Alceste
Gluck, Christoph Willibald
> English Translation
Alceste Libretto
English Translation
Overture
SYSTEMAct I
SYSTEMScene 1
The grand square in the city of Pherae, bounded by the Royal
Palace with its great door and balcony above.
As the curtain rises the whole square is seen crowded with People variously disposed. They all bear in their hands olive branches decked with ribbons, symbols of supplication and show signs of great affliction. To the right is an altar on which incense is burning, to the left Evander, Ismene and some of the leading citizens. On the balcony of the Royal
Palace, preceded by a sudden trumpet fanfare, a Herald appears.
Herald
appearing on the balcony
People who grieve
at the fate of Admetus,
mourning in him more the father
than the ruler, hear these words:
His last day is at hand,
there is no help, no hope;
shepherds in their hovels,
and the kings on their thrones
are equally
the prey of inexorable death.
People
Ah, just gods,
what will become of this sad realm?
Ismene,
Evander
Just gods, what will happen?
Ah, for us heaven’ s anger
has no worse thunderbolt.
No! No! No worse thunderbolt.
People
Ah, to this sad realm, etc.
Ismene
Ill-fated palace
that immersed in wailing
will resound with plaintive voices!
Unhappy country that a host
of foreign arms will surround!
Unhappy country, ill-fated palace!
People
Ah, to this sad realm, etc.
Mime expressing desolation and grief
Evander
Loving vassals, today our king receives
a just reward for his great virtues
in the common grief
but vain is this weeping for him;
to the prayers, to vows
the Gods are not propitious.
Let us go to the temples
to offer victims and gifts;
let us consult
The Oracle
at least,
at least to know whether in such grave danger
there is any mercy for us, or council.
People
Ismene,
Evander
Ah, to this sad realm, etc.
Evander
Why does fawning happiness smile
serenely on tyrants,
and the just groan in the chains
of unmitigated adversity?
Why? Why?
People
Ismene,
Evander
Ah, to this sad realm, etc.
Evander
Be silent:
ah, the palace doors open.
Oh God! My heart trembles:
my thoughts conjure up
a thousand images of woe.
Come, let us go with compassion
to console the grieving queen,
but no, wait, overwhelmed by her grief
with her sorrowful children
she herself approaches.
SYSTEMScene 2
People
Wretched Admetus! Poor Alcestis!
Painful images, sad symbols
of sorrow, of tears and of pity.
Who amid the embraces,
who amid the laments
of little children, innocent children
will console the suffering mother?
Alcestis
comes out of the palace, holding by the hand her two children, Eumelus and Aspasia
People of Thessaly,
ah never more justified was your weeping;
to you no less than to these
innocent children is Admetus father.
I lose a dear husband and you your beloved king.
Our only hope, our love
this cruel fate takes from us,
and in so grave a disaster I do not know
which to feel sorry for first,
the realm, myself or my children.
It rests only for us the pity of the gods
to implore, to obtain.
I shall accompany you in your prayers,
to your sacrifices before the altar
a wretched mother, two unhappy children,
I shall thus show you a whole People weeping.
Perhaps at this terrible sight,
in which a grieving kingdom its feelings
and its vows declares,
at last the wrath of heaven will be placated.
I do not ask, eternal gods,
that all heaven should be serene for me.
But at least let some ray of pity
comfort my suffering.
No-one understands my ills,
nor the terror that fills my breast,
who does not have the love of a wife,
the heart of a mother.
Eumelus
Mother, do not torment yourself so.
Mother, you taught me, you remember…
Aspasia
Fair mother, you told me,
you remember…
Eumelus
Aspasia
…that the gods are just,
that they are merciful.
Alcestis
Dear children, my beloved husband’ s
very likenesses,
ah, run to my sweet embraces,
ah, press yourselves to my bosom!
Cold is my blood in every vein,
When I think of you, oh beloved children!
Ah, more unfortunate than me
may fate at least not make you.
No-one understands my woes, etc.
People
Wretched children! Poor Alcestis!
Painful images, sad symbols, etc.
Who? Who will console the sad mother?
Alcestis
Let not the time pass,
my loyal People, in sorrowing.
Together the mercy of the Gods
Let us hasten to implore.
Already, at my signal, the sacred rite
is being prepared; I myself will give you
the example of humility, of reverence.
People
Ismene,
Evander
To the temple! To the temple!
Ah, to this sad realm, etc.
Ah, for us heaven’ s anger, etc.
SYSTEMScene 3
The temple of Apollo, with an altar and statue of the god. The High Priest, priests and priestesses stand around the altar. The People crowd into the temple.
HIGH PRIESTDisperse the black whirlwind
HIGH PRIESTthat roars around the throne.
HIGH PRIESTChorus
HIGH PRIESTDisperse the black whirlwind
HIGH PRIESTthat roars around the throne.
HIGH PRIESTOh make it vanish, Apollo,
HIGH PRIESTwith your bright splendour.
HIGH PRIESTChorus
HIGH PRIESTYou know that as a wandering exile
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus once welcomed you…
HIGH PRIEST…that by the banks of the Amphrysus
HIGH PRIESTyou were his shepherd.
HIGH PRIESTChorus
HIGH PRIESTDisperse the black whirlwind
HIGH PRIESTwith your bright splendour.
approaching the altar
HIGH PRIESTTo you, God of Day,
HIGH PRIESTto you, Heaven’ s ornament and splendour,
HIGH PRIESTthese victims we sacrifice
HIGH PRIESTto you the sacred flame consumes the scent of Araby.
HIGH PRIESTWith his black wings grim death
HIGH PRIESTencumbers our love, our king.
HIGH PRIESTShine a ray for him,
bring serenity to Thessaly, unhappy in its weeping,
HIGH PRIESTand hear the vows of a loving People.
HIGH PRIESTChorus
HIGH PRIESTDisperse the black whirlwind
HIGH PRIESTthat roars around the throne.
HIGH PRIESTOh make it vanish, Apollo,
HIGH PRIESTwith your bright splendour.
HIGH PRIESTCease, ministers,
HIGH PRIESTthe sacrifice and prayers;
HIGH PRIESTto the temple the queen comes:
HIGH PRIESTat the mournful devout ceremony
HIGH PRIESTshe would be present.
SYSTEMScene 4
The Queen’ s followers enter with gifts for the God, and the People with the priests stand to right and to left
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
at the altar
HIGH PRIESTGod, eternal, immortal,
HIGH PRIESTif with your regard
HIGH PRIESTthat discovers the secrets of our thoughts
HIGH PRIESTyou have in me found a pure heart,
HIGH PRIESTchaste desires, innocence and piety:
HIGH PRIESTif I have acknowledged that all my fate depended on you,
HIGH PRIESTand if your worship and this your image
HIGH PRIESTwas ever neglected by me,
HIGH PRIESTaccept in kindness my offerings, my prayers.
HIGH PRIESTChorus
HIGH PRIESTDisperse the black whirlwind, etc.
HIGH PRIESTOh make it vanish, etc.
HIGH PRIESTYour prayers, O Queen, your gifts
HIGH PRIESTmore propitiously than usual Apollo accepts.
HIGH PRIESTBy a hundred express signs
HIGH PRIESTI am sure that he is present.
HIGH PRIESTLo, inspired by his sacred fury
HIGH PRIESTI speak words that surpass the mortal.
HIGH PRIESTLo, celestial odours are spread,
HIGH PRIESTabout the image
HIGH PRIESTburns a circle of light.
HIGH PRIESTAh, now these vaults and these walls
HIGH PRIESTare filled with the mind of the God,
HIGH PRIESThis decrees he himself will utter.
HIGH PRIESTThe altar sways,
HIGH PRIESTthe tripod shakes,
HIGH PRIESTthe ground trembles,
HIGH PRIESTthe temple resounds!
HIGH PRIESTOh People, in reverence, in fear
be silent, hear, and lay aside, Alcestis,
HIGH PRIESTthe pride of the crown;
HIGH PRIESTbow to the ground your head,
HIGH PRIESTlisten and tremble.
HIGH PRIESTThe Oracle
through the mouth of the statue
HIGH PRIESTThe king will die,
HIGH PRIESTunless another dies for him.
HIGH PRIESTChorus
HIGH PRIESTWhat a fateful decree
HIGH PRIESTof new terror!
HIGH PRIESTLet us fly, let us fly
HIGH PRIESTfrom this place of horror.
They all flee from the temple. Alcestis remains alone, with her children.
SYSTEMScene 5
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTWhere am I, what did I hear?
HIGH PRIESTWhat clear, fatal oracle
HIGH PRIESTthe God pronounced!
HIGH PRIESTWhat a proud moment this is for me!
HIGH PRIESTHow many different feelings
HIGH PRIESTrise in my heart!
HIGH PRIESTReverence, love, wonder,
HIGH PRIESTfear, weakness and virtue:
all in turn crowd together in my bosom.
HIGH PRIESTI am so lost in unaccustomed turmoil,
HIGH PRIESTand new, that I seek myself within me
HIGH PRIESTand do not find myself.
HIGH PRIESTThis then is the help
HIGH PRIESTthat I awaited from Heaven!
HIGH PRIESTMy husband will die,
HIGH PRIESTif another does not die for him!…
HIGH PRIESTTo whom to suggest it!…
HIGH PRIESTFrom whom to hope for it!…
HIGH PRIESTTo what cruel decree
HIGH PRIESTeach has left me.
HIGH PRIESTOf my faithful followers I see none…
HIGH PRIESTTo all, life is dear…
HIGH PRIESTThe best gift this is
HIGH PRIESTthat the Gods can make…
HIGH PRIESTWretched Admetus! Unhappy prince!
HIGH PRIESTWhere to find one who is willing,
HIGH PRIESTin order to prolong your days,
HIGH PRIESTto let himself and his life pass into oblivion?
HIGH PRIESTIs there any that loves you so much?
HIGH PRIESTAh! I do!
HIGH PRIESTNow all shining in my mind
HIGH PRIESTappears the great idea.
HIGH PRIESTNow with sublime ardour my heart is filled.
HIGH PRIESTWho so of me, of my will
HIGH PRIESTmakes himself master? Ah!
HIGH PRIESTI recognise the God,
HIGH PRIESTthe God moves within me.
HIGH PRIESTHe inspires me to glorious sacrifice.
HIGH PRIESTHis will is that Alcestis
HIGH PRIESTprovide today a generous example
HIGH PRIESTfor faithful wives in future days.
HIGH PRIESTShades, ghosts, companions of death,
HIGH PRIESTI do not ask of you, I do not want mercy.
HIGH PRIESTIf I take away from you a beloved husband,
HIGH PRIESTI abandon to you a faithful wife;
HIGH PRIESTI do not complain of this my lot,
HIGH PRIESTthis exchange I do not call cruel.
HIGH PRIESTShades, ghosts, companions of death,
HIGH PRIESTlet not such just piety offend you.
HIGH PRIESTAn unknown force that I feel in my breast
HIGH PRIESTgives me courage, spurs me on to the test,
HIGH PRIESTmakes me greater than myself.
SYSTEMScene 6
Alcestis is in the act of parting withEumelus and Aspasia; then Evander rushes in, followed by Ismene from another side.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTAh, hurry, O Queen,
HIGH PRIESTin a short time Admetus will live no more:
the horror of death already rushes to his face.
HIGH PRIESTAt least let him see again his dear wife.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis, ah hurry, ah do not delay!
HIGH PRIESTHe asks for you, the king calls for you.
HIGH PRIESTHe feels death near and with him
HIGH PRIESTdoes not see his wife,
HIGH PRIESTfinds not his children;
HIGH PRIESTalways on his lips he has your name
and looks around with heavy
HIGH PRIESTand languishing eyes, seeking you.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTNow the great act shall be accomplished!
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTFrom the gods, ah well you know!,
HIGH PRIESTthere is no more to hope.
Come and embrace your unhappy husband
HIGH PRIESTbut once more.
HIGH PRIESTLet him go to the tomb at least happy
HIGH PRIESTwith that sweet comfort.
HIGH PRIESTWhat more is there for him in this
HIGH PRIESThis mortal agony?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
with majestic determination
HIGH PRIESTHe has Alcestis.
She hurries away with her children.
SYSTEMScene 7
Evander, Ismene and then, in ones and twos, the ministers of the temple, priests, citizens, men and women, from various sides, some questioning the aforementioned, who, in the act of parting seemed about to follow Alcestis, but now remain on the stage.
HIGH PRIESTTwo Citizens
HIGH PRIESTAnd did no-one offer himself?
HIGH PRIEST…And still none comes forward?
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTThis hope is vain.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTEveryone loves himself…
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIEST…loves life.
HIGH PRIESTOther Voices
And can we leave…
HIGH PRIEST…our old parents…
HIGH PRIEST…and our children…
HIGH PRIEST…and our relations…
HIGH PRIEST…and our spouses…
HIGH PRIEST…the things we love…
HIGH PRIEST…so loving…
HIGH PRIEST…so tender…
HIGH PRIESTAll
HIGH PRIEST…to abandon them in grief,
HIGH PRIESTto leave them weeping?
HIGH PRIESTVoices
HIGH PRIESTI do not have the heart…
HIGH PRIEST…I do not have the courage.
HIGH PRIESTI tremble in thinking of it.
HIGH PRIESTOh such a woeful day!
HIGH PRIESTAnd the queen?
HIGH PRIESTAnd Alcestis?
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTShe hurries to her husband…
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTShe has gone. Ah she does not resist
HIGH PRIESTher wretched grief.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIEST…and for her too there remains
HIGH PRIESTonly to tremble.
HIGH PRIESTVoices
HIGH PRIESTOh Alcestis!
HIGH PRIESTOh Admetus!
HIGH PRIESTJust king!
HIGH PRIESTGentle father!
HIGH PRIESTAh do not complain
HIGH PRIESTof a faithful People…
HIGH PRIEST…do not accuse them of feigned love…
HIGH PRIEST…of false loyalty.
HIGH PRIESTAll
HIGH PRIESTToo much does heaven demand,
HIGH PRIESTtoo much is asked, too much is asked of us.
HIGH PRIESTHe who serves and he who rules
HIGH PRIESTis born to suffering;
HIGH PRIESTthe throne is not
HIGH PRIESTthe height of happiness.
There is weeping,
HIGH PRIESTcares, feelings,
HIGH PRIESTanxieties, suspicions –
HIGH PRIESTtyrants of kings.
They all leave in various directions.
SYSTEMAct II
SYSTEMScene 1
A dense, dark wood, sacred to the Gods of the Underworld. Night. Alcestis enters with Ismene.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
Stop. Why do you leave
HIGH PRIESTyour dying husband,
HIGH PRIESTyour children weeping, the realm in grief?
In these lonely retreats of greedy beasts,
HIGH PRIESThow dare you set foot?
HIGH PRIESTWith what purpose?
HIGH PRIESTThrough what vain hope?
HIGH PRIESTDo you so want to give way,
HIGH PRIESTa prey to grief?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTBe silent and go.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTBut where will you go? Already silent night
HIGH PRIESTspreads its shadows.
HIGH PRIESTWe do not know these woods:
HIGH PRIESTan ancient cult makes them sacred,
everyone fears to enter.
HIGH PRIESTAh! What if, while you ill-advisedly
go wandering here, leaving your husband
HIGH PRIESTdeath should take him
HIGH PRIESTwithout you, without your help?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTDo you not go?
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTI shall obey.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
Leave me alone.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTI go, but hear! hear, O God!
HIGH PRIESTWhat ever will become of you!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIEST, ah, for pity,
HIGH PRIESTspeak, answer, speak!
HIGH PRIESTMy heart makes me tremble
at what you cannot hide,
HIGH PRIESTbut makes me tremble the more
at what you hide from me.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTDo you not go?
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTI go, O God!
HIGH PRIESTMy heart makes me tremble, etc.
Leaves.
SYSTEMScene 2
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTShe has gone, I am alone,
HIGH PRIESTTender feelings,
HIGH PRIESTnoble thoughts,
HIGH PRIESTlo, you are free.
HIGH PRIESTBut where am I,
HIGH PRIESTin what place am I wandering,
HIGH PRIESTwhere rashly proceeding?
HIGH PRIESTAh, what fear these trees breathe!
HIGH PRIESTIn what deep dark night
HIGH PRIESTI see myself immersed!
HIGH PRIESTA still, deep silence envelops
HIGH PRIESTthe gloomy wood, where I hear
no wind whispering,
HIGH PRIESTno shaken leaf tremble,
HIGH PRIESTno echo cry.
HIGH PRIESTOnly these mute horrors
HIGH PRIESTare interrupted at times by the mournful sound
HIGH PRIESTof water that against the rocks
HIGH PRIESTcrashes and breaks,
HIGH PRIESTor of the night bird with its hoarse cry.
HIGH PRIESTAnd amid such terrors
HIGH PRIESTI live, unhappy.
HIGH PRIESTAh, while there keeps me alive
HIGH PRIESTthe love that lives in me,
HIGH PRIESTlet the glorious trial come quickly.
HIGH PRIESTHelp me, O gods,
HIGH PRIESTnow is the moment.
HIGH PRIESTYou tyrant of the shades,
HIGH PRIESTyou lord of the abyss,
HIGH PRIESTand you of Lethe and you of Phlegethon,
HIGH PRIESTimplacable gods that hold sway
HIGH PRIESTin those sad cloisters unknown to the sun,
HIGH PRIESTI call to you, I speak to you.
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTWhat do you ask, Alcestis?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTWho speaks to me? What do I answer?
There appear in the depth of thegrove several shining ghostly figures.
HIGH PRIESTAh, what do I see? Ah, what terror!
Where can I fly, where hide,
HIGH PRIESTI burn, I freeze, and I feel my heart
HIGH PRIESToppressed in my bosom, fainting,
HIGH PRIESTbeating slowly.
HIGH PRIESTI have no voice, I have no tears,
HIGH PRIESTI faint, I die, and in such pain
HIGH PRIESTI have barely enough strength
HIGH PRIESTto grieve and tremble.
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTAnd will you die, O wretched woman,
HIGH PRIESTwhen youth’ s
HIGH PRIESTflower adorns you?
HIGH PRIESTAnd you allow yourself to be oppressed too much
HIGH PRIESTin hard slavery through blind love.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTStars!…Who wakes me from that strong lethargy,
HIGH PRIESTin which weakness and fear held me!…
HIGH PRIESTHow I find again my first desire!
HIGH PRIESTHow different am I from myself!…
O either death the nearer it draws
HIGH PRIESTbecomes less horrible;
HIGH PRIESTor dismay in the cruel encounter is less
HIGH PRIESTfor one who chooses to lose life;
HIGH PRIESTto my soul are not now so terrible
HIGH PRIESTor so fearful those shades,
HIGH PRIESTthose ghosts and those voices.
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTYou can take nothing more
HIGH PRIESTfrom this courage of yours than empty honour.
HIGH PRIESTThink, O incautious young woman,
HIGH PRIESThe who dies,
never rises again.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTI know, Gods, I know,
HIGH PRIESTbut perhaps my beloved breathes his last,
HIGH PRIESTperhaps from his lips
with his last sighs
HIGH PRIESTmy name is heard.
HIGH PRIESTAh no, save him, let my beloved Admetus live,
HIGH PRIESTand Alcestis carry out the decrees of heaven,
HIGH PRIESTillustrious victim of love and fidelity.
HIGH PRIESTGods of Avernus, hear
HIGH PRIESTmy prayer, great and sacred.
HIGH PRIESTTo you, for my husband,
HIGH PRIESTI consecrate myself.
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTThen come, death receives you,
HIGH PRIESTand shows you the path of Lethe.
HIGH PRIESTThe ancient, ancient ferryman
HIGH PRIESTalready calls you, cries to you,
HIGH PRIESThurries you, hurries you,
HIGH PRIESTfrom the bank.
HIGH PRIESTCome, the ancient, ancient ferryman
HIGH PRIESTcries to you, hurries you,
HIGH PRIESTfrom the bank.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTHear me, stop! Ah, too quickly,
HIGH PRIESTGods, you answer my prayers!
HIGH PRIESTMy fate is worthy of pity.
HIGH PRIESTSuffer at least that a wife
and mother receive embrace,
take her last leave
HIGH PRIESTfrom her husband and her children.
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTLet it be granted you.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTDo not be perturbed, no,
HIGH PRIESTmerciful gods,
if I leave you
HIGH PRIESTfor some moments.
HIGH PRIESTEven without the strength
HIGH PRIESTof my vows,
HIGH PRIESTI shall die of love
HIGH PRIESTand of happiness.
Mime of the Gods of the Underworld
SYSTEMScene 3
A room in the palace. Courtiers celebrate the unexpected recovery of Admetus.
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTFrom the happy place, sad thoughts,
HIGH PRIESTaway, fly, fly, away.
HIGH PRIESTMay smiling pleasures
HIGH PRIESTreturn and surround the throne.
Ballet
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTNow that death his fury
has taken elsewhere and mourning and weeping,
HIGH PRIESTand the stars are fairer
HIGH PRIESTand for us more happily revolve:
HIGH PRIESTyou that have love as a friend,
HIGH PRIESTloving brides, ardent lovers,
HIGH PRIESTgarland yourselves
HIGH PRIESTwith scented fresh roses and rejoice.
Ballet
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTFrom the happy place, sad thoughts, etc.
SYSTEMScene 4
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTLord, never more sincere was
HIGH PRIESTthe loyal People’ s rejoicing.
HIGH PRIESTHow the fear of losing you afflicted them!
HIGH PRIESTThey love you as father, respect you as ruler:
HIGH PRIESTin you rests their happiness.
HIGH PRIESTNo, the People’ s delight is not too great,
when from such sad bouts of weeping
HIGH PRIESTand of grief,
HIGH PRIESTpitying our prayers,
HIGH PRIESTheaven restores you.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTFrom what lethargy, Evander,
HIGH PRIESTI now awake;
HIGH PRIESTand what portent steals me from the tomb!
HIGH PRIESTStill encumbered by images of death
HIGH PRIESTmy mind wanders; to other things
my astonished thoughts dare not turn;
HIGH PRIESTsuspended still in awful doubt,
HIGH PRIESTI know not if I dream or if I wake.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTAh, live, my king. Happy days
HIGH PRIESTfate promises you.
HIGH PRIESTEntertain more cheerful ideas in your soul;
HIGH PRIESTthink of rejoicing. From our love
HIGH PRIESTis granted the life that returns to you;
our weeping has won it from heaven;
HIGH PRIESTone of your dear ones has fulfilled the oracle.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTHow! What do I hear?
HIGH PRIESTWhat did the God say?
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTThe king will die unless another
HIGH PRIESTdies for him.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTBarbarous decree! And you believe…
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTYes! You are revived and in a moment.
HIGH PRIESTThis is not by chance,
HIGH PRIESTnor by human help;
HIGH PRIESTit is the work of heaven.
HIGH PRIESTThere was one, lord,
HIGH PRIESTwho offered to die for you;
HIGH PRIESTit is vain to doubt it.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTO too unjust, O strange
HIGH PRIESTwish of the gods!
HIGH PRIESTO famous sacrifice
HIGH PRIESTof a faithful friend!
HIGH PRIESTEvander, he who thus
HIGH PRIESTmakes a gift of life,
HIGH PRIESTdeserves it more than any other.
HIGH PRIESTAnd to whom do I owe so much?
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTIt is not clear.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAnd Alcestis? And my wife?
HIGH PRIESTWhere is she? What is she doing?
HIGH PRIESTWhy does she not come to rejoice with me
HIGH PRIESTat this unexpected happiness.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTHere is Alcestis.
SYSTEMScene 5
Alcestis, Ismene, and the attendants of Alcestis join them.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAdored wife, and yet again
HIGH PRIESTI see you, I am with you, am yours,
HIGH PRIESTI clasp you to my bosom.
HIGH PRIESTDeath was painful to me for the love of you;
HIGH PRIESTmy beloved Alcestis
HIGH PRIESTI love life so much.
HIGH PRIESTOur dear children may heaven keep,
HIGH PRIESTI only desire
HIGH PRIESTin our sweet bonds
HIGH PRIESTto pass my days, and then
HIGH PRIESTto die in your arms.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
Wretched that I am! What shall I say?
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTYou do not answer me!
HIGH PRIESTSo sadly you greet me!
HIGH PRIESTEvery fear for me has gone,
HIGH PRIESTcalm your brow, it is time to rejoice.
HIGH PRIESTNew portents your presence
HIGH PRIESTbrings me. The light of your
HIGH PRIESTloving eyes wakes in my bosom
HIGH PRIESTa sweet ardour that brings me new life.
HIGH PRIESTIt is a gift of the gods on high, if this
HIGH PRIESTfragile mortal body still remains for me,
HIGH PRIESTbut pleasure in life
HIGH PRIESTis the gift of Alcestis.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
O what a moment! O sorrow!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTWife! My beloved!
HIGH PRIESTBut why do you not embrace me?
HIGH PRIESTBut why do you not speak to me?
HIGH PRIESTAh, what secret sorrow do you hide from me!
HIGH PRIESTHow cruel for me is that silence!…
And your frequent turning pale,
your sighing, your looks fixed on heaven,
and then turning to me,
HIGH PRIESTas if you would speak!
HIGH PRIESTWhat tears run down your face,
HIGH PRIESTthat your weary eyes
HIGH PRIESTcannot hold back,
HIGH PRIESTis it love, or is it fear?
HIGH PRIESTAh, why with those tears
HIGH PRIESTdo you poison my happiness?
HIGH PRIESTWhy? Why?
HIGH PRIESTSo I enjoy only a moment
HIGH PRIESTand then always must suffer.
HIGH PRIESTMy idol!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTI feel faint.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTYou do not answer.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAh, what torment!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTOne look…
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAnd without weeping!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
An embrace…
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO God, the last!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAh, listen to me…
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTI freeze, I tremble.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTOnly speak…
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTWhat can I say!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTYour torment is my pain,
HIGH PRIESTyou are my hope and my treasure.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIEST(A thousand times I seem to die,
HIGH PRIESTbefore I come to die.)
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTWife! Alcestis! And why is not
HIGH PRIESTyour whole heart open to me?
HIGH PRIESTWhy am I not now a part
HIGH PRIESTof your happiness, of your sufferings?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAh, do not so afflict your faithful wife!
HIGH PRIESTYou live! And in the world there is none
HIGH PRIESTthat rejoices more,
HIGH PRIESTand has a better lot than mine.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTBut why then are you so troubled?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO God! Do not seek to know.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTDoes heaven threaten other dangers?
HIGH PRIESTAh, save Alcestis for me and then let all
HIGH PRIESTits anger be vented on me!
HIGH PRIESTDo you love me?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTDo I love you?
HIGH PRIESTThe gods know it, my heart knows it.
HIGH PRIESTI adore you, I shall adore you.
HIGH PRIESTThe tomb will not be able to quench
HIGH PRIESTmy unassuming love. My soul
HIGH PRIESTwill bear this tender love
HIGH PRIESTto fortunate Elysium.
For your life I would give a thousand lives.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAnd our dear children?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTDo not worry, the children are safe.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTThen how can you fear that fate
HIGH PRIESTwhich smiles happily on us may change?
HIGH PRIESTI live: you are mine: the children are safe,
and you weep.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTBut you do not know?
HIGH PRIESTBut is it unknown to you
HIGH PRIESTwhat Apollo said?
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTI know; I understand you;
HIGH PRIESTthere is one who dies for me.
HIGH PRIESTHear, I understand
HIGH PRIESTthe generous vow’ s
HIGH PRIESTsublime courage.
HIGH PRIESTYour husband
HIGH PRIESThas learned the price of life;
HIGH PRIESTso great a gift surpasses every thanks!
HIGH PRIESTBut if this hero is known to you,
HIGH PRIESTthis friend,
HIGH PRIESTthis benefactor, reveal it to me:
HIGH PRIESTI swear that for ever on these shores
HIGH PRIESThis name shall live; that to his wife,
HIGH PRIESTto his parents, his children,
HIGH PRIESTI shall always be father, son and husband;
HIGH PRIESTthat after you, my life, they will have
HIGH PRIESTthe best thoughts of my heart. Speak.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO gods!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTYou weep?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAh husband!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTWell?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTIt is I.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene,
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTSacred gods of heaven!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTYou, how! Alcestis! You yourself!
HIGH PRIESTO dreadful blow! O black day!
HIGH PRIESTOh! wretched mistake of an unseeing mind!
HIGH PRIESTYou love me and love not yourself,
and purpose to die, to leave me,
HIGH PRIESTto deprive me of yourself.
HIGH PRIESTWhat have you done?
HIGH PRIESTWhen ever did I ask you
HIGH PRIESTfor this proof of love!
HIGH PRIESTWhen? Answer, speak,
HIGH PRIESTrend my heart!
HIGH PRIESTBut where, O God, beyond my sorrow
HIGH PRIESTdo my desperate thoughts lead me?
HIGH PRIESTNo, human madness cannot so
HIGH PRIESTserve Heaven.
HIGH PRIESTYou are mine;
HIGH PRIESTyou cannot dispose of yourself,
HIGH PRIESTif I will not agree; your first sacred duty
HIGH PRIESTas wife, as mother, binds you to me;
HIGH PRIESTbut when to that cruel vow
HIGH PRIESTthe tyranny of frantic love
HIGH PRIESThas driven you,
HIGH PRIESTI shall not live; vain is the gift;
HIGH PRIESTI do not accept it.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTHusband, there is no more time.
HIGH PRIESTMy vows are written in heaven.
HIGH PRIESTYour present state makes it clear,
HIGH PRIESTand never more clearly spoke the god.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTNo; always obscurely and always
HIGH PRIESTmysteriously he answers,
HIGH PRIESTI will go up the temple to question again
HIGH PRIESTthe deceiving oracle.
HIGH PRIESTThe earth shall know my refusal.
HIGH PRIESTI will that it may know, understand
HIGH PRIESTthat the gods have no care for innocence
HIGH PRIESTand virtue; that they jest
HIGH PRIESTwith unhappy mortals.
HIGH PRIESTIn this state I have no more regard
HIGH PRIESTfor reason. I lose my fear.
HIGH PRIESTBy such dreadful blows
HIGH PRIESTand in so short a time overwhelmed
HIGH PRIESTI hate heaven, I hate the world,
HIGH PRIESTI hate myself.
HIGH PRIESTNo, cruel one, I cannot live,
HIGH PRIESTyou know it, without you.
HIGH PRIESTYou do not save me, but kill me
HIGH PRIESTif so you take from me
HIGH PRIESTthe most living, most tender
HIGH PRIESTdear part of my heart.
HIGH PRIESTAnd so barbarous a desertion
HIGH PRIESTand the horror of such a farewell
HIGH PRIESTyou believe is virtue and call it love!
HIGH PRIESTIn my great affliction
HIGH PRIESTevery death, O gods, is a gift;
HIGH PRIESTthan so wretched a life
HIGH PRIESTthere is no worse fate, O God!
HIGH PRIESTNo, cruel one, etc.
He goes out, with Evander.
SYSTEMScene 6
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO tenderness! O love!
HIGH PRIESTWorthy of a better fate
HIGH PRIESTand too quickly gone!
HIGH PRIESTAh, the fatal moment already draws near!
HIGH PRIESTNow, now, I feel myself grow faint,
HIGH PRIESTI feel myself grow weak.
HIGH PRIESTThe day dazzles me, my breathing grows heavy,
HIGH PRIESTa fire within consumes me.
HIGH PRIESTBeloved Ismene
HIGH PRIESTloving companions,
HIGH PRIESTin my last moments
HIGH PRIESThelp me still.
HIGH PRIESTTake from me this wretched finery:
HIGH PRIESTbring me garlands, perfumes,
HIGH PRIESTlet the gods have my final offerings.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTO, how quickly in its fair flowering
HIGH PRIESTyour pleasant life has fled from you!
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTO, how quickly
HIGH PRIESTyour pleasant life has fled from you!
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTLike a tender rose that at dawn
HIGH PRIESTis dried up by the cold north wind.
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTO, how quickly, etc.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTAnd still my heart does not break!
HIGH PRIESTAnd our suffering, your mercy,
HIGH PRIESTyour virtue do not lessen
HIGH PRIESTthe injustice of heaven.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTBe silent; you are wrong to accuse the gods;
HIGH PRIESTyou offend Alcestis. I myself
HIGH PRIESToffered myself up voluntarily, and my death
HIGH PRIESTis through devotion, not through force.
HIGH PRIESTMy beloved children, let them come to me.
HIGH PRIESTIn such pains let a dying mother
HIGH PRIESThave some happiness
HIGH PRIESTin clasping them to her bosom.
HIGH PRIESTAnd meanwhile you and I offer the gods
vows, and prayers, and do not weep.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTSo fair!
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTSo young! So chaste! So dear!
HIGH PRIESTCruel prey to greedy death,
HIGH PRIESTjust gods, why should she be?
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTThat fair face and that fair smile…
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTThe splendour of those fair eyes…
HIGH PRIESTAh why, ah why, merciful gods,
HIGH PRIESTwill she be hidden from us for ever?
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
approaching the altar and burning incense
HIGH PRIESTVesta, you that were and are
HIGH PRIESTmy first guardian spirit,
HIGH PRIESTfor your children receive, alas,
HIGH PRIESTmy children on this day.
HIGH PRIESTAnd in you may they find,
HIGH PRIESTwhen I am a cold, wandering shade,
HIGH PRIESTa mother as loving
HIGH PRIESTas she who died.
HIGH PRIESTof such troubles, fearful, dismayed,
HIGH PRIESTit is as if my soul flies from life.
HIGH PRIESTAll
HIGH PRIESTO, how quickly, etc
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO chaste, O dear nuptial couch,
HIGH PRIESTmy sweet care, my sole love,
HIGH PRIESTwhile merciful heaven
HIGH PRIESTwas willing to defend me
HIGH PRIESTfrom these dreadful stars,
HIGH PRIESTif you receive another, new wife,
HIGH PRIESTshe may be dearer, nay be fairer
HIGH PRIESTthan your wretched, dead Alcestis;
HIGH PRIESTbut not more tender, nor more faithful.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTSo fair, so young,
HIGH PRIESTSo yield to the arms of death.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis, Ismene
HIGH PRIESTAmid the laments, amid the tears,
HIGH PRIESTof children and of a husband...
HIGH PRIESTAll
HIGH PRIESTThere is no fate, O God, more barbarous
HIGH PRIESTno suffering more cruel.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTMy Queen, here are your children.
taking the children and bringing them to Alcestis
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTBeloved pledges of my unassuming love,
HIGH PRIESTtender children, embrace your mother!
HIGH PRIESTAh, perhaps these are our
HIGH PRIESTlast kisses!
HIGH PRIESTIn vain I fancied I would be happy
HIGH PRIESTone day in seeing you happy!
HIGH PRIESTI shall not see the marriage torches burn,
HIGH PRIESTnor your happy weddings;
HIGH PRIESTI shall not hear Greece boast
HIGH PRIESTof your glories and your courage.
HIGH PRIESTHow cruel a fate for a mother!
My bosom is overwhelmed with weeping,
the surge of sighs
HIGH PRIESTprevents my speech,
HIGH PRIESTand at the thought of so proud a fate,
HIGH PRIESTof such troubles, fearful, dismayed,
HIGH PRIESTit is as if my soul flies from life.
HIGH PRIESTEumelus
HIGH PRIESTAh, my beloved mother!
HIGH PRIESTO God, you kiss me and you weep!
And would leave me
HIGH PRIESTand speak of dying.
HIGH PRIESTAspasia
HIGH PRIESTAh, mother beloved!
HIGH PRIESTO God! You embrace me,
HIGH PRIESTmy mother, and sigh!
And you would leave me.
HIGH PRIESTEumelus
HIGH PRIEST, Aspasia
HIGH PRIESTWretched that we are!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTChildren, beloved children! O God!
HIGH PRIESTSadly I must die.
HIGH PRIESTIn vain you press against my bosom
HIGH PRIESTand clasp me with your loving arms.
HIGH PRIESTO how quickly
HIGH PRIESTthese gentle bonds will be broken!
That mercy, that weeping
HIGH PRIESTcan delight me no more…
HIGH PRIESTCome, let us go to your father:
HIGH PRIESTyour dying mother entrusts and
HIGH PRIESTcommends you to him…
HIGH PRIESTBut…what new terrible
HIGH PRIESTthought assails me
HIGH PRIESTthat I feel a mortal shiver
HIGH PRIESTin every vein!
Weep, ah yes,
HIGH PRIESTweep, innocent children!
I leave you with uncertain hopes
HIGH PRIESTto a love that could be extinguished
HIGH PRIESTwith the passing of years…
HIGH PRIESTThere you are, slaves to a mother –
HIGH PRIESTah, what mother! – mother only in name.
HIGH PRIESTThere you are exposed to envy, to suspicion,
HIGH PRIESTto hatred, to so many hidden counsels
HIGH PRIESTof the realm, and jealousy.
HIGH PRIESTYou no longer have a mother,
HIGH PRIESTbeloved children!
HIGH PRIESTAh for this now weary heart of mine,
HIGH PRIESTO dear, loving children,
your weary looks that you tenderly turn to me
HIGH PRIESTare so many darts of love!
HIGH PRIESTAlready I feel you troubling my rest
HIGH PRIESTwhen afflicted, bewildered, grieving
HIGH PRIESTyou will say: ‘Ah where is our mother,
HIGH PRIESTah, our mother, ah, our mother is dead.’
HIGH PRIESTThe fiercest of all torments is
HIGH PRIESTto be separated from one’ s dear children
and leave them amid such dangers,
and leave them weeping so.
HIGH PRIESTAll
HIGH PRIESTO, how quickly, in its fair flowering
HIGH PRIESTyour pleasant life has fled from you!, etc.
SYSTEMAct III
SYSTEMScene 1
HIGH PRIESTThe magnificent entrance hall of the palace.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAh, my faithful follower!
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTAh, my king!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTThe vow of Alcestis cannot be revoked.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTYou cannot die for her yourself.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTThe heavens will not allow it.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTThe God is silent.
HIGH PRIESTOh fates too dreadful for us!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis has to die.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTWe lose Alcestis!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
You weep, beloved Evander,
HIGH PRIESTand you are right to do so.
HIGH PRIESTBut suffering is measured only by one’ s own suffering.
HIGH PRIESTSee to what pain the gods condemn me.
HIGH PRIESTI cannot die for the one who dies for me!
HIGH PRIESTI hate Life, and the tomb is closed to me!
HIGH PRIESTAt every moment of my wretched days I shall remember
HIGH PRIESTthe faithfulness of lost Alcestis,
HIGH PRIESTher love, courage, constancy:
HIGH PRIESTin every object I shall imagine her beauty,
HIGH PRIESTthat sweet, lovely look,
HIGH PRIESTthat gentle smile, that modest blush.
HIGH PRIESTMore vivid still will these proud memories be
HIGH PRIESTin the likenesses of the children;
and I must always embrace them weeping,
sigh and kiss them…
HIGH PRIESTAh what a contrast of opposite feelings!
HIGH PRIESTOh what a long succession of tenderness
HIGH PRIESTpity and horror, so bitter for a husband,
HIGH PRIESTfor a father, is heaven preparing!
HIGH PRIESTWretched man! And what shall I do!
HIGH PRIESTAnd how, and how, and with what heart
shall I embrace my children;
HIGH PRIESTas in its harshness
HIGH PRIESTthe barbarous pity of tyrannous heaven
HIGH PRIESTkeeps me still alive!
HIGH PRIESTWretched that I am! And with what heart
HIGH PRIESTshall I comfort them,
HIGH PRIESThow shall I answer them
HIGH PRIESTwhen, bathed in tears,
HIGH PRIESTthey remind their father
HIGH PRIESTof their mother!
HIGH PRIESTThey will ask me – ah what grief –
HIGH PRIESTfor their mother.
HIGH PRIESTNo, I do not find in me
HIGH PRIESTsuch dreadful constancy in such pain:
HIGH PRIESTin foretelling it
HIGH PRIESTmy heart shudders…
HIGH PRIESTInto what abyss have I fallen, in a single day,
HIGH PRIESTfrom the height of contentment.
HIGH PRIESTYou envied me my happiness, O gods!
HIGH PRIESTToo similar to yours was my state
HIGH PRIESTWhen I had Alcestis!
HIGH PRIESTAnd yet, O God!
HIGH PRIESTHow can I see her die in my arms,
HIGH PRIESTand from her fair eyes the light fade,
HIGH PRIESTand see in that fair face, and on that fair bosom
HIGH PRIESTthe cold, black spreading of grey death!
HIGH PRIESTAh now quickly flies the moment
HIGH PRIESTand this scene of horror is at hand.
HIGH PRIESTWretched that I am! What do I see! Lo, she is here!
HIGH PRIESTO sight! O cruelty! She comes forward
HIGH PRIESTunsteadily, languishing,
HIGH PRIESTand with her she has the children,
HIGH PRIESTand there comes for the last parting my…
HIGH PRIESTAh, no longer mine! – my faithful wife…
HIGH PRIESTO Alcestis, O children,
HIGH PRIESTO parting, O death!
SYSTEMScene 2
Alcestis appears, supported by Ismene, with Eumelus, Aspasia and the attendants of Alcestis; then the Gods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTHusband, Admetus, my idol!
HIGH PRIESTLo, the moment that parts me from you
HIGH PRIESTand breaks
HIGH PRIESTour loving chains for ever.
HIGH PRIESTAbout me hovers
HIGH PRIESTthe haughty shadow of death
HIGH PRIESTthat grasps his sword, raises his right hand,
and signals to give the fatal blow.
HIGH PRIESTSoon Alcestis, a cold corpse
HIGH PRIESTin cold marble hidden,
HIGH PRIESTwill be no longer mother, queen and wife.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTO agony!
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTO cruel vow!
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTO faithfulness!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTThe Gods all know, my dearest,
HIGH PRIESTif in the youthfulness that smiles on me,
HIGH PRIESTif as lover and beloved, mother and Queen,
HIGH PRIESTaccustomed to the joys of life,
with a single sigh I made you a gift of it.
HIGH PRIESTAh this gift deserves a reward!
HIGH PRIESTHere it is:
HIGH PRIESTI ask that our children do not see you
HIGH PRIESTtake another wife in your arms.
HIGH PRIESTIf you promise it, if you swear it to me,
HIGH PRIESTto our dear children, to the Gods,
HIGH PRIESTI shall close my eyes in peace to eternal rest.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis! My treasure!
HIGH PRIESTAh! What you ask is my sacred duty.
HIGH PRIESTYes, I promise, I will fulfil it:
HIGH PRIESTI swear to the Gods, to you.
HIGH PRIESTYou alone did I love, Alcestis, while you lived:
HIGH PRIESTdead, I shall always adore you.
HIGH PRIESTThese children shall be my only children.
HIGH PRIESTEvery happiness flies from me with your death:
there remains for me weeping, mourning, pain,
HIGH PRIESTthat will end with the ending of my days…
HIGH PRIESTAnd oh happy would I be,
HIGH PRIESTif heaven hastened this sweet moment
HIGH PRIESTto bring me to you again in the serene
HIGH PRIESTcalm abode, to the beautiful souls of the elect.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTCome then and receive from the hand of your wife
HIGH PRIESTthese beloved pledges that I entrust to you
HIGH PRIESTand take your last farewell.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTThe last!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAh!… Yes.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTI feel my heart rent
HIGH PRIESTby a flood of sorrow!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAspasia, Eumelus,
HIGH PRIESTO dear sharers in this bosom!
HIGH PRIESTThink of me, come
HIGH PRIESToften to my tomb,
HIGH PRIESTdeck it with flowers.
A loving shade I will hover round you.
HIGH PRIESTAnd of your poor mother’ s
HIGH PRIESTmemorable vow, faithfulness, love,
HIGH PRIESTsometimes remind your father…
Dear children, ah, do not weep;
HIGH PRIESTall his tender affection
HIGH PRIESTyour father promises you.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTDear children, ah, you alone will be
HIGH PRIESTthe comfort and the delight
HIGH PRIESTof this heart!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTBe consoled, O beloved husband!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTToo barbarous is my fate!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAh my beloved! In such a moment
HIGH PRIESTonly your sorrow troubles me!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTWhat bitter torment,
HIGH PRIESTwhat torture, what death
HIGH PRIESTto see my sweet wife
HIGH PRIESTtorn from me.
HIGH PRIESTI am the example
HIGH PRIESTof how much
HIGH PRIESTa wretched man, O God,
HIGH PRIESTcan suffer living.
HIGH PRIESTGods, friends, ah who will help me!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTHusband, children, ah, while she lives
embrace yet Alcestis.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus, Ismene, Evander
HIGH PRIESTBut what sound of terrible voices,
HIGH PRIESTwhat gloom and darkness
HIGH PRIESTsurprises us, covers us with horror!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTSo many fearful shades!
HIGH PRIESTWhat will become of us! O consort!
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTSo many ghosts of
HIGH PRIESTfierce and threatening appearance!
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTWhat is their wish?
HIGH PRIESTEumelus, Aspasia
HIGH PRIESTAh mother!
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTCome, Alcestis; remember your vow;
HIGH PRIESTnever did fate so long delay
HIGH PRIESTher harsh, savage severity.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAlas! Who shakes me!
HIGH PRIESTWho stirs me
HIGH PRIESTfrom that dulling of the senses
HIGH PRIESTin which I languished, without any grief,
HIGH PRIESTat peace and unspeaking.
HIGH PRIESTWho are these that surround me!
HIGH PRIESTAh, I am lost!
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTWhy do you stay!
HIGH PRIESTYou are the victim of Dis
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTStop: hear be satisfied O gods,
HIGH PRIESTand take away with you a loving husband.
HIGH PRIESTwho without her will surely live no more.
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTNo more is allowed,
HIGH PRIESTThere is no more mercy.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTBut at least a moment…
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
But one more embrace…
HIGH PRIESTGods of the Underworld
HIGH PRIESTNo more is allowed,
HIGH PRIESTthere is no more mercy.
HIGH PRIESTA God
HIGH PRIESTCome!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAh barbarians!
HIGH PRIESTA God
HIGH PRIESTRein in, rash mortal,
HIGH PRIESTthe ill-considered passion that transports you.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTChildren, farewell!
HIGH PRIESTHusband, farewell!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTI die!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTI am dead.
Alcestis is carried off by the Gods of the Underworld. Admetus falls, fainting, and is led within.
SYSTEMScene 3
HIGH PRIESTSinfonia
HIGH PRIESTA Voice
HIGH PRIESTHas she died?
HIGH PRIESTAnother Voice
HIGH PRIESTDoes she live no more?
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTAmong those shades she is hidden
HIGH PRIESTand has gone.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTI freeze… with terror.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTI tremble… with fear.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene,
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTO how we grieve!
HIGH PRIESTWho will help us?
HIGH PRIESTWho comfort us?
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
Weep, O country, O Thessaly,
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis is dead,
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis is dead!
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis is dead! Alas!
HIGH PRIESTNever shall tears have an end,
HIGH PRIESTthat will bathe
HIGH PRIESTthese sad shores!
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
Weep, O country, etc.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTDeath triumphs
HIGH PRIESTand distorts the virtue of beauty,
HIGH PRIESTremoving
HIGH PRIESTthe model of honesty.
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
Weep, O country, etc.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene,
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTEvery finest virtue
HIGH PRIESThas departed with her:
HIGH PRIESTIn this way, gods,
HIGH PRIESTyou wished to punish us!
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
Weep, O country, etc.
Admetus enters, with his courtiers, who cluster round to disarm him.
SYSTEMScene 4
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
Leave me, cruel men,
HIGH PRIESTin vain you hope to prevent my death:
HIGH PRIESTin vain heaven opposes my designs.
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis is dead; and life
HIGH PRIESTis now torture for me.
How could I bear to look at
HIGH PRIESTthese hateful walls!
HIGH PRIESTTo turn my gaze and see her no more!
HIGH PRIESTTo go wandering about
HIGH PRIESTand everywhere encounter
HIGH PRIESTloneliness and grief!
HIGH PRIESTAh! He who prevents
HIGH PRIESTsuch an evil fate by dying
HIGH PRIESTis the worst of living men,
HIGH PRIESTan object of my hatred.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTAh, lord!
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTAh, my king!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
Stand aside: be silent:
leave me, for pity.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTBut this realm…
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTBut these children…
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTIsmene, Evander, O God!
HIGH PRIESTCease to torture me…
HIGH PRIESTI have in my mind,
HIGH PRIESTin my heart, none other than Alcestis,
HIGH PRIESTand wish to be with her again.
A light starts to appear in the sky.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTBut what unexpected lightning flash was that?
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTWhat great light sets ablaze the clouds?
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAh, in the tomb itself
HIGH PRIESTshall I be enclosed with my adored wife:
HIGH PRIESTI shall follow her faithfully to the happy place
HIGH PRIESTthat heaven keeps
HIGH PRIESTfor the just and for heroes.
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTStop…
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTWait…
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTWhat is happening?
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTLook…
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTSee…
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTWhat wonders are these?
HIGH PRIESTIsmene
HIGH PRIESTAh, a god!
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTA god descends among us
HIGH PRIESTand seems to bear with him
HIGH PRIESTall the rays of the sun.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTI am amazed.
HIGH PRIESTIsmene,
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTI am strengthened.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTIt is Apollo!
HIGH PRIESTIsmene,
HIGH PRIESTEvander
HIGH PRIESTIt is he!
SYSTEMFinal Scene
Apollo on a shining cloud; Alcestis amid clouds
HIGH PRIESTApollo
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIEST, even in heaven
HIGH PRIESTyour wretched suffering
HIGH PRIESThas aroused pity. Your faithful
HIGH PRIESTwife’ s generous vow
HIGH PRIESThas pleased the gods.
HIGH PRIESTTwo such constant lovers
HIGH PRIESTdeserve a better fate.
HIGH PRIESTAs on earth one day
HIGH PRIESTyou welcomed me,
HIGH PRIESTso receive the greatest reward
HIGH PRIESTthat through the favour of heaven
HIGH PRIESTa mortal can hope for:
HIGH PRIESTI give you back Alcestis.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTAh, my life!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTAh, my beloved!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTYou live!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTI embrace you!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTO wonder!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO amazement!
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTO happiness!
HIGH PRIESTAlcestis
HIGH PRIESTO dear children! O beloved husband!
HIGH PRIESTAnd now again I clasp you all to my bosom.
HIGH PRIESTAdmetus
HIGH PRIESTO merciful heaven!
HIGH PRIESTO kindly god! O happy day!
HIGH PRIESTLet my realm celebrate
HIGH PRIESTthis unexpected event;
HIGH PRIESTprepare solemn sacrifice,
HIGH PRIESTand let your first thoughts, my dearest,
HIGH PRIESTand my first vows,
HIGH PRIESTon so happy a day
HIGH PRIESTbe given to the gods.
HIGH PRIESTCourtiers
HIGH PRIESTReign over us in happiness,
HIGH PRIESTexcellent lady, whose equal on the throne
HIGH PRIESTno other lady ever was.
HIGH PRIESTFair and chaste, and wise and strong:
HIGH PRIESTin you are joined
HIGH PRIESTall beauties and all virtues…