A morte io la togliea ; Ma chi puo torla a me ? ' Troppo soffersi^ audace ! (Minacciando e dirigendosi a Munuzza.) Non cingo un brando invano. La vita ch’ ei mi die. Rispetta in lui, germano. (Fa VILA Allontana la sorella e si presenta a , Munuzza.) Onieggo a te cangiar la giostra In mortal combattimento. (Cielo!) Accetto. Io nol consento : Dio lo vieta^ il vieta onor. (Ah respiro ! A1 cenno io cedo ; Ma fra poco in vero agone Tu vedrai col paragone Di noi due qual sia miglior. O guerrieri fedeli alia gloria, Accorrete, volate a pugnar. Dove il premio di vostra vittoria Gia le Belle s’ apprestano a dar. Alla Guerra c’invita la gloria, Accorriamo, voliamo a pugnar, E ben presto unafacil vittoria, | 0 superbo, t’ insegni a tremar. (Uuno air altro.) \ § * 23 Fav. Mine ? Teo. My Lord ! (To RodJ Floe,. My brother ! Mun. He is my guest, and sacred. Eod. What right ? I love her, and by fate Mine has she been decreed : I rescued her from death ; From me who now shall snatch her ? Fav. Insolent ! this is too much to bear ! f Turning threateningly to Mun.) ’Tis not for nought I wear a sword ; His life I needs must have. Floe. Eespect in him — oh, brother — Fav. This tourney I demand of thee To change into a mortal combat. ( To Mun. J ^Ol^^heaven! Eod. I accept it. Mun. I consent not ; Heaven forbids — and honour may not grant it. Fav. I yield to the decision ; But ere long in earnest battle Thou shalt see the question tested. Of us two which bears the meed, Chor, Oh, ye faithful warriors — glory Seeking mid the knightly band. Haste where victory’s honours wait you. Even now from beauty’s hand. Eod. ^ For the strife we’re called to by glory, Fav. Let us join the knightly band ; And how easy a victory waits me. Thou shalt learn, proud knight, from my hand. 24 Flor. Alla giostra v’ invita la gloria ; I Teo. Accorrete volate a pugnar, ^ 1 Mun. E r onor d’incruenta vittoria \ Fossa d’ambi alio sdegno bastar ! J ( Partono al suono (P una mar da solenne,) FINE dell’ ATTO PRIMO. *25 Flor. To the tourney you’re summoned by glory. Teo. Haste to join in the knightly band. Mun. May the victory, all bloodless, that waits you Of both stay the wrathful hand. ( Exeunt to the sound of a solemn march.) END OF THE FIRST ACT. 26 Giul. Flor. Giul. ATTO II. SCENA I. Interno del convento di Sanf Irene. Coro di Religiose. 0 gran Dio, de’ tuoi nemici Eiacche 1’ armi e il braccio rendi ; II tuo popolo difendi, 1 tuoi tempj e la tua fe. E la prece della vergine, Cb’ or ti sacra e mente e vita, Alle nostre preci unita Piu possente ascenda a te. ( Entra una suora che fa cenno al cof^o di ritirarsi, e questo esce con essa.) SCENA II. Entra Giuliano e Florinda. E nulla, o Ciel, caugiarti Potr^L ? No, padre mio : Iddio mi chiama ed obbedisco a Dio. Qui dunque ti guidai A perderti per sempre ! No ! toller ar nol posso. 27 ACT II. SCENE L Interior of the Coment of Saint Irene. Chorus of Nuns. Oh ! great Heaven, from all thy foemen Strength of limb and weapon taking. Secure thy faithful people making. Deign thy church and faith to guard. And may the praying of the maiden. Her life and heart with thee bestowing. With our prayers in concert flowing, E-ise more powerful heavenward. (A. Nun enters, who signs to the Chorus to with^ draw, and they leave the scene with her.) SCENE II. Enter Julian and Florinda. And nought, oh heav’n, thy resolution can change ? No, my father. Heaven claims me, and I yield to Heaven obedience. But what then compels thee ? To lose thee for ever ! No 1 1 cannot bear it? JuL. Flor. JUL 28 Flor. Gixjl. Flor. Giul. Flor. Giul. All, della figlia Abbi pieta ; pieta del? onor suo, Che pure, o padre, e il tuo ! Odi— e null’ altro il sappia. Per r infedel, per 1’ empio Che fea de’ nostri scempio. Pel guerrier della giostra or vincitore, E cui debbo la vita, ardo...d’ amore. Ah, che dici ! {piu sorpreso che sdegnoso.) E in Dio solo Cerco obliarlo ed aver calma al duolo. O del pari infelice e generosa, Degno e del sangue tuo 1’ alto proposto ^ Ma in te perdo frattanto Di mia stanca vecchiezza Ogni cara speranza, ogni dolcezza. Ah, mi perdona ! e credi Che un asilo minor del chiostro invano Celar vorria la fiamma Che mi divampa in seno, E benedici la tua figlia almeno ! Per te, padre, ella brama Al mondo rinunziar pria ch’ alia fama. Ah no ! — Ma tu lo vuoi : Doni il padre alia figlia i giorni suoi. Ah dal cielo Iddio pietoso Guardi e vegli ognor su te, E t’ accordi quel riposo Che per sempre involi a me. Nella mesta solitudine. In cui lasci il genitore. Non t’ udra piu mai rispondere Alle voci del suo cuore, Ne mai piu la viva immagine 29 ^ Ah, on thy child Have pity ; pity on her honour, The honour that no less is thine, my father. Hear me, and let no other know it : That infidel — that impious one. Who o’er our knights has triumphed. That warrior in the lists but now the victor. To whom I owe my life— I feel— I love him. JuL. Ah ! what say’st thou ? Flor. And with heaven only I seek to forget him, and from grief to find a refuge. Jtjl. Oh, thou ill-fated and right-noble girl. Most worthy of thy blood is this, thy lofty purpose ; But in thee I lose for ever. From my weak steps of failing age, Every dear hope, and all that’s left of sweetness. Flor; Ah, pardon, father, and believe me ; That a less sure asylum than the cloister Were all in vain the fire to stifle That glows within my bosom : Bless thou, at least, thy daughter ! For thy sake, father, is it that she wishes The world to quit, but not to lose her honour. JuL. Ah, no ! but thou wilt have it so ; The father to the daughter gives his life. Ah, may the Lord from heaven in mercy Ever look and watch o’er thee ; On thee all the peace bestowing Which now for ever flies from me. In the sad and lonely hours That thou leavest to thy father. He shall hear no more thy answer To his heart’s complaining voice; In thee, thy mother’s image 30 Di tua madre m te vedra I ^ ^ Figlia, oime I saria 1’ uecidermi Non delitto, ma pieta. E nel di che omai s’ approssima^ In cui scioltQ li mortal velo Quella pia potra ragginngere Infra gli angioli del cielo^ Della figlia mi bacio, un gemito Ei recarle non potra 1 Figlia, oime ! saria I’ uecidermi Non delitto, ma piet^ Vedi qual tremito 11 cor mi scuote : Vedi quai lagrime Bagnan le gote Del genitor ! Ah, non ripetermi II tristo addio, O potria toglierti A1 tempio, a Dio II mio dolor. {paf^te.} SCENA III. Florinda sola, O solinghi recessi, o chiostre sante, O tetre volte, o mura Dove al pariar di Dio tace natura ; Voi che fra il mondo e me v’ interponcte^ Ah, dal pensier di lui mi difendete I Coro V ergine eletta, in Dio di dentro. S’ acqueta ogni dolor. 31 No more — oh, never more shall see ! Daughter — Ah, me ! now to slay me, A mercy not a crime ’twould be ! And in the day which now so near ap- proaches. When from its earthly Veil his soul, deli- vered. Shall rise to join that loved one Amid the host of heaven, A daughter’s kiss and parting sigh To her he may not bear. Daughter-— ah, me! to kill me now A mercy not a crime it were. Thou seest with what sorrow My heart’s depths are shaken, Thou seest what deep weeping That thought must awaken, From thee that I part. Ah I do not repeat it. The sad farewell once given ; Oh 1 would I could win thee From the church and from heaven By the grief of my heart ! Exit. SCENE III. Elotqnda alone. Oh, solitary fanes 1 oh, sacred cloisters 1 Oh, gloomy aisles and walls 1 VV'here nature silence keeps before the voice of heaven ; Ye who between the world and me are raised as barriers, Ah 1 from all thought of him guard my' remembrance. Chor. Chosen maiden, in heaven All grief shall be at rest. 32 Flor. Coro di dentro, Flor. Coro di dentro. Flor. Coro di dentro. Flor. L’ ara m’ aspetta ov’ io Volga il saluto estremo A1 padre, al fratel mio A1 mio funesto amor, Che questi sacri accenti Tormi dovrian dal cor. O pia, de’ tuoi tormenti La pace e nel Signor. Ah si, gran Dio ! s’ e vero Che accetti i voti miei, Toglilo al mio pensiero, Torni la pace in me ; Volgi del cor, dell’ alma Tutti gli afFetti a te. Vieni a cercar la calma Nel sen del re dei re. Ah no ! 1’ alFanno mio Si fa pin grande an cor. Vergine eletta, in Dio S’ acqueta ogni dolor. ^ Vane preci, omai tacete, E ribelle e sordo il cor : Non scemate, ma crescete La mia colpa, il mio terror. Ah neir alma ho troppo accolto Quel suo sguardo, quel suo volto, Ed invan nel mio tormento Fuggi, io grido, ah fuggi, ah va ! Ei m’ inSegue ..ei vien...lo sento... Ah sugli occhi ognor mi sta ! {Getta un grido nel veder chi 5 ’ avanza.) SCENA IV. Eoderigo e detta. Eod. F uggirmi invan cercasti : ecco io son teco ! Queste inaccesse mura Io vinsi e violai, Ne dell’ ira del del per te tremai. 33 Flor. The holy altar waits me. Where I bid farewell for ever To my father — to my brother. To that love that knows no rest. But which these holy voices Must banish from my breast. Chcyr. Oh, holy maid, from sorrow. With the Lord shalt thou find rest. Flor. Ah, yes ; great Heaven, if truly Thou accept my vows to thee. Turn from him my thoughts unruly. And give thy peace to me ; Be heart and soul directed In all their love to thee. Chor, Come hither in calm, protected By the King of kings to be. Flor. Ah, no ! the bitter anguish Grows more within my breast. Chor. Chosen maiden, in heaven All grief shall be at rest. Flor. Useless prayers, henceforth be silent. My heart rebellious is and dead ; Never ceasing, still increasing. All my crime and all my dread. Ah ! in my heart too deeply wearing His lofty look and noble bearing. In vain against my love appealing. Leave me I bid him, oh, leave me, oh, go ! He follows me. ..he comes. ..this feeling... Ah ! in my sight he stands e’en now. SCENE IV. Boderick and Florinda. Kod. To fiy me, in vain thou seekest — lo I am with thee. These walls, so hard of access, I have o’ercome and outraged, Nor for thy sake have feared the wrath of Heaven. 34 Flor. ...S’ io non deliro...se un error funesto Non delude i miei sensi... Se tu sei desso...ali fuggi ! ItoD. ^ ^ O mia Florinda, Tu sarai mia, lo dissi ; e mia sarai, Dovessi e vita e onore For d’ entrambi in oblio ; Tor ti dovessi dalle man di cielo. Flor. Ab taci ! Ai detti tuoi Un gel mi scende al core. Temi, o misero, ah temi il suo furore ! Io ? odio tuo temea. Null’ altro al mondo, il giuro : Dell’ odio tuo sicuro Di che poss’ io tremar ? Odiarti e mi salvasti ! Si cruda ah non son io ; Ma non m’ assente il cielo Un infedele amar. Ma...se cristiano io fossi?.., Sogno, delirio e questo?... Florinda, cielo ne attesto ; Dio che mi vede il cor ! T’ amo e null’ altro in terra Che farti mia piu bramo. Tu sei cristiano !...ah...t’ amo 1.., T’ amo d’ immenso amor ! A due, Qual luce risplende Fra r ombre funeste Che desta e mi rende La jita del cor ! E gioia celeste La gioia d’ amor ! Flor. Dove s’ eleva il cantico, Che unir doveami al- cielo. Kod. Flor. Kod. Flor. Rod. Flor. 35 Flor. If I do not rave, if to some dread illusion My sense be not the plaything, If thou indeed art he — oh, fly ! Rod, Oh, my Florinda, Thou shalt be mine ; I have said it — mine thou shalt be ; Though doomed were life and honour For thy sake both to be forgotten. Ere I could snatch thee from the hand of Heaven. Flor. Ah, forbear ! when thus thou speakest, A chill my inmost heart invades. Dread, oh, unhappy, oh ! dread Heaven’s anger. Rod. I dread thy hatred only ; Nought else on earth, I swear ; Once assured thou dost not hate me. What is there I can fear ? Flor. To hate thee, who hast saved me, So cruel I could not be ; But Heaven forbids that I should yield To an infidel my love. Rod. But... if I were a Christian? Flor. A dream is this, or madness ? Rod. Florinda, I call Heaven to witness. Heaven, who sees within my heart ! I love thee, and nought else on earth Than mine to make thee, is my wish from henceforth. Flor. Thou art a Christian ! Ah ! I love thee, I love thee, oh, how deeply ! Both. What bright gleam is breaking On sorrow’s dark portals, And thus is awaking New life in my heart ! ’Tis the bliss of immortals That love doth impart. Flor. Where the sacred song is raised. Which should join my lot with heaven. 36 Rod. Flor. Rod. Floe. Rod. Flor. Rod. Vieni, e si cangi il velo Nel serto nuzial. (Ah, re son io !) (da se.] Tu palpiti!... Tradita, oime, son io ! Sappi...ah mel vieta, oh Dio, Ostacolo fatal ! Tu m’ ingannasti, o perfido : L’ ira del ciel su te ! Non condannarmi ; ascoltami, Abbi pieta di me ! Cor fallace, indegno core Empio al nume, a me spietato Ridi, insulta al mio dolore, Che il mio fine afiVettera : 11 pensier d’averti amato, Per morir mi baster^. Ah non basta al tuo rigore Ch’esser tuo mi vieti il fato ; Piu mortal del mio dolore L’odio tuo m’uccidera ; Son gi^ troppo sventurato, Deh m’ascolta per pieta ! Deh m’odi ! Flor. Io torno a Dio. (per andarsene. Rod. No, finche in vita io resto. (s^oppone. Flor. Lasciami ! Rod. Io t’amo ! Flor. T’abborro e ti detesto ! Lasciami ! Ah, m’odi ancora ! Di me, di te piet^ ! Rod. 37 Come, and for the wreath of marriage We will change the veil. Rod. (aside.) Ah ! I am a king ! Flor. Thou dost falter ; Ah, me ! I am betrayed. Rod. Thou knowest, — Ah, in my path there is, oh, heaven ! A fatal obstacle. Flor. Thou hast deceived me, oh, thou faithless one ! The wrath of Heaven fall on thee ! Rod. Condemn me not ; but hear me. Have pity on me. Flor. False of heart, of heart unworthy. To heaven impious, cruel to me ; Laugh, insult me in the sorrow Which my death shall hurry on ; The thought that 1 had ever loved thee Were enough to make me die. Rod. Ah ! does it not suffice thine anger That fate forbids me to be thine ; More deadly than my sorrow. Thy hatred bids me die. Even now am I too wretched ; Hear me then, for pity’s sake ! O hear me ! Flor. I turn again to Heaven. Rod. No ; for my sake — that I may live. Flor. Leave me. Rod. I love thee ! Flor. And I Abhor thee and detest thee ! Leave me. Rod. Ah ! hear me yet : On me, thyself, have pity. £ 38 SCENA y. Frati e suore die accorrono in tumulto e detti. Coro, di ^ Morte al vile, all’empio, al rio Frati e> Che sforzo le sacre porte ! suore. 5 Anatema, obbrobrio e morte ! Trema, o mostro d’empieta ! Rod. Io vi sprezzo, e in poter mio Sta* la sua, la vostra sorte : Seco in vita, e seco in morte II destin mi trovera. Flor. O clemente, o sommo cielo Yolgi un guardo alia mia sorte ; Gia vacilla e a duol si forte Eegger I’alma omai non sa. Coro.di ^ Trema, ab trema ! in mano a Dio Frati e > Gia la folgore s’accende : suore. S Ecco scoppia e sn te scende, Ambi almen consumera. Flor. Oh sventura, oh terror mio ! Chi dall ’empio mi difende ? Gia la folgore discende : Abbia il ciel di noi pieta. (Sviene e Kodrigo la porta nelle hraccia malgrado le suore ed i monad atterriti.) FINE dell’ ATTO SECONDO. 39 SCENE V. Brethren and Nuns, rushing in tumultuously, and the above. Chorus of Brethren and Nuns. Death to the wretch, to the impious villain. Who has forced the holy cloister ! Anathema, disgrace, disaster ! Tremble, oh, monster of ill ! Rod. I scorn ye — and within my power Is her and all your destinies. With her in life — in death with her— My fate shall find me still ! Flor. Oh, merciful— oh, highest Heaven, Bend your eyes on my misfortunes ! Even now he wavers ! Pain so bitter The soul no longer can support. Cho. Tremble, ah, tremble ! in the hand of Heaven The lightning’s terrors now are waking ; Lo round thee falling, on thee breaking. Both shall it consume and kill. Flor. Oh, disaster, grief and terror ! From the wicked who shall save me ? Now the lightnings fall upon us; Heaven have mercy on us still I JiND OF THE SECOND ACT 40 ATTO III. SCENA I. Stanza net Palazzo di Giulia no. Giuliano seduto eprofondamente tristo, poi suhiio uno scudiero. Giul. Eri la mia speranza, - 0 figlia, e ti perdei ! Che piu m’avanza ? Scuto. Signor, . Giul. Che? Scud. Di Munuzza un messo chiede Intrattenersi teco. Giul. Nell ’introdurlo a me, lasciami seco. {LiO scud, esce ed introduce suhito Munuzza.) SCENA II. Munuzza e Giuliano. Tu che il capo de’ mori M’invia, che vuoi da me ? (guardandolo .) Cieli, che vedo ! Munuzza. .(con nohile sicurezza.) Appena agli occhi miei lo credo ! L’estinto rege ibero Stimava il tuo valore. Mun. Giul. Mun. 41 ACT III. SdENE I. CJiamher in the Palace of Julian. Julian seated in deep sadness’, enter directly an Attendant, JuL. Thou wast my only hope. Oh, daughter ! and thou’rt lost — what now remains for me ? At. My Lord. JuL. What? At. a messenger from Munuzza begs An interview with you. JuL. Let him come in, and leave me with him. {Ex, Attendant a7id introduces Munuzza.) SCENE II. JuL. Thou, who by the Chieftain of the Moors Art sent, what would’st thou with me ? (looking at him,) Heaven, what do 1 see ! Mun. Munuzza! (with proud confidence.) JuL. Even yet mine eyes I hardly credit. Mun. The late Spanish monarch Thy worth esteemed most highly. 42 : Giul. Tu sai, nemico altero, S’io ne mertai I’amore. Mun. Ei ti promise assai. Giul. Ch’egli era giusto io so. Mun. Jila non attenne mai. Giul, La morte gliel vieto. Mun. Eettore d’Andalusia Crearti egli volea. Giul Eatto dal figlio or fia Quel ch’ei non far potea. Mdn. E ch’ei lo faccia or credi? Giul. E dubitarne error. Mun. Ab, nel suo eor non vedi. Giul. Ne tu gli vedi il cor. Mun. Ab, sovente delP uomo nel core Grato affetto e gran fallo sperar ; In te poi sari a fallo maggiore Se in un re lo credessi trovar ; Giul. Non mi cale al mio zelo, all’ amore II mio re sconoscente trovar ; A me basta, servendo all’ onore. La mia fe^ la mia patria salvar. Mun. Ena grand’ alma spiacemi Yedere oifesa in te. Prendi, (offrendogli unfoglid) Giul. Qual foglio I {esitandd) Mun. Prendilo : Un foglio e del tuo re. Giul. Ma come ? Mun. a un messo il tolsero I nostri cavalier. Giul. Sarebbe ei qui ? Mun. Trascorrilo, Ed apri gli occbi al ver. 43 JuL. Thou knowest, ray proud Foeman^ If 1 deserved his favour. Mun. He raade thee raany promises. JuL. That he was just, I know. Mun. But they were ne’er fulfilled. JuL. His death prevented it. Mun. Euler of Andalusia It was his wish to make thee. JuL. By his son may he completed That which he left undone. Mun. And think’st thou he will do so ? JuL. ’Twere wrong to doubt it. Mun. Ah ! in his heart thou see’st not. JuL. Nor can’st thou read his heart. Mun. Too often in the human heart For gratitude we hope in vai^ ; But vainer yet would be thy thought From kingly breast such good to gain. JuL. It does not touch my zeal, though of my service My king should prove forgetful. Enough for me, if, honour’s voice obeying, I save my faith and country. Mun. a great soul like thine It grieves me to see injured. Take this — {offering him a letter.) JuL. What letter? {hesitating.) Mun. Take it — A letter from thy king. JuL. But how? Mun. From a messenger Our warriors took it. JuL. Knowst thou what’s here? Mun. Glance over it. And open to the truth your eyes. 44 Giul. {dopo aver letto.) Cielo! Mendozza a reggere L’ Andalusia chiamato ! Mun. {da sb ma ad alia voce. Che far ? {come sopra.) L’ingratitudine Dei del tuo re punir. Giul. Punirlo ? {colpito da questa parola.) Mun. E puote assisterti 11 mio. Giul. Che vuoi tu dir ? Mun. Ah, fra noi, lo giuro, avresti Giul. Altri premj ed altro onore ! Vieni, vieni al mio signore, Dopo lui sarai primier. Euggi indegno ! Ah, gia sapresti. Mun. Se ascoltassi il mio furore. Quel che sia tentar I’onore D’un Ispano cavalier ^(Ei mi scaccia, ma in quel core Giul. Pugnan I’ira ed il dover.) Pria potrai strapparmi il core Che strapparmi al mio dover. {ad un cenno imperioso di GiuL M unuzza parte . ) SCENA III. Giulia NO, Eavila, e Soldati. Fav. Signor, che fu ? Giul. L’indegno Tentare oso del padre tuo la fede. Eav. M unuzza ? Oh infamia ch’ogn ’infamia eccede ! Giul. Eppur prov5 che ingrato Rodrigo m’era. 45 JuL. Heavens ! Mendozza summoned To govern Andalusia ! What to do ? Mun. The ingratitude Of thy king thou’rt bound to punish. JuL. To punish him? Mun. And to assist thee. Mine may be able. JuL. What mean’st thou ? Mun. Ah, among us I swear that thou should’st meet with Prizes and honours of another kind; Come then, ah ! come to join my mighty master. Next to him in rank thy place shall be. JuL. Hence, unworthy ! Ah, thou should’st know quickly. If I were to listen to my wrath. What it is to dare to tempt the honour Of a noble Knight of Spain. Mun. He repels me —but in that bosom Are contending rage and duty. JuL. Thou should’st wrest the heart from out my bosom, Rather than wrest me from my duty. (A^ an imperious gesture from JuL., Mun. exiti) SCENE III. Julian, Eavila, and Soldiers, Fav. My lord, what was it ? JuL. The villain Dared tempt the allegiance of thy father. Fav. Munuzza ? Oh, infamy beyond all infamy ! JuL. He proved to me, however, Roderic’s ingratitude. 46 Fav. Ah, non e vero ! Ei giunge : L*annunzia il Conte di Claros non lunge. Giul. Ah, da re si riceva ! E fra gli orrori Dell’ armi an cor I’arrivo suo s’onori. I giovani guerrieri Preparino i lor giuochi, e le donzelle Danze intreccino intanto ; E della gioia il canto Giunga de’ mori al core Presagio di sventura e di terrore. {Partono varj scudieri.} Fav. Si, prodi ispani, il re fra noi gia viene, E vengon pur con esso La pugna e la vittoria al tempo stesso. Prodi ispani, all’ armi, all’armi ! a E il feroce ismaelita Ove onor cercava e vita ' Trovi morte e disonor. Solo un nome, ah sian per voi E la pugna e la vittoria ! Coro di Sempre fida fu la gloria guerrieri. Degl’ ispani al braccio al cor. Fav. Niuna tregua alio straniero ! Voi pel nume combattete ; Spose e figli difendete Difendete e patria e onor. Di castiglia la bandiera Splenda omai di nuova gloria : Sempre fida e la vittoria Degl’ ispani al braccio al cor. Coro di Sempre fida e la vittoria guerrieri. Degli ispani al braccio, al cor. Giul. Mia figlia ! . . .Ola cessate. 47 Fav» Ah, it is not true ! he comes, The Count of Claros announces his ap- approach. JuL. Ah, royally receive him ! mid the terrors Of war, let still his coming meet with honour ; Let the young warriors Prepare their sports, and let the damsels Meantime be forming dances ; And let our joyful chorus Strike to the Moorish heart Omens of terror and disaster. Fav. Yes, brave sons of Spain, the King comes now among us ; And come at once with him Battle and victory in the self-same hour ; Brave sons of Spain, to arms to arms ! Let the fierce Ismaelite, Where he sought life and honour. Dishonour find and death. One meaning only have for you. Battle and victory. Chor, Faithful ever yet was glory To the arms and heart of Spain. Fav. No truce be with the heathen; ’Tis for your God ye combat. Guarding your wives and children, Honour and country guarding. The banner of Castile Shines now with a fresh glory. Faithful ever is victory To the arm and heart of Spain. Chor. Faithful ever is victory ^ , To the arm and heart of Spain. JuL. My daughter !— Peace— break off! 48 SCENA IV. Florinda e i precedenti. Ella entra come se fosse perseguitata, ed errando quasi in delirio per la scena, grida, Flor. Ah, vendicate almeno Degli avi in me T onor ! Gitjl. Vendetta, ah si ! Yay. empio, II traditor dov’ e ? Flor. Daltempio... Ebbene al tempio Voliamo... Flor. Ah, manca il pie ! . Giul. e Fav. O degli avi irati mani Che parlarmi in cor gi^ sen to, Ascoltate il giuramento Del commune offeso onor.’ Niuno asilo infra gli umani Trovi il vil per lui sicuro : Via col ferro, al del lo giuro M’ apriro dell’ empio in cor. Flor. I miei preghi omai son vani, V ano il giusto mio lamento : E mia I’onta e il duol che sento, Benche mio non sia Terror. SCENE IV. Florinda and the 'preceding. She enters as if she were pursued^ and screams, wandering about the stage as though in madness. Flor. Ah, at least avenge In me the honour of our race. JuL. Kevenge ? Ah, yes ! Fay. But the impious one — The traitor — where is he? Flor. From the church... Fav. To the church then Let us fly. Flor. Ah, my feet fail me ? JuL. Oh, ye wrathful spirits of our fathers, Fav. Who in my breast now raise your voices. Listen to the oath that’s prompted By the injured honour that we share. Never an asylum among human beings Shall the wretch find to offer him its safety. Way to my steel, to open in the bosom Of that impious one I— before Heaven I swear ! Flor. Vain are my prayers henceforth and for ever ! Vain the tears that with such cause are fall- ing ! Mine are the shame and woe that are upon me, Though mine was not the fault of what I bear. f 50 Sol per tormi ai guard! umani M’ e la tomba asil sicuro : Una vita io piu non euro Che prolunga i] mio rossor. {Partono,J SCENA V. Piazza in Setta. II Re Rodrigo con seguito,preceduto da Cori. Coro. Viva il re ! L’onor la gloria Siano a lui fedeli ognor : La speranza e la vittoria Ei richiama a tutti in cor. Come sole in ciel sereno Splende a noi la sua bonta, E gli regnano nel seno La giustizia e la pieta. BALLO. Legenda Araba Cantata da quattro Almee, con Coro. Coro. Piu leggier — del pensier Su moviara — I’agil pie : Col danzar — il cantar Alternar — ci oda il re. 51 To hide me from the sight of human beings. The tomb alone can offer me its safety. A life which does but serve my shame to lengthen. Longer to preserve I cannot care. SCENE V. A Square in Setta, King Eoderick with his Suite, ^preceded hy Chorus, Chorus, Long live the king! may honour- and glory Faithful to him still remain ! For hope and victory restoring To all our hearts he brings again. Like the sun in heaven, serenely Shines on us his bounty’s light. And his royal breast is governed By justice and by mercy bright. BALLET. Arab Legend, sung by four Almees and Chorus. Chorus. Yet more light than Fancy’s flight The agile step ’tis ours to wing ; With dance and song we glide along Before the presence of the King. 52 Le Alm6es, — Strofa. Ad un fior — che i color Piu vivaci al guardo offri Per eta — per belta Pari Almeida apparve un di. Un guerrier — che stranier Venne a noi da ignoto suol^ L’ ammiro — P adoro Come rosa F usignuoL Coro. Piu leggier, etc. Le Ahn^e. — 2^® Strofa. Ah, per te — che non fe, BelF Almeida, il cavalier. Egli fu — per virtu Fra nostri arahi il primier. Vinta alfin — dal destin Ben che povero F amo E i sospir — d’ un Visir Per seguirlo non euro. Coro. Piu leggier, etc. Le Almie. — S® Strofa. Con F amor — del tuo cor Lieta e ricca ognor saro : Che mi fa — poverty, Se con te la partiro ? Giusto il ciel — al fedel Cor d’ Almeida il premio die Che in quel di — gli scopri Nel suo sposo il proprio re. Piu leggier, etc. C&ro. 53 Almees — \st Strophe. Like a flower in morning’s hour, W^hich. gives to sight its fairest hues, In youth’s bright time, in beauty’s prime, Almeida came forth one day. A foreign Knight, strange to our sight. Among us came from unknown shores. And to the maid his vows he paid. As the nightingale the rose adores. Cho. Yet more light, &c. Almees — 2nd Strophe. Ah, what for you did not do Fair Almeida, the cavalier. Valour’s meed, to him decreed. From our Arabs he bore away. Subdued at length by passion’s strength, With him, though poor, her love remained. A vizier’s sighs she did not prize. To fly with him all else disdained. Cho. Yet more light, &c. Almees — Strophe. Of love secure, of thy heart sure. Blest and rich I shall ever be. What to me is poverty. If ’tis only shared with thee ? Heaven is just — so for its trust Almeida’s loving heart to pay. In that day ’twas her’s to see Her King in the spouse who bore her away. Cho. Yet more light, &c. 54 SCENA VI. .Giuliano, Elorinda, Favila, e detti, Gitjl. 0 sire, a piedi tuoi D’ un’ offesa inaudita. Per la canizie sua, pel sangue sparse In difesa del trono e della fede, II tuo vecchio guerrier vendetta chiede. Eod. E di chi, nobil Conte ? Giul. T’ accosta, o figlia, e il tuo rossor gli dica Nel tuo I’oltraggio mio. Flor. Ah giustizia, ah piet^ ! (alzandogli gli ocelli in volto.) Ciel, che vegg’io ! Eod. Oh sorpresa ! . ..oh mio tormento \\ad un Teo. Qual sorpresa !...qual memento ! > tempo Gitjl. Figlia.. .e d’onde il tuo terror ? Fav. (Egli ?...Ah tutto omai presento !) Flor. Desso...e desso...il traditor ! {piano al padre e alfratello accorsi presso di leu) Giul. e Fav. Eod. e Flor. Teo. Coro, Del vero omai Squarciato il velo, Avvampo e gelo D’ ira e d’ error. Del vero omai Squarciato il velo, Avvampo e gelo D’ onta e d’ error. Del vero omai Squarciato il velo, Avvampo e gelo Pel mio signor. Il vero omai Ci copre un velo : E d’ onde, oh cielo ! Si strano error ? 55 SCENE VI. Julian, Florinda, Favilla, and the above. JuL. To thy feet, oh, sire. For an injury unheard of. By his white hairs and by the blood he shed. The throne and faith defending, tComes thy old warrior to pray for ven- geance. Kod. And, noble Count, on whom ? JuL. Approach, oh, daughter ! let thy blushes speak My injury in thine. Flor. Oh, justice ! — mercy ! Heaven, what do I see ? Bod. 5 Oh, surprise ! to me what torment ! Teo. I What surprise ! what a moment ! JuL. Daughter, whence comes thy terror ? Fav. He ? — ah, now through it all I see. Flor. He !— ’tis he ! — the betrayer ! JuL. The veil now is rent. Fav. At the truth that it’s showing. Now chilled and now' glowing, Bage and horror I feel. Bod. The veil now is rent. Flor. At the truth that it’s showing. Now chilled and now glowing. Shame and horror I feel. Teo. The veil now is rent. At the truth that it’s showing. Now chilled and now glowing. For my monarch I feel, Cho. So dark lies the veil, That the truth there’s no knowing ; Whence, oh. Heaven ! is now growing ' The strange horror we feel ? 56 Giul. Deir ira e del? orror — die premo in seno Non son minor! in me — ^1’ onta e’l dolor : Ah, pari al suo fallir — trovasse almeno La pena che merto — quel traditor ! II solo mio desir — la sola gloria Sar^ di vendicar — V offeso onor : D’ eta remote ancor — la mia memoria Ai popoli ed ai re — far^ terror. Flor. Pel crude immense duel — ch’io premo in seno, Che tregua non mi da, — che strazia il cor, Deh trova, o giusto ciel,— deh trova almeno La pena che merto— quel traditor ! Com’ ei la mia tradi — de’ miei la gloria Tradi del pari il vil— con 1’ empio amor: Ah, sia del pari ancor — la sua memoria Ai popoli ed ai re — d’ onta e d’ orror. Fav. Dell’ ira e dell’ orror — che premo in seno Non son minor! in me — 1’ onta e il dolor: Ah, pena al suo fallir — potessi almeno La morte fulminar — sul traditor ! E come in lei macchio — la nostragloria Col sangue ei paghi a me — 1’ infame error; 51 JUL. Flor. Fav. Than the horror and the rage that I press deep in my bosom, Not less within me are my misery and shame. Ah! equal to the crime — the base betrayer. May he find the punishment that he de- serves ! My sole ambition and my only glory Shall be my wounded honour to avenge ; In times remote as yet, the mem’ry of my story To nations and to kings shall terror bear. By the pain, cruel and great, that I press deep in my bosom — That gives to me no peace — that lacerates my heart. May he find at least, just Heaven 1 may he find, the vile betrayer. The punishment his crime so well has earned. As he betrayed my honor by his impious love. So he betrayed the honor of my kindred. Oh 1 may his memory be equally odious and shameful To nations and kings. Than the horror and the rage which I press deep in my bosom. Not less within me are my misery and shame. Ah 1 on his crime may punishment — to the betrayer At the least— in the thunderbolt of death be borne. ^ And as by him ’twas stained— our House’s In blood^et him repay me the infamy of wrong. 58 O, s’ ei trionfi ancor, — la sua memoria Ai popoli ed ai re — sia di terror. Bod. Bimorso si crudel — mi stria il seno Che regger non vi puo — 1’ oppresso cor : Ah pid mortale almen — d’ ogni veleno I miseri miei di— tronchi il dolor! Del sommo grado in me — tradii la gloria. In me di cavalier — macchiai V onor, E fia per ogni etk — la mia memoria Ai popoli ed ai re— sdegno e terror. Teo. E ra sdegno, amor, pietd— del re nel seno Incerto palpitar — mi sembra il cor ; Di tutti gli altri ancor — sembra non meno Dal volto trasparir — 1’ ira e il dolor. Ch’ ei salvi, ah voglia il ciel— la pro- pria gloria D’ altrui salvando al par — V ofFeso onor, O d’ ogni tarda etd — la sua memoria Ai popoli ed ai re — sara terror. Coro, Di sdegno e di dolor — del re nel seno Ci sembra palpitar — P incerto cor ; Di tutti gli altri ancor — sembra non meno Dal volto trasparir — P ira e il dolor. Cessiam dalP alternar — gP inni di gloria, Preghiam, preghiamo il ciel — del suo favor : Presagio a noi non e — della vittoria Quel ch’ ora in essi appar — si strano orror. Fay. Sire, .una grazia io spero... (^Deve pronunziar queste parole con esitanza e sopprimendo la plena del furore percM non scoppj.') Che invan sinor bramai. 59 All ! if lie triumpli yet^ the mem’ry of his story To nations and to kings shall terror bear. Kod. Eemorse so cruel cuts deep into my bosom. No longer can I bear my tortur’d heart ; Ah ! deadlier by far than every poison, The misery of my days this woe cuts short. Of my loftiest place I have betrayed the glory. By me my knightly honour has been stained ; So must to all time the mem’ry of my story To nations and to kings scorn and terror bear. Teo. With rage, love, pity, in the Monarch’s bosom, Uncertainly to waver seems to me his heart ; In all the others still no less appearing To look forth from every face both wrath and woe. Ah ! may Heaven grant that he save his own glory. While others’ wounded honour may he no less save ; Or to all future time the mem’ry of his story To nations and to kings shall terror bear. Cho. With grief and rage within the Monarch’s bosom. Seems to us to throb uncertainly his heart ; In all the others still no less appearing To look forth from every face both wrath and woe. Let us cease to interchange our songs of glory. Let us pray, let us pray to Heaven for its grace ; No happy omen is’t to us of victory This that we now see in them — a horror strange. Lav. Sire, I hope one favour — Which in vain till now I’ve sought. 60 Eod. In fe di cavaliero. La chiedi e I’otterrai. Fav. Qui...nol poss’ io... (esitando.) Eod. Comprendo : Park ; nessun t’ udra. {Traendolo in disparte. Yay. SiRE...il favor cLe attendo — Eod. Degno di me sara. Fav. ...Di misurare il mio... Col vostro... brando io chiedo. Eod. E questo il tuo desio ? Fav. Altro maggior non ho. Eod. Ma se a’ tuoi voti io cedo Trqppo'crudel saro. Eav. E un grand’ onor, diranno Costor, per farvi omaggio ; Ma ch’ egli sia non sanno Minor del vostro oltraggio. Eod. Ne temi, o giovinetto, Di soggiacere a me ? Pay. Io questa pugna affretto. Eod. Te la promette il re. Giul Dell’ ira e dell’ error— che premo in seno ect. {Con tutti gli altri,) FINE dell’ ATTO TERZO. 61 Eod. On my knightly honour. Ask and it shall be granted thee. Fav. Here I cannot. Eod. I understand — Speak — none shall hear thee. Fav. Sire, the favour that I ask — • Eod. Of me must needs be worthy. Fav. To measure with thine My sword, I ask. Eod. And this is thy desire ? Fav. I have no greater. Eod. But should I to thy wishes yield, ’Twould be too cruel. Fav. ’Tis a mighty honour these will say Who are here to do you homage ; But they do not know how far it is From being equal to your outrage. Eod. Fearest thou not, oh ! youth. To fall before me ? Fav. I urge this combat. Eod. The King promises it to thee. JuL. (with all the others?) Then the rage and the grief, &c. END OF THE THIED ACT. G 62 ATTO IV. SCENA I. Stanza nelpalazzo del Conte Guiliano. V’ ha un letto di riposo e halestriere in luogo di Jinestre. Elorinda e Eavila ferito e addormentato, indi Giuliano. Elor. Dolce ristoro ai mali, Oblio d’ ogni mest’ alma, O sonno, al fratel mio rendi la calma, Ed al fianco piagato Kitorni il sangne cbe ha per me versato. Sul tuo capo, o fratel mio Sparga il cielo i doni suoi ! Col mio sangue ah potess’io Quel che hai perso a te ridar. Ah potessi i giorni tuoi Co’ miei giorni prolungar ! A te vita e gloria e amore, A me I’onta, il duol, la morte : Qual reciso all’ alba un fiore Solitaria ho da languir... Alio sdegno della sorte Basti almeno il mio morir ! Eav. Elorinda... Elor. Ei gia si desta. J'av. E la tua voce Un balsamo per me ; speranza e vita, Benche si mesta, essa richiama al core : Per difenderti ancora avrei vigore. 63 ACT IV. SCENE L A Room in Don Julian’s Palace. There is a hed^ and loop-holes instead of windows. Florinda and Favila — the latter wounded and sleeping — afterwards Julian. Flor. Sweet solace of all pain. Forgetfulness to every suffering soul ! Oh, slumber ! to my brother bring thy calm. And to his wounded frame Restore the blood for me that has been wasted. Upon thy head, my brother. Its gifts may Heaven scatter ! Ah I could I only with my own The blood that thou hast lost replace ! Ah ! had I but the power thy life With my life to prolong ! To thee life, love, and glory ; To me shame, woe, and death ! As a flower that’s plucked at dawning. Alone ’tis mine to fade For the angry will of Fate, May my death at least suiSce. Fav. Florinda — Flor. He wakes now. Fav. ^ ^ Thy voice Brings healing to me — hope and life. Sad though it be, it calls back to my heart ; For thy defence even yet I shall have strength. Flor. Fav. Flor. Flor. Fav. Giul. Fav. Giul. Fav. Giul. Fav. Giul. Fav. Giul. 64 All taci ! ah taci ! II padre Perche non veggio e al fianco mio tu sola Vegli, o dolce sorella? Ah, sventura novella Ci colpi forse ! — Ov’ e ? Parla. T’ accheta ; Tornerafra brev’ ora... 'Eiccolo \...{vedendo Giul. che entra.) Ah, padre, io ti riveggo ancora ! .Lasciaci, o hglia. {a Flor. che parte?) SCENA II. F AVILA e GlULIAiyO. Oh come Hai del? alma il dolor dipinto in volto ! Figlio, ti rassicura ; La ruina del? empio e gia matura. E come? Ah, parla !... {come proseguendo.) E Setta Cadendo accrescer^ la mia vendetta. Ah padre ! {con orrore.) E che? Vorresti II vil che m’ ha tradito Salvo ? Che festi, oh del ?... No ! sia pnnito I — Ei la figlia avra rapita, II tuo sangue avra versato, E la mia, la gloria avita,^ Senza pena, avra macchiato ! Ah, me pria dal? arche loro Escan gli avi ad imprecar ! Pria per me si vegga il moro Questa terra insanguinar ! 65 Flor. Ohj peace ! oh^ peace ! Fav. My father Why see I not ? — and at my side, alone, Why watchest thou, sweet sister ? Ah !— a new disaster Perchance has stricken us. Where is he ? speak. Flor. Calm thyself ; He will return directly. Behold him. Fav. Ah, father ! once again I see thee. JuL. Leave us, my daughter. (Exit Flor.) SCENE II. F AVILA and Julian. Fav. Oh ! how deeply Is thy soul’s grief upon thy brow depicted. JuL. My son, take courage. The ruin of the villain is now ripened Fav. And how ? Ah, tell me. JuL. And Setta In its fall shall swell my vengeance. Fav. Ah, father! {with horror*') JuL. What? wouldst thou see escape The wretch who has betrayed me ? Fav. What hast thou done ? Oh, heaven ! JuL. No ! be he punished. Shall he my child have ravished ? Shall he thy blood have shed ? Mine own and our ancestral glory Shall he, unhurt, have stained ? Ah ! ere that be, forth from their tombs My sires shall come to curse me ! Ere that, through me the Moor be seen The land with blood to redden. 66 Fav. Fosse ancor piu reo con noi, I misfatti d’ un tiranno Tu rivolgere non puoi D’ una gente intera a danno. Anche ofFeso un nobil core Sa la patria rispettar : Solo un figlio senz’ onore Puo contr’ essa il braccio armar. Giul. E serbar dovrei la fede A colui cbe non ha fe ? Fav« Alla patria che la chiede Tu la serbi e non al re. Fav. Ogni tua gloria^, oh Dio ! Tu perdi a un sol momento : A quest’ idea mi sento Farsi di ghiaccio il cor ! Vedi ; a’ tuoi pie son io ; Cangia pensiero omai O piu figliuol non hai. Non hai piu patria e onor ! Giul. All’ ira, all’ odio mio Dell’ ore il corso ^ lento ; S’ egli or cadesse io sento Che saria tardi ancor. Su lui rovesci il cielo L’ onta e 1’ infamia omai : Cessa : pregasti assai ; Sordo alle preci ho il cor. Giul. Cessa ; il pentirsi e tardi E in mio poter non e. Fav. Ah 1’ infamia e 1’ estrema sventura ! Tutto e duol, tutto e morte e paura ! Gia quel sangue che teco m’ unisce Nel mio petto piu forza non ha: Ah, colui che la patria tradisce Da’ suoi figli tradito saral Insieme. 67 Fav. Were he yet guiltier to us^ A tyrant’s evil doings Thou canst not surely turn To a whole nation’s ruin. Though injured, still a noble heart E,epects its native land. None but a son to honor lost Can raise ’gainst her his hand. JuL. Should I then keep my faith With him who faith has none ? Fav. To thy country, which demands it. Thou keepest faith — not to the King. All thy glory thus, oh. Heaven ! Thou destroyest in one moment ! Such a thought, my blood congealing. Turns to very ice my heart. See — before thy feet I’m kneeling ; Change for ever thy design. Or henceforth no son is thine ; In country, honor, thine no part. JuL. To my wrath and to my hatred Slow the hour its course seems stealing. Fell he even now, my feeling W ere that late I reach his heart. On him fall, from highest heaven. Shame for aye, and infamy ! Cease — enough thou hast entreated. Deaf to every prayer ’s my heart. JuL. Cease. For repentance ’tis too late ; ’Tis no longer in my power — Fav. Ah ! Disgrace is the supreme disaster ! All is woe — all is death and terror ! Now that blood that forms the link between us. No longer in my breast retains its force. Ah I the man who is traitor to his country. By his own sons betrayed shall be. 68 Giu. Or mi coglie 1’ estrema sventura Tutto e duol, tutto e morte e paura ! Gia quel sangue che meco V unisce ! Nel suo pettto piu forza non ha : Per la patria quel cor mi tradisce ; Ha di lei, non del padre pieta. SCENA III. Florinda e detti, poi un cavaliere con sopraveste hruna e visiera ahbassata, indi Teodomiro. Flor. TJn ignoto guerriero Chiede parlarti, o padre. Fav. Ah ! forse un moro ! {con ira.') Flor. No, t’inganni, o germano ; E cavalier cristiano : La visiera abbassata Gli copre il volto, e oscura, Senza divisa alcuna ha 1’ armadura. Gidl. Chi mai sara ? Fiv. Se amico. Ah venga ! {Fa un cenno verso V entrata, e il cavaliere s’ avanza.) Giul. E che ti guida In segreto, a quest’ ora Del Conte Giuliano alia dimora. Fav. Chi sei? che vuoi? Giul. Faria. {Il cavaliere aha la visiera,) Fav. • Che veggio ! Plor. 9 ^ * {Rifugiandosi nelle hraccia del fratello.) 69 JuL. Now o’ertakes me the supreme disaster ! All is woe — all is death and terror ! Now that blood that forms the link between us, . No longer in his breast retains its force. That heart to me is traitor ; for his country. For her is all his pity ; none is left for me. SCENE III. Florinda and the above ; then a Knight ^ in a dark cloak, with his visor down ; then Teodomiro. Flor. An unknown warrior Demands to speak with thee, my father. F AV. Ah, perchance a Moor ! {Angrily^ Flor. No ! — thou’t deceived, my brother. He is a Christian Knight ; By his visor closed. His face is hidden, and his armour Dark and without device he wears. JuL. Who may it be ? Fav. If a friend. Come forward. JuL. And what brings thee In secret at this hour To the dwelling of Count Julian ? Fav. Who art thou, aud what would’st thou ? JuL. Speak ! {The Knight raises his visor.) Fav. What do I see ? Flor. Oh, Heaven I 70 Eod. Si Conte, il re son io. (^Con gran dignitd e sicurezza.) Giul. Ah quest’ e troppo omai ! Di tentar la mia man terror non hai ? {Mette la mano al pugnale,) Fav. Cielo ! (trattenendolo.) Giul. O vil seduttore, II mio sangue, 1’ onore Non hai ? Misero forse assai non sono ? Giul. Che pin cerchi da me ? Eod. Pace e perdono. — Sul mio rapido corsiero 10 di Setta invan fuggia ; 11 rimorso mi seguia E il rimorso m’ arresto. Se il concedi Ell’ e regina : {Aocennando Flor. a’ piedi della quale si pone.) E tu rendi a questo core Quella pace, quell’ onore Che il mio fallo m’ involo ! Giul. Ed io trono e vita e onore Invidiai d’ un re si degno ! Mi traea del del lo sdegno Il mio sdegno ad ascoltar I Eiparare ei puo 1’ errore Col suo nobil pentimento, Mentre il mio dal tradimento. Piu nol puote, oh Dio ! salvar. Fav. Trono a un tempo e vita e onore Egl’ insidia a re si degno ! Lo traea del del lo sdegno Il suo sdegno ad ascoltar ! Eiparare ei puo 1’ errore Col suo nobil pentimento Mentre il padre al pentimento Piu nol puo col suo sottrar. Eod. {a Flor.) Ah, se un fallo dell’ amore 71 / Kod. Yes, Count ; I am the King. JuL. Ah ! this is far too much — Dost thou not fear to tempt my hand ? {brandishing a poniard^ Fav. Heaven ! {stopping him.) JuL. Oh, vile seducer ! V My blood, my honour hast thou not ? W retched enough perchance not yet am I ? What seek’st thou more of me ? Kod. Peace and pardon. On my fleetest courser. In vain from Setta flying, Kemorse has still pursued me. And remorse has stayed me here. If thou dost grant it. She shall be my Queen; {Kneeling down at Florinda’s So to this heart thou may’st restore The peace — the honour Of which my crime has robbed me. JuL. And I against throne, life, and honour Of a King so noble, evil framed ! ’Twas the wrath of Heaven induced me To listen to my own wrath’s voice. With his noble penitence. He can yet repair his error ; While from my betrayal. No more, oh. Heaven ! can he be saved. Fav. At once, against throne, life, and honour. Of a King so noble, he has schemed. ’Twas the wrath of Heaven induced him To listen to his own wrath’s voice. With his noble penitence. He can yet repair his error ; While my sire to penitence Can no more by his be brought. Rod. to Flor. Ah, if a crime from love arising. 72 Di perdon non credi indegno, Su me stesso e sul mio regno Yieni o cara, a dominar. Ne a lavar P indegno errore Sol mi spinge il pentimento : Altra donna^ in cor lo sento^ lo non posso in terra amar. Elor. A1 mio pianto, al mio dolore Si calmo del ciel lo sdegno : Su lui stesso e sul suo regno Ei mi cliiama a dominar. II tumulto che ho nel core Ah, spiegare indarno io tento ! E si grande il mio contento Che mi sembra, oh Dio, sognar ! Eod, Ma qual suon ! (s’ ode lo stormo di lontano,) Giul. Signor, fuggite O piu tempo omai non e ! Elor. Ei fuggire ?...oh ciel? che dite ? (E AVILA le parla all’ oreccJiioy ed ella fa un grido d’ or r ore.) Rod. Io fuggir?...di qui ?...perch^? Elor. (Giusto Iddio, che mai dicesti ! (a Eavila piano.) Rod. Ben guardate son le mura ! Ma la guardia piu sicura E la fe’ del mio guerrier. (accennando Giuliano.) ^^AV^ Sire... ah no ! (con esitanza e sforzo.) Rod. Che dire osate ? Y oi suoi figli ? Giul. (Oh mia vergogna !) Rod. E un infamia...una menzogna! Giul. I miei figli ban detto il ver ! (Coprendosi il rolto ad arnbe mani.) Rod. Sciagurato !... Elor. (Ah signor mio \,..(supplicando.) Rod. E potesti il re tradir ! 73 Flor. Kod. JUL. Flor. Eod. Flor. Eod. Flor. Fav Eod. JuL. Eod. JuL. Eod. Flor. Eod. Of pardon thou canst worthy deem. Over me and all my kingdom. Dear one, come and with me reign. Nor to atone that vilest error. Urged me only penitence ; In my heart I feel no other Can I ever love on earth. At my grief, at my complaining, tleaven at last its wrath has calmed : Over him and all his kingdom Now he summons me to reign. My heart’s tumult, wildly sw^elling, Vainly would I now be showing; And so full my bliss is growing. That it seems, oh, heaven ! a dream. But what sounds ?... {a signal heard in the distance.^ My Lord — fly I Oh, there is time no longer. He fly ? — Oh, Heaven ! what say you? I fly ? — from whom ?— and wherefore ? Just Heaven ! what hast thou said ? {to Fav.) W ell guarded are the walls ; But the guard that is surest Is the faith of my warrior. Sire~ah !...no !... What do ye dare to say ? Ye, his children ? (Oh, shame on me !) ’Tis an infamy — a lie ! My children have spoken truth. Wretch ! Ah, my Lord ! And thou could’st betray thy king ! 74 Fav. Dell venite ! Ancor poss’ io E combattere e morir. Teo. (accorrendo.) Sventura e tradimento ! Setta le porte apri ! Elor. e Fav. Gran Dio ! GiuL. (Fatal momento !) Teo. Un empio ci tradi ! Fav. Ah, la cittade all’ armi {suona la cam- pana allarme.) Almeno io destero ! E-od. Va corri ad annunziarmi, Teco a pugnar saro. (Teodom parte.^ Giul. Afirettati a svenarmi E ti benediro. {Al re con impeto di desolazione. Flor. Se il padre non risparmi Io pur con lui cadro. {Al re, giungendo le mani, Rod. Mentre a padre io ti scegliea, Mentre in trono io la volea, Tu tradivi e p atria e fede, I tnoi figli ed il tuo re ! Ab, tal colpa ogn’ altra eccede ! No, perdon per lei non v’^ ! Giul. Mentre a padre ei mi scegliea Mentre al trono ei la volea, Io tradiva e patria e fede, I miei figli ed il mio re 1 Ab, tal colpa ogn’ altra eccede ! No, perdon per lei non v’^ ! Flor. Ed a padre ei lo scegliea ! Seco al trono ei mi volea ! Ab, tal colpa ogn’ altra eccede ! No, perdon per lui non v’^ ! Ha tradito e patria e fede, I suoi figli ed il suo re ! Ed a padre ei lo scegliea ! Seco al trono ei la volea ! Ah, tal colpa ogn’ altra eccede ! Fav. Fav. Ah, come ! even yet it may be mine To combat and to die. (rushing Teo. Disaster and treason ! Setta has opened her gates. #"fav. ^Gfreat God! JuL. Fatal moment! ^ Teo. a villain has betrayed ns — Fav. Ah! I will at least arouse The citizens to arms. Rod. Haste and announce my presence, I will be with thee in the battle. JuL. Slay me speedily, And I will bless thee, Flor. If thou sparest not my father, I with him will also die. Rod. While I chose thee for my father. While for her the throne I destined. To faith and country wert thou traitor. To thy children and thy king. Ah ! such crime all else surpasses ; No, for thee no pardon is. J UL. While he chose me for his father. While for her the throne he destined. To faith and country was 1 traitor. To my children and my king. Ah ! such crime all else surpasses ; No, for me no pardon is. Flor. And he chose him for his father. Me to share his throne he destined ; Ah ! such crime all else surpasses ; No, for him no pardon is. To faith and country was he traitor. To his children and his king ! Fav. And he chose him for his father ! To share his throne he destined her ! Ah ! such a crime all else surpasses ! 76 No, perdon per lui non v’e ! Ha tradito e patria e fede, I suoi figli ed il suo re ! parte cor rendo. Giultaxo lo segue con atti di disperazione.) SCENA lY. Elorinda e Eavila. Elou. a morte ei vanno ! E a morte Volar col re non posso ! ( Vacillando,') Elor. Impallidisci ! Tu vacilli, o german o ! Eeggiti. ^ {Prendendogli la mano per sostenerto. OE cielo, un ghiaccio e la tua mano ! Eav. L’onta. .il dolor... ( Va ad abandon- narsi sul letto sostenuto dalla sorella, Elor. Eacore; Breve tumulto ^ questo De’ tuoi &ensi ; fa cor. Destin funesto ! — ( Brere pausa interroita da grida. Grido quest’ e degli arabi ; Odi il fragor dell’ armi ! Vedessi almen!...ma trarmi (^Accenna la feritoja, e Elorinda, ritenendo il fratello d^un gestOf Paccorrei) Ein la non puote il pie ! Elor. Di rnille faci irrompono (Dalla halestriera, Alla funesta luce ; Munuzza li conduce... Ma li respinge il re ! Eav. Ob. valoroso ! ed io ! . . . Ma non vivro s’ei muor.^ Elor. Che strage, o fratel mio ! Che vista di terror ! 77 No, for him no pardon is. To faith and country was he traitor. To his children and his king. (Rod. rushes out, J ul. follows him with signs of despair,) SCENE IV. Florinda and Favila. Flor. To death they go. Fav. And to death I cannot fly with the king. ^ , Thou growest pale ,• Ihou falterest. Oh ! my brother. Support thyself ; ^ Oh, heaven ! thy hand is ice. Fav. Shame... misery... Flor. Take courage — This is but a brief disturbance Of thy senses — take courage. Fav. Woeful destiny — That shout is from the Arabs ; Eist to the clang of arms. Let me see at least—but to bear me Thither, my feet have not the strength. Flor. {from the balcony.) By the deadly light Of a thousand torches they break in, Munuzza leads them... But the King drives them back. Fav. Oh, valorous ! and I— But if he fails I will not live. Flor. What slaughter ! oh, my brother. What a sight of terror. 78 Fav. Ed or clie fa ? non fugge. Non cade Tinfedel ? Flor. ^ L’incalza il re, lo strugge... E fulmine del ciel. (// rumore diminuisce come se si allontanasse. Florinda scende, s^accosta^ al fratello, giunge le mani e canta con lui la seguente preghiera. O dio pietoso Eeggi la spada Del generoso Che fida in te : Yinto gli cada II more al pie ! Flor. Ah ! gran tratto delle mura ^ (^Gid tornata per cenno delfratello alia feritoia. Gr infedeli han gia sgombrato... Ma...che vedo?...Ah d’ogni lato Torna il hero assalitor ! Fav. E in soccorso a re si prode Non e il fior de’ suoi raccolto ? Ah 1 perche distorni il volto ? (Florinda si tolge. Onde il grido e il tuo pallor ? Flor. 6 ferito ! . . a terra ei cade ! . . Gia sn lui. .stan mille spade. . . {Scende precipitosa coprendosi con le mam il volto. Fav. No, degli empj nolle mani Finche vivo ei non cadra {Ahandosi con impeto ed afferrando la spada. Flor. Ah, tu solo mi rirnani ; Non lasciarmi per pieta ! _ . . 7 . ( Vuol irattenerlo e, respinta, cade m gxnocchio. Flor. Ah, non ti tragga in guerra Il tuo fatale ardir 1 Salvar la patria terra Non puoi col tuo morir ! 79 Fav. And now what’s done ? — the infidel Nor files nor falls ? Flor. The King beats back, disperses them He is Heaven’s thunderbolt. {The sound diminishes as though becoming distant, Florinda descends, approaches her brother, and sings with him the following prayer^ Oh, God of mercy, Direct the sword Of the noble one, Who in thee puts his trust ; Vanquished before him. Let the Moor bite the dust. Flor. To a long distance from the walls At present the unbelievers have retreated. But what do I see ? Ah ! from every side Returns the fierce assailant. Fav. And to the succour of a king so valiant Is not the flower of his knights collected ? Ah ! wherefore dost thou turn away thy face ? What means that shout, and what this pale- ness ? Flor. He is struck down — he falls to the earth. Already over him a thousand swords are flashing. Fav. No ! into the heathen’s hands He shall not fall while I live. Flor. Ah ! thou alone art left to me. In mercy quit me not ! Ah ! let not thy fatal daring Draw thee to the battle field ; No power thy death can have To save thy native land. 80 Fav. Basta a cadere in guerra Pin clie il vigor Pardir : Ah, per la patria terra E vivere il morir. {Parte correndo. SCENA V ed ULTIMA. I mori con fiaccole, armi e prigioni precipitansi sulla scena, anche dalle mine ; quindi Munuzza. Coro diGuerrieriY iitoiidi ! vittoria I Ai mori V onor ! E serva la gloria Del nostro valor. Il cielo e pei forti ! Le donne degli empj, Le case ed i tempj, Ei tutto ci die ! Tentaron le sorti, Ma caddero estinti : Il petto de’ vinti Calchiamo col pie. Vittoria, vittoria ! Ai mori 1’ onor ! fi serva la gloria Del nostro valor. {Intanto Munuzza entra alia testa de^ suoi TJffiL Giuliano gli e accanto tristo e dbhattuto, Nel tempo stessOi e pochissimo dopo, parecchi soU dati spagnuoli prigionieri e disarmati, assistiti da mori,portano Y ayila ferito e spirante.) Giul. Ahi, che vedo ! (con un grido d^orrore nello scorgere il jiglio.) Fav. ...Il tardo pianto... Su te versa... 0 padre mio... Non sul figlio...io moro...addio! (spira.) Giul. ...Ne m’uccide il mio dolor ! {Pgli vacilla : imori lo sostengono e V adagiano sovra un seggio, su cui rimane coprendosi il zolto con le mani.) mori. Parte del Coro. Altra parte del Coro, Coro intiero. 81 Fav. More than strength shall serve my daring To fall on the battle field ; There is life in the death we meet For the sake of our native land. SCENE V and LAST. (The Moors, with torches. Prisoners, and arms, rush upon the Scene and from the Ruins ; after- wards Munuzza.) Chorus of Moorish Warriors. Victoria ! Victoria ! All honor to the Moor ! Once more is the glory Of our valour secure. Part of Chorus. Heaven is with the strongest ; The Maids of the Giaours^ Their houses, their temples, All is given for ours. Other Part of Chorus They would fain have been strongest. But they fell in their ruin ; The breasts of the vanquished We spurn while pursuing. Full Chorus. Victoria ! Victoria ! All honor to the Moor ! Once more is the glory Of our valour secure. (Munuzza enters, in the mean time, at the head of his Officers; Julian, much dejected, is on one side ; Spanish Soldiers, Prisoners, d^c. disarmed, assisted hy Moors, bring in Y wounded and dying.) JuL Ah ! — what do I behold ? Fav. This tardy sorrow On yourself direct — my father — Not on your son. I die — Farewell! JuL. And my grief kills me not ! 82 Mun. Ah. sebben d’lberia, o Conte, {al Conte Giuliano, dopo aver contemplato questa scena terribile.) Abbi schiuse a noi le porte, Quest’ eroe con la sua morte, Desta invidia al vincitor. Ed il moro che 1’ ammira, Ch’ anrbi all’ opre ha giudicato, OfFre, in premio meritato, A te r oro ! a lui 1’ onor ! (7 mori ad un suo cenno depongono innanzi a Giultano scrigni, gemme ed oro. Le han- dier e si piegano davanti al cadaver e di Eav,) Giul. {scosso alle parole di Munuzza, s^alza cal- pestando sdegnosamente i doni e gettan- dogli a piedi parte deW oro.) lo fui reo per zel d’ onore, Ma non vendo il tradimento ! Ah, se basta il pentimento Sard teco, o figlio, ancor ! ( Correndo al figlio ed ahhandonandosi sovra il suo corpo.) Coro. Vittoria ! Vittoria ! Ai mori 1’ onor ! E schiava la gloria Del nostro valor. {Durante questo coro vedesi in lontananza fra le mine e gV incendj Eodrigo ehe^ sostenen- do Elorinda con una mano e con V altra la spada, si salva. Le handier e si chinano an- cor a sul corpo di Eavila. Cade il Sipario.) FINE dell’ opera. 83 Mun. Although thou hast opened to us, 0 Count, the gates of Spain, This hero in his death Awakes the envy of the conqueror ; And the Moor, who honors him. Who by your works has judged ye both. Awards, as the well-earned prize. Honor to him, and gold to thee I ( The Moors, at a sig7i, lay cashets of gold and jewels before Julian. The banners are lowered before the body (^Favila.) J UL. (stung at the words of Munuzza, raises him- self, angrily trampling on the gifts, and casting the gold at his feet.) My guilt came from the heat of honor. But I sell not treason. Ah ! if repentance avail, 1 shall yet be with thee, my son. ( Throws himself on the body of his son.) Chorus. Victoria ! Victoria ! All honor to the Moor ! Still to our valour Glory is secure. ( During the Chorus, Eoderic is seen in the distance, amid the ruins and the flames, and, supporting Florinda with one hand and wielding a sword with the other, he escapes. The banners are again lowered over the body of Favila. The curtain falls ^ END OF THE OPERA. J. MALLETT, PRINTER, 59 , WARDOUR STREET, LONDON. ..V ' ' i- CAUTION TO THE PUBLIC. The Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public, are respectfully cautioned against the incorrect editions of Operas performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, which are offered for sale at the doors of the Theatre. All such are incorrect and* spurious. The really CORRECT AND AUTHORISED EDITION is only to be obtained within the walls of the Theatre ; or to be procured of the various Booksellers whose names appear upon the title-page. All other copies are false and printed without authority. Her Majesty's Theatre, May, 1851.