Volltext Seite (XML)
OPERA, “AIDA" INTR0DUCTI0N ACT I Scene I.—Hall in the Palace of the King at Memphis. To the right and left a colonna-de with statues and ßowering shrubs. At the back a grand gate, front which may be scen the temples and palaces of Memphis and the Pyra- mids. Radames and Ramphis in consul- tation.) Ramphis.—Yes, it is rumored that the Ethiop dares. Once again our power, and the valley Of Nilus threatens, and Thebes as well. The truth from messengers I soon shall learn. Radames.—Hast thou consulted the will of Isis? Ramphis.—She hath declared who of Egypt’s renowned armies Shall be leader. Radames.—Oh happy mortal! Ramphis.—Young in years is he, and dauntless The dread commandment I to the King shall take. (Exit.) Radames.—What if ’tis I am chosen and my dream Be now accomplished! Of a glorious army I the chosen leader, Mine glorious vict’ry, by Memphis re- ceived in triumph! To thee returned, Aida, my brow en- twin’d with laurel: Teil thee, for thee I battled, for thee I conquer’d! Heav’nly Aida, beauty resplendent, Radiant flower, blooming and bright; Queenly thou reignest o’er me tran- scendent, Bathing my spirit in beauty’s light. Would that, thy bright skies once more beholding, Breathing the air of thy native land, Round thy fair brow a diadem folding, Thine were a throne by the sun to stand. (Enter Amneris.) AmnEris.—In thy visage I trace a joy unwonted! What martial ardor is beaming in thy noble glances! Ah me! how worthy were all our envy the woman Whose dearly wish’d .for presence Could have power to kindle in thee such rapture! RadamEs.—A dream of proud ambition in my heart I was nursing; Isis this day has declar’d by name the warrior chief Appointed to lead to battle Egypt’s host! Ah! for this honor, say, what if I were chosen? Amneris.—Has not another v'sion, one more sweet, More enchanting, found favor in your heart? Hast thou in Memphis no attraction more charming? RadamEs (aside).—I! (Fatal question. Has she the secret yearning Divin’d within me burning?) Amneris (aside).—Ah, me! my love if spurning His heart to another were turning! Radames.—Have then mine eyes be- tray’d me, And told Aida’s name! Amneris.—Woe if hope should false have play’d me, And all in vain my Harne. (Enter Aida.) Radames (seeing Aida).—She here! Amneris (aside).—He is troubled. Ah, what a gaze doth he turn on her! Aida! Have I a rival ? Can it be she herseif? (Turning to Aida.) Come hither, thou I dearly prize. Slave art thou none, nor menial; Here have I made by fondest ties Sister a name more genial. Weep’st thou?