symphony should be majestic, slow, and, if possible, it should be interrupted, to express Regulus' state of mind when he reflects that he is returning as a slave to the place where he was lately consul. In one of these interruptions of the symphony I should like Hamilcar to speak the two lines:
- Regolo, a che t'arresti e forse nuovo
Per te questo soggiorno?
- Regolo, a che t'arresti e forse nuovo
and the symphony should not end before Regulus' reply:
- Penso qual ne parlii, qual vi ritorno.
In the second act two instrumental recitatives are required. In one of these scenes, "Regulus should remain seated as far as the words:
- Ah no. De'vili questo è il linguaggio.
"He will speak the rest standing. … If, as a result of the arrangement of the scene, Regulus cannot immediately seat himself, he should move slowly towards his seat, halting from time to time and apparently immersed in serious meditation; it would then be necessary that the orchestra should precede and support him until he is seated.
"All his speeches—reflections, doubts, hesitations—will give an opportunity for a few bars of instrumental music with unexpected modulations. Directly he rises the music should express resolution and energy. And tedium must always be avoided …"
For the third act: "I should like no instruments to be employed in the recitatives before the last scene—although they might suitably be employed in two other scenes; but it seems to me that one should be sparing of such an effect."
This last scene is preceded by a violent tumult on the part of the people, who shout:
- Resti, Regolo, resti …
