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Nay, to confound thee I need but a word. Gaze on my visage; I told thee falsely; Radames liveth! Aida (with rapture).—Liveth! gods, I thank ye! Amneris.—Dost hope still now deceive me? Yes, thou lov’st him! But so do I; dost hear my words ? Behold thy rival, here is a Pharaoh’s daughter. Aida (drawing herseif up with pride.) Thou my rival! what tho’ it were so; for I, I, too! (Falling at Amneris’ feet.) Ah! heed not my words! oh, spare! forgive me! Ah! on all my anguish sweet pity take; ’Tis true, for his love I all eise for- sake. While thou art mighty, all joys thy dower; Naught save my love now is left for me! AmnEris.—Tremble, vile bond maid! Dying heart-broken, Soon shalt thou rue the love thou hast spoken. Do I hold thee fast in my power? Hatred and vengeance my heart owes for thee! Chorus op People.—On to Nilus’ sacred river. Guard the shores, Egyptians brave : Unto death the foe deliver, Egypt they never shall enslave. Amneris.—In the pageant now prepar- ing Shall a part by thee be taken; While before me thou in dust art prone, I shall share the royal throne! Aida.—Pray thee spare a heart despair- ing! Life’s to me a void forsaken; Live and reign, thy anger blighting, I shall no longer brave; Soon this love, thy hate inviting, Shall be buried in the grave. Ah! then spare! Amneris.-—Come, now follow, I will show thee Whether thou canst vie with me. Aida.—Powers above, pity my woe, Hope have I none now here below; Deign, ye Immortals, mercy to show; Ye gods, ah spare! ah spare! ah spare ! Scene II.—An avenue in the City of Thebes. In front, a clnmp of palms. Right hand, a temple dedicated to Ammon. Left hand, a throne with a purple canopy. At back, triumphal arch, The stage is crozvded with people. (Enter the King, followed by Ofh- cials, Priests, Captains, Fan- bearers, Standard-bearers. After- wards Amneris, with Aida and slaves. The King takes his seat on the throne. Amneris places herseif at his left hand.) Chorus of People.—Glory to Isis, who from all Wardeth away disaster! To Egypt’s royal master Raise we our festal song! Glory! Glory! Glory, oh King! Chorus of Women.—The laurel with the lotus bound The victor’s brows enwreathing! Let flow’rs sweet perfume breathing, Veil warlike arms from sight. Ye sons of Egypt dance around, And sing your mystic praises, As round the sun in mazes Dance all the stars in delight. (The Egyptian Troops, preceded by trumpeters, defile before.the King —the chariots of war follow the ensigns—the sacred vases and statues of the gods—troops of Dancing Girls, who carry the treasures of the defeated—and lastly Radames, under a canopy borne by twelve ofhcers. (The King descends from the throne to embrace Radames.) Chorus of People.—Hither advance, oh glorious band, Mingle your joy with ours; Green bays and fragrant flowers, Scatter their path along. Chorus of Priests.—To powers war deciding
