Theodora

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Theodora Libretto

SYSTEMTHEODORA

composed 1750

Music by Georg Friedrich Händel

An Oratorio

Words by Thomas Morell

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Theodora, a Christian of noble birth (soprano)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Didymus, a Roman Officer,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:converted & in love with Theodora (alto)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Septimius, his friend (tenor)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Valens, President of Antioch (bass)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Irene, a Christian (mezzo-soprano)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Messenger (tenor)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Chorus of Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Chorus of Heathens

SYSTEMACT ONE

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:1. Overture

SYSTEMScene 1

Valens, Didymus, Septimius, Chorus of Heathens.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:2. Recitative

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:'Tis Dioclesian's natal day.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Proclaim throughout the bounds of Antioch

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:A feast, and solemn sacrifice to Jove.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Whoso disdains to join the sacred rites,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Shall feel our wrath in chastisement, or death.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And this, Septimius, take you in charge.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:3. Air

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Go, my faithful soldier, go:

Let the fragrant incense rise,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To Jove, great ruler of the skies.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:4. Chorus of Heathens

And draw a blessing down,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:On his imperial crown,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Who rules the world below.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:5. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Vouchsafe, dread Sir, a gracious ear

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To my request. Let not thy sentence doom

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To racks and flames, all, all, whose scrup'lous minds

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Will not permit them, or, to bend the knee

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To gods they know not, or, in wanton mood,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To celebrate the day with Roman rites.

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Art thou a Roman, and yet dar'st defend

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:A sect, rebellious to the gods and Rome?

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Many there are in Antioch, who disdain

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:An idol-offering, yet are friends to Cà¦sar.

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:It cannot be. They are not Cà¦sar's friends,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Who own not Cà¦sar's gods. I'll hear no more.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:6. Air

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Racks, gibbets, sword and fire,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Shall speak my vengeful ire,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Against the stubborn knee.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Nor gushing tears,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Nor ardent pray'rs,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Shall shake our firm decree.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Racks, gibbets. . .

da capo

Exit Valens.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:7. Chorus of Heathens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:For ever thus stands fix'd the doom,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of rebels to the gods and Rome,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While sweeter than the trumpet's sound,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Their groans and cries are heard around.

SYSTEMScene 2

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:8. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Most cruel edict! Sure, thy generous soul,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Septimius, abhors the dreadful task

Of persecution. Ought we not to leave

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The free-born mind of man still ever free?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Since vain is the attempt to force belief

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With the severest instrument of death?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:9. Air

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The raptur'd soul defies the sword,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Secure of virtue's claim,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And trusting Heav'n's unerring word,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Enjoys the circling flame.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:No engine can a tyrant find,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To storm the truth-supported mind.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The raptur'd soul. . .

da capo

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:10. Recitative

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I know thy virtues, and ask not thy faith;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Enjoy it as you will, my Didymus.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Though not a Christian, for I worship still

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The gods my fathers worship'd, yet I own,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Something within declares for acts of mercy.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But Antioch's President must be obey'd;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Such is the Roman discipline, while we

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Can only pity, whom we dare not spare.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:11. Air

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Descend, kind pity, heav'nly guest,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Descend, and fill each human breast

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With sympathizing woe.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That liberty, and peace of mind,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:May sweetly harmonize mankind,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And bless the world below.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Descend. . .

da capo

SYSTEMScene 3

Theodora, with the Christians.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:12. Recitative

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Though hard, my friends, yet wholesome are the truths,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Taught in affliction's school, whence the pure soul

Rises refin'd, and soars above the world.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:13. Air

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fond, flatt'ring world, adieu!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Thy gaily-smiling pow'r,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Empty treasures,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fleeting pIeasures,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ne'er shall tempt or charm me more.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Faith inviting,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Hope delighting,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Nobler joys we now pursue.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:14. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:O bright example of all goodness!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:How easy seems affliction's heavy load,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While thus instructed, and companion'd thus,

As 'twere with Heav'n conversing, we look down

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:On the vain pomp of proud prosperity.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:15. Air

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Bane of virtue, nurse of passions,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Soother of vile inclinations,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Such is, prosperity, thy name.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:True happiness is only found,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Where grace and truth and love abound,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And pure religion feeds the flame.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Bane of virtue. . .

da capo

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:16. Chorus of Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Come, mighty Father, mighty Lord,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With love our souls inspire,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While grace and truth flow from thy word,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And feed the holy fire.

SYSTEMScene 4

Enter Messenger.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:17. Recitative

Messenger

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fly, fly, my brethren, heathen rage pursues us swift.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Arm'd with the terrors of insulting death.

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ah! Whither should we fly, or fly from whom?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The Lord is still the same, today, for ever,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And his protection here, and everywhere.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Though gath'ring round our destin'd heads

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The storm now thickens, and looks big with fate,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Still shall thy servants wait on Thee, O Lord,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And in thy saving mercy put their trust.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:18. Air

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:As with rosy steps the morn,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Advancing, drives the shades of night,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:So from virtuous toil well-borne,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Raise Thou our hopes of endless light.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Triumphant saviour, Lord of day,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Thou art the life, the light, the way!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:As with rosy steps. . .

da capo

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:19. Chorus of Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:All pow'r in Heav'n above or earth beneath

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Belongs to Thee alone,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Thou Everlasting One,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Mighty to save in perils, storm and death.

SYSTEMScene 5

Enter Septimius.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:20. Recitative

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Mistaken wretches! Why thus blind to fate,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Do ye in private oratories dare

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Oppose the President's decree, and scorn

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With native rites to celebrate the day

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Sacred to Cà¦sar and protecting Jove?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:21. Air

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Dread the fruits of Christian folly,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And this stubborn melancholy

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fond of life and liberty.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Chains and dungeons ye are wooing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And the storm of death pursuing;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Rebels to the known decree.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Dread the fruits. . .

da capo

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:22. Recitative

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Deluded mortal! Call it not rebellion,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That thus we persevere in spirit and truth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To worship God: it is his dread command,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:His whom we cannot, dare not, disobey,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Though death be our reward.

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Death is not yet thy doom:

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But worse than death to such a virtuous mind,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Which Didymus wants eloquence to praise.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lady, these guards are order'd to convey you

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To the vile place, a prostitute, to whom

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Valens thinks proper to devote your charms.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:23. Accompagnato

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Oh, worse than death indeed! Lead me, ye guards,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lead me, or to the rack, or to the flames,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I'll thank your gracious mercy.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:24. Air

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Angels, ever bright and fair,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Take, oh take me to your care;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Speed to your own courts my flight,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Clad in robes of virgin white.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Angels. . .

da capo

Exit Theodora with Septimius.

SYSTEMScene 6

Enter Didymus.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:25. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Unhappy, happy crew! Why stand ye thus,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Wild with amazement? Say, where is my love,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:My kind instructor in fair virtue's path,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:My life, my Theodora? Has the tyrant

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Seiz'd on his guiltless prey?

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Alas! She's gone.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Too late thou cam'st to save, if in thy pow'r

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To save, the fairest, noblest, best of women.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:A Roman soldier led her trembling hence

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To the vile place, where Venus keeps her court.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Yet on his brow reluctance seem'd to sit,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And helpless pity bade us wait our doom.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:26. Air

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Kind Heav'n, if virtue be thy care,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With courage fire me,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Or art inspire me,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To free the captive fair.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:On the wings of the wind will I fly,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With this princess to live, or this Christian to die.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Kind Heav'n. . .

da capo

Exit Didymus.

SYSTEMScene 7

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:27. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:O love, how great thy pow'r! But greater still,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:When virtue prompts the steady mind to prove

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Its native strength in deeds of highest honour.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:28. Chorus of Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Go, gen'rous, pious youth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:May all the pow'rs above

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Reward thy virtuous love,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Thy constancy and truth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With Theodora's charms,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Free from these dire alarms;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Or crown you with the blest,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:In glory, peace and rest.

SYSTEMACT TWO

SYSTEMScene 1

Valens, and Chorus of Heathens.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:29. Recitative

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ye men of Antioch, with solemn pomp,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Renew the grateful sacrifice to Jove;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And while your songs ascend the vaulted skies,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Pour on the smoking altars floods of wine,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:In honour of the smiling deities,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fair Flora, and the Cyprian queen.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:30. Chorus of Heathens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Queen of summer, queen of love

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And thou, cloud-compelling Jove,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Grant a long and happy reign,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To great Cà¦sar, king of men.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:31. Air

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Wide spread his name,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And make his glory

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of endless fame

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The lasting story.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:32. Recitative

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Return, Septimius, to the stubborn maid,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And learn her final resolution.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:If ere the sun with prone career has reach'd

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The western isles, she deigns an offering

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To the great gods, who subjected the world

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To conqu'ring Rome, she shall be free; if not,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The meanest of my guards with lustful joy

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Shall triumph o'er her boasted chastity.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:33. Chorus of Heathens

Venus laughing from the skies,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Will applaud her votaries.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While seizing the treasure

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:We revel in pleasure,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Revenge sweet love supplies.

SYSTEMScene 2

Theodora, in her Place of Confinement.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:34. Symphony

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:35. Recitative

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:O thou bright sun! How sweet thy rays

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To health, and liberty! But here, alas,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:They swell the agonizing thought of shame,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And pierce my soul with sorrows yet unknown.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:36. Air

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With darkness deep, as is my woe,

Hide me, ye shades of night;

Your thickest veil around me throw,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Conceal'd from human sight.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Or come thou, death, thy victim save,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Kindly embosom'd in the grave.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:37. Symphony

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:38. Recitative

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But why art thou disquieted, my soul?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Hark! Heav'n invites thee in sweet rapt'rous strains,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To join the ever-singing, ever-loving choir

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of saints and angels in the courts above.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:39. Air

Theodora

Oh, that I on wings could rise,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Swiftly sailing through the skies,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:As skims the silver dove!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That I might rest,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:For ever blest,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With harmony and love.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Oh, that I on wings. . .

da capo

SYSTEMScene 3

Didymus and Septimius.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:40. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Long have I known thy friendly social soul,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Septimius, oft experienc'd in the camp

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And perilous scenes of war, when side by side

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:We fought, and brav'd the dangers of the field,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Dependant on each other's arm. With freedom then,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I will disclose my mind. I am a Christian,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And she, who by Heaven's influential grace

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With pure religious sentiments inspir'd

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:My soul, with virtuous love inflam'd my heart,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ev'n she, who, shame to all humanity,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Is now condemn'd to public lust.

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:No more!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The shame reflects too much upon thy friend,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The mean, though duteous instrument of pow'r,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Knowing her virtues only, not thy love.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:41. Air

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Though the honours that Flora and Venus receive

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:From the Romans, this Christian refuses to give,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Yet nor Venus, nor Flora, delight in the woe

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That disfigures their fairest resemblance below.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:42. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Oh, save her then, or give me pow'r to save,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:By free admission to th'emprison'd maid!

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:My guards, not less asham'd of their vile office,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Will second your intent, and pleasure me.

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I will reward them with a bounteous heart,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And you, my friend, with all that Heav'n can give

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To the sincerity of Pray'r.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:43. Air

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Deeds of kindness to display,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Pity suing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Mercy wooing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Who the call can disobey?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But the opportune redress

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of virtuous beauty in distress,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Earth will praise and Heav'n repay.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Deeds of kindness. . .

da capo

SYSTEMScene 4

Irene, with the Christians.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:44. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The clouds begin to veil the hemisphere,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And heavily bring on the night, the last

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Perhaps to us. Oh, that it were the last

To Theodora, ere she fall a prey

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To unexampled lust and cruelty.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:45. Air

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Defend her, Heav'n! Let angels spread

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Their viewless tents around her bed.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Keep her from vile assaults secure,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Still ever calm, and ever pure.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Defend her. . .

da capo

SYSTEMScene 5

Theodora's Place of Confinement.

Didymus at a distance, the vizor of his helmet clos'd.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:46. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Or lull'd with grief, or rapt her soul to Heav'n

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:In innocence of thought, entranc'd she lies;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Her beauty shining still, like Cynthia,

Rising in clouded majesty.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:47. Air

Didymus

approaching her

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Sweet rose and lily, flow'ry form,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Take me your faithful guard,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To shield you from bleak wind and storm -

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:A smile be my reward.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:48. Recitative

Theodora

starting

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Oh, save me, Heav'n, in this my perilous hour!

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Start not, much injur'd princess, I come not

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:As one, this place might give you cause to dread;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But your deliverer, sent by just Heav'n,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To save the world's unrivaIl'd ornament

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of virtue, faith, and every Christian grace;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And that dear ornament to Theodora,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Her angel-purity. If you vouchsafe,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But to change habit with your Didymus

(discovering himself).

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Excellent youth!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I know thy courage, virtue and thy love;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And never can consent they should destroy

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Their author. This becomes not Theodora,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But the blind enemies of truth. Oh no,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:It must not be! Yet Didymus can give

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:A boon, will make me happy, nor himself

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Endanger.

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:How, or what? My soul with transport

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Listens to the request.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:49. Air

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The pilgrim's home, the sick man's health,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The captive's ransom, poor man's wealth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:From thee I would receive.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:These, and a thousand treasures more,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That gentle death has now in store,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Thy hand and sword can give.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:50. Accompagnato

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Forbid it, Heav'n!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Shall I destroy the life I came to save?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Shall I in Theodora's blood embrue

My guilty hands, and give her death, who taught

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Me first to live? Or say, what right have I

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To take, what just reflection bids confess

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Not at your own disposal? Think it too,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:No less a crime, if, thus inflexible,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Your safety you refuse. Time forbids more,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Strait then resolve to gain your liberty,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Preserve your honour, and secure your life.

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ah! What is liberty or life to me,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That Didymus must purchase with his own?

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fear not for me; the pow' r that led me hither

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Will guard me hence. If not, His will be done!

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Yes, kind deliverer, I will trust that pow'r

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To hear my pray'r for thee, so lately heard

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:For Theodora; who had ne'er exposed

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Her friend to shun a danger that concern'd

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Only her Life. Farewell, thou generous youth!

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Farewell, thou mirror of the virgin state!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:51. Duet

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To thee, thou glorious son of worth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Be life and safety giv'n.

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To thee, whose virtues suit thy birth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Be every blessing giv'n.

Both

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I hope again to meet on earth,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But sure shall meet in Heav'n.

SYSTEMScene 6

Irene, with the Christians.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:52. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:'Tis night, but night's sweet blessing is denied

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To grief like ours. How can we think of sleep,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While Theodora wakes to misery,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And threat'ning death hangs hovering o'er our heads?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Be pray'r our refuge, pray'r to Him, who rais'd,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And still can raise, the dead to life and joy.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:53. Chorus of Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:He saw the lovely youth, death's early prey,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Alas, too early snatch'd away!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:He heard his mother's fun'ral cries:

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:"Rise, youth", He said. The youth begins to rise.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lowly the matron bow'd, and bore away the prize.

SYSTEMACT THREE

SYSTEMScene 1

Irene, with the Christians.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:54. Air

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lord, to Thee each night and day,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Strong in hope, we sing and pray.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Though convulsive rocks the ground,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And thy thunders roll around,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Still to Thee, each night and day,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:We sing and pray.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lord, to Thee. . .

da capo

SYSTEMScene 2

Enter Theodora, in the habit of Didymus.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:55. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But see, the good, the virtuous Didymus!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Wakeful as Philomel, with throbbing heart,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:He comes to join with us in pray'r for Theodora.

Theodora

discovering herself

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:No, Heav'n has heard your pray'rs for Theodora.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Behold her safe! Oh, that as free and safe

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Were Didymus, my kind deliverer!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But let this habit speak the rest.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:56. Air

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:When sunk in anguish and despair,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To Heav'n I cried, Heav'n heard my pray'r,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And bade a tender father's care

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The gen'rous youth employ.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The gen'rous youth obey'd and came,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:All wrapt in love's divinest flame,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To save a wretched virgin's fame,

And turn her grief to joy.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:57. Solo and Chorus

Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Blest be the hand, and blest the pow'r,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That in this dark and dang'rous hour,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Sav'd thee from cruel strife.

Theodora and Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lord, favour still the kind intent,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And bless thy gracious instrument

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With liberty and life.

SYSTEMScene 3

Enter Messenger.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:58. Recitative

Messenger

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Undaunted in the court stands Didymus,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Virtuously proud of rescued innocence.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But vain to save the gen'rous hero's life

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Are all entreaties, ev'n from Romans vain.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And, high-enrag'd, the President protests,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Should he regain the fugitive, no more

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To try her with the fear of infamy,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But with the terrors of a cruel death.

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ah, Theodora, whence this sudden change,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:From grief's pale looks, to looks of redd'ning joy?

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:O my Irene, Heav'n is kind,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And Valens too is kind, to give me pow'r

To execute in turn my gratitude,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While safe my honour. Stay me not, dear friend,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Only assist me with a proper dress,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That I may ransom the too gen'rous youth.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:59. Duet

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Whither, Princess, do you fly,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Sure to suffer, sure to die?

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:No, no, Irene, no,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To life and joy I go.

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Vain Attempt, oh stay, oh stay!

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Duty calls, I must obey.

Exit Theodora.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:60. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:She's gone, disdaining liberty and life,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And ev'ry honour this frail life can give.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Devotion bids aspire to nobler things,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To boundless love, and joys ineffable:

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And such her expectation from kind Heav'n.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:61. Air

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:New scenes of joy come crowding on

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:While sorrow fleets away,

Like mists before the rising sun

That gives a glorious day.

SYSTEMScene 4

Valens, Didymus, Septimius, and Chorus of Heathens.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:62. Recitative

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Is it a Christian virtue then,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To rescue, from the hands of justice, one

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Condemn'd by my authority?

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Such my religion, it condemns all crimes,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:None more than disobedience to just pow'r.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And had your sentence doom'd her, but to death,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I then might have deplor'd your cruelty,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And not attempted to defeat it. Yet,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I own no crime, unless it be a crime

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To've hindered you from perpetrating that

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Which would have made you odious to mankind,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:At least the fairest half.

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Aye, aye, fond man

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:It was the charms of beauty, not of virtue,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That tempted you to save her. Take him hence,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And lead him to repentance, or to death.

SYSTEMScene 5

Enter Theodora.

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Be that my doom. You may inflict it here,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:With legal justice, there 'tis cruelty.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:If blood your angry laws require, behold,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The principal is come to pay the debt:

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And welcome sure to Romans the exchange,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:A warlike hero for an helpless maid.

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Dwells there such virtuous courage in the sex?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Preserve them, O ye gods, preserve them both.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ye Romans, join in the request, if e'er

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Lucretia's memory was dear to you,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Or this your leader's valour and renown.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:63. Air

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:From virtue springs each gen'rous deed

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That claims our grateful pray'r.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Let justice for the hero plead,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And pity save the fair.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:From virtue springs. . .

da capo

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:64. Air

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Cease, ye slaves, your fruitless pray'r!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:The pow'rs below

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:No pity know,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:For the brave, or for the fair.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:65. Recitative

Didymus

to Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:'Tis kind, my friends, but kinder still

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:If for this daughter of Antiochus,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:In mind, as noble as her birth, your pray'rs

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Prevail, that Didymus alone shall die.

to Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Had I as many lives as virtues thou,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Freely for thee I would resign them all.

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Oppose not, Didymus, my just desires;

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:For know, that 'twas dishonour I declin'd,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Not death, most welcome now, if

Didymus

Were safe, whose only crime was my escape.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:66. Chorus of Heathens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:How strange their ends,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And yet how glorious,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Where each contends,

To fall victorious,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Where virtue its own innocence denies,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And for the vanquish'd the glad victor dies!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:67. Recitative

Didymus

to Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:On me your frowns, your utmost rage exert,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:On me, your prisoner in chains.

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:These chains

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Are due to me, and death to me alone.

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Are ye then judges for yourselves?

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Not so our laws are to be trifled with.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:If both plead guilty, 'tis but equity

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That both should suffer.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:68. Air

Valens

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ye ministers of justice, lead them hence,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:I cannot, will not bear such insolence.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And as our gods they honour, or despise,

Fall they their supplicants, or sacrifice.

Exit Valens.

SYSTEMScene 6

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:69. Recitative

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And must such beauty suffer?

Theodora

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Such useful valour be destroy'd?

Septimius

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Destroy'd,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Alas, by an unhappy constancy!

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Yet deem us not unhappy, gentle friend,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Nor rash; for life we neither hate, nor scorn,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:But think it a cheap purchase for the prize

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Reserv'd in Heav'n for purity and faith.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:70. Air and Duet

Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Streams of pleasure ever flowing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Fruits ambrosial ever growing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Golden thrones,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Starry crowns,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Are the triumphs of the blest.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:When from life's dull labour free,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Clad with immortality,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:They enjoy a lasting rest.

Theodora and Didymus

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Thither let our hearts aspire:

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Objects pure of pure desire,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Still increasing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ever pleasing,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Wake the song, and tune the lyre

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of the blissful holy choir.

Exeunt

SYSTEMScene 7

Irene, with the Christians.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:71. Recitative

Irene

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Ere this, their doom is past and they are gone

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:To prove that love is stronger far than death.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:72. Chorus of Christians

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:O love divine, thou source of fame,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Of glory, and all joy!

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Let equal fire our souls inflame,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:And equal zeal employ,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:That we the glorious spring may know,

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:Whose streams appear'd so bright below.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:T h e E n d