Page:Aida Libretto English.djvu/21

SCENE III.

Entrance gate to the city of Thebes.—In front a dump of palms.—R.H. a temple dedicated to Ammon; L.H. a throne with a purple canopy; at back a triumphal arch.—The stage is crowded with people. Enter the King, followed by State Officers, Priests, Captains, Fan-bearers, Standard-bearers.—Afterwards Amneris, with Aida and Slaves.—The King takes his seat on the throne.—Amneris places herself at his left hand.

Chorus.

Glory to Isis and the land
By her firm arm protected!
To Egypt's King elected,
Raise we our festive songs!
Hither advance, oh glorous band,
Mingle your joy with ours.
Green bays and fragrant flowers
Scatter their path along.

Women.

The laurel with the lotus bound
The victors' brows enwreathing,
Let flowers, sweet perfume breathing,
Veil their grim arms from sight.
Dance, sons of Egypt, circling round,
And sing your mystic praises,
As round the sun in mazes
Dance the bright stars of night.

Priests.

Unto the powers war's issue dread
Deciding, our glances raise we,
Thank we our gods, and praise we
On this triumphant day.
Thus our dread foes once more dispersed,
And honour vindicated,
May we ne'er fall prostrated
Beneath their hated sway.

The Egyptian troops, preceded by trumpets, defile before the King.—Other troops enter, following war chariots, banners, sacred vessels, and images of the Gods.—A group of Dancing Girls appears bringing the spoils of the conquered.—Enter Radames under a canopy carried by twelve officers.

King.

(Descends from throne to embrace Radames.)

Saviour brave of thy country, Egypt salutes thee!
Hither now advance, and on thy head
My daughter will place the crown of triumph.

(Radames bows before Amneris, who hands him the crown.)

King (To Radames).

What thou askest
Freely I'll grant it; naught can be denied thee
On such a day: I swear it
By the crown I am wearing, by Heaven above us.

Radames.

First deign to order that the captives
Be before you brought

(Enter Ethiopian Prisoners, surrounded by Guards. Amonasro last, in the dress of an officer.)

Aida.

What see I? He here? My father?

All.

Her father!

Amneris.

And in our power!

Aida (Embracing her father)

Thou captive made!

Amonasro (Whispering to Aida.)

Tell not my rank.

King (To Amonasro).

Come forward!
So then thou art—

Amonasro.

Her father! I joined the war,
Fought, and was conquered. Death I vainly sought.

(Pointing to the uniform he is wearing.)

This my habit has told you already,
I my king, I my country defended.