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ACTONEOVERTURERECITATIVE

SceneOne-The courtyardat SardiArgoneddddtguepckjb

dire? Manca al popolo is this valor to me when my men have no food?

iI vitto; e giaJa fame dispiega i suoi trofei. Already famine begins to unfurlits banners.

Che degio far? Mi consigliate, oh Dei! What must! do? Counsel me, 0 gods!

TRACKITRACK2

ACCOMPANIED RECITATIVEArgone (addressing his troops who await outside)

Voi, miei fidi compagni, ora mirate l'orrido Myfaithful companions, look on the hideous

ostro della fame! Ei viene con fund spalancate spectreof famine! How it approaches to devour us!

a divorarne, qual riparo opporemo a nostro What shield will permit us to escape it?

scampo. Ma, con Iud serene, mirate poi, foor But then steady your gaze. See, far from our walls

delle nostre mura un abbondante campo. the enemy's well-stocked camp.

Corriami, e forti eroi, sortiamo armati ad Let's be off then, my fearless warriors. We shall

attaccarlo. E pronti portiam stragge, furore, presently engage them and wreck havoc, fury,

tutto sorpresa, orrore, confusion, terrore! confusion and terror!

TRACK3

CHORUS(from outside the walls, proclaiming their allegiance to Argone)

AlIa stragge, alia morte, alia vittoria! On to battle, to death, to victory!

Pronti siam tutti a secondar tua gloria! We all stand ready to follow your destiny!

ACCOMPANIED RECITATIVE

SceneTwo il chamber in KingHaliate's castle.Mother and daughter sit quietlyElmira

Madre e Regina! Mother, queen!

EreniceElmira! Dear Ehnira!

-7-

TRACK5

TRACK4

Ehnira

Etantafede,mertaaverdaltuocoreunsogno?Youputsuchheartfeltfaithin ameredream?Erenice

Ahfiglia,parlail cieltral'ombreealcielsicrede.Child,heedwhenheavenspeaksfromtheshadows.Ehnira

Narrail sogno,ohSignora!Tellmeyourdream!Erenice

Odi:il perigliodi quest'orridaguerraIra'l genitoreListen:theperilofthishideousconflictbetweenfatherefigloescandalodelcieloedellaterra!LascorsaandsonoffendsHeavenandearthalike!Lastnight,notteallospuntardelgiorno,stanchidi lagrimare,justbeforedawn,wearyfromweeping,I hadfinally

io chiudoi lumi,quandoHecatelaDivavidi shutmyeyes,whenI sawtheGoddessHecateappearspuntardalcielo,etostoaffisseinmeIebelleluci, tomefromHeaven.Suddenlyshefixedmein hergaze

eCOSIdisse:andspoke:"RasserenaEreniceil mestociglio,oggide'tuoi "Dryyoureyes,Erenice,for thisdayyourfamily'sterminer:llosdegno.Macolsanguerealsparsofeudatlastends.Buttheconflictcanonlyberesolved

dalfiglioavrafinelaguerra,epaceil regno." andpeacerestoredbythesheddingofroyalblood."Ehnira

S'id'oracolodelcieloechesi teme;If thisbetheprophecyofHeaven,whyfearit?mentret'esortaaserenareil ciglio! Meanwhile,trytodryyoureyes!

ARIOSO DA CAPOEhnira

Rendi'l sereno il ciglio, Dry your eyes,

Madre,nonpiangerpili! mother,weepnomore!

Temer d'alcun periglio, You need have no fear,

oggicomepuoi tu. at leastnottoday.

Rendi'l... Dry...

RECITATIVE

Scene Three-Later that afternoon

Erenice (alone)GiustiNmni,confortoin tanteamarepene? Gods,how do I find comfort in suchbitter angnish?

Elmira (rushing in)

Ah, cara madre, vieni, prega, minaccia... Come, dear mother; our prayers and threats...Erenice

Oh Dei! Che fia? Gods, what now?

-8-

TRACK6

TRACK7

--- ~

EhniraMi scoppia il cor nel dido: Argone l'anTIe My heart breaks to tell you: Argone's legions are

risoluto prepara per sortire de Sardi! ' massed and ready to march out of Sardi!

'I.I

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ARIA DA CAPOErenice

Forte inciampo al suo furore This breast shall be be a shieldPria che giuuga al genitore, against his fury before

Questo petto gli sara. before he strikes his own father.

Oh, il suo sdegno estinto langue nel mio pianto Either these tears will quench his wrath or my

0 dal mio sangue incomminci I'empiem. own blood will be treachery's first casualty.

Forteinciampo... Thisbreast...

TRACK8

TRACK9

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RECITATIVE

SceneFour-Inside a military tent in Haliate's campAltomaro

Melo, mio prence, soffri ch'io nipote t'appelle. E Melo, my prince, allow me to call you grandson. FOr

ver che vanti Haliate per padre, ma Anagilda a me while it's true you can claim King Haliate as your father,

figlia, a te ill madre. my own daughter Anagilda was your mother.Melo

Altomaro, il tuo affetto pili caro mi sara, se sia pili I'd value your affection, Altomaro, were it more honest

giusto, e che mai pili !'intenda invitarmi sui trono. and if you'd stop pushing me towards the throne.

Altomaro .E'il solo modo per illustrar il tuo natale oscuro, The only way to elevate you from your base birth is to

Haliate ti dischiara suo legitimo erede, Argone convince Haliate to claim you as his legitimate heir andesclude. Mantien discorti'l genitore e'l figlio. to disown Argone. Keep the father and sou fighting.

Siegni per tuo vantaggio il mio consiglio. Follow my advice here, Melo. It's to your advantage!Melo

(Scelerato disegno!) (This is traitorous advice!)

~ ARIA DA CAPO(Melo departs; his grancifather watches him pensively)

AltomaroFra l' ombre e gl'orrori, farfallaconfusa In theperilous shadowsoftorchlight, the confused

Giaspentala facenon samai goder. moth can no longerfindhis cheeryway.-'J-

TRACI<I 0

I

Cosl fra timori tua mente delusa Crippled by such timidity, how can your

Non speri mai pace ne speri piacer. deluded mind expect to find any satisfaction?

Fral'ombre... In the perilous...

RECITATIVE

Sosarme (enters, embraces Melo asAltomaro departs)

Come piu dell'usato, 0 Prence, io ti ritravo Prince Melo, I find you especially thoughtful,

pensiero e turbato? Qual sciagurio di novo... yet at the same time you seem troubled...Melo

Signor, equal peggiore sciagura avvenir puo della 0 my liege, what could be worse than the present state

presente? Se l'odio arma ambo il figlio e'l genitore! of affairs? Hatred drives both my father and brother!Sosarme

Melo, Melo! Pili degno sei di regnar quanto piu Melo, your reluctance to claim tlle throne makes you

sprezzi un regno. Adesso io me consiglio cola in all the more worthy of it. I've decided to go out to Sardi

Sardi passar trattar col figlio. E se nulla otterro, con to try to reason with Argone. If! achieve notlling else,

certo almeno de bear il mio cor vedendo Elmira. I shall delight my heart seeing Princess Elmira.Melo

Gran Re, a tua giusta impresa it ciel arrida! Good king, may Heaven smile on your kind mission!

TRACI<] ]

ARIA DA CAPOMelo

Sl, minaccia e vinta l'ira in si gran periglio, Let threats and hatred be overcome in this danger.

AI padre unisci it figlio con laccio piu fedel. Let father and son be united in loyalty and arnlistice.

D'empia messaggier' estinta per te l'indegna face, May hatred's vile flame be extinguished,

Un bel seren di pace ritoni a questo Ciel. and may sweet serenity return to our skies.

Sl, minaccia... Let threats...

TRACI<12

RECITATIVESceneFive-(Later. OutsideKingHaliate's tent)

HaliateNon piu contese! 10 voglio Ie mie ragioni esercitar Enough quarreling! Let my military orders be obeyed!

coll'armi! II temerario orgoglio vo' punir de' ribelli I shall curb the cowardly defiance ofthese rebels and

e vendicarmi. Nel sangue deifelloni nuoti pur l'ira thereby avenge myself. Only by the traitors' blood can

mia, ne a sesso a sangue, ne ad innocenza, my anger be curbed. Neither gender, innocence

0 ad eta non si perdoni. nor their tender years will earn them my mercy.

-10-

TRACI<I3

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Sosarme

Haliate, del tuo sdegno sinistra non sara la nlia fjaliate, I cannot in good conscience condone this wild

giustizia, se conti fra ribelli Elmira, sposa mia. Non fury. If you number Elmira among your traitors-she's

piu tuafiglia-conta ancor tra quelli non piu genera not only your daughter, but also my fiancee-you can

tuo, ma tuo nemico! Sosterro la tua gloria s'ami count me as your enemy. If you sue for peace, I'll fight

perdon. Ma se vendetta vuoi, s'opporra questo for your cause. If you merely seek vengeance, then tllis

petto ai furor' tuoi! breast will also await your fury!

ARIA DA CAPOSosarme

II mio valore ch'albergo in petto My friendship will temper your anger

AI tuo furore argin sara. and offer a shelter for your soul.

E gran' delitto di nobil alma It seems a crime that so noble a spirit

L'aver la palma su crudelta. should value cruelty over peace.

II mio valore... My friendship...

TRACKI 4

.1TRACKJ5RECITATIVE/ARIA DA CAPO

Haliate (alone)

Cosl dunque sospiran a danni miei ne figli ne amici, Thus family and friends turn against me, and nature

la sorle e \a natura. All! regnanti infelici, se provan itself governs my fate. All, miserable monarch, who

congiurato contro di lor il proprio sangue e il fato! suffers both fate and llis own blood as his enemies!

La turba adulatrice da me ritiri'l pie. My loyal entourage now shuns me.

Basta che ['Ira ultrice Yet it is enough that my avenging fury

llimanga sol con me vo' vendicarmi. remains constant.

Regnante vilipeso, gl'oltraggi soffriro? My throne is in jeopardy; must I suffer this outrage?

Padre dal figlio offeso- A father so abused by his own son-must not tllis

L'orgoglio non sapro punir coll'armi? affront be avenged by the force of arms?

La turba adulatrice... My loyal entourage...

II,\

'j.

RECITATIVE TRACI<J6SceneSix-Back at Sanli. PrinceArgone,alone with his generals

ArgoneAnlici, troppo oscuro, torpe il valor nascoso! Men, we allow our brave troops to languish too long!

-11-

Necessim ci spinge fuor delle mura a procurar dal Duty, hunger and liberty now compel us to venture

campo al nome, ed ad bisogna e fame e scampo. forth from these walls to attack tbe enemy's camp!

Sil, miei prodi, alla gloria! Onward, brave men, to glory!

Erenice (rushing in with Elmira)

Ferma, 0 figlio! Ove vail Qual sacrilego brando Stop, son! Where are you off to? 0 Gods, what dreaded

impugni, 0 Dio, contro del genitor? sword do you raise against your own father?Elmira

Germano, amato, per questo pianto mio... Beloved brother, let my tears...

Argone (turns away to depart)

Regina, Elmira...addio! My Queen, sister...farewell!

Erenice (desperately grabs at him)

Ferma, inumano! Barbaro, mostro, iugrato! Vanne Stop, heartless barbarian! You ungrateful monster!

a bever del padre il regio sangue. Ma pria t'arresta, Before you rush off to drink your father's royal blood,

e della madre esangue col sagrilego first trample your dying mother's body beneath your

piede il sen calpesta! Hellisb tread!

Argone (he stops)

(AlIi! Qual'orror mi prende!) (Ail, J am seized by horror!)Erenice

(Gia sente il suo remorso!) (Can he already feel remorse?)

CHORUS REPRISE TRACI<I7AlIa stragge, alla morte, alla vittoria! On to battle, to death, to victory!

Pronti siam tutti a secondar tua gloria! We all stand ready to follow your destiny!

RECITATIVE TRACK18Argone (at first stunned, but hearing the offitage cry of his troops)

Ma chi ritorna in vita i miei spirti smarriti? Che But what revives my bewildered senses? What

sveglia il mio furore? Fidi compagni miei, a voi ne rekindles my anger? Faithful troops, J hasten to join

volo! Addio, Regina. Impegno, vuol you. Farewell, Queen. Let this confrontation

ch'oggi mi procuri 0 morte today gain for me either the throne

0 regno! or my death!

Erenice (weeping,follows her son)

Ail, ferma, 0 figlio! 0 sorte! Madre infelice! Wait, my son! 0 cruel fate, unhappy mother!

Ail, misero consorte! Ail, miserable wile!

-12-

r

iII~

RECITATIVE I ARIA DA CAPOEmira (left alone, kneel8 in prayer)

Oh Diva Hecate, sian d'effetto vuoti i tuoi presagi, e 0 Goddess, may your prophecy prove empty; may

fa ch'il regio sangue non rechi si funesta anoi no royal blood be shed this day. Let your mistaken

pace. Fia tua gloria maggior l'esser mendace! predictions reveal your glory and give us peace!

Dite pace, e fulminate, crudi Cieli! Proclaim peace, cruel Heaven, even as you thunder

Or che farete quando guerra a noi direte. the call to war over our heads.

Che sara se vi sdegnate, stelle fiere, Proud stars, what will happen if you are antogonized?

Se placate cos1 rigide voi siete? Can you be placated, stern and mighty as you are?

Dite pace... Speak peace...

TRACK19

rI ACTTWO

ARIOSOScene One-Haliate's Palace

ElmiraPadre, germano, e sposo-di voi chi vincera? Father, brother, fiance--which of you will succeed

Dagli occhi mi trard un pianto amaro. today in causing my bitter tears to flow?

TRACK20

TRACK21

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RECITATIVE IFANFARE IRECITATIVEErenice

Eben dall'alta torre, ill, che scorgesti, 0 figlia? Tell me child, what have yon seen from the tower?

, Elmira .Primero alla sortita vidi opporsi Sosarme e i suoi At first J could see Sosarme and his men holding back

guerrieri. Jndi la polve e'l fumo confusero i miei the advancing charge. But soon they were lost to my

sguardi, ed a qual parte prendesse la vittoria sight in a haze of dust. And to which side victory fell J

discerner non potei nel dubbio marte. could not determine in the confusion of battle.Erenice

0 Ciel! Ch'infausta gloria portera il vincitor! Heaven! What dishonorable laurels the victor will wear!

(Battle trumpets are sounded close at hand)

EreniceMa, 0 Dei! Ritoma il figlio trionfante! Ail, con quai Gods! My son returns the victor. Elmira, shall these

occhi, Elmira, rivedremo in Argone un parricidal eyes behold in Argone the slayer of a father?

-13-

Argone (stumbles in, sword drawn)

Madre, gennana... Mother! sister...Erenice

Pria che posi il piede in queste soglie, dimmi, di Before you set foot here, tell me, with whose

qual sangue macchiato a noi ritorni? bioodstains do you return?

ArgoneE sangue regio questo di cui tinto e'l mio ferro. My sword is red with royal blood.

ErenicelElmira

Vanne, mostro spietato, empio fnnesto! Go, vile monster, deadlyvilain!

ArgoneMil, e sangue di Sosarme! Ei sulla porta... It's Sosarme's blood. He stood Iightat the entrance...

EreniceNon piu! Tacit Oh, no more! Silence!

Elmira (swooning)

Madre, son morta... Mother, I die...

EreniceFiglia! In un giorno solo sacrilego hai svenato tre In a single fatal day you 've destroyed three members

congiunti- un col ferro a due col duolo! of my family-one widl die sword, two by fatal grief!

ArgonePrimero alla sortita s'oppose... But right from the outset he opposed us...

EreniceE tu, crudele, non rispetti una vita che per opra And you, fiend, have you no regard for a person whose

d'amore della germana tua vive nel core? loving heart beats for your OWUsister?

ArgoneEgli all'impeto nostro fu il primo... But Sosarme stood right in the face of our charging...

EreniceTacit Silence!

ArgoneAh! madre... Oh, mother...

EreniceTacit Ho vergogna aver per figlio un mostro! Be quiet! I'm sickened to have dlis monster as my son!

DUET TRACK22Argone (advancing on his mother to face her taunts)

Se m'ascolti...ti diro... If you will only listen to me, I can tell you...

Diro sem'odi... I shall tell you if you'll hear me...

-14-

...--

Erenic~'E udir potrei? listen to you?

Direi che sei un spietato, un traditor! I call you a heartless traitor!

Si direi ch'ai spezzato i dolci nodi All I can say is that you have shattered the sacred

E del sangue e dell'amor! bonds of family and oflove!

RECITATIVE

SceneTwo-(Later that day. TheKing's tent)Altomaro

Mio Re, I'ultimo sforzo e disperato fu My liege, this attack represents your son's last

questo del tuo figlio. desperate move.Haliate

Pero, sortl per lui si fortunato, ch'oggi a me con- Perhaps, but it has worked so well for him I'm forced

verra cangiar consiglio. Ah! Che I'amore fa cangiar di to alter my plans. Ah, how love can sway good counsel.

consiglio. L'offeso son, maJ'offensor e un figlio. I am the offended one here, and my son is the criminal.

(Haliate sighs, and then decides)

Altomaro, vanne in Sardi. (Ah, il cor si sface!) Altomaro, go over to Sardl. (Ah, my heart is breaking!)

Offri pure ad Argone accordi e pace. Offer Prince Argone a cease-fire, then sue for peace.

TRACK23

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ARIA DA CAPOHaliate

Se discordia ci disciolse Lest fuis squabbling keep us forever at odds,

Pace unirci oggi sapra. let peace today bring us back togefuer again.

Nel nemico disarmato Facing his enemy\vifuout arms,

A stringa il padre un figlio ingrato. let a fafuer greet his prodigal son.

Ese I'ira me 10 tolse And if anger robbed me of him before,

Me 10 renda la piela. fuen let forgiveness restore him to me today.

Se discordia... Lest this squabbling...

END CD ONE

TRACK24

-15-

-- ~-

CDlWO

RECITATIVE

Scene Threr.;-Haliate's quarters. Later that dayAltomaro

E CoS! tu disprezzi la tua propria grandezza? And thus you disown your rightful inheritance?Melo

Detestabil grandezza che si fonda sulle ruine It is a loathsome inheritance that is derived from the

altrui colla perfidia! ruin of another through treachery!

Altomaro (amWied by his grandson's idealism)

Bella perfidia se ti porta al regno! A worthy deception if it leads to a throne!

A tuo dispetto io vo... I'll proceed despite your reservations to...Melo

S'oppon mio zelo! So che pili dell'inferno ha I object violently! And I know Heaven's might is greaterforza il cielo. than Hell's.

TRACKI

ARIA DA CAPOMelo

So ch'il Ciel ben spesso gode I know that Heaven enjoys seeing the inventor

Far cader l'indegna frode of base deceptions trip himself upSli I'autor che l'invento. from time to time.

Come s'alza orrido nembo. Thus the hideous storm cloud looms and

Poi si scoglie e cade in grembo then is unleashed from the heart

Di quel sol che 10 formo. of the sun which spawned it.

So ch'il Ciel... I know that Heaven...

(Melo departs angrily)

RECITATIVE/ARIA DA CAPO TRACK 3

Altomaro (alone)

Quanto pili Melo ha sdegno, ha la propria The more Melo resists and flaunts his lofty attitudes,

grandezza, io pili m'invoglio di sollevarlo al soglio! the more I am driven to see him ascend the throne!

E gia mio genio e divenuto impegno. And now my mind is absolutely made up.

Sento il cor che lieto gode I feel my heart happily exulting,

Di trovar si bella frode planning the perfect deception for one whoPerch'ancor la disprezzo. still spurns it.

-16-

TRACK2

S'alzi pur orrido nembo A dreadfulfog is already rising

Di tempeste core in grembo from the heart of the tempestsosterra cio che formo. which formed it.

Sento il cor... !feel my heart...

RECITATIVE

Scene Four-The palace courtyard

(Sosarme, slightly wounded, is being attended, with his troops)Elmira

Grazie al Cielo, Signor, lieve fiI il danno, e pur Thank Heaven my Lord's wound was slight, even though

credetti, oh penal Ah, sposo amato, che da me ti I feared the worst. Ah, beloved, if cruel fate were to

togliesse iniquo fato... have taken you from me...Sosarme

Nel vederti, oh mia cara, io mi scordo ogni afIanno. Seeing you, my sweet, I forget every aflIiction.

Ma di pietil fatto ministro amore sana la mano, e Yet while my loving angel of mercy heals my body, she

pili m'impiaga il core. manages to tear at my heart.Elmira

Con si bella ferita, caro, mi dai la vita. Ma coll'altra With the one sweet wound you give me back my life. As

impresse il barbaro germano, oh Dei, quest'alma for the other one, my detestable brother almost made

gia credendo ti ucciso, volea segnirti, e alia novella me wish to follow you into Death' s realm. With the news

rea rimasi esangne il volto a chiusi il ciglio. ofthat bloody vision, my eyes were stricken.Sosarme

E un si lieve periglio a per merce felicitil si rara! Thanks to this little mishap I'm awarded such rare joy!

TRACK4

DUETSosarmelElmira

Per Ie porte del tormento Through the gates of suflering

passan I'anime a gioir! souls must pass to finally gain pleasure!

TRACK5

RECITATIVE

Erenice (entering)

Signor, tuo regio sangne di Bellona smorzo My Lord, yourroyal wound has extingnished thel'infausta face! bitter fires of civil war!

SosarmeCome, Regina? But how, Queen?

TRACK6

-17-

EreniceHaliate spiega candida insegua, e Haliate unfurls the banners of surrender and sends

messagieri invia. out his emissaries.Elmira

Che fausto avviso! What joyous news!Sosarme

10 la sventura mia sempre piu benedico. Then I shall forever bless d]ese wounds.Erenice

S'oggi smorzasti l'ire, Prince, e col tuo periglio Today, Prince, you have tamed the King's anger and, at

disponesti aIla pace il genitore a tenninarlo adesso your own peril, have convinced a father to put it behind

induci'l figlio. him and make peace wid] his son.Elmira

Sposo, per quell'amor... Oh my dear, it was love alone that...

Sosarme (tenderly embracing bis fiancee)

Deh taci, Elmira! Dover, amor, giustizia, e sollnia Hush now, Elmira. Duty, love and justice-all of these

h'llida! Prigionier volontario venni qui in Sardi a things motivate me. I came to Sardi a voluntary hostage

questo solo oggetto. 10 fui ch'alla sortita primier with one aim: to ttyto halt the outbreak of civil war.

s'opposi, e lni sortl1'effetto. Usero con Argone Thus far I've succeeded. Now I shall employ pleading,

prieghi, ragion, caute minaccie. II Cielo assiste a reason, threats-whatever-with Argone. Heaven,

giusta impresa. assist me in this righteous cause.Elmira/Erenice

Accompagnan' i Numi il tuo gran zelo! May ilie Gods endorse these noble sentiments!

ARIASosarme (though still weak, standing to hear Haliate's troops cheering him)

Alle sfere della gloria To the reahns of celestial glory

alza i vanni un nobil cor! may angels' wings Jjft my noble cause!

TRACK7

ArgoneS'a me non toglie cio che me diedi la natura, il So long as it does not deprive me of what is mine by

cielo, la pace, io non ricuso. E pronto sono birth, I will not refuse your peace offer. I'm ready to

piegarmi al padre, e dimandar perdono. kneel before my failier and ask forgiveness.

Erenice (entering with Elmira, overhearing this)

A queste voci, io riconoso il figlio! In these words I once again know my son!

Elmira (embracing her brother)

In questi accenti il mio gennan ritrovo! In them I rediscover my brod]er!Sosarme

Con questi sensi il mio cognato abbraccio! And wid] iliem I embrace my brother-in-law!

Argone (moved to tears)

Madre, Prence, sorella...Al sen v'aIlaccio. Moilier, prince, sister...letme embrace you.

(Altomaro rnshes in)

Argone (suddenly defensive again)

A noi dimmi che porti pace 0 pur guerra? Do you bring us news of peace or of more war?Altomaro

E pace e guerra insieme! Boili peace and war sinmltaneously!

Haliate freme che de' sudditi il sangue si sparga. Ed Haliate fears lest more blood be spilled by his subjects.

or Ii piace a suoi carl vassalli offrir la pace. Ma con Therefore he is pleased to offer clemency to the rebels.

te, suo figliuolo, brama I'alte contese terminare in But wiili you, his son, he wishes to settle ilie dispute

duello, a solo a solo! once and for all in single combat, one on one!

(all are horrified)Sosarme

Che sento? What do I hear?

Elmira0 Ciel, che orror! Heavens, this is terrible!

Erenice (furious)

Questa e la pace? And this is his peace-offer?

ArgoneNon anJillette dimorail mio coraggio My own pride brooks no delay.

ad accettar! I accept ilie challenge!

I'invito. Dl ch'il campo prepari e che Ira poco ivi Simply tell me what place you've prepared and I shall

saro. E gia che in lui sbandito e di padre l'affetto, be there. For now that Haliate abandons all paternal

sbandiro anch'io di figlio ogni rispetto. feelings, I too shall spurn any filial respect.

(Argone departs in one direction, Altomaro in the other)

CHORUSViva! viva e regni fortnnato Long life and a prosperous reign

Della Media il Re guerriero! for this word]y Persian warrior king!

TRACK8

RECITATIVE TRACK9

SceneSix-5ardi. PrinceArgone's royal quartersSosarme

Son tuo congiunto. La pace sdegnerai? I am your brother. How can you still reject my offer?

-18--19-

EreniceOh Dei! Pria che succeda COSl enorme sciagura, il Oh Gods! Before so catastrophic an event can occur, my

consorte real m'ascolti e veda. Ate, invitto Sosarme, husband will hear from me and reconsider. Meantime

mentre al campo m'invio, il figlio raccomando. I leave Argone in your capable hands, Sosarme.Sosarme

Vanne. Non dubitar opra, e confida. T"assita il Be off then, Queen, confident in your mission. Heaven

Ciel, Reina! will surely aid you!

Elmira (very disturbed)Madre! Mother!

Elmira/SosarmelErenice

Addio! Farewell!

ARIA DA CAPOErenice

Vado al campo a combatter col pianto I go then to the battlefield to combat with my tears

L'1ra insana d'un fier genitor. the mad fury of a stubborn father.

Tu qui resta opponi fratanto Sosarme, you must remain behind and try to

II tuo ze[o d'un figlio al furor. subdue my son's re-aroused anger.

Vado al campo... I go then to the battlefield...

TRflCK10

RECITATIVEElmira

Mio sposo, ahi qual orror mi scorre per Ie vene, in Dear spouse, anxiety courses through my

qual periglio vedo il germano e veggio veins, seeing both father and brother

il genitore! in this peril!Sosarme

Ti consola, mio bene, m'opporo al figlio irato non Be comforted, love. I shall surely succeed in curbing

dubitar. Lo rendero placato, e poi con dolce calma, the son's aggravation. Then in sweet sereuity, I'll hold

ti stringera quest'alma. E in sospirata pace this dear soul close to my own heart. Then at that sweet

splendera d'Imeneo la bella face. moment, Hymen's wedding torches will be lit for us.

TRflCKI I

ARIOSO TRACK12Ezio

In mille dolci modi al sen te stringero! In a thousand ways I'll embrace you!

Rinovero quei nodi che amor in noi formo. We shall uuite the bonds which love has forged for us.

-20-

RECITATIVE IARIAElmira

Parmi ch'un dolce ragio di bella speme ora. A sweet ray of hope seems to re-illumine my spirit.

rischiari l'alma. Si ch'alfine la palma, su quel core For if both my mother and dear betrothed can bring

sdegnato, riportera la madre e'l sposo amato ed il my angry father to an armistice, and if my rebel

german che l'ira or rende infido, mosso del sangue. E brother can be swayed by family loyalty and a

da un figlialo amore ritornera qual augellato sister's love, perhaps the swallow at last can flyal nido. home to her nest.

Vola l'augello del caro nido, Although the bird flies far from the nest,

Ma sempre fido a quel ritorna, she always faithfully returns

La cara sua per consolar. to soothe her beloved mate.

La tigre ancora, se mai s'accora, likewise the tiger, though angered,

Scorda fierezza knows to forsake his savage ways

Quando il sangue vuol riamar. when his mate seeks his affections.

Volal'augello... Although the bird...

TRflCK 13

ACTTHREESINFONIA

SceneOne-The King's camp, outside SardiRECITATIVE

Altomaro

Mi siegue la Regina, aiuto, 0 frodi! The Queen follows. She seeks help or to deceive you!Haliate

Da me sprezzal'indegno pace e perdon? Has my unworthy son spurned the peace offer?

Altomaro (looking over his shoulder for Erenice)

Non solla pace ha a sdegno, ma 0 Dei, nol posso Not only does he reject your treaty, but, 0 Gods, how

dir...barbarasorte! can I speak thewords...Oh, outrageous destiny!Haliate

Che pretende di piu? What further outrage?Altomaro

Vuolla tua morte. Desia l'alte contese decider teco, He wants you dead. He seeks a fatal showdown, a duel

in singolar duello. to decide matters between you two.

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TRACK14

TRACK15

HaliateAh! Crudo mostro! 11sangue brama versar ch'a lui Ah, the heardess fieud! He would spill the very blood

la vita diede? that gave him life?Altomaro

La tua crudel cousorte iudusse il figlio a diffidar Your cruel wile has couvinced your sou to chalieugete a morte. you to the death.

I-Ialiate (stunned)

(Possibile!) Empia douua! (Not possible!) Wicked woman!Altomaro

Ella qui vieue cou van pretesti a iufastidir I'udito. She comes uow to whisper fake protests iu your ear.I-Ialiate

Giudice troverammi e non marito! She will fine in me a judge, not a husband!

Altomaro (whispering in the King's ear)

Ella giunge! She is here!Erenice

Consorte... I-Iusband...

Haliate (will not look at her)Olaf S'arresti! Guards! Seize her!

EreniceBarbara, e qual consiglio? You barbarian, for what possible reason?

HaliateA te sia cura Melo di custodirla. Let Melo stand watch as her guard.

Erenice (as she is led away)Come? Ascolta... What?Listen....

I-Ialiate (remainingftrm only until all have departed)

Vedrai nello steccato 0'1 tuo consorte 0'1 figlio You shall soou see dead ou the duelling path either

tuo sveuato! your husband or your son!

ARIA DA CAPO

Haliate (looking sadly after his wift)S'io cadro per tuo cousiglio If I am killed because of your plots, then let your

Resti'l figlio, tuo spavento, tuo rimorso. surviving son serve as your remorse and your horror.

S'ei cadd!, trofeo di morte, But if he should fall as death's prize, theu your11cousorte rested! per tuo tormento. husband will live to reproach you.

S'io cadro... If! am killed...

-22-

TRACKJ6

RECITATIVEScene'fuo-Melo's quartersin thepalace

EreniceMelo, dov'e il tuo zelo? La tua virtU? Per impedir Melo, where is your spirit? Your sense of justice? Can't

l'eccesso d'enormita... you stop this enormous outrage...Melo

Pronto col sangue istesso vorrei estinguer del padre I would gladly stop with my own blood this royal feud

e del germano il reo furor. Ma, pur se ill di te, between father aud son. But, if it's true, Queen, that

consorte insieme e genitrice, che in singolar duello il you counselled the two to face off in this head-to-

padre e'l figlio... headcoufrontation...

Erenice (amazed and outraged)

Mia consiglio cio ill? Mente ch'il dice! Mentre My counsel? That's an utter falsehood! But even as wearaldo di pace, Altomaro s'attende porta difida. speakAltomaro, Argone's messenger, awaits word.

Melo (to whom all is suddenly clear)

(Ah, traditor mendace!) Non pili, Regina. Iutesi. AIle (Oh, the lying traitor!) Enough, my Queen. I understand

mie tende questa squadra sommessa a te si guida. it all. My own squad is loyal to me and they'll watch over

In mia virtU, ma pili nel Ciel, confida! you. Trust me, and eveu more, put your faith in Heaven!

TRACKI7

ARIA~ Erenice

Cuor di madre e cuor di moglia: Ah, modler's heart, wile's heart:

Chi t'invola, chi ti toglie Who robs you, who would deprive

La tua speme, la tua pace? you of peace, of hope?

TRACK18

RECITATIVE/ARIA DA CAPO

Melo (watching Erenice sadly depart)

A deluder Ie frodi io mi preparo del perfido At last I'm ready to expose Altomaro's

Altomaro. Se Haliate consente, ch'in sua vece col treachery. And if Haliate will allow it, I'll rush off to

germano io combatta, gettero il crudo acciaro. take his place and face my brother's fierce weapons.

Ed al germano con i lacci i pili dolci e il pili tenaci, Instead of threats, I'll counter with tender, heartfelt

daro. invece di piaghe, amplessi e baci! pledges and with brotherly embraces!

Sincero affetto, dolei preghiere With sweet devotion and loving entreaties

Un cor sdegnato puonno placar. a rebellious heart can be assuaged.

Core nel petto mi dier Ie sfere The gods have given me a heart

Di virtU armato per trioufar. which, armed with virtue, can win any duel.

-23-

TRACI<I 9

Sinceroaffetto...With sweetdevotion...

RECITATIVE

Scene Thre~ secluded garden inside the palace groundsArgone (with his seconds)

Per la segreta porta del real giardino usciam nel We'll use the secret garden gate to get back out to the

campo. Sforzano il cuore a sostener l'impegno. duelling site. My heart is steeled for this encounter.

Gran desio di vendetta e amor di regno... And my love for the throne...

Elmira (entering suddenly with Sosarme)

...e amor di figlio? ...and what of a son's love?

Argone...nn padre reo l'estinse! ...killed by a inhuman father!

Sosarme...e il rispetto? ...and what about respect?

Argone...10 vinse l'altrui rabbiafunesta. Addio! ...also destroyed by his morbid hatred. Farewell!

SosarmeJElmira (.vhouting after him as A/gone and his seconds depart)

Ferma! T'arresta! Fermate, ingrato. Ah mostro! Stop! Wait, monster!Elmira

Che faremmo, mio sposo? What shall we do now, love?Sosarme

Elmira, in campo per quella stessa porta seguira Elmira, through the same gate 1 shall follow the angry

la sna rabbia il zelo mio! boywith my own fierce determination!Elmira

Va pur, caro, a momenti te seguiro, e Go then at once, dear. 1 shall soon

saro teco anch'io. follow you.

TRACK20

RECITATIVE I ARIA DA CAPOSceneThree-(a barrenground, the site of the duel)

HaliateAltomaro, si renda libera 10 steccato! E de' soldati Altomaro, clear the dnelling site! Make sure none of

miei alcun non sia che d'opporsi pretenda al furore my men try to intervene on my behalf against Argone's

d'Argone ali'ira mia. snperior strength.

TRACK21

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----

Altomaro (very exhilirated with developments)

Tanto s'eseguiro, me tuo padrino, contro quello I'll faithfully serve as your second opposite Argone's

d'Argone, al'dito aVl'ai. Poi colnome di giusto, man. My king, you'll be strengthened by justice's name.

colla fama (Ii forte, qual campion pien di gloria Now go forth, bearing your noble name,

omato andrai! celebrated hero!

Tiene Giove in mano il folgore Jove himself holds the lightning boltin his hand

Gl'empi sol per fulminar. for the sole purpose of smiting the Vllanous.

Ate diede ancol' il cielo regio scettro He bestows upon you tlns sacred royal scepter, tlns

E questo il telo figlio reo per castigar. sword, to punish a wicked son.

Tiene Giove... Jove himselfholds...

RECITATIVEAltomaro

Signor, qui giunge Argone. My Lord, here comes Argone.

ArgoneHaliate, orvedi come... Haliate, now realize...

HaliatePerfido! pervergogna atterra il ciglio. Se sdegni Vilain! For shame, lower your eyes. And if you dare to

proferir di padre il nome, ora vedrai... speak the name of "fatl1er" to me, you'll soon see...

Altomaro (anxious to get on with the duel with as little discussion as possibk)

Lascia al piit frale sesso contrastar colla liugua alma Shali we leave to the women the war of words? The

reale si difenda colfelTo. Argone, prendi! noble soul uses his sword. Argone, take yours!

Argone (takes the sword, but is suddenly reluctant)

Oh padre... Oh father...

Erenice (hurrying in with Melo and his men)

Al1! figlio mio... Stop, son...Haliate

Melo? Melo?

ArgoneMadre! Mother!

All (suddenly struck with the horror of the situation)Oh Dio! 0 Gods!

Altomaro

(E scopertalafrode. 10 son spedito...) (My plot will be revealledin an instant. 1 mustily...)

(Altomaro rushes off)-25-

TRACI<22

EreniceVedi, quello e lUo sangue, e 10spargesti? Husband, you'd shed yoUt'own blood?

Quel sange ti die vita, e tu'l versasti? Son, you'd spill the blood that gave you life?

Haliate (looking at his own sword)Incauto mano! Vile hand!

Argone (looking at his)

Disgraziato acciaro! Shameful sword!

(each casts down his sword in disgust)

Haliate (to his wife)

Mil perche desti al figlio si barbaro consiglio? But why did you counsel Argone so cruelly?

Erenice (she does not yet understandAltomaro's deception. None does, exceptMelo)Come? What?

Haliate

Perdono e pace allor ch'offri al fellon tu piu l'irriti? When I offer him pardon, you still goad him on?Melo

Padre, germano! Oh Ciel! Foste traditi! My liege, brother, Oh Gods. You've all been betrayed!Erenice

Altomaro in lUo nome porto disfidi al figlio, In your name Altomaro brought your challenge to

e non perdono.. Argone. Husband, I could not condone that...Haliate

Come? Disfida? Come? What challenge? What are you saying?

Ehnira (hurrying in with Sosarme and followers)

10 fuj presente! Yes, father, I was there also!Sosarme

10 testimon ne sono.Mil per prova maggiore: In questo I also witnessed it. But here is the explanation: Just now

punto rincontrando Altomaro vicino al fiume. Torbido by the river, I intercepted Altomaro in frantic retreat.

in volto, egli esclamo "Vinceste cieli perversi! Or Ie He there confessed: "Perverse Heaven has won. Now let

mie inique frodi lavi quest'onda, anz'il mio sangue." my own blood and the river wash away my wicked sins."

E tratto il ferro, se I'immerse nel seno, e pieu d'un Overcome by his own evil he fell on his sword and then

barbaro desio, indi nell'acque ci si lancio evi mori! hurled himself into the river. There he perished!

Argone (the son kneels before hisfather)

Mio Re! Che padre ancor dirti non oso, eccoti My king! I dare no longer call you father. The guilty one

. ai piedi il reo. Ordina la mia pena. 10 non ho core kneels before you. Pronounce my fate. I no longer have

di viver piu nemico algenitore. the heart to oppose my father.

Haliate (seeing him weep)

Figlio! Smorza ogni sdegno il lUo bel pianto. Sorgi e My son, your uoble tears quench my anger. Rise and-26-

ricevi intanto in Cjuest'amplesso mio pace e perdon receive instead my open arms, peace and forgiveness.

e in qucsto hacio ogni ragione al trono. With tins embrace lies the open way to the throne.Elmira

Si spezza il cor. My heart breaks with happienssSosarme

Piange per gioia il ciglio. My eyes weep for joy!Erenice

Oh Hccalel, oh amici! oh mio consorte, oh figliol Great Goddess, friends, dear husband, oh son!

DUETElmira

'I'u caro, caro sci, il dolce mio tesoro, You are much loved, my sweet treasure,

E sai perche? and do you know why?Sosarme

SI, sl, cara, pcrche mio bcn, t'adoro, Oh yes, dcar, it's bccause I can now worship you as

Sci la 1nia fe. PCI' Ic gl'alIclti miei my wifc, as my faith1111companion.

Estinguc mai potci Bccausc of you my sadness has been overcome,

E sai pcrche? and do you know why?Ebnim

SI,sl,caro, pcrche ilmio granmarlil'OfcdclIife. Ycs,love,bccml~cbysacrificingmyselfI winyourfaith.Boil!

D'un abna mnantc fe piu costantc mai si vcde! Morc loviug, constant hearts have never been seen!

TRACK23

RECITATIVE / FINAL CHORUSSosarme

Fngga da qucsto suol per sempre alterco, e Lct strifc be forever bmlished from this place. Let it

alberghi pace e amor d'ognuno in pelto! be a haven where peace and love may dwell!Chorus

Dopo I'ire si funeste After such fateful struggle,

Dell'amore splenda la face. Let Love's wedding torches shine replendent.

Che Ie stelle piu moleste Let the stars no longer be troubled by the horrors

Tra gli orror delle tempeste of the tempest, but instead be transformed

Fatte son iri di pace! into flowers of peace!

Dopo rire... After such...

END CD WO

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.. TRACK24