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.
(The flames arise from the altar, and the statue of Juno is seen to bow.)
Behold! auspicious flashes rise
[N. 3 - Recitative, arioso and duet]
Ah me! / What refuge now is left me?
See, she blushing turns her eyes
(It lightens, and thunder is heard at a distance; then, a noise of rain; the fire is suddenly extigush'd on the altar)
(Flames are again kindled on the altar, and the statue nods)
(Flames are again kindled on the altar, and the statue nods.)
(The fire is again extinguish'd.)
Thy aid, pronubial Juno, Athamas implores.
(A loud clap of thunder; the altar sinks.)
(The scene closes on the priests, and shews to view the front and outside of the temple.)
O Athamas, what torture hast thou born!
She weeps! / The gentle maid, in tender pity
Ah, wretched prince, doom'd to disastrous love!
Wing'd with our fears, and pious haste
O prodigy, to me of dire portent!
See, see Jove's priests and holy augurs come
[N. 25 - Chorus of Priests and Augurs]