Verdi - I Vespri Siciliani ( full - ST it- eng - fr -de -esp )

To thee, mother country, my thoughts turn with sweet longing, here, as we sing and drink. With malice is our country insulted by the villains as they sing and drink. With wreaths of laurel, with wine and gold reward the conquerors' valour. O day of vengeance, hasten more quickly, awaken courage in the hearts of the conquered. Hurrah, hurrah for our great captain! The pride of France and her most valiant son! Deadly in battle. His every blow is fatal, and his men adore him! So, of this city they call Palermo, we, so said the general, are now the masters! Ah, ah! You're unsteady on your feet! My friend, you're drunk! Drunk with love! Ah! I love every pretty girl. Sicilian men are jealous, and their women haughty. No matter. No heart can resist the sight of a helmet! You'll see! But what about their husbands? Kind ladies with complacent husbands will find I'm a generous victor. With wreaths of laurel, with wine and gold reward the conquerors' valour. O day of vengeance, hasten more quickly, awaken courage in the hearts of the conquered. What resplendent star of heaven appears before my eyes? Between ourselves, who is this exquisite creature? The lady in mourning is held here as hostage. She is the sister of the prince who was executed. She is grief-stricken by the loss of her beloved brother. A *** friend of the Swabian's. A friendship that cost him his life! Today is the anniversary of that sad day. She prays that her brother's soul may rest in peace. And that avenging thunderbolts will fall on us from heaven! As well she might, for our leader used excessive cruelty! Ah! Watch your tongue! Such speech is unbecoming in a soldier! Oh, unhappy, fatal day, when the enemy sword deprived our mother country of the best of her sons! Oh, my brother, Frederick! Oh, noble soul! Flower that an evil wind plucked in its early prime! May death be dealt to the tyrant who cut short your life! Yet, indifferent to such slaughter, no one lifted a finger! I shall avenge you, my brother, I, and I alone! We've drunk enough. Now for a song to cheer us up. Let's get a Sicilian to sing our praises! - You think he would? - In faith I do! Which of these beauties will give us a song? Flower of beauty, come now, you're the one! What will happen to us? Being the stronger I can command. And you, my lady, can hardly re fuse a victor! Enough talking! Get on with it! Soldier, how dare you? Sing! Or else... Very well. I shall sing. Can you see that bark on the open sea, wind-tossed and a prey to the elements, on the point of sinking? Can you heart he cries of the sailor from his battered vessel? Can you hear the sailor's cries? Ah, calm, almighty God, the raging sea and sky. Hearken to the heartfelt prayer, the *** trusts in thee! And God in his omnipotence replies: "Heaven helps those who help themselves." "Mortals, your fate is in your own hands! ” Arise, be of good courage, intrepid sons of the sea. Treat danger with contempt: whining is for cowards! He who has not courage gives grave offence to heaven. Be daring! God's protection will shield your high endeavour. - What stirring words! - What spirit! Why do you mutter prayers? Why are your faces pale? Are you trembling with fear in the heat of battle? Be bold! To the booming of waves and the crash of thunder, respond, let it rouse your courage, undaunted hearts! Those words have fired my heart with courage. To lament is cowardly! We shall avenge our shame, scorn our servitude, and God will be with us. When the wine flows freely hearts are merry! Arise, be of good courage, intrepid sons of the sea. Treat danger with contempt; God will guide you! Avenge our wrongs; despise base servitude. Be daring! God's protection will shield your high endeavour. Forward! Come, be bold! Avenge our wrongs! Let steel flash in brave hands! Ah, forward, strike! How noisy this song is! Him! Oh heavens! Oh, frustration! Oh, most unwelcome sight! All men quake before him, dear God! His sinister presence makes me shudder. I shudder with anger. My whole being is horrified! But inwardly I only smile at their scorn! - Oh, my brother! - She thinks of her brother and grieves, Let them fret, but bear in silence their shame and helpless fury. And revenge alone fills my heart! - My lady! - Oh, heaven, who is this? Arrigo! But is it really you? - You were in prison. - But now I'm among friends worried for me. - A free man! - Oh, what is this? The judges, though afraid, gave an honest verdict. And they did so in spite of Monforte! Wonderful! Can it be true? I was completely cleared! And by a proper verdict, no mere pardon. Such rash defiance betrays an ungrateful heart. Be grateful to the person who showed such clemency. Weariness would be an apter word! His arm lacks the power to wield sword and torches, but his heart is still strong. He is resting to gather his strength! -Ah, hush! - Be careful! - Why? Ah, if only luck would bring him within these walls to face my vengeance. You will meet him! Control your impatience. - Where is he? - Right in front of you! Oh, God! Alas! What now? Well? No response forthcoming? Ah, I have not the means! My sword was taken away! Leave us! Stay here: I command you! - What is your name? -Arrigo. - Have you no other? That's enough for an enemy! - What of your father? - I have no father. I know that as a wanderer, an exile, he ended his life far from his family home, far from those he loved. Now tell me about your mother! Ah, she is no more! Ten months have now gone by since I lost her, alas. But I shall see her soon! I know that before her death you were received into the court of Duke Frederick. - Yes, I was given lodging in that hero's household. - That traitor! Under his generous tutelage I joined the ranks of warriors. He deigned to guide my footsteps like a father. I gloried in following such an honourable example. I lived for him, and fearlessly would die for him. Punish the foolhardiness of audacious youth; I know that I am capable of hating you and dying. I can well believe he would hate me and die. I care nought for fetters, pain I despise; I shall die with a happy heart! Without flinching! I should punish you, but I forgive your madcap courage! - You, merciful? - Yes. A noble mind eschews wrath. And to ensure your safety I should like to offer your courage a higher goal, young man, one worthy of a noble heart. The very mention of glory should stir your spirit! Glory? Where is that to be found? There, beneath my standards! Be one of my brave company, come, and you will be pardoned. No! I am not that base! - No, punish my foolhardiness. - I’ pleased to see such boldness in him. I know that I am capable of hating you and dying. I care nought for fetters, pain I despise; I shall die with a happy heart! Begone, then, and turn your back on my offer of clemency! But, young man, first hear this word of counsel. You see that house? Never cross the threshold of that place. Why not? You will see! Beware of nurturing an inauspicious passion in your heart! Believe me, love will ruin you! Who says so? I can read your thoughts. Nothing is hidden from me. I know it all already. Ah, flee while you can! I order you! By what right? I have spoken, I meant what I said! Go! I care nothing for your interdict. The heart obeys no laws. Reckless youth! What audacity! Subdue your pride and heed me! Do not rouse me to anger against your friends, against you! I'm a free man, and the courage of greatness is inborn in me. Your displeasure may harm me, but you cannot make me fear you! Restrain your recklessness, and never cross that threshold! I command you! You? Yes! My hatred has always been fatal. And yet I despise it! And you shall die! She is worth dying for! O fatherland, O dear fatherland, I behold you again at last! The exile greets you after so long an absence. Filled with love, I kiss your verdant soil. I bring to thee the pledge of hand and heart! O Palermo, country I adore, smile of the beloved art thou to me! Ah, lift thy much-abused face, take on thy former glory! Seeking help from foreign powers, I travelled from castle to city, but, unmoved by my fervour, all replied: “Sicilians, where is your former valour?" “Arise, arise to victory and to honour!” O Palermo, country I adore, smile of the beloved art thou to me! Ah, lift thy much-abused face, take on thy former glory! Take the message to our loyal supporters that I have arrived and that I am relying on their courage. Go and find Arrigo and tell him, and the Duchess too, that I shall expect them here, and shortly! In the shadows and in silence we shall prepare our revenge. The cruel oppressor neither fears nor suspects anything. In the shadows and in silence we shall prepare our revenge. The cruel oppressor neither fears nor suspects anything. Sacred love whose voice I hear, speak to my brothers' hearts. The end of so much suffering is in sight, the hour of glory strikes at last! May the beloved land be freed, then I shall die happy! In the shadows and in silence we shall prepare our revenge. The barbarous oppressor neither fears nor suspects a thing. - Now leave! Be prudent! - Let's go! - Go! And not a word! - Let's go! Silence and courage! Ah, may the beloved land be freed. Then I shall die happy! My loyal friends, at last! My lady Duchess! Arrigo! It is he! Procida, our friend! - Yes, at your service! - Our one hope! And tell me, is Sicily ready now? What are your expectations? None! Her subjugated heart burns with impatience, but slow and vacillating, she fears all and nothing. She must be roused to anger, and united we can act! I have already tried! The people still lack strength and confidence. No matter! In spite of that we must risk an audacious, desperate coup! And may the day come at last when the French perpetrate such brutality that the people are forced to rise and take up arms! Such a day might come... When the affianced couples are betrothed by the city in a solemn rite, that could be the pretext! - Large crowds attend. - And the danger is lessened! There is strength in numbers, and the people's courage, easily ignited even by a small spark, will flare up! To work! We are aiming high and I need one heart of high courage to help achieve my goal, and one strong right arm! - But whose? - Yours! Command me as you will! Brave heart, how can I thank you for that courageous offer? My reward is in the homage I lay at your feet. The tyrant's angry threats could not deter you? I do not fear his vindictiveness. - Yet I tremble before you, my lady! - What is this! Ah, let me see a ray of hope in your angelic eyes, then my spirit would be kindled with fresh courage. Oh, lady, I love you! Ah, know this, that I want no other favour than the right to fight and die for you. What shall I say? So recently bereaved, tormented by my grief, I am yet unable to restrain the racing of my pulse! Thou who seest my sorrow from thy place in paradise, oh, my brother, forgive me, forgive me if I open my heart to love! Ah, did I understand you? Ah, you do not despise me for having dared to raise my eyes to you? You do not despise the avowal of a humble soldier? Oh, my brother! Forgive me! Avenge my brother's ***, and in my eyes you will be nobler than a king! Upon this earth, alas, I am all alone! Avenge my brother's ***, Arrigo, and I am yours! Yes, I shall avenge him! Do you swear to that? On my head I swear it, I swear it on my heart! I bless your oath and will cherish it in my heart. Sir knight, this letter is from the viceroy. An invitation to a ball! He is doing you the greatest honour, sir! One I do not accept. Such a great honour, my friend, it would be a crime to refuse. All the same, I refuse. Then in his name I order you to come with us at once! Ah, no! I shall not suffer such an insult! Soldiers! Heavens, what are you doing? I have delivered the message. To add such vile mockery to such a monstrous outrage! - Arrigo... - Heavens, what are you doing? They are dragging him to that court of evil! Another setback for our plan! We were relying on him and his stout heart. Now he's as good as dead! Oh no! He must be freed. Honour demands no less. Hush! The people are on the move and coming in this direction. The pretty brides, in faith, are quite charming! - You find them attractive? - Indeed I do! - I thought as much! - And who are you? -A true friend of yours. Just look! They really are pretty! How festive their marriage preparations! - Does that matter? - What about their husbands? Piffle! To the victor the spoils! - Do you remember that painting... - The *** of the Sabine Women. By Roman men! In love and war the French soldier yields the palm to no one! Hurrah forward, hurrah for love! Sorrow is banished for us from the earth. Now I have got you, resistance is useless. It would be madness to refuse me! -Ah, calm down, my dark-haired beauty! - Oh, let me go! Don't be frightened. Ah, quieten down! You will soon learn to love your warrior. Oh, let me go! Treat that lady with respect! Spare her, my friends, for the sake of that man who advised us so well. Treat her with respect! You have used violence against unarmed men and women! These actions of yours are unworthy of a soldier! He who mocks misery is barbarous and cruel. And he who violates the code of honour is beneath contempt! I am ashamed! My heart quakes with fear! Tongue-tied again! I'd better stomach the disgrace. Yet I now seem to feel stir in my heart the fury of a lion wounded by an iron dart. He prevented them from harming me. They felt some respect. That's true! - It was a tribute to his courage. - Everyone despises cowards! That's true! - Yet you, faint hearted - and terrified, - watch them carry off your bride - without killing her seducer! How could you restrain yourself? How swallow the insult so tamely? While, by abducting them the victors dishonour your women? I have borne sorrow too long in my breast! Quite right: this disgrace must now be avenged! Cowardice, still your tongue! Now I feel in my heart the deadlier fury of a lion starting to seethe! Ah, yes, it seethes in my heart! Pleasure's hour is drawing nigh! Accompanied by thy heavenly Graces, god of love, descend once more to bring us happiness! Ah! Lovely of face and unveiled, like sweet Cytherea, come to my arms, O goddess true! Cool is the breeze and daylight fades. Pleasure's hour is drawing nigh! Accompanied by thy heavenly Graces, god of love, descend once more to bring us happiness! Where would they be going in such a splendid boat? To the palace, to the ball! Revenge dictates we follow them! But how? Concealed by a good disguise, I shall not be recognised; swift as lightning, I shall fall upon the tyrant amid the festive throng, whom I pledge to my purpose! - They will be armed with swords! -And we with courage and daggers! Ah! Pleasure's hour is drawing nigh... They have borne sorrow too long! The time has now come to avenge this disgrace! Ah! Lovely of face and unveiled, like sweet Cytherea... Yes, revenge, revenge! ...come to my arms, O goddess true, cool is the breeze and daylight fades. Make haste! Revenge! Now I feel in my heart the deadlier fury of a lion starting to seethe! I feel the fury starting to seethe! They rush to arms already. Revenge! Yes, she abhorred me, and quite rightly! I used her so vilely, to the point of abducting her! She fled from me and hated me and for fifteen years hid her son from the paternal embrace and taught him to loathe his father! You were crueller than I, yet you call me cruel! Ah! From her deathbed the ruthless woman dictated these words to further wound a father's heart! “O thou to whom nothing is sacred," “should bloody execution threaten the brave Arrigo,” "his country's pride and joy,” “at least spare that innocent neck.” “It is that of your own son!" Oh, my son! The knight insolently re fused to come, so we brought him by force! Very well! What shall be his punishment? None; on the contrary, treat him with respect and the greatest deference. Now go, Bethune, and bring him to me! Cradled in luxury, cosseted by prestige, a limitless, gaping void was yet paramount in my heart. A future filled with the promise of joy now opens before me, if fate will allow me your companionship, my son! Hatred cannot keep him from me, his wild heart shall be tamed in the splendour of this court by immeasurable paternal love. Cradled in luxury, cosseted by prestige, a limitless, gaping void was yet paramount in my heart. A future filled with the promise of joy now opens before me, if fate will allow me your companionship, my son! Am I dreaming or awake? Everyone runs with servile speed to do my bidding, and seems happy to fulfil my slightest whim! This is indeed a new trick of inscrutable fate, since I can hope for nothing but death from you! Vain hope! Within these walls you are free to call me un just, and in vain to plot against me! Defence of one’s country is a noble aim. I fight a tyrant! You fight unfairly. I wield a sword openly, but you conceal a dagger! And, brave as you are, you dare not look me in the face! See! I stand before you unarmed! Unfortunately for me! O dullard, saved by my clemency, is this all the thanks I get? You think of yourself as generous, but this is unkind! Oh, what is happening? When I was moved by real compassion to pity your impulsiveness, when I saved you though a rebel, Arrigo, did you feel nothing? His voice makes me shudder, I cannot conquer my fear. Wretch that I am! By the misery that torments me, is your young heart unmoved? Yet, as you can see, a tear has fallen from my sad eyes! To what unprecedented torment has unjust fate condemned me! So, Arrigo, if my grief cannot move your hardened heart, read what you mother has written. My mother? Yes. Heartless boy. Yes! As I look upon that beloved face, my heart leaps for joy. - This world has yet some joy for me, - My mother's hand! Here on my heart! since I can say: my son! Oh, heavens, what is this? A dreadful secret is now revealed. I am appalled! When I gaze at that beloved face, stricken though it is by grief, my heart is moved, for I can say: this is my son, I am a father yet! I am appalled! I am a father yet! Dreadful secret! How now? You avoid my eyes, my son? Ah! I am appalled! So you do not realise who I am? My lady, I have lost you! Do you not realise what power I have, Arrigo? I am Monforte! Oh, my lady, I have lost you! You have only to express any wish, and by the power vested in me it will be granted. Goods, titles, honours, riches, all that ambition could wish for, I can give you! Leave me to my fate, and I shall be content! Do you not realise how splendid my reputation is? My name is covered with glory. Your name is accursed! Fatal word! Mortal insult! All hope of joy has vanished from my heart! Justice now rules! A terrible curse has been hurled at a father by a barbarous son! Ah, let me go! - Leave me, cruel man, to my sorrow! - Calm that obdurate heart! My son, in vain you call me cruel. Your father’s prayers and pain will win you round! If your love for me is sincere, let me flee this place. Let me flee to another shore, let me flee to another land! Ah, I should like to fall upon your breast. - But I cannot! - What stands in your way, callous boy? The shade of my mother, who stands between us. You were her murderer. My son! And I am ashamed that I hesitated between the two of you! Oh, my son! Beloved shade, now resting in heaven, restore the weakened fibre of my heart. Watch over me with pitying eyes and pray for me, O mother! Do the heartfelt appeals of your father mean nothing to you, Arrigo? Open your heart to a sacred love! What splendid entertainment! Nights full of dancing and rare beauty! Like heavenly rays, the brilliance around inspires us with love, with pleasure! Here, amid the merry whirl of weaving dancers... ...masks conceal the faces of trusty friends. You can tell them by this silken bow. Those strong, brave arms will not miss their mark! And in no time at all the avenging blades will flash. Surrounded by his brutal minions Monforte will perish! Oh, dear God! (Who will save him?) Why do you blench? - Someone may overhear you! - But who? - He himself! - Oh, what an ill-omened day! - In a few minutes, here! What splendid entertainment! Nights full of dancing and rare beauty! Like heavenly rays, the brilliance around inspires us with love, with pleasure! Are these amusements, new for you, to your liking? There is danger for you here. Go! Why should I be afraid? What should I fear in my own home? I can say no more... but still... I beg you to go! I fear for your life! Now you are concerned for my safety and anxious on my behalf? Ah! Your heart is opening at last to my paternal love! Your previous transgressions are expunged, come, let me clasp you to my heart! Never! Step back! I shall stay here! Rash decision! You will fall, the victim of their revenge! They will never dare! On this symbol I swore, too... In vain! Badge of infamy! I tear it from you, madman! You shudder? You must be feeling all the horror of treachery. I see: French blood yet courses hotly in your veins! No, there is no guilt attached to serving the honour of one’s country! But I pray you, heed me: save yourself! Yield to my prayers, and go! - Vain hope! - They are coming already, see! They are surrounding you! There! Their daggers flash towards you! The last day for the French is here! Kill! - For Sicily! - Stop! Frenchmen, come to my aid! Take and put in irons all who are wearing this badge. The axe for them all! He is not to be touched! He was a loyal foe! Betrayed! He saved my life. He revealed the vile plot that has earned the villains the infamy of execution. Horrendous, unexpected blow! That he should prove so treacherous! Almighty God, thou hast saved a noble breast! Overcome by terror, my heart stopped beating! May his shame be his punishment! Disgrace on the coward, the traitor! Beloved country, my first and greatest love, I leave you prostrate in blood and tears! May the flame of your sacred spirit burn ever more clearly, and the light of the sun shine darkly upon him! Now joyfully direct your aspirations towards France! I have bathed my country's soil in blood! Her soil is a mirror of Eden's blessed plot. Oh, lady! Have pity, my friends! Have pity on my grief! No, no; he's a liar. Back, back, you traitor! I shall let nothing harm you, you will be happy with me! - No! Never! Let me go! - Back, you traitor! Defended by that villain, you have redoubled your disgrace. Glory is ours, I welcome death! Yes, glory is ours! Disgrace be your lot! Now joyfully direct your aspirations towards France! Beloved country, my first and greatest love, I leave you prostrate in blood and tears! Her soil is a mirror of Eden's blessed plot. May the flame of your sacred spirit burn ever more clearly. I see and feel nothing but grief and pain! And may the sun shine more brightly upon you! Disgrace be your lot! Glory is ours! My orders come from Monforte! On his absolute authority, I have permission to see them. Bring them to me! Because of me you languish in grim confinement, dear friends! And I, the cause of your woes, am not in irons. A victim of fate, I have been forced to bear a yoke of benignity! Injurious mercy! Insulting favour! Honour is dearer than life to me! I have come to clear myself of unworthy suspicions. But will they want to see me? To hear my explanations? They all believe me guilty; she has rejected me, I am hated by them all. I, who would die for them! Oh, day of tears, of bitter grief! While love beckoned me, fate dispelled the sweet dream, and my wounded heart lost everything! The agonising thought of their scorn makes my bitter grief yet sharper! Your contempt, dearest Elena, is cruel, a cutting torment to my heart! Who is coming? I tremble with fear! Alas, I can barely breathe! It is she! She comes to curse me! To curse me! Ah, I am shaking with terror! By all, alas, have I been abandoned! I beg for compassion, forgiveness, pity! My love, forgive me! Death would be less cruel than your contempt! Anger, restrain yourself! My heart is fluttering. Maybe the traitor has fresh torment in store for me! Oh, look upon me with kindness, respond with pity to my pleading. Forgive me, or else allow me to die at your feet! The wrong you did can bring you nothing but remorse! Forgiveness for you? Never! A traitor cannot expect it! I am not evil! A terrible fate has plunged me in shame and grief. Believe me, I was merely a victim, but I was never untrue to myself! Not evil, but you blame fate for plunging you into dishonour! Pray to heaven, you reprobate who have brought us misery! Was it not you, you renegade, who disarmed me when the dagger was all but thrust into the tyrant's heart? My father! Your father! Loathsome connection, fatal relationship! A deadly, repugnant kinship eternally hateful to me that heaven disclosed to my eternal ruin. What could I do, poor wretch, in such a cruel dilemma? You were willing to sacrifice yourself in your brother's cause. I did more: I sacrificed my honour for my cruel father! Oh, what a dreadful revelation! This redoubles my grief! lf he is telling the truth, his grief must arouse compassion... I have told you the truth, wrung from me by grief. ...in you, who can see his torment, in you, who can read his heart! God alone sees my torment, he who can read our hearts. But this abhorrent kinship? My heart has disowned it! I have atoned for the life my father gave me. Now I am my own man again; I resume the hatred of yore! But the name, the benefits? Arrigo despises it all! The only gift I would ask of him in return for my suffering, is to be allowed to live or die with you. Arrigo! Ah, your words fall on a heart already disposed to forgive. My greatest sorrow lay in my having to hate you! A feeling of contentment now soothes my stricken heart. I love you, I love you! And saying this means I can die happy! Hatred was poisoning a heart that had lost all hope. Your birth has placed a barrier of blood between us. Farewell! Heaven awaits me! Farewell! Keep faith with me! I die, I die! And I shall lay this mortal dress aside thinking of you. Keep faith with me! Heaven awaits me! Thinking of me! Like a sweet ray of light, a blessing from heaven, your pardon falls on my remorse. I shall defy fate and all its thunderbolts if I can die at your side! A sweet voice now whispers in my heart that heaven accepts your repentance. I shall defy fate and all its thunderbolts if I can die at your side! Ah, you have forgiven me! Yes! A friend, to ease the burden of our grief, got this note to me from beyond the prison walls. "An Aragonese ship has entered Sicilian waters" “and already nears the port, laden with gold and arms!" And I languish in chains! I would give my life for one day, one hour of freedom! Could I only accomplish my mission, and then, almighty God, let me die! But who’s this? Why is he here at your side? Remorse brought him here! It's another trick! There you see his accomplice! Your orders, sir? A priest and their execution! The people are dangerously restive! The military are armed and in position, ready for my orders. Let the first cry of rebellion signal massacre! Is that clear? Yes, all clear! Why these orders? Only a few moments separate these from their last hour. Death! Oh, my country! Death! Now when your fate depends upon my living! Pardon for the prisoners, my lord! Show them mercy, or kill me too! You see? The man who betrayed us deserves to die! But not for his country. Begone! I declare you unworthy of such honour! From them such contumely was to be expected, Arrigo. Cast on you, my flesh and blood! What? His son! You, who obstinately choose death rather than share my glory! He! His son! Now our fate is truly sealed! Farewell, my country, unavenged, I leave you for another world! I die for you, but in despair at abandoning you in such grief! Yes, by their execution we put a stop to senseless revolt. Hapless woman, because of me our country's soil has become your tomb! And from rebels your lovely land, fair Sicily, shall be free. But you shall not die, beloved, or I, I swear it, shall die of grief! Farewell, beloved country, farewell, land of flowers! Hapless woman, because of me our country's soil has become your tomb! I pass on, grieving, to another world. But you shall not die, beloved! De profundis clamavi. De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine! On your knees, my child! Let us prostrate ourselves before God! Heaven smiles upon us already. My brother awaits me! Have mercy on them! Rescind your order, or I shall die with them! You, guilty yourself, are being overbold! And what gives you the right to intercede for the conspirators? Still, despite your obstinacy, my son, I can deny you nothing. Call me father, Arrigo, - and I shall pardon them and you! - Dear God! A whole populace of suppliants would kneel to me in vain! You only need say "my father! ” And I shall show them mercy! Do not say that, no, never, but let me die! - Ah, my lady! - In your repentance, keep faith with me! Call me father and I shall show mercy! Say “my father”, say... No, do not say it, not ever! And you will have my pardon! Almighty God, give me strength! What is this? The executioner is ready with his axe and awaits my signal. Cruel signal, murderous command! We are coming. Come to death! To glory! Oh, my lady! Oh, my country! De profundis! Oh, my country! Oh, horror! Oh, dear God! De profundis! - Mercy! - De profundis! Oh, my country! Farewell for ever! Oh, father! Oh, joy! Can it be true? Oh, father! Minister of death, stay your hand! I pardon them! Nor is clemency enough. As a seal of friendship between two rival nations, I bless the marriage between this woman and Arrigo! - Never! - You must! Our country and your brother, my lady, require it! I advise you to accept! Peace and pardon to all! I have found my son again! Oh, unexpected jubilation, greater than all other joys! My tongue fails me, I cannot find words to express myself. Now only words of peace will be heard in every quarter. All hearts are enraptured by such happiness. May the bridal garland become a crown of concord. Welcome at last, with singing and flowers, this union and the end of suffering. See the rainbow of peace, love's pledge. Long live the flame kindled in that heart! Long live the flame kindled in that heart! Hurrah for glory, hurrah for love! You have the radiance of a dazzling star! You're as pure and as lovely as a milk-white flower. You're the rainbow of peace, a pledge of love. The love you inspire seduces all hearts! Welcome at last, with singing and flowers, this union and the end of suffering. This is the rainbow of peace, the pledge of love. Long live the flame kindled in that heart! You're the rainbow of peace, a pledge of love. The love you inspire seduces all hearts! Hurrah for glory, hurrah for love! The bridal garland is a crown of glory! Thank you, gentle friends, for these pretty flowers. The kind gift is the image of your own sweet purity! Oh, blessed is the bond love has in store for me, if you, my attendants, wish me happiness from your hearts! Thank you for your gift! Oh, cherished dream, oh, sweet ecstasy! My heart leaps in anticipation! I breathe the air of heaven already, it thrills my every sense. Hurrah for glory, hurrah for love! Oh, land of Sicily, may radiant peace descend. Too often have dreadful vendettas torn you apart! Filled with hope, and putting past suffering behind you, may my day of happiness prove one of glory for you! Thank you for these flowers, indeed, indeed! Oh, cherished dream, oh, sweet ecstasy! My heart leaps in anticipation! The breeze caresses my face; choice perfumes anoint my heart. Long live the flame kindled in that heart! To your generous heart, my lady, our land must be beholden! Why? The enemy, with total confidence in us, has left towers and bastions unguarded. Dressed in all their finery and delirious with joy, all are hostages to pleasure, merry and jubilant. What doom is impending? I shall hide nothing from you! As soon as you have pronounced your ardent nuptial vow, and as the wedding bells ring out to announce the rite's completion, at that instant, in Palermo and elsewhere, the massacre will commence! At the altar! Here... in the sight of God! And my vows? Do you hold them more sacred than your country? Ah, I would give everything! - Even your honour? - That too! But tell me, even in your heart, where hate is dead already, can love for a Frenchman cause such a transformation? - Your lover is a tyrant's son. - He is my husband! - And you defend him? - Yes! - How dare you? I do dare! Here he is! He is coming! So, lady, what is stopping you? Quick, make haste, denounce me! My head will be your reward! I betray my friends? Oh no! Then must I betray my husband? No, I could never do that! My head will be your reward! Quick, make haste. See where the royal standard of France unfolds in the breeze. The warlike trumpet-blasts resound in jubilation! “As soon as you have pronounced your ardent nuptial vow..." The longed-for hour is here. “...and as the wedding bells ring out..." We are summoned to ***'s altar! "...to announce the rite's completion," "the massacre will begin." Dear God! Which side shall I take? She's trembling! Her face is pale! What hidden cause has she for such terror? - Oh, speak to me! - Yes, speak to us. If you dare! Grim destiny! Oh, speak to me! Oh, bitter ordeal! Ah! Have pity on my bewilderment! Let fearful love for your native land guide you in this ordeal! Have compassion on my grief. O my brother, pity my torment, fortify my spirit, assuage my grief! Think of your brother! He showed you the path of honour! Have pity on my bewilderment. One look, one word from you could save me so much pain. Ah! Speak to me, pity my torment! ! Have compassion on my grief. There is an eternal barrier between the two of us! The stern shade of my brother appeared to me. I see it yet! It stands before me! Forgive me, Arrigo, but I am yours no more! - What did you say? - Oh, my God! This marriage will never be! - Oh, love deluded! - Oh, cause betrayed! Go, go! Flee from the altar! - Oh, love deluded! - Oh, cause betrayed! I shall die, but I *** him from a cruel, unjust fate! You deceived me, faithless woman, about the truth of your feelings. I, poor wretch, can do nothing now but curse you! Perjurer, disloyal woman, you have dealt my heart a mortal blow! So farewell, death-dealing beauty! I shall die of grief! I can endure your contempt no longer! I shall explain everything! For your sake I defy, despise... Infamy and scorn! Continue. I must know! Continue! Sell Sicily and your friends to your brother's murderers! No, no, I cannot bear it! I never lied to you when I swore I loved you! Arrigo, I love you, and to be your wife... No, no, that I can never do! You deceived me, faithless woman, about the truth of your feelings. I, poor wretch, can do nothing now but curse you! Disgrace upon you, disloyal woman, for betraying faith and honour! He shall not die, I shall *** him from cruel death! So farewell, death-dealing beauty! The fatal bell shall never toll! Ah, come and commiserate with me in my mortal grief, O father! The longed-for nuptial tie, out of respect of her brother, Elena has ruptured! A mistake! Though shy, you cannot fight against your heart. I can see into it, believe me! You love him, he adores you. And I, whom you called tyrant, intend to act the part for you! Give me your hands, my children! I declare you man and wife, O noble pair! Bells, ring out your joyful message! No, that must not be! As the joyful sound rings out upon the air, pronounce your vows! No, never! I cannot! Ah! You are doomed! Leave this place! Go! Flee! - Why ever should I? - Can you not heart he shouts? That is the people who await us. - The bell has rung a message... - Of revenge! Revenge! Revenge! Spread death, spread terror! Revenge! That is the cry from our hearts! Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!