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Semele

SEMELE

An opera.

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Libretto by William CONGREVE, Newburgh HAMILTON.
Music by Georg Friedrich HÄNDEL.

First performance: 10 February 1744, London.


Dramatis Personae:

JUPITER

tenor

CADMUS king of Thebes

bass

ATHAMAS a prince of Bœotia, in love with and design'd to marry

contralto

SEMELE daughter to Cadmus, beloved by and in love with Jupiter

soprano

SOMNUS

bass

APOLLO

tenor

CUPID

other

JUNO

contralto

IRIS

soprano

INO sister to Semele, in love with Athamas

contralto

CHIEF PRIEST of Juno

bass


Zephyrs, Loves, Shepherds, Satyrs, Shepherdesses, Priests, Augurs.

Bœotia.

Argument

After Jupiter's amour with Europa, the daughter of Agenor, king of Phaenicia, he again incenses Juno by a new affair in the same family; viz. with Semele, niece to Europa, and daughter to Cadmus king of Thebes. Semele is on the point of marriage with Athamas; which marriage is about to be solemniz'd in the temple of Juno, goddess of marriages, when Jupiter by ill omens interrupts the ceremony; and afterwards transports Semele to a private abode prepar'd for her. Juno, after many contrivances, at length assumes the shape and voice of Ino, sister to Semele; by the help of which disguise and artful insinuations, she prevails with her to make a request to Jupiter, which being granted must end in her utter ruin.

This fable is related in Ovid Metam. L. 3 but there Juno is said to impose on Semele in the shape of an old woman, her nurse. 'Tis hoped, the liberty taken in substituting Ino instead of the old woman will be excus'd: it was done, because Ino is interwoven in the design by her love of Athamas; to whom she was married, according to Ovid; and because her character bears a proportion with the dignity of the other persons represented. This reason, it is presumed, may be allowed in a thing intirely fictitious; and more especially being represented under the title of an opera, where greater absurdities are every day excused.

It was not thought requisite to haue any regard either in rhyme or equality of measure, in the lines of that part of the dialogue which was design'd for the recitative stile in musick. For as that stile in musick is not confin'd to the strict observation of time and measure, which is requir'd in the composition of airs and sonata's, so neither is it necessary that the same exactness in numbers, rhymes, or measure, should be observed in the formation of odes and sonnets. For what they call recitative in musick, is only a more tuneable speaking, it is a kind of prose in musick; its beauty consists in coming near nature, and in improving the natural accents of words by more pathetick or emphatical tones.

First Act

[Ouverture - Gavotte]

Scene 1

The scene is the temple of Juno, near the altar is a golden image of the goddess. Priests are in their solemnities, as after a sacrifice newly offer'd: flames arise from the altar, and the statue of Juno is seen to bow.
Cadmus, Athamas, Semele, Ino and Chorus of priests.

[N. 1 - Accompagnato]

1ST PRIEST

Behold! auspicious flashes rise;

Juno accepts our sacrifice;

the grateful odour swift ascends,

and see, the golden image bends.

[N. 2 - Chorus of Priests]

1ST PRIEST AND 2ND PRIEST

Lucky omens bless our rites,

and sure success shall crown your loves;

peaceful days and fruitfull nights

attend the pair that she approves.

[N. 3 - Recitative, arioso and duet]

CADMUS

Daughter, obey,

hear, and obey.

With kind consenting

ease a parent's care;

invent no new delay.

ATHAMAS

O hear a faithful lover's pray'r;

on this auspicious day

invent no new delay.

CADMUS AND ATHAMAS

Hear, and obey;

invent no new delay

on this auspicious day.

[N. 4 - Accompagnato]

SEMELE

(apart)

Ah me!

What refuge now is left me?

How various, how tormenting,

are my miseries!

O Jove assist me,

can Semele forgo thy love,

and to a mortal's passion yield?

Thy vengeance will o'ertake such perfidy.

If I deny, my father's wrath I fear.

[N. 5 - Air]

O Jove, in pity teach me which to chuse,

incline me to comply, or help me to refuse.

Teach me which to chuse,

or help me to refuse!

[N. 6 - Air]

The morning lark to mine accords his note,

and tunes to my distress his warbling throat.

Each setting and each rising sun I mourn,

wailing alike his absence and return.

(da capo)

[N. 7 - Recitative]

ATHAMAS

See, she blushing turns her eyes:

see, with sighs her bosom panting:

if from love those sighs arise,

nothing to my bliss is wanting.

[N. 8 - Air]

Hymen haste, thy torch prepare,

love already his has lighted,

one soft sigh has cur'd despair,

and more than my past pains requited.

(da capo)

[N. 9 - Recitative]

INO

Alas! she yields,

and has undone me:

I can no longer hide my passion;

it must have vent. ~

Or inward burning

ill consume me.

O Athamas ~

I cannot utter it. ~

ATHAMAS

On me fair Ino calls

with mournful accent,

her colour fading,

and her eyes o'erflowing!

INO

O Semele!

SEMELE

On me she calls,

yet seems to shun me!

What would my sister?

Speak. ~

INO

Thou hast undone me.

[N. 10 - Quartet]

CADMUS

Why dost thou thus untimely grieve,

and all our solemn rites prophane?

Can he, or she, thy woes relieve?

Or I? Of whom dost thou complain?

INO

Of all; but all, I fear, in vain.

ATHAMAS

Can I thy woes relieve?

SEMELE

Can I asswage thy pain?

CADMUS, ATHAMAS, SEMELE

Of whom dost thou complain?

INO

Of all; but all, I fear, in vain.

It lightens, and thunder is heard at a distance; then, a noise of rain; the fire is suddenly extigush'd on the altar: the Chief Priest comes forward.

[N. 11 - Chorus of Priests]

CHORUS OF PRIESTS

Avert these omens, all ye pow'rs!

Some god averse our holy rites controlls,

o'erwhelming with sudden night, the day expires!

Ill-boding thunder on the right hand rolls,

and Jove himself descends in show'rs,

to quench our late propitious fires.

Flames are again kindled on the altar, and the statue nods.

[N. 12 - Accompagnato]

2ND PRIEST

Again auspicious flashes rise,

Juno accepts our sacrifice.

Flames are again kindled on the altar, and the statue nods.

3RD PRIEST

Again the sickly flame decaying dies:

Juno assents, but angry Jove denies.

The fire is again extinguish'd.

[N. 13 - Recitative]

ATHAMAS

(apart)

Thy aid, pronubial Juno, Athamas implores.

SEMELE

(apart)

Thee Jove, and thee alone, Semele adores.

A loud clap of thunder; the altar sinks.

[N. 14 - Chorus of Priests]

CHORUS OF PRIESTS

Cease, cease your vows, 'tis impious to proceed;

be gone, and fly this holy place with speed:

this dreadful conflict is of dire presage;

be gone, and fly from Jove's impending rage.

All but the priests come forward. The scene closes on the priests, and shews to view the front and outside of the temple. Cadmus leads off Semele, attendants follow. Athamas and Ino remain.

Scene 2

Athamas and Ino.

[N. 15 - Recitative]

ATHAMAS

O Athamas, what torture hast thou born!

And o, what hast thou yet to bear!

From love, from hope, from near possession torn,

and plung'd at once in deep despair.

[N. 16 - Air]

INO

Turn, hopeless lover, turn thy eyes,

and see a maid bemoan,

in flowing tears and aking sighs,

thy woes, too like her own.

[N. 17 - Recitative]

ATHAMAS

She weeps!

The gentle maid, in tender pity,

weeps to behold my misery!

So Semele wou'd melt

to see another mourn.

[N. 18 - Air]

Your tuneful voice my tale would tell,

in pity of my sad despair;

and with sweet melody compel

attention from the flying fair.

(da capo)

[N. 19 - Recitative]

INO

Too well I see

thou wilt not understand me.

Whence cou'd proceed such tenderness?

Whence such compassion?

Insensible! Ingrate!

Ah no, I cannot blame thee:

for by effects unknown before

who cou'd the hidden cause explore?

Or think that love cou'd act so strange a part,

to plead for pity in a rival's heart.

ATHAMAS

Ah me, what have I heard!

She does her passion own.

INO

What, had I not despair'd,

you never shou'd have known.

[N. 20 - Duet]

You've undone me;

look not on me;

guilt upbraiding,

shame invading;

look not on me;

you've undone me.

ATHAMAS

With my life I wou'd atone

pains you've borne,

to me unknown.

Cease, cease to shun me.

INO

You've undone me,

look not on me.

ATHAMAS

Cease, cease to shun me:

love, love alone

has both undone.

INO, ATHAMAS

Love, love alone

has both undone.

Scene 3

To them enter Cadmus attended.

[N. 21 - Recitative]

CADMUS

Ah, wretched prince, doom'd to disastrous love!

Ah me, of parents most forlorn!

Prepare, o Athamas, to prove

the sharpest pangs that e'er were born:

prepare with me our common loss to mourn.

ATHAMAS

Can fate, or Semele invent

another, yet another punishment?

[N. 22 - Accompagnato]

CADMUS

Wing'd with our fears, and pious haste,

from Juno's fane we fled;

scarce we the brazen gates had pass'd,

when Semele around her head

with azure flames was grac'd,

whose lambent glories in her tresses play'd.

While this we saw with dread surprize,

swifter than lightning downwards tending

an eagle stoopt, of mighty size,

on purple wings descending;

like gold his beak, like stars shone forth his eyes,

his silver plumy breast with snow contending:

sudden he snatch'd the trembling maid,

and soaring from our sight convey'd;

diffusing ever as he lessening flew

celestial odour, and ambrosial dew.

[N. 23 - Recitative]

ATHAMAS

O prodigy, to me of dire portent!

INO

To me, I hope, of fortunate event.

Scene 4

Enter to them the Chief Priest, with Augurs and other Priests.

[N. 24 - Recitative]

CADMUS

See, see Jove's priests and holy augurs come:

speak, speak, of Semele and me declare the doom.

[N. 25 - Chorus of Priests and Augurs]

CHORUS OF PRIESTS AND AUGURS

Hail Cadmus, hail!

Jove salutes the Theban king.

Cease your mourning,

joys returning,

songs of mirth and triumph sing.

Hail Cadmus, hail!

[N. 26 - Air and Chorus]

SEMELE

Endless pleasure, endless love

Semele enjoys above;

on her bosom Jove reclining,

useless now his thunder lies,

to her arms his bolts resigning,

and his lightning to her eyes.

CHORUS OF PRIESTS AND AUGURS

Endless pleasure, endless love

Semele enjoys above.

(Exeunt Omnes.)

Second Act

[N. 27 - Symphony]

Scene 1

The scene is a pleasant country, the prospect is terminated by a beautiful mountain adorn'd with woods and water-falls. Juno and Iris descend in different machines. Juno in a chariot drawn by peacocks; Iris on a rainbow; they alight and meet.

[N. 28 - Recitative]

JUNO

Iris, impatient of thy stay,

from Samos have I wing'd my way,

to meet thy slow return;

thou know'st what cares infest

my anxious breast,

and how with rage and jealousie i burn:

then why this long delay?

IRIS

With all his speed not yet the sun

thro' half his race has run,

since I to execute thy dread command

have thrice encompass'd seas and land.

JUNO

Say, where is Semele's abode?

'Till that I know,

tho' thou hadst on lightning rode,

still thou tedious art and slow.

IRIS

Look where Citheron proudly stands,

Bœotia parting from Cecropian lands.

High on the summit of that hill,

beyond the reach of mortal eyes,

by Jove's command, and Vulcan's skill,

behold a new-erected palace rise.

[N. 29 - Air]

There from mortal cares retiring,

she resides in sweet retreat;

on her pleasure, Jove requiring,

all the Loves and Graces wait.

(da capo)

[N. 30 - Recitative]

JUNO

No more ~ I'll hear no more!

IRIS

Thither Flora the fair

with her train must repair,

her amorous Zephyr attending,

all her sweets she must bring

to continue the spring,

which never must there know and ending.

Bright Aurora, 'tis said,

from her old lover's bed

no more the grey orient adorning,

for the future must rise

from the fair Semele's eyes,

and wait 'till she wakes for the morning.

[N. 31 - Accompagnato]

JUNO

Awake, Saturnia, from thy lethargy!

Seize, destroy the cursed Semele!

Scale proud Cithaeron's top,

snatch her, tear her in thy fury,

and down to the flood of Acheron

let her fall, let her fall, fall, fall,

rolling down the depths of night,

never more to behold the light.

If I th'imperial scepter sway, I swear by hell!

(Tremble, thou universe, this oath to hear!)

Not one of curst Agenor's race to spare.

[N. 32 - Recitative]

IRIS

Hear, mighty queen, while I recount

what obstacles you must surmount.

[N. 33 - Accompagnato]

With adamant the gates are barr'd,

whose entrance two fierce dragons guard.

At each approach they lash their forky stings

and clap their brazen wings;

and as their scaly horrors rise,

rhey all at once disclose

a thousand fiery eyes

which never know repose.

[N. 34 - Air]

JUNO

Hence, Iris, hence away,

far from the realms of day!

O'er Scythian hills to the Maeotian lake

a speedy flight we'll take!

There Somnus I'll compel

his downy bed to leave, and silent cell;

with noise and light I will his peace molest,

nor shall he sink again to pleasing rest,

rill to my vow'd revenge he grants supplies,

and seals with sleep the wakeful dragons' eyes.

(da capo)

(Exeunt.)

Scene 2

The scene changes to an apartment in the palace of Semele; she is sleeping; Loves and Zephyrs waiting.

[N. 35 - Air]

CUPID

Come Zephyrs, come, while Cupid sings,

fan her with your silky wings;

new desire I'll inspire

and revive the dying flames;

dance around her,

while i wound her,

and with pleasure

fill her dreams.

(da capo)

A dance of Zephyrs, after which Semele awakes, and rises.

[N. 36 - Air]

SEMELE

O sleep, why dost thou leave me?

Why they visionary joys remove?

O sleep again deceive me,

to my arms restore my wand'ring love.

Scene 3

Two Loves lead in Jupiter. While he meets and embraces Semele, Cupid sings.

[N. 37 - Recitative]

CUPID

Sleep forsaking,

seize him waking;

love has sought him,

back has brought him;

mighty Jove tho' he be,

and tho' love cannot see,

yet by feeling about

he has found him out,

and has caught him.

[N. 38 - Recitative]

SEMELE

Let me not another moment

bear the pangs of absence.

Since you have form'd my soul for loving,

no more afflict me

with doubts and fears, and cruel jealousie.

[N. 39 - Air]

JUPITER

Lay your doubts and fears aside,

and for joys alone provide;

tho' this human form I wear,

think not i man's falshood bear.

(da capo)

[N. 40 - Recitative]

You are mortal, and require

time to rest and to respire.

Nor was I absent,

tho' a while withdrawn,

to take petitions

from the needy world.

While love was with thee I was present;

love and I are one.

[N. 41 - Air]

SEMELE

With fond desiring,

with bliss expiring,

panting,

fainting,

if this be love, not you alone,

but love and I are one.

Causeless doubting,

or despairing,

rashly trusting,

idly fearing,

if this be love, not you alone,

but love and I are one

(da capo)

[N. 42 - Air]

CHORUS OF LOVES AND ZEPHYRS

How engaging, how endearing,

is a lover's pain and care!

And what joy the nymph's appearing

after absence or despair!

(da capo)

[N. 43 - Recitative]

SEMELE

Ah me!

JUPITER

Why sighs my Semele?

What gentle sorrow

swells thy soft bosom?

Why tremble those fair eyes

with interrupted light?

Where hov'ring for a vent,

amidst their humid fires,

some new-form'd wish appears.

Speak, and obtain.

SEMELE

At my own happiness

i sigh and tremble;

mortals whom gods affect

have narrow limits set to life,

and cannot long be bless'd.

Or if they could ~

a god may prove inconstant.

JUPITER

(apart)

Too well I read her meaning,

but must not understand her:

aiming at immortality

with dangerous ambition.

[N. 44 - Air]

I must with speed amuse her

lest she too much explain.

It gives the lover double pain

who hears his nymph complain,

and hearing, must refuse her.

(da capo)

[N. 45 - Chorus of Loves and Zephyrs]

CHORUS OF LOVES AND ZEPHYRS

Now love that everlasting boy invites

to revel while you may in soft delights.

[N. 46 - Recitative ]

JUPITER

By my command

now at this instant

two winged Zephyrs

from her downy bed

thy much lov'd Ino bear,

and both together

waft her hither,

through the balmy air.

SEMELE

Shall I my sister see!

The dear companion

of my tender years.

JUPITER

See, she appears,

but sees not me;

for I am visible

alone to thee.

While I retire, rise and meet her,

and with welcomes greet her.

Now all this scene shall to Arcadia turn,

the seat of happy nymphs and swains;

there without the rage of jealousy they burn,

and taste the sweets of love without its pains.

[N. 47 - Air]

Where'er you walk, cool gales shall fan the glade;

trees, where you sit, shall crowd into a shade.

Where'er you tread, the blushing flow'rs shall rise,

and all things flourish where'er you turn your eyes.

(da capo)

Scene 4

Jupiter retires. Semele and Ino meet and embrace. The scene is totally changed, and shews an open country. Chorus of Nymphs and Swains. Semele and Ino having entertain'd each other in dumb shew, sit and observe the rural sports, which end the second act.

[N. 48 - Recitative]

SEMELE

Dear sister, how was your passage hither?

INO

O'er many states and peopled towns we pass'd,

o'er hills and valleys, and o'er deserts waste;

o'er barren moors, and o'er unwholesome fens,

and woods where beasts inhabit dreadful dens.

Through all which pathless way our speed was such,

we stopp'd not once the face of earth to touch.

Meantime they told me, while through air we fled,

that Jove did thus ordain.

[N. 49 - Air]

But hark, the heav'nly sphere turns round,

and silence now is drown'd

in ecstasy of sound.

How on a sudden the still air is charm'd

as if all harmony were just alarm'd!

and ev'ry soul with transport fill'd,

aternately is thaw'd and chill'd.

[N. 50 - Duet]

SEMELE, INO

Prepare then, ye immortal choir,

each sacred minstrel tune his lyre,

and all in chorus join!

[N. 51 - Chorus of Nymphs and Swains]

CHORUS OF NYMPHS AND SWAINS

Bless the glad earth with heav'nly lays,

and to that pitch th'eternal accents raise,

that all appear divine!

Third Act

[N. 52 - Symphony]

Scene 1

The scene is the cave of sleep. The god of sleep lying on his bed. A soft symphony is heard. Then the musick changes to a different movement.

[N. 53 - Accompagnato]

JUNO

Somnus, awake,

raise thy reclining head.

IRIS

Thyself forsake,

and lift up thy heavy lids of lead.

[N. 54 - Air]

SOMNUS

(waking)

Leave me, loathsome light;

receive me, silent night.

Lethe, why does thy lingering current cease?

O murmur, murmur me again to peace,

sinks down again.

[N. 55 - Recitative]

IRIS

Dull god, can'st thou attend the waters fall,

and not hear saturnia call!

JUNO

Peace, Iris, peace, I know how to charm him:

Pasithea's name alone can warm him.

JUNO, IRIS

Only love on sleep has pow'r;

o'er gods and men

tho' Somnus reign,

love alternate has his hour.

JUNO

Somnus, arise,

disclose thy tender eyes;

for Pasithea's sight

endure the light:

Somnus, arise.

[N. 56 - Air]

SOMNUS

(rising)

More sweet is that name

than a soft purling stream;

with pleasure repose I'll forsake,

if you'll grant me but her to sooth me awake.

[N. 57 - Recitative]

JUNO

My will obey,

she shall be thine.

Thou, with thy softer pow'rs,

first Jove shalt captivate.

To Morpheus then give order,

thy various minister,

that with a dream in shape of Semele,

but far more beautiful

and more alluring,

he may invade the sleeping deity;

and more to agitate his kindling fire

still let the phantom seem to fly before him,

that he may wake impetuous, furious in desire,

unable to refuse whatever boon

her coyness shall require.

SOMNUS

I tremble to comply.

JUNO

To me thy leaden rod resign,

to charm the sentinels

on mount Cithaeron.

Then cast a sleep on mortal Ino,

that I may seem her form to wear,

when I to Semele appear.

[N. 58 - Duet]

Obey my will, thy rod resign,

and Pasithea shall be thine.

SOMNUS

All I must grant, for all is due

to Pasithea, love and you.

(Exeunt.)

Scene 2

Semele's Apartment.
Semele alone.

[N. 59 - Air]

My racking thoughts by no kind slumbers freed,

but painful nights to joyful days succeed.

Scene 3

Enter Juno as Ino, with a mirrour in her hand.

[N. 60 - Recitative]

JUNO

(apart)

Thus shaped like Ino.

With ease I shall deceive her,

and in this mirrour she shall see

herself as much transform'd as me.

(to Semele)

Do I some goddess see!

Or is it Semele?

SEMELE

Dear sister, speak,

whence this astonishment?

JUNO

Your charms improving

to divine perfection,

shew you were late admitted

amongst celestial beauties.

Has Jove consented?

And are you made immortal?

SEMELE

Ah no, I still am mortal;

nor am I sensible

of any change or new perfection.

[N. 61 - Air]

JUNO

(giving her the glass)

Behold in this mirrour

whence comes my surprize;

such lustre and terror

unite in your eyes,

that mine cannot fix on a radiance so bright;

'tis unsafe for the sense, and too slipp'ry for sight.

[N. 62 - Recitative]

SEMELE

(looking in the glass)

O ecstacy of happiness!

Celestial graces

I discover in each feature!

[N. 63 - Air]

Myself I shall adore,

if I persist in gazing;

no object sure before

was ever half so pleasing.

(da capo)

[N. 64 - Recitative]

JUNO

(taking the glass from her)

Be wise as you are beautiful,

nor lose this opportunity.

When Jove appears,

all ardent with desire,

refuse his proffer'd flame

'till you obtain a boon without a name.

SEMELE

Can that avail me?

JUNO

Unknowing your intent,

and eager for possessing,

he unawares will grant

the nameless blessing.

But bind him by the Stygian lake,

lest lover-like his word he break.

SEMELE

But how shall I attain

to immortality?

[N. 65 - Accompagnato]

JUNO

Conjure him by his oath

not to approach your bed

in likeness of a mortal,

but like himself, the mighty thunderer

in pomp of majesty,

and heav'nly attire;

as when he proud Saturnia charms,

and with ineffable delights

fills her encircling arms,

and pays the nuptial rites.

By this conjunction

with entire divinity

you shall partake of heav'nly essence,

and thenceforth leave this mortal state

to reign above,

ador'd by Jove,

in spite of jealous Juno's hate.

[N. 66 - Air]

SEMELE

Thus let my thanks be paid,

thus let my arms embrace thee;

and when i'm a goddess made,

with charms like mine I'll grace thee.

[N. 67 - Recitative]

JUNO

Rich odours fill the fragrant air,

and Jove's approach declare.

I must retire. ~

SEMELE

Adieu - Your counsel I'll pursue.

JUNO

(apart)

And sure destruction will ensue.

Vain wretched Fool ~

to her.

Adieu.

Scene 4

Jupiter enters, offers to embrace Semele; she looks kindly on him, but retires a little from him.

[N. 68 - Air]

JUPITER

Come to my arms, my lovely fair,

soothe my uneasie care:

in my dream late I woo'd thee,

and in vain I pursu'd thee,

for you fled from my pray'r,

and bid me despair.

Come to my arms, my lovely fair.

[N. 69 - Recitative]

SEMELE

Tho' 'tis easie to please ye,

and hard to deny;

tho' possessing's a blessing

for which I could die,

I dare not, I cannot comply.

JUPITER

When I languish with anguish,

and tenderly sigh,

can you leave me, deceive me,

and scornfully fly?

Ah fear not, you must not deny.

SEMELE AND JUPITER

I dare not, I must not comply.

Ah fear not; you must not deny.

JUPITER

O Semele,

why art thou thus insensible?

Were I a mortal,

thy barbarous disdaining

would surely end me,

and death at my complaining

in pity would befriend me.

[N. 70 - Air]

SEMELE

I ever am granting,

you always complain;

I always am wanting,

yet never obtain.

[N. 71 - Recitative]

JUPITER

Speak, speak, your desire,

I'm all over fire.

Say what you require,

I'll grant it ~ now let us retire.

SEMELE

Swear by the Stygian Lake.

[N. 72 - Accompagnato]

JUPITER

By that tremendous flood I swear,

ye Stygian waters hear,

and thou Olympus shake,

in witness to the oath I take.

Thunder is heard at a distance, and underneath.

[N. 73 - Recitativo]

SEMELE

You'll grant what I require?

JUPITER

I'll grant what you require.

[N. 74 - Accompagnato]

SEMELE

Then cast off this human shape which you wear,

and Jove since you are, like Jove too appear.

[N. 75 - Air]

JUPITER

Ah! take heed what you press,

for beyond all redress,

should I grant what you wish, I shall harm ye.

[N. 76 - Air]

SEMELE

I'll be pleas'd with no less,

than my wish in excess:

let the oath you have taken alarm ye:

haste, haste, and prepare,

for I'll know what you are;

so with all your omnipotence arm ye.

No, no, I'll take no less,

than all in full excess!

Your oath it may alarm you.

Yet haste and prepare,

for I'll know what you are,

with all your powers arm you.

(da capo)

Scene 5

She withdraws, Jupiter remains pensive and dejected.

[N. 77 - Accompagnato]

JUPITER

Ah! whither is she gone! unhappy fair!

Why did she wish? ~ Why did I rashly swear?

'Tis past, 'tis past recall.

She must a victim fall.

Anon, when I appear

the mighty thunderer,

arm'd with inevitable fire,

she must needs instantly expire.

'Tis past, 'tis past recall.

She must a victim fall.

My softest lightning yet I'll try,

and mildest melting bolt apply:

in vain ~ for she was fram'd to prove

none but the lambent flames of love.

'Tis past, 'tis past recall.

She must a victim fall.

Scene 6

Juno appears in her chariot ascending.

[N. 78 - Air]

JUNO

Above measure

is the pleasure

which my revenge supplies.

Love's a bubble

gain'd with trouble:

and in possessing dies.

With what joy shall I mount to my heav'n again,

at once from my rival and jealousie freed!

The sweets of revenge make it worth while to reign,

and heav'n will hereafter be heav'n indeed.

(da capo)

(She ascends.)

Scene 7

The scene opening discovers Semele lying under a canopy, leaning pensively. While a mournful symphony is playing she looks up and sees Jupiter descending in a black cloud; the motion of the cloud is slow. Flashes of lightning issue from either side, and thunder is heard grumbling in the air.

[N. 79 - Accompagnato]

SEMELE

Ah me! too late I now repent

my pride and impious vanity.

He comes! far off his lightnings scorch me.

~ I feel my life consuming:

I burn, I burn ~ I faint ~ for pity I implore ~

o help, o help ~ I can no more.

(She dies.)

As the cloud which contains Jupiter is arrived just over the canopy of Semele, a sudden and great flash of lightning breaks forth, and a clap of loud thunder is heard; when at one instant Semele with the palace and the whole present scene disappear, and Jupiter re-ascends swiftly.

Scene 8

The scene totally changed represents a pleasant country, mount Citheron closing the prospect.
Enter Cadmus, Athamas and Ino.

[N. 80 - Recitativo]

INO

Of my ill boding dream

behold the dire event.

[N. 81 - Air]

CHORUS OF PRIESTS

O terror and astonishment!

Nature to each allots his proper sphere,

but that forsaken we like meteors err:

toss'd through the void, by some rude shock we're broke,

and all our boasted fire is lost in smoke.

[N. 82 - Recitativo]

INO

How I was hence remov'd,

or hither how return'd, I know not:

so long a trance whith-held me.

But Hermes in a vision told me

(as I have now related)

the fate of Semele;

and added, as from me he fled,

that Jove ordain'd I Athamas should wed.

CADMUS

Be Jove in every thing obey'd.

ATHAMAS

Unworthy of your charms, myself I yield;

be Jove's commands and yours fulfill'd.

[N. 83 - Air]

Despair no more shall wound me,

since you so kind do prove.

All joy and bliss surround me,

my soul is tun'd to love.

(da capo)

[N. 84 - Recitativo]

CADMUS

See from above the bellying clouds descend,

and big with some new wonder this way tend.

Scene 9

A bright Cloud descends and rests on mount Citheron, which opening, discovers Apollo seated in it as the god of prophecy.

[N. 85 - Symphony]

[N. 86 - Accompagnato]

APOLLO

Apollo comes to relieve your care,

and future happiness declare.

From tyrannous love all your sorrows proceed,

from tyrannous love you shall quickly be freed.

From Semele's ashes a phænix shall rise,

the joy of this earth, and delight of the skies:

a god he shall prove

more mighty than love,

and a sovereign juice shall invent,

which antidote pure

the sick lover shall cure,

and sighing and sorrow for ever prevent.

Then mortals be merry, and scorn the blind boy;

your hearts from his arrows strong wine shall defend:

each day and each night you shall revel in joy,

for when Bacchus is born, love's reign's at an end.

[N. 87 - Chorus of Priests]

CHORUS OF PRIESTS

Happy, happy shall we be,

free from care, from sorrow free.

Guiltless pleasures we'll enjoy,

virtuous love will never cloy;

all that's good and just we'll prove,

and Bacchus crown the joys of love.

(Exeunt omnes.)

Dance of Satyrs.

End of the libretto.

Generazione pagina: 13/02/2016
Pagina: ridotto, rid
Versione H: 3.00.40 (D)

Locandina First Act Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Second Act Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Third Act Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 6 Scene 7 Scene 8 Scene 9