ARTASERSE Libretto transcribed from 2012 production of Leonardo Vincis 1730 setting. Translated by Paula Kennedy.

ACT ONE SCENE I A garden within the palace of the kings of Persia, a number of rooms leading off it. View of the palace. Moonlit night. Mandane and Arbace Arbace Farewell. Mandane Listen to me, Arbace. Arbace Dawn approaches, beloved Mandane, and if Serse ever learns that I have come to this palace despite his severe command, there would be no defence in the love that impels me; nor for you in being his daughter. Mandane You are right to be prudent. This royal dwelling is dangerous for you. But you can stay within the walls of Susa. Serse wants you banished from the palace, but not from the city. You are admired by the army, the people adore you and the kingdom knows that its defense is safe in your hands. You can rely on the support of many friends. Arbace We are deluding ourselves, my love. Your brothers support is of no avail. What hope is there for me? My presence brings danger for you, suffering for me: for you, because it rouses Serses suspicions; for me, because I am close to your beauty but can never see you. Since my birth as a lowly subject makes me guilty, I desire, beloved,

either to die or to be worthy of you. Farewell. (about to leave) Mandane How can you cruelly insist on leaving me like this? Arbace My love, I am not being cruel. Serse is the tyrant, it is your father who is unjust. Mandane He has some justification, though, in denying you my hand in marriage. Your rankpublic opinion the distance between us Arbace He could have forbidden our marriage without insulting me; he should not have driven me away like this, as though I were some low wretch, calling me contemptible and presumptuous. Ah princess, this disdain cuts me to the heart. Noble birth comes from chance, not virtue: for if reason determined birth and entrusted kingdoms only to those capable of reigning, Arbace might be Serse, and Serse Arbace. Mandane When you are with the woman who adores you, speak of her father with more respect. Forgive me: I am beginning to doubt your love. Such anger bewilders me. I dare not expect that your heart can hate the parent and love his daughter. Arbace Perhaps I shall never see you again, and this is our last meeting. Oh God, you weep! Do not weep, my love, I am weak enough without your tears. At such a moment I want you to be stern: let me go, imitate your fathers severity. (about to leave, as before)

Mandane Stop, wait. Ah, my life! My heart cannot bear to see you leave me; I shall go. Farewell, my love. Arbace My princess, farewell. Mandane Remain faithful, think of me left sorrowing here; and from time to time remember me. For through the power of love when I speak to my heart I shall be speaking with you. (She leaves.) SCENE 2 Arbace, and Artabano with drawn, bloodstained sword Artabano Arbace, my son. Arbace My lord. Artabano Give me your sword. Arbace Here. Artabano Take mine; flee, let no-one see that blood. Arbace Speak; tell me, what has happened? Artabano You are to be avenged: Serse has died at my hands. Arbace What are you saying! What do I hear! What have you done? Artabano

Beloved son, your grievance spurred me, I have committed this crime for you. Arbace For me? My misfortunes are already grave. What do you hope for now? Artabano I have devised a plot that may bring you to the throne. Go: I must stay here. Arbace What a day, o wretched Arbace. Torn by endless troubles, I quiver, I tremble, I feel the blood from my veins freezing my heart. I foresee cruel suffering for my beloved and I lament my fathers lost honour. (Exit.) SCENE 3 Artabano, then Artaserse and Megabise with guards. Artabano Be bold, my thoughts. The first step drives you on to the next. To hold back when the deed is only half achieved is to accept guilt without hope of its enjoyment. All the royal blood, to the very last drop, must be shed. Do not be deterred by the vain promptings of virtue: extreme acts are not unworthy of praise, as some believe. To resist ones better nature, to defy remorse, to be undaunted among so many reasons for fear: these strengths are necessary for a great crime. Here is the prince! To work. What are these cries? What tumult? Ah, my lord, what brings you here before dawn? Who has aroused the anger that flashes amidst your tears?

Artaserse Dear Artabano, how I need you now! Advice, help, vengeance, fidelity. Artabano Prince, I tremble at your confused words: explain yourself. Artaserse Oh God! My father lies there dead, treacherously stabbed in his bed. Artabano How? Artaserse I cannot tell. The silence and the darkness of this fatal night have shrouded the deed of some villainous heart. Artabano O, the foolish, wicked thirst for power! What sense of mercy, what bonds of nature have ever been able to restrain your fury? Artaserse I understand, my friend. My treacherous brother Dario is the culprit. Ah, if anyone feels pity for a murdered king, horror at a monstrous crime, friendship for me, let him find and punish this parricide, this traitor. Artabano Guards, Artaserse speaks to you as a prince and a son: if you wish, he speaks as your king. Carry out his orders, punish the culprit. I am your officer, I myself shall direct your anger and your fury. (Fortune is aiding my plans.) Artaserse

Stop, where are you going? Listen: perhaps the punishment might offend my fathers memory more than the crime. Dario is Serses son. Artabano Such merciful promptings are themselves a crime: the murderer of a parent is no longer a son.

On the banks of the somber river Lethe awaiting both peace and vengeance, there trembles the shade of a father and king. I see his proud features, I hear him as he shows you the open wound in the flesh that gave you life.

(Exit.) SCENE 4 Artaserse and Megabise Artaserse My own fathers blood! Ah, Megabise Megabise Crush your doubts; with one blow you punish a murderer and gain a crown. Artaserse But my anger might be understood as a thirst for power. That thought alone would blight any peace of mind for the rest of my life. No, no, I shall revoke the order (about to leave) Megabise What are you doing, my lord? Now is the time to remember your own injuries: your cruel brother has often shown you the way to be ruthless. Artaserse But I should not imitate his faults. His offence cannot justify mine; what crime

is without precedent? No man would be guilty if he defended his wrongdoing by pointing to some other example. Megabise But it is only natural to defend oneself. If you do not kill him, he will kill you. SCENE 5 Semira and the above Semira Where are you going, prince? Artaserse Farewell, Semira. Semira Are you avoiding me, Artaserse? Listen to me, do not go. Artaserse Let me go, do not try to stop me. Semira Is this the way to welcome one who loves you? Artaserse If I listen further, Semira, I shall neglect my duty. Semira Go then, ungrateful man: I understand your scorn. Artaserse For pity, my fair idol, do not charge me with ingratitude heaven has already made me unhappy and unfortunate. That I am faithful to you, that I languish beneath your fair gaze. love knows, the gods know, both my heart and your heart know. (Exit.) SCENE 6

Semira and Megabise Semira I am terribly afraid. My brother Arbace left before dawn. I met my father armed, but he would not speak to me. Artaserse is distressed and leaves me, railing against heaven. Megabise, what has happened? If you know, let my heart grasp one single fear instead of the many that trouble it. Megabise Are you the only person not to know that Serse has just been killed in his sleep? That Dario is the murderer? And that the palace is aflame with rivalry between the brothers? Semira What do I hear! Now I understand everything. Misery for us, misery for Persia Megabise Let the rival brothers shed each others blood and drench the throne. Whoever wins, it is the same to me. Semira I feel Artaserse is in danger. Do you expect me to witness a real tragedy like an unfeeling, indifferent spectator watching Orestes in some play? Megabise I know that Semira speaks as the lover of Artaserse. Will you listen to some advice from a faithful friend? Choose a lover who is your equal in rank. You know that love draws strength from similarity. And should you ever wish to act on my advice, remember, my love, someone who adores you. Semira You must not love me. Megabise My darling, it is impossible to see you and not love you. Semira

Is anyone forcing you to look at me? Go away, and find someone who is more grateful for your love. Megabise When ones habitual thoughts become second nature, the soul imagines what it lacks. The warrior dreams of troops, the hunter dreams of woods, and the fisherman dreams of nets and hooks. In my gentle slumbers, I too dream in this way of the woman who every day I sigh for and call to. (Exit.) SCENE 7 Semira Semira You gods that watch over Persia, protect Artaserse so that he may rule the empire. Ah, but I shall lose him if he triumphs over Dario. So let me lose my love, as long as he reigns and lives. Not to lose him, I would be guilty of desiring his death. No, oh gods, I shall not regret my prayer. A desire to lose part of ones own soul enshrined in ones beloved out of an excess of love: this is the cruelest pang of any sorrow. I could even be happy in my suffering if my dear love would say, with a sigh, Love was too harsh to Semira. (Exit.) SCENE 8 The palace. Artaserse and Mandane

Artaserse Ah, Mandane Mandane Artaserse, is Dario still alive? Or have you begun a reign of crime by shedding your brothers blood? Artaserse Princess, I am hoping to remain innocent. In my eagerness, oh God, I issued a cruel order; but as soon as I had spoken, I was appalled. To prevent it I am searching the palace, looking in vain for Artabano and Dario. Mandane Here comes Artabano. SCENE 9 Artabano and the above Artabano My lord. Artaserse My friend. Artabano I was looking for you. Artaserse And I was searching for you. Artabano Are you afraid? Artaserse I fear Artabano Do not fear. It is done. Artaserse is now my king. Dario has been punished. Artaserse Gods! Mandane

Misfortune! Artabano The parricide recklessly allowed himself to be killed. Artaserse Oh God! Artabano You sigh! Your order has been obeyed. Artaserse Its true, its true; I realize my error, and admit my guilt, Artabano. Artabano Your guilt! What are you guilty of? Exemplary justice in punishing an offence? Of the vengeance due to Serse? Consider that with the death of your brother you have punished a parricide, a criminal. SCENE 10 Semira and the above Semira Artaserse, you can breath again. Artaserse Semira, what brings you so joyfully to us? Semira Serse was not killed by Dario. Mandane What do I hear? Artaserse How do you know? Semira The real killer has been arrested. Your soldiers seized him by the walls of the royal garden. His guilt appears clear from his flight, the place,

his confused words, his pallor, and his sword streaming with fresh blood. Artabano What is his name? Semira Everyone keeps silent, lowering their gaze at my questions. Mandane (Could it be Arbace?) Artabano (My son has been taken prisoner!) Artaserse And so I am guilty. Artaserse must now ascend the throne stained with innocent blood, an object of horror to Persia, of hatred to the world. Semira Is Dario dead? Artaserse He is dead, Semira. The dreadful order came from me. As long as I live I shall never have peace. The voice of remorse will sound for ever in my heart. I shall see the angry shades of my father and my brother darkly threatening my sombre days and nights, the restless, avenging furies, roused by my brothers death, will forever brandish before my eyes the grim flames of vengeance that burn in the underworld. Artabano, Semira, Mandane, I beg you not to leave me. Help me, I want all my friends around me now. Artabano, where is dear Arbace? Is this the love he swore to me since we were infants? Will he alone abandon me like this? Mandane Dont you know that he was banished from the palace

for asking to marry me? Artaserse He must come, I pardon him. SCENE 11 Megabise, then Arbace, disarmed and under guard, and the above. Megabise Arbace is the criminal. Artaserse, Semira What? Arbace I am innocent. Artaserse Arbace, apperances accuse and condemn you. Arbace I too understand that, but appearances are misleading. Artaserse Have you nothing to say, Semira? Semira I am bewildered. Artaserse Speak, Artabano. Artabano Oh God, I too am mystified. Arbace My lord, do not deprive an innocent victim of your earliest feelings of tenderness. If ever I was worthy of them, it is now. Artabano What bold insolence makes you demand his love? Treacherous son, you are my shame and my sorrow. Arbace Even my father conspires against me!

Artabano Decide his fate, and forget any tender feelings you may still have for him. Artaserse I shall decide, but with a heavy heart, oh God! Let me breathe in peace for a moment; my mind is not able to think clearly. In a single moment I have become judge, friend, lover, criminal and king. (Exit.) SCENE 12 Mandane, Semira, Arbace, Artabano, Megabise and guards. Arbace (Unhappy, innocent Arbace, must you bear such disgrace?) Megabise (What is happening?) Semira (I fear so many misfortunes.) Mandane (I shall have no more peace.) Artabano (I feign and I tremble.) Arbace Father, you wont look at me! I could bear any other accuser without complaining; but it fills me with horror that the man who gave me life could accuse me and demand my death. My stunned heart freezes within my breast. A father should at least feel some pity for his son. Artabano I am not your father, you are not my son, I feel no pity

for a traitor. You are the cause of the danger you stand in, you are an affliction to your father. (Exit.) SCENE 13 Arbace, Semira, Mandane, Megabise and guards Arbace Cruel gods, what fault has so angered you against me? Listen to me, have pity on me, Semira. Semira When you appear innocent again I shall hear you if you wish, I will do anything for you. But while you appear guilty I must not sympathise with you, I cannot defend you. (Exit.) SCENE 14 Arbace, Mandane and guards Arbace (restraining Mandane) My love, my life Mandane Villain! How dare you call me your love? Do you hold me back with the hand that killed my father? Arbace I did not kill him. Mandane Who did, then? Speak. Arbace I cannot. My lips Mandane Your lips lie.

Arbace My heart Mandane Your heart feels no horror at your crime. Arbace I am Mandane You are a traitor. Arbace I am innocent. Mandane Innocent! Arbace So now Mandane I loathe you. Arbace And you are Mandane Your enemy. Arbace And you want Mandane Your death. Arbace Your love for me Mandane All is turned to hatred. Arbace Dont you believe me? Mandane No, wretch, I dont believe you. Tell me you are a criminal,

that your heart is of stone, is perfidious and treacherous, then I shall believe you. (I wish I could forget him, I wish that I could hate him, but I cannot feel as much anger as I would like to.) Tell me you are a criminal, then I shall believe you. (I wish I could hate him, but, oh God, I cant do so.) (Exit.) SCENE 15 Arbace and guards Arbace No, fate has nothing worse in store for me. In a single day I have suffered everything. I have lost my friend, my sister insults me, my father accuses me, my beloved weeps, and I must keep silent! I cannot speak! Where is there a soul as tortured as mine? But have mercy, just gods. If your anger has brought me to this, you expect too much of my constancy. I am adrift on a cruel sea without sails or rigging; waves are crashing, the sky is darkening the wind is rising, and I am helpless, compelled to follow the blows of fortune. Unhappy man, in this state everyone abandons me; all I possess is my innocence, and that is leading me to shipwreck. End of Act One CD 2

ACT TWO

SCENE 1 The royal apartments. Artaserse and Artabano Artaserse (entering) Guards, bring Arbace here from his prison. You see I have done as you asked; ah, would to heaven that this meeting could save him. Artabano What can I do when every circumstance accuses him, when Arbace is clearly guilty and keeps silent without defending himself? Artaserse Artabano shall speak to him; he will reveal to his father what he conceals from his judge. I shall leave you. Speak freely with him; observe him, examine his heart. If you can, find any hint to defend him. You must determine the safety of your son, the peace of your king, the honour of the throne. Even if you deceive me, I shall forgive you. Give me back my dear friend, part of my own soul, render him again innocent, as I have always loved him. You have seen how we were companions from infancy, you know how at every stage of my life

we have shared every pleasure, shared every sorrow.

(Exit.) SCENE 2 Artabano, then Arbace with some guards Artabano I have nearly reached my goal. Come here, Arbace. And you (to the guards) go into the next room and wait for my orders. (They leave.) Arbace

My father alone with me! Artabano My son, I can save your life. I cunningly asked the imprudent Artaserse for the freedom to speak to you. Let us go. By leading you through a way that he has never known, I can elude both the guards and him. Arbace You are suggesting a flight that would confirm my guilt. Artabano Come, do not be so foolish. I am giving you your freedom, saving you from the royal anger, leading you to acclaim and perhaps to the throne. Arbace What are you saying! To the throne? Artabano You know that for a long time everyone has hated the royal line. Let us go, It will be enough to show yourself to the eager soldiers. Arbace Ah, father, leave me my innocence. Artabano Everyone believes that you have lost it. You are a prisoner and your guilt is apparent. Arbace But it is not true. Artabano Must I argue with you to save you? You can do nothing now but follow my orders. Hurry. Arbace No, forgive me.

This must be the first order of yours that I disobey. Artabano Force must overcome your resistance. Follow me. (about to seize him) Arbace (avoiding him) Leave me in peace, father. Guards! Artabano Be silent. Arbace Guards! (Seeing the guards, Artabano lets go of Arbace) Chain me again. Take me back to my prison. Artabano (I am burning with fury.) Arbace Father, farewell. Artabano Go, I will not listen, unworthy son. Arbace You drive me angrily away! You severely reproach me! I can never hope to see you calm and merciful if at such a time you feel no pity. What unjust severity! What a cruel thought! To forget your love for your wretched son, your unhappy son who is blameless. (Exit with guards.) SCENE 3 Artabano, then Megabise Artabano Overcome your weak feelings,

Artabano. Leave your rash son to his fate. Ah, but in my heart I cannot blame him. I love him precisely because he is different from me. At the same time I am angry and admire him, I tremble with rage and sigh for pity. Megabise What are you doing? What are you thinking of? Why so slow and indecisive? This is a time for action, not thought. Summon the council of nobles, gather your victims together so that we have all your rivals in the same place. When they are dead, your path to the throne is smooth. We must hurry to free Arbace. Artabano Ah Megabise, what a misfortune! My son refuses both throne and freedom. He has no care for his life, he will destroy himself and us. Megabise So Artaserse must be killed first, then we can save Arbace. Artabano But the life of my son still stands hostage. It is enough for now that you continue the deception and keep your men faithful to me. I shall concentrate on carefully winning over the guards. So far I have done little for you, Megabise; you will see how fond of you I am if destiny smiles on me. I know your feelings for Semira, I do not blame you, and I think Here she comes. My orders will assure you her love, and we shall be joined by firmer bonds. Megabise What happiness! SCENE 4 Semira and the above Artabano My daughter, here is your husband.

Semira (Alas, what do I hear!) Father, is this the time to arrange a marriage, when my brother Artabano No more. Your marriage can greatly assist him. Semira It is a great sacrifice; Reflect, my lord. I am Artabano You are foolish to oppose me; here is your husband. It is what I wish, that is enough. Love him, and if he is not loveable in your sight, respect the hand that gave him to you and be silent. Perhaps your heart will be less reluctant to love when you see the smoke of the sacred torches. (Exit.) SCENE 5 Semira and Megabise Semira Listen, Megabise, I flatter myself that you love me. May I hope for a favor to test your love? Megabise What would I not do, beloved, to obey you? Semira Yet I am afraid of a refusal. Megabise Any order from you should banish such fear.

Semira Then if you love me, renounce this marriage. Megabise Me! Semira Yes. You can then save me from my fathers anger. Megabise What an odd request to make a lover! Semira So my hope is in vain? Megabise Your hope is in vain. Semira So my tears Megabise have no effect. Semira These pleas of mine Megabise are scattered to the winds. Semira Very well, I shall obey my father. But listen: never flatter yourself that I intend to love you. I shall always loathe the fatal bonds that tie me to you. I swear you shall always be an object of horror in my eyes. You shall have my hand, but do not hope for my heart. Megabise I am not asking for it, Semira. I shall be satisfied to have you as my wife; and in exchange, if you are content to hate me, feel free to hate me, for I shall not complain. Never fear that I shall call you a treacherous soul, an ungrateful heart;

to possess you even as an enemy will be happiness for me. I have the foolishness of a stubborn lover who tries to restrain even the freedom of thoughts. (Exit.) SCENE 6 Semira, then Mandane Semira How many misfortunes in a single day unite against me! Mandane, listen. Mandane Do not detain me, Semira. Semira Where are you hurrying to? Mandane I am going to the royal council. Semira I will follow you, if it can help poor Arbace. Mandane Our aims are different; you want to save him and I want him dead. Semira Can a lover of Arbace speak like this? Mandane Semira, it is the daughter of Serse who speaks like this. Semira Go, insist on judgment, accuse him, cruel woman, bring him to his death. But first, consider your constancy. You must forget your hopes, your feelings, your vows and tenderness, the first sighs you exchanged, your first glances, and the image of that face

which first taught your heart to sigh for love. Mandane Ah, cruel Semira, what have I ever done to you? Why do you awaken a guilty sense of pity that rebels against my duty, and which honour forces me to suppress in my heart? Why do you remind me of things that I bravely try to forget, reawakening the turmoil in my thoughts? If I imagined I had conquered a despotic love, let me deceive myself, leave me the illusion that I am no longer in love. Since hatred is my duty, as you well know, cruel woman, why do you make me remember what I long for in vain? (Exit.) SCENE 7 Semira Semira Which of so many troubles should I confront first? Mandane, Arbace, Megabise, Artaserse, my father they are all against me. Each of them assails some tender part of my heart. If I oppose one, I am left defenseless against the others; and I am not strong enough to fight alone against them all. If the waters of a proud river overflow their usual course, the anxious farmer runs from one bank to the other. But his labour, his care and his skill are all wasted, for if he contains the water in one place, the conquering torrent overwhelms a hundred others. (Exit.) SCENE 8

The great royal council chamber, with a throne on one side and on the other, seats for the nobles. A table and chair on the right of the throne. Artaserse, preceded by some guards and the nobles of the kingdom, followed by the rest of the guards, then Megabise. Megabise My king, Mandane and Semira are both vying to enter your presence. Artaserse Oh gods! Let them approach. (Exit Megabise.) I realise what different motives bring them both here. SCENE 9 Mandane, Semira and the above Semira Artaserse, mercy. Mandane Vengeance, my lord; I demand the death of a criminal. Semira And I beg for the life of an innocent man. Mandane His guilt is definite. Semira The identity of the traitor is uncertain. Mandane Every appearance condemns Arbace. Semira All reason absolves Arbace. Mandane Love accuses him. Semira Friendship defends him. Mandane The blood shed from my fathers veins

demands punishment. Semira And the blood that still flows in the veins of his son should reward him. Artaserse Oh God, stand up. How much less your anxiety is than mine. Semira fears my severity, Mandane fears my clemency. As friend and as son, Artaserse sighs with the fears of both Mandane and Semira. I alone suffer both Ah, come. (seeing Artabano) Artabano, comfort me. Have you any defence for Arbace? Can he justify himself? SCENE 10 Artabano and the above Artabano Your pity and mine is all in vain. Either he does not care to be saved, or despairs of it. Artaserse Will he thus force me to condemn him? Semira Condemn him? Oh, cruel! Shall we witness the death by an ignoble sword of Semiras brother, the honour of Persia, the friend and defender of Artaserse? Artaserse Guards, bring Arbace before me. His own father shall judge his son. Let him hear him, and exonerate him if he can. I place all my royal authority in Artabanos hands. Artabano What! How will this decision be received? Artaserse Let him be heard.

(He goes to the throne, the nobles sit.) Artabano (I must stifle, my own feelings.) (going to sit at the table) Mandane (Poor heart, keep still in my breast). SCENE 11 Arbace in chains and guarded, and the above Arbace I am regarded with such hatred in Persia that everyone is assembled to witness the injustice of my terrible fate! My king. Artaserse Call me your friend. I wish to be so, insofar as I can doubt your guilt. And since so fair a name is improper for a judge, your trial is entrusted to Artabano. Arbace To my father! Artaserse To him Arbace (I freeze in horror.) Artabano What are you thinking? Are you perhaps wondering at my determination? Arbace Father, I am horrified, to see you there. Considering what I am and what you are, how can you judge me? Artabano You are here, Arbace, as the murderer of Serse. It is certain; here are the proofs. A rash love, a rebellious anger

Arbace I know that the sword, the blood, the time and place, my fear and flight, all make my guilt apparent. Yet it is all false. I am innocent. My king, I am without blame; I have no defence, but I have nothing to repent of. If you asked the reasons for my behavior a thousand times, I would repeat this a thousand times. Artabano (O, filial love!) Mandane He is guilty whether he speaks or keeps silent. What do they think? What will the judge do? Artabano May Artabanos severity serve Persia as an example never before seen of justice and fidelity. I condemn my son. Arbace shall die. (He signs a paper.) I have fulfilled the duty of a strict judge. Ah, my lord, allow the expression of a fathers emotions. My son, forgive the cruel law of unavoidable duty. Arbace Even if all my blood is shed I shall never protest; and rather than call it tyrannical, I kiss the hand that condemns me. Artabano Enough, rise; alas, you have every reason to complain. But know (oh God!) Take this last embrace and leave. Arbace By this fatherly embrace, by this last farewell, keep yourself safe, comfort my beloved,

defend my king. I go happily to my death, if all the ills of Persia can be resolved by me. (Exit between the guards, followed by Megabise. The nobles leave.) SCENE 12 Mandane, Artaserse, Semira and Artabano Artabano See, Mandane, how I have satisfied your anger with my own blood. Mandane You villain! Fly from my sight, fly from the light of the stars and the sun; hide in shame in the darkest, most sightless bowels of the earth, if indeed the earth will receive a wicked father, so lacking in humanity and love, in its depths. Artabano So my virtue Mandane Silence, you monster. What virtue can you claim? There are limits, and when they are exceeded, all virtue turns into vice. Go into the savage forests, you callous father; you will find no beast or monster worse than yourself. The cruelest beasts born under the African sun or in the hostile sea are all gathered in you. (Exit.) SCENE 13 Artaserse, Semira and Artabano Artaserse Beloved Semira, how heaven conspires against Arbace.

Semira You brute, you tyrant! Can you change so quickly? First to kill your friend and then to mourn him? Constrained by natural affection the Armenian tiger can forsake its rage, the lion relinquish its cruelty. You are even crueler than the wild beasts: at the pleas of one who adores you, you strip your heart of all mercy. (Exit.) SCENE 14 Artaserse and Artabano Artaserse Did you hear ungrateful Semiras reproach? Artabano And Mandanes unjust anger? Artaserse I am merciful but she calls me tyrannical. Artabano I am just but she calls me cruel. Artaserse This is the price I pay for my clemency. Artabano This is the reward of my severe virtue. Artaserse Artabano, I have lost so much

in a single day! Artabano Ah, do no grieve; It is I who should lament. Today I am the most wretched of men. Artaserse Your sorrow is great, but mine is no less. At this moment I cannot tell if it is the friend or the father who is more deserving of pity. But I know, to my sorrow, that I was forced to choose from love, and you from necessity. (Exit.) SCENE 15 Artabano Artabano At last I am alone and can breathe freely; I almost foundered when I was appointed to judge Arbace. But the danger past, think no more of it; I have saved myself, now I must defend my son. At a sudden flash of lighting the dazed shepherd falls to the ground, shaken and pale. But when he realizes that his fear was unfounded, he rises, breathes again, and returns to count the flock that scattered in fright. End of Act Two

ACT THREE SCENE 1 A part of the citadel in which Arbace is imprisoned. Gates in the background. On the right, a small door leading up to the palace. Arbace, then Artaserse

Arbace Why does death delay when it would bring an end to suffering? Death only comes quickly to those who live happily. Artaserse Arbace. Arbace Gods, what do I see? Whenever brings you to this dreadful, gloomy place? Artaserse Mercy and friendship. Arbace Why do you come to distress yourself, my lord? Artaserse I have come to save you. Arbace To save me! Artaserse Enough. Hasten up here, it leads to an isolated part of the palace; flee unseen to another country and there remember Artaserse, love him and live. Arbace But what you offer might one day come to light. And then Artaserse Go now: I beg you as a friend, and if my pleas are vain, I order you as your king. Arbace I obey my king. One day I hope to show my gratitude. Until then, heaven hear my prayers: may Artaserse reign, and the years of his rule be happy and triumphant. May he enjoy

the peace I am losing, that I do not hope to regain until I can return to my country and my friend. Water parted from the sea bathes the valleys and hills; it runs in rivers and is confined in springs. It always murmurs and laments until it can return to the sea. To the sea it came from, where it received its nature, and where after long wanderings it hopes to rest. (Exit.) SCENE 2 Artaserse Artaserse His frank appearance, his looks, do not suggest guilt. The outer shell cannot conceal all the light of a noble spirit, and a heart cannot often be read in the face. A small cloud crossing the sun often veils and dims its light but cannot hide its splendour. Ripples on the surface cannot hide the bed of a shallow stream, for the clear water still reveals what lies below. (Exit.) SCENE 3 Artabano with a group of conspirators, then Megabise, come through the gates, which the conspirators guard. Artabano Arbace, my son, where are you? He should surely hear my voice. Arbace? Heavens! where is he hiding? Friends, while I look for my son, guard the entrance. (Exit to the right.) Megabise (to the conspirators)

Still more delay? Now should be the time But I see neither Artabano nor Arbace here. What is happening? Why so slow in such an exploit? Artabano, my lord. (He exits to the left.) Artabano I am lost! (entering on the side from which he existed, but through a different door) I cannot find my son. My blood runs cold with a thousand terrible suspicions. How many fatal ideas my fears imagine! What has happened to him? Is he alive? Megabise (also entering on the side from which he exited, but through a different door) What are you saying, my lord? Have you persuaded the royal guards, and I the army, in vain? Be decisive; at any moment Artaserse is going to swear to the laws of the kingdom. On your orders I have already poisoned the sacred goblet. Whether Arbace is alive or dead, he expects from you either the kingdom or vengeance. The danger your son faces and your desire for the throne should make you bold and arouse your anger. For a soul that thirsts for vengeance it is a sweet thing to lose its calm and allow the heart to rage. (Exit.) SCENE 4 Artabano Artabano Hostile gods, you have found that one way to weaken me; at the mere thought that my beloved son might be dead I become timid, I despair, I cannot master the inner turmoil

that deprives me of control over myself. My son, if you no longer live I shall die; but I shall ensure that my end will be announced in advance by a slain king. Before your father reaches that final crossing, the king shall make the pale ferryman pause. (Exit.) SCENE 5 A room in Mandanes apartments. Semira and Mandane Semira Mandane, you can rejoice at last. Heaven has smiled on you. Mandane Has the king released Arbace? Semira No, he has killed him. Mandane What? Semira Everyone knows, even though he put an end to his sad life in secret. Mandane (O misleading omens! O day! O death!) Semira Now you are avenged, your cruel wishes are accomplished. Are you satisfied? Or do you wish for further victims? Speak. Mandane Be silent and leave me. Semira Leave and be silent? While life remains to you I shall always be near you. I wish always to plague your life with unhappiness.

Mandane How did I deserve to have so many enemies? You think I am pitiless? You call me cruel? No fury, no protests, can outweigh the sorrow that will kill me. Ungrateful Semira, I cannot bear such hatred, such fury, from your enraged heart. (Exit.) SCENE 6 Semira Semira Madwoman, what have you done? I thought by expressing my fears I might lessen them, but I have only increased them. I thought I could soothe my heart by offending Mandane, but I have pierced her heart without healing mine. It is not true that our own troubles are lightened when we see another weeping. For the sight of sorrow only prompts us to further sighing. (Exit.) SCENE 7 Arbace, then Mandane Arbace I cannot find her here either. I want at least to calm beloved Mandanes scorn and anger, see her once again, and then leave. Perhaps in some more private place I can But where am I going so boldly? Here she is, oh gods! I dare not face her. Mandane You here!

Free! Alive! Arbace An able friend loosed my bonds. Mandane Ah fly, go away; oh, alas! What will they say if anyone finds you here? Ungrateful Arbace (offering her his unsheathed sword) Here is my sword, here my breast. Take it and kill me. Mandane To you, death would be a reward, not a punishment. Arbace You are cruel and thankless; I shall die as you wish. (He throws down his sword.) I shall return to my prison. (about to leave) Mandane Arbace, listen. Arbace What do you want to say to me? Mandane Ah, I do not know. Arbace Could it be some residual feeling of love that makes you detain me? Mandane What do you want, cruel man? To see me blush? Save yourself, fly, do not torment me further. Arbace You must still love me, if you have such concern for me. Mandane No, do not think it is love: but fly, and live. Arbace

You want me to live, my beloved but if you deny me your love you will cause my death. Mandane Oh god, what bitter sorrow! My blushes should be enough for you: I cannot say more. Arbace Listen to me Mandane No. Arbace You are Mandane Out of my sight Arbace My love Mandane Leave me, for pitys sake. Both Oh gods, when will your cruelty end? If through such great sorrow I do not die of grief, what is the anguish that can kill? (Exeunt.) SCENE 8 A magnificent place destined for the coronation of Artaserse. A throne to one side, with scepter and crown. An altar in the centre illuminated by an image of the sun. Artaserse and Artabano, with many followers and the people. Artaserse I offer myself to you, o people, as much a father as a king. May you be my children rather than my subjects. I shall uphold your blood, your glory, and whatever I win or am given through war or peace. Uphold my throne and let it be for our hearts an exchange of fidelity and love. The exercise of my power shall be gentle. I shall watchfully administer our laws. I swear this solemnly so that all may be sure of it. (The goblet is brought to him on a dish.) Artabano

Here is the sacred goblet. Let your oath be sealed more strongly; (He offers the goblet to Artaserse) fulfill the rite. (And drink your death.) Artaserse Shining god, through whom spring flourishes, through whom the whole world is born and dies, look on me; and if I do not speak the truth unleash your anger on my head, may my life wither, as this flame is quenched by the sacred liquid, (He pours some of the liquid on the fire.) and as I drink it, may this vital fluid turn to poison within my breast. (He is about to drink.) SCENE 9 Semira and the above Semira Protect yourself, my lord. The palace is surrounded by the rebellious people, all resounds with seditious cries and they are seeking, they are demanding your death. Artaserse Gods! (He places the goblet on the altar.) Artabano What guilty soul has betrayed us? Artaserse Ah, I see it too late, Arbace is the traitor. SCENE 10 Mandane and the above Mandane Stop, brother, I bring great news, the tumult is quelled. Artaserse Is this true? How? Mandane Following Megabise,

the unruly mob had already reached the great hall. Then Arbace appeared, summoned by the wild noise. He did and said everything possible in your defence, told of your virtues and your glory. He insisted and pleaded again and again, his appearance and voice changing from calm to severe to fierce. Everyone relinquished his weapons, only the wretched Megabise remained; but Arbace attacked him, avenged you, and killed him. Artaserse Where is my beloved Arbace? Find him and bring him to me. FINAL SCENE Arbace and the above Arbace Here is Arbace, o king, at your feet. Artaserse Come to my arms; forgive me, my friend, if I ever doubted you. Your innocence is only too clear; ah, let me reward you openly. Banish every suspicion from peoples minds, and explain to me why that bloodstained sword was found in your hands, why you ran away, why you kept silent, all things that proclaimed your guilt. Arbace If I have deserved any reward from you, my lord, let me remain silent. Believe the man who saved you; I will not lie. I am innocent. Artaserse Swear to it, and let that fearsome and solemn act bear witness to the truth. Here is the goblet destined for the ritual. Following our Persian custom, call upon a god to be your justification and your witness. Arbace I am ready. (He picks up the goblet.)

Mandane (Now my beloved is out of danger.) Artabano (What can I do? If my son swears, he will be poisoned.) Arbace Shining god, through whom spring flourishes, through whom the whole world is born and dies Artabano (I am doomed!) Arbace If I do not speak the truth may this vital fluid within my breast (about to drink) Artabano Stop: it is poisoned! Artaserse What! Arbace Oh gods! Artaserse Why did you keep silent? Artabano Because I offered it to you. Artaserse But why such hatred against me? Artabano I can no longer hide the truth; a fathers love has betrayed me. It was I who killed Serse. I intended to shed all the royal blood. I am guilty, not Arbace. I gave him the bloodstained sword to hide. His pallor was caused by horror at my crime. His silence was filial piety. Ah, if his virtue or my love had been weaker,

I would have accomplished my plot and deprived you of your life and your kingdom. Arbace What is he saying! Artaserse Guilty creature! You murdered my father; you made me responsible for the death of Dario; what monstrous acts your criminal ambition has led you to commit! Villain, you shall die. Artabano We shall die together. (He draws his sword; Artaserse also does so in defence.) Arbace Heavens! Artabano My friends, only a desperate courage remains. The tyrant shall die. (The disloyal guards prepare to attack.) Arbace Father, what are you doing? Artabano I wish to meet death bravely. Arbace Put down your sword or I shall drink my death. (about to drink) Artabano Madman, what are you saying? Arbace If you kill Artaserse, I can live no longer. Artabano (as above) Let me do this. Arbace (as above) Watch, I shall drink. Artabano Stop, thankless son.

Will you see your father die in confusion and despair because he loved you too much? You have won, thankless son, here is my sword. (He throws down his sword, the disloyal guards flee.) Mandane What devotion! Semira What treason! Artaserse Pursue the fleeing rebels and take Artabano to his death. Arbace Oh God, stop; have mercy, my lord. Artaserse Do not expect it for him. His crime is too great. I will distinguish between guilt and innocence. If you wish, Mandane shall be your bride; Semira will share my throne; but there can be no pardon for your father. Arbace Take my own life. I do not want it, if to be faithful to you and to save you, I must kill my own father. Artaserse O delectable virtue! Arbace Ah, I am not asking for clemency from you; be severe, but exchange his death for mine. At your royal feet the man who saved you (He kneels) begs to die for his father. May your wish be satisfied in this way: my blood is the blood of Artabano. Artaserse Enough, get up. Noble heart, dry those generous tears. Who could refuse you? Artabano shall live, but shall live in shameful exile;

and your sovereign shall weigh the fathers error against his sons virtue. Chorus Just king, Persia reveres clemency upon the throne, when it rewards a heros loyalty with forgiveness. Justice becomes beautiful when accompanied by mercy. The end