AIDA
ACT I.
SCENE I.
Hall in the Palace of the King at Memphis.—To the right and left a Colonnade with statues and flowering shrubs.—At the back a grand gate, from which may be seen the temples and palaces of Memphis, and the Pyramids.
Radames and Ramphis.
Ramphis.
Yes, it is rumored that the Ethiop dares once
Again our power in the valley of Nilus,
Threaten as well as Thebes. The truth from
Messengers I soon shall know.
Radames.
Hast thou consulted
The will of Isis?
Ramphis.
She has declared
Who of Egypt's renowned
Armies shall be leader.
Radames.
Oh, happy mortal!
Ramphis.
(Looking significantly at Radames.)
Young in years is he and dauntless.
The dread commandment I to the king shall take.
Radames.
What if 'tis I am chosen,
Ah my dream be now accomplished!
Of a glorious army
I the chosen leader—mine glorious victory—
By Memphis received in triumph
To thee returned, Aida, my brow entwined with laurel—
Tell thee, for thee I battled, for thee I conquered!
Heav'nly Aida, beauty resplendent,
Radiant flower blooming and bright;
Queenly thou reignest o'er me transcendent,
Bathing my spirit in beauty's light.
Would that thy bright skies once more beholding,
Breathing the soft airs of thy native land;
Round thy fair brow a diadem folding,
Thine were a throne next the sun to stand.
SCENE II.
Amneris and the same.
Amneris.
In thy visage I trace a joy unwonted!
What martial ardour is beaming in thy noble glances!
Ah me! how worthy were of all envy the woman whose dearly wish'd-for presence
Could have power to kindle in thee such rapture!
Radames.
A dream of proud ambition
In my heart I was nursing—Isis this day
Has declared my name the warrior chief appointed
To lead to battle Egypt's hosts,—ah, for this honour
Say what if I were chosen!
