ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Amneris, mournful, crouched before the portal.
Amneris.
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.
SCENE II.
Radames, led in by Guards.
Amneris.
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.
Radames.
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!
Amneris.
Then save thy life and clear thyself.
Radames.
No!
Amneris.
Wouldst thou die?
Radames.
Detested
Life is; of all pleasure
From henceforward divested.
Without hope's priceless treasure
'Tis better far to die!
Amneris.
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!
Radames.
Have I not staked upon her
All that in life was dearest!
Amneris.
No more of her!
Radames.
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?
Amneris.
I on her life lay guilty hands!
No! Aida lives yet!
