Page:Aida Libretto English.djvu/31

Rh

Think that thy race downtrampled by the conqueror,

Through thee alone can their freedom gain.

Oh then, my country than love has proved the stronger.

Have courage! he comes! there I'll remain.

(Conceals himself among the palms.)

I see thee again, my sweet Aida!

Advance not! Hence! What hopes are thine?

Love led me hither in hope to meet thee.

Thou to another must thy hand resign.

The Princess weds thee!

What say'st thou?

Thee only, Aida, e'er can I love.

Be witness, Heaven, thou art not forsaken!

Invoke not falsely the Gods above;

Brave thou wert loved, let not untruth degrade thee.

Can I not of my love then persuade thee?

And how then

Hop'st thou to baffle the love of thy Princess?

The King's high demand, the desire of the people,

The certain wrath of the priesthood?

Hear me, sweet Aida!

Once more of deadly strife with hope unfading

The Ethiopians have lighted the brand;

Already they our borders have invaded,

While Egypt's armies I shall command,

When shouts of triumph greet me victorious.

To our kind monarch my love disclosing,

Thee will I claim, thee my guerdon glorious.

With thee live ever in peace reposing.

Nay, but dost thou not fear then

Of Amneris the rage? Her dreadful vengeance

Like the lightning of Heaven on me will fall—

Fall on my father, my nation.

I will defend thee.

In vain would'st thou attempt it.

Yet, if thou lovest me, then still offers

A means for our safety.

Name it!

To fly!

Together!

Ah, fly from where these burning skies,

Are all beneath them blighting;

Towards regions new we'll turn our eyes,