Adverse fortune against us ran steady,
Vainly sought we the fates to defy.
At my feet in the dust lay extended
Our King—countless wounds had transpierced him;
If to fight for the country that nursed him
Make one guilty, we are ready to die.
(Turning to the King supplicatingly.)
But, O King, in thy power transcendent,
Spare the lives on thy mercy dependent.
By the fates though to-day overtaken,
Say, who can to-morrow's event descry.
Aida, Prisoners, and Slaves.
We on whom Heaven's anger is falling,
Thee implore, on thy clemency calling,
May ye ne'er be by fortune forsaken,
Nor like us in captivity lie!
Ramphis and Priests.
Death, O King, be their just destination,
Close thy heart to all vain supplication.
By the Heavens they doomed are to perish,
We the Heavens are bound to obey.
People.
Holy priests, calm your anger exceeding,
Lend an ear to the conquered foe pleading;
Mighty King, thou whose power we cherish,
In thy bosom let mercy have sway.
Radames (Regarding Aida).
(See her cheek wan with weeping and sorrow,
From affliction new charm seems to borrow,
In my bosom love's flame seems new lighted
By each tear-drop that flows from her eyes.)
Amneris.
(With what glances on her is he gazing,
Glowing passion witin them is blazing;
She is loved and my passion is slighted,
Stern revenge in my breast loudly cries.)
King.
High in triumph since our banners now are soaring,
Let us spare those our mercy imploring,
By the gods mercy aye is requited,
And gives strength to princely sway.
Radames (To King).
O King, by Heaven above us,
And by the crown upon thy brow, thou sworest
Whate'er I asked thee thou wouldst grant it.
King.
Say on!
Radames.
Vouchsafe thee, I pray, freedom and life
To freely grant unto these Ethiop captives here.
Amneris.
(Free all, then!)
Priests.
Death be the doom of Egypt's enemies.
People.
Compassion to the wretched.
Ramphis.
Hear me, O King;
And thou too,
Dauntless young hero, list to the voice of prudence:
They are foes, to battle hardened,
In them vengeance ne'er will die,
Growing bolder if now pardoned
They to arms once more will fly.
