Page:Aida Libretto English.djvu/37

Rh

She, my rival detested, has escaped me;

And from the Priesthood Radames is 'waiting

The sentence of a traitor. Yet a traitor

He is not. Though he disclosed the weighty

Secrets of warfare—flight was his true intention.

And flight with her too. They are traitors all then!

And justly should perish. What am I saying? I love him!

Still I love him. Yes, insane and desperate

Is the love my wretched life destroying.

Ah! could he only love me!

Fain would I save him. Yet can I?

One effort! Soldiers: Radames bring hither.

Now to the hall the priests proceed

Where judgment thou art waiting,

Yet is there hope from this foul deed

Thyself of disculpating.

Once clear to gain thy pardon,

I at the throne's foot kneeling

For mercy dear appealing,

Life will I bring to thee.

From me my judges ne'er will hear

One word of exculpation;

In sight of heaven I am clear,

Nor fear its reprobation.

My lips I keep no guard on,

The secret I imparted;

But guiltless and pure-hearted,

From stain my honour's free!

Then save thy life and clear thyself.

No!

Wouldst thou die?

Detested

Life is; of all pleasure

From henceforward divested.

Without hope's priceless treasure

'Tis better far to die!

Wouldst die then? ah me! consent to live.

Live, of all my love assured;

The keenest pangs that death can give

For thee have I endured

By love condemned to languish,

Long vigils I have spent in anguish,

My country, power, existence

All I'd surrender for thee!

Have I not staked upon her

All that in life was dearest!

No more of her!

Dishonour

Awaits me, my death thou fearest?

Wretched thou mad'st life ever

From Aida mine to sever;

Haply thou hast slain her

Yet offerest life to me?

I on her life lay guilty hands!

No! Aida lives yet!