National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/Chorus from the Alcestis of Alfieri
CHORUS.
TRANSLATED FROM THE ALCESTIS OF ALFIERI.
(In the scene where the dying Alcestis has bid farewell to her husband and children.)
(ATTENDANTS OF ALCESTIS.)
Peace, mourners, peace!
Be hushed, be silent, in this hour of dread!
Our cries would but increase
The sufferer's pangs; let tears unheard be shed,
Cease, voice of weeping, cease!
Sustain, O friend!
Upon thy faithful breast,
The head that sinks, with mortal pain opprest!
And thou, assistance lend
To close the languid eye,
Still beautiful, in life's last agony.
Alas! how long a strife!
What anguish struggles in the parting breath,
Ere yet immortal life
Be won by death!
Death! Death! thy work complete!
Let thy sad hour be fleet,
Speed, in thy mercy, the releasing sigh!
No more keen pangs impart
To her, the high in heart,
The adored Alcestis, worthy ne'er to die.
(ATTENDANTS OF ADMETUS.)
'Tis not enough, oh! no!
To hide the scene of anguish from his eyes;
Still must our silent band
Around him watchful stand,
And on the mourner ceaseless care bestow,
That his ear catch not grief's funereal cries.
Yet, yet hope is not dead,
All is not lost below,
While yet the gods have pity on our woe.
Oft when all joy is fled,
Heaven lends support to those
Who on its care in pious hope repose.
Then to the blessed skies
Let our submissive prayers in chorus rise.
Pray! pray! pray!
What other task have mortals, born to tears,
Whom fate controls, with adamantine sway?
O ruler of the spheres!
Jove! Jove! enthroned immortally on high,
Our supplication hear!
Nor plunge in bitterest woes,
Him, who nor footstep moves, nor lifts his eye,
But as a child, which only knows
Its father to revere.