Greek and Roman history in opera
Giulio Cesare in Egitto · complete bilingual libretto
Italian dramatic text and an original English translation. Stable units preserve acts, scenes, speakers and stage directions.
The complete three-act dramatic text in the requested online transcription, cross-checked against the 1724 libretto where possible. This is a libretto study, not a claim to translate orchestral music, collate all performing versions, or reconstruct every eighteenth-century production.
Translate every included dramatic utterance and stage direction, preserve speakers, acts/scenes, formal repetitions and imagery, and mark editorial emendations and difficult ellipses. English is the target language, following this conversation. Greek and Latin quotations receive newly authored close English translations. Historical personal names use Caesar, Ptolemy, Pompey, Sextus, and Achillas in English; speaker labels retain the Italian libretto forms. Printed da capo instructions and musical repetitions omitted by the web transcription are not reconstructed.
The Italian and English remain side by side at the same dramatic unit. Stage directions appear in compact cue blocks; musical headings use smaller type. Their source details can be opened below each block. Search includes the directions as well as dialogue.
A unit is a parsed utterance, stage-direction fragment, heading, or explicit repeated text. The 700 units are not 700 musical movements. Source typography sometimes combines recitative and aria in one speaker unit.
Version limit. Complete requested modern transcription of the three-act dramatic text. The 1724 witness was consulted through a modern transcription; original print facsimile and score were not collated exhaustively. Printed da capo instructions and musical repetitions omitted by the web witness are not reconstructed.
700 dramatic units.
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Act 1 · Opening directions
ItalianEnglish
Campagna d'Egitto con antico ponte sopra un ramo del Nilo
Egyptian countryside, with an ancient bridge over a branch of the Nile
Source details
- gc-a1-s00-u001
Act 1, scene 0, unit gc-a1-s00-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 77 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s00-u002
Act 1, scene 0, unit gc-a1-s00-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 78 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s00-u003
Act 1, scene 0, unit gc-a1-s00-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 80 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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Act 1 · Scene 1
ItalianEnglish
Cesare, Curio, seguito (Cesare e Curio passano il ponte con il seguito)
Caesar, Curio, followers. (Caesar and Curio cross the bridge with their followers.)
No. 1 - Coro
No. 1 — Chorus
Source details
- gc-a1-s01-u001
Act 1, scene 1, unit gc-a1-s01-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 76 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s01-u002
Act 1, scene 1, unit gc-a1-s01-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 83 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s01-u003
Act 1, scene 1, unit gc-a1-s01-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 84 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CHORUS
chorus · gc-a1-s01-u004
Italian
Viva, viva il nostro Alcide!
Goda il Nilo di questo dì!
Ogni spiaggia per lui ride,
ogni affanno già spari.
English · new translation
Long live, long live our Alcides!
Let the Nile rejoice in this day!
Every shore smiles for him;
every sorrow has already vanished.
Editorial note. Alcides is Hercules: heroic praise of Caesar, not a separate stage character.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s01-u005
Act 1, scene 1, unit gc-a1-s01-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 91 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
aria · gc-a1-s01-u006
Italian
Presti ormai l'egizia terra
le sue palme al vincitor!
English · new translation
Let the Egyptian land now offer
its palms to the conqueror!
Editorial note. Palms signify victory.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s01-u007
Act 1, scene 1, unit gc-a1-s01-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 97 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s01-u008
Italian
Curio, Cesare venne, e vide e vinse;
già sconfitto Pompeo invan ricorre
per rinforzar de' suoi guerrier lo stuolo
d'Egitto al re.
English · new translation
Curio, Caesar came, saw, and conquered;
already defeated, Pompey appeals in vain
to Egypt's king to strengthen
the ranks of his warriors.
Editorial note. The formula came, saw, conquered is redeployed here; its famous ancient association is the later Pontic victory, not Egypt.
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s01-u009
Italian
Tu qui, signor, giungesti
a tempo appunto, a prevenir le trame.
Ma chi ver' noi sen' viene?
English · new translation
You arrived here, my lord,
just in time to forestall the plots.
But who is coming towards us?
Act 1 · Scene 2
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Cornelia, Sesto
The preceding characters, Cornelia, Sextus
(Cornelia e Sesto entrano)
(Cornelia and Sextus enter.)
Source details
- gc-a1-s02-u001
Act 1, scene 2, unit gc-a1-s02-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 108 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s02-u002
Act 1, scene 2, unit gc-a1-s02-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 110 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s02-u003
Act 1, scene 2, unit gc-a1-s02-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 110 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u004
Italian
Questa è Cornelia.
English · new translation
This is Cornelia.
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u005
Italian
Oh sorte,
del nemico Pompeo l'alta consorte?
Cesare, a questa un tempo
sacrai la libertade.
English · new translation
O fortune!
The noble wife of our enemy Pompey?
Caesar, to her I once
surrendered my freedom.
Editorial note. Surrendered my freedom is conventional language of becoming a captive lover.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u006
Italian
Signor, Roma è già tua. Teco han gli dei
oggi diviso il regno, ed è lor legge
che del grand'orbe al pondo
Giove regoli il ciel, Cesare il mondo.
English · new translation
My lord, Rome is already yours. Today the gods
have divided rule with you, and it is their law
that, under the burden of the great universe,
Jove governs heaven, Caesar the world.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u007
Italian
Da Cesare che chiedi,
gran germe de' Scipioni, alta Cornelia?
English · new translation
What do you ask of Caesar,
illustrious offspring of the Scipios, noble Cornelia?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u008
English · new translation
Bring peace to arms!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u009
Italian
Dona l'asta al tempio,
ozio al fianco,
ozio alla destra.
English · new translation
Offer the spear to the temple,
rest to your side,
rest to your right hand.
Editorial note. The side carries the sword; the right hand wields weapons.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s02-u010
Italian
Virtù de' grandi è il perdonar le offese.
Venga Pompeo, Cesare abbracci, e resti
l'ardor di Marte estinto:
sia vincitor del vincitore il vinto.
English · new translation
To forgive injuries is the virtue of the great.
Let Pompey come; let Caesar embrace him, and let
the ardour of Mars be extinguished:
let the vanquished become the conqueror of the conqueror.
Editorial note. Caesar is understood as the subject of abbracci, let him embrace; the object Pompey is supplied from context.
Act 1 · Scene 3
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Achilla (con stuolo di Egizii)
The preceding characters, Achillas (with a company of Egyptians)
Achilla entra con stuolo di Egizii che portano aurei bacili
Achillas enters with a company of Egyptians carrying golden basins.
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u001
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 140 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s03-u002
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 142 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s03-u003
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 142 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u004
Italian
La reggia Tolomeo t'offre in albergo,
eccelso eroe, per tuo riposo, e in dono
quanto può donare un tributario trono.
English · new translation
Ptolemy offers you his palace as lodging,
exalted hero, for your rest, and as a gift
all that a tributary throne can give.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u005
Italian
Ciò che di Tolomeo
offre l'alma regal Cesare aggrada.
English · new translation
Caesar welcomes what Ptolemy's
royal spirit offers.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u006
Italian
Acciò l'Italia ad adorarti impari,
in pegno d'amistade e di sua fede
questa del gran Pompeo superba testa
di base al regal trono offre al tuo piede.
English · new translation
So that Italy may learn to worship you,
as a pledge of friendship and of his loyalty,
he offers at your feet this proud head
of great Pompey, as a support for your royal throne.
ItalianEnglish
Uno degli Egizii svela un bacile, sopra il quale sta il capo tronco di Pompeo
One of the Egyptians uncovers a basin on which lies the severed head of Pompey.
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u007
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 156 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u008
English · new translation
Julius, what do you behold?
Editorial note. Caesar addresses himself by his own name.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u009
Italian
Oh dio, che veggio?
English · new translation
O God, what do I see?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u010
Italian
Ahi lassa!
Consorte! Mio tesoro!
English · new translation
Alas, unhappy me!
Husband! My treasure!
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u011
English · new translation
Such audacity!
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u012
Italian
Tolomeo,
Barbaro traditor! Io manco, io moro...
English · new translation
Ptolemy,
barbarous traitor! I faint, I die…
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u013
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u013; HTML ancestor starts at line 175 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u014
Italian
Curio, su, porgi aita
a Cornelia, che langue!
English · new translation
Curio, come, give help
to Cornelia, who is fainting!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u015
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 180 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u016
Italian
Che scorgo? Oh stelle!
il mio bel sole esangue!
English · new translation
What do I behold? O stars!
My lovely sun, bloodless!
Editorial note. Lovely sun is a lover metaphor for Cornelia.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u017
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 187 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u018
Italian
(Questa Cornelia? Oh, che beltà!
che volto!)
English · new translation
(Is this Cornelia? Oh, what beauty!
What a face!)
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u019
Italian
Padre, Pompeo! mia genitrice! Oh dio!
English · new translation
Father, Pompey! My mother! O God!
Editorial note. Preserves the libretto mother language; historically Cornelia was Sextus stepmother.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u020
Italian
Per dar urna sublime
al suo cenere illustre,
serbato sia il nobil teschio.
English · new translation
To provide a noble urn
for his illustrious ashes,
let the noble head be preserved.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u021
English · new translation
O gods!
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u022
Italian
Ad Achilla
E tu involati, parti! Al tuo signore
di che l'opre de' regi,
sian di ben o di mal, son sempre esempio.
English · new translation
(To Achillas.)
And you, take yourself away—go! Tell your master
that the deeds of kings,
whether good or evil, always set an example.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u023
Italian
Che non è re, chi è re fellon,
che è un empio.
English · new translation
He is no king, who is a treacherous king,
who is a wicked man.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u024
Italian
Cesare, frena l'ire...
English · new translation
Caesar, restrain your anger…
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s03-u025
Italian
Vanne! Verrò alla reggia,
pria ch'oggi il sole a tramontar si veggia.
English · new translation
Go! I shall come to the palace
before today's sun is seen to set.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u026
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 216 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
aria · gc-a1-s03-u027
Italian
Empio, dirò, tu sei,
togliti a gli occhi miei,
sei tutto crudeltà.
Non è da re quel cuor,
che donasi al rigor,
che in sen non ha pietà.
English · new translation
Wicked is what I shall call you;
remove yourself from my sight:
you are all cruelty.
That heart is not fit for a king
which gives itself to harshness
and has no pity within it.
Editorial note. Empio, dirò, tu sei literally You are wicked, I shall say; English reorders the suspended sentence.
ItalianEnglish
parte con seguito; parte Achilla con stuolo di Egizii
He leaves with his followers; Achillas leaves with the company of Egyptians.
Source details
- gc-a1-s03-u028
Act 1, scene 3, unit gc-a1-s03-u028; HTML ancestor starts at line 221 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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Act 1 · Scene 4
ItalianEnglish
Curio, Sesto, Cornelia
Curio, Sextus, Cornelia
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u001
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 223 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s04-u002
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 225 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s04-u003
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 227 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u004
English · new translation
She is coming to herself again.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u005
English · new translation
Mother!
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u006
English · new translation
Cornelia!
ItalianEnglish
che ritorna in se'
She comes to herself again.
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u007
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 238 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u008
Italian
Oh stelle!
Ed ancor vivo? Ah! tolga
quest'omicida acciaro
il cor, l'alma al sen.
English · new translation
O stars!
And do I still live? Ah, let
this murderous steel take
heart and soul from my breast!
ItalianEnglish
vuol rapire la spada dal fianco di Sesto per
She tries to seize the sword from Sextus' side in order to
isvenarsi, e Curio la frastorna
kill herself, and Curio prevents her.
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u009
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 243 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s04-u010
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 243 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u011
Italian
Ferma! Invan tenti
tinger di sangue in quelle nevi il ferro.
Curio, che ancor t'adora,
e sposa ti desia, se pur t'aggrada,
vendicarti saprà con la sua spada.
English · new translation
Stop! In vain you attempt
to stain the steel with blood upon that snow.
Curio, who still adores you
and desires you as his wife, if you approve,
will know how to avenge you with his sword.
Editorial note. Snow refers to the whiteness of Cornelia breast or skin.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u012
English · new translation
Your wife?
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u013
English · new translation
Yes.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u014
English · new translation
Be silent!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u015
Italian
Tu nemico a Pompeo, e tanto ardisci?
English · new translation
You, Pompey's enemy, dare so much?
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u016
Italian
Cornelia, se m'aborri,
m'involerò al tuo aspetto;
sol per non molestarti,
giurerà questo cor di non amarti.
English · new translation
Cornelia, if you abhor me,
I shall withdraw from your sight;
only so as not to trouble you,
this heart will swear not to love you.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u017
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 268 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u018
English · new translation
Mother!
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u019
English · new translation
My own flesh and blood!
Editorial note. Viscere mie literally my entrails, an intimate expression for a beloved child.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u020
Italian
Or che farem tra le cesaree squadre,
tu senza il caro sposo, io senza il padre?
English · new translation
What shall we now do among Caesar's troops,
you without your dear husband, I without my father?
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u021
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 280 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA
aria · gc-a1-s04-u022
Italian
Priva son d'ogni conforto,
e pur speme di morire
per me misera non v'è.
Il mio cor, da pene assorto,
è già stanco di soffrire,
e morir si niega a me.
English · new translation
I am deprived of every comfort,
and even the hope of dying
is denied to wretched me.
My heart, engulfed by anguish,
is already weary of suffering,
and death is denied to me.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u023
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u023; HTML ancestor starts at line 288 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s04-u024
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u024; HTML ancestor starts at line 290 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s04-u025
Italian
Vani sono i lamenti;
è tempo, o Sesto, ormai
di vendicar il padre;
si svegli alla vendetta
l'anima neghittosa,
che offesa da un tiranno invan riposa.
English · new translation
Lamentations are vain;
it is time now, Sextus,
to avenge your father.
Let the sluggish soul awake
to vengeance,
which, wronged by a tyrant, rests in vain.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u026
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 299 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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SESTO
aria · gc-a1-s04-u027
Italian
Svegliatevi nel core,
furie d'un alma offesa,
a far d'un traditor
aspra vendetta!
L'ombra del genitore
accorre a mia difesa,
e dice: a te il rigor,
Figlio si aspetta.
English · new translation
Awake within my heart,
Furies of an injured soul,
to take harsh vengeance
on a traitor!
The shade of my father
rushes to my defence
and says: “Son, severity
is expected of you.”
Editorial note. Furies and the father shade form a mythic language of revenge; no literal historical vision is inferred.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene
Gabinetto di Cleopatra
Cleopatra's private chamber
Source details
- gc-a1-s04-u028
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u028; HTML ancestor starts at line 311 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s04-u029
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u029; HTML ancestor starts at line 313 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s04-u030
Act 1, scene 4, unit gc-a1-s04-u030; HTML ancestor starts at line 313 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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Act 1 · Scene 5
ItalianEnglish
Cleopatra (con seguito di damigelle egizie),
Cleopatra (with a company of Egyptian maidens),
poi Nireno, dopo Tolomeo (con guardie)
then Nireno, afterwards Ptolemy (with guards)
Source details
- gc-a1-s05-u001
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 315 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s05-u002
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 316 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s05-u003
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 316 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s05-u004
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 319 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u005
Italian
Regni Cleopatra; ed al mio seggio intorno
popolo adorator arabo e siro
su questo crin la sacra benda adori;
su, che di voi, miei fidi,
ha petto e cor di sollevarmi al trono,
giuri su questa destra eterna fede.
English · new translation
Let Cleopatra reign; and around my throne
let worshipping peoples, Arab and Syrian,
revere the sacred band upon this brow.
Come: whichever of you, my faithful followers,
has courage and heart to raise me to the throne,
swear eternal loyalty upon this right hand.
Editorial note. The sacred band is the royal diadem; the listed peoples are the libretto imperial imagination.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s05-u006
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 330 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u007
Italian
Regina, infausti eventi!
English · new translation
Queen, ill-fated events!
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u008
Italian
Che fia? che tardi?
English · new translation
What has happened? Why do you delay?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u009
Italian
Troncar fe' Tolomeo
il capo...
English · new translation
Ptolemy has had the head
cut off…
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u010
English · new translation
Alas! Whose?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u011
Italian
... del gran Pompeo.
English · new translation
…of great Pompey.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u012
Italian
Stelle! costui che apporta?
English · new translation
Stars! What news does this man bring?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u013
Italian
Per stabilirsi al soglio
a Cesare mandò fra' doni involto...
English · new translation
To establish himself upon the throne,
he sent Caesar, wrapped among his gifts…
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u014
English · new translation
What did he send him?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u015
Italian
... l'esanimato volto.
English · new translation
…the lifeless face.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u016
Italian
Su, partite, miei fidi,
parte seguito
English · new translation
Come, depart, my faithful followers.
(The followers leave.)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s05-u017
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 358 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u018
Italian
E tu qui resta;
alle cesaree tende
son risolta portarmi, e tu , Nireno
Mi servirai da scorta.
English · new translation
And you, stay here.
I am resolved to go
to Caesar's tents, and you, Nireno,
will serve as my escort.
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u019
Italian
Cosa dirà Tolomeo?
English · new translation
What will Ptolemy say?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u020
Italian
Non paventar; col guardo
meglio ch'egli non fece
col capo di Pompeo,
Cesare obbligherò;
invan aspira al trono,
egli è il germano, e la regina io sono.
English · new translation
Do not fear: with a glance,
better than he has done
with Pompey's head,
I shall bind Caesar to me.
He aspires to the throne in vain:
he is the brother, and I am the queen.
ItalianEnglish
entra con guardie
Enters with guards.
Source details
- gc-a1-s05-u021
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 374 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u022
Italian
Tu di regnar pretendi,
donna superba e altera?
English · new translation
You claim to reign,
proud and haughty woman?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u023
Italian
Io ciò ch'è mio contendo; e la corona
dovuta alla mia fronte
giustamente pretendo.
English · new translation
I contend for what is mine, and justly claim
the crown that is owed
to my brow.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u024
Italian
Vanne, e torna omai, folle,
a qual di donna è l'uso,
di scettro invece a trattar l'ago e il fuso!
English · new translation
Go, and return now, foolish woman,
to what is a woman's occupation:
to handle the needle and spindle instead of a sceptre!
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s05-u025
Italian
Anzi tu pur, effeminato amante,
va dell'età sui primi albori,
di regno invece a coltivar gli amori!
English · new translation
Rather you, effeminate lover,
go in the first dawn of your years
and cultivate love instead of a kingdom!
Editorial note. Preserves the youth reference: the opera itself does not omit all signs of Tolomeo young age.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s05-u026
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 390 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a1-s05-u027
Italian
Non disperar, chi sa?
se al regno non l'avrai,
avrai sorte in amor.
Mirando una beltà
in essa troverai
a consolar un cor.
English · new translation
Do not despair—who knows?
If you have no good fortune in kingship,
you will have it in love.
Gazing upon a beauty,
in her you will find
consolation for your heart.
ItalianEnglish
parte con Nireno
She leaves with Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a1-s05-u028
Act 1, scene 5, unit gc-a1-s05-u028; HTML ancestor starts at line 398 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 1 · Scene 6
ItalianEnglish
Tolomeo (con guardie), Achilla
Ptolemy (with guards), Achillas
Source details
- gc-a1-s06-u001
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 399 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s06-u002
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 401 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s06-u003
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 403 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s06-u004
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 406 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u005
English · new translation
Sire, my lord!
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u006
Italian
Achilla!
Come fu il capo tronco
da Cesare gradito?
English · new translation
Achillas!
How was the severed head
received by Caesar?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u007
English · new translation
He scorned the deed.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u008
English · new translation
What do I hear?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u009
Italian
T'accusò d'inesperto e troppo ardito.
English · new translation
He accused you of being inexperienced and too bold.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u010
Italian
Tant'osa un vil Romano?
English · new translation
Does a base Roman dare so much?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u011
Italian
Il mio consiglio
apprendi, oh Tolomeo!
Verrà Cesare in corte; e in tua vendetta
cada costui, come cadde Pompeo.
English · new translation
Learn my counsel,
Ptolemy!
Caesar will come to court; and in vengeance for you
let him fall as Pompey fell.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u012
Italian
Chi condurrà l'impresa?
English · new translation
Who will carry out the enterprise?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u013
Italian
Io ti prometto
darti estinto il superbo al regio piede,
se di Pompeo la moglie
in premio a me il tuo voler concede.
English · new translation
I promise you
to lay the proud man dead at your royal feet,
if your will grants me
Pompey's wife as my reward.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u014
Italian
E' costei tanto vaga?
English · new translation
Is she so beautiful?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u015
Italian
Lega col crine. E col bel volto impiaga.
English · new translation
She binds with her hair, and wounds with her lovely face.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u016
Italian
Amico, il tuo consiglio è la mia stella;
vanne, pensa e poi torna.
English · new translation
Friend, your counsel is my guiding star;
go, consider it, then return.
ItalianEnglish
parte Achilla
Achillas leaves.
Source details
- gc-a1-s06-u017
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 445 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s06-u018
Italian
Muora Cesare, muora, e il capo altero
sia del mio piè sostegno.
Roma, oppressa da lui, libera vada,
e fermezza al mio regno
sia la morte di lui più che la spada.
English · new translation
Let Caesar die, die, and let his proud head
be the support of my foot.
Let Rome, oppressed by him, go free,
and let his death give my kingdom
more stability than the sword.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s06-u019
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 450 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
aria · gc-a1-s06-u020
Italian
L'empio, sleale, indegno
vorria rapirmi il regno,
e disturbar così
la pace mia.
Ma perda pur la vita,
prima che in me tradita
dall'avido suo cor
la fede sia!
English · new translation
That wicked, disloyal, unworthy man
would steal my kingdom
and so disturb
my peace.
But let him lose his life
before the loyalty pledged to me
is betrayed
by his greedy heart!
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene
Quartieri nel campo di Cesare con l'urna nel mezzo, ove sono le ceneri del capo di Pompeo,
Quarters in Caesar's camp, with an urn in the centre containing the ashes of Pompey's head,
sopra eminente cumulo di trofei
above a high mound of trophies
Source details
- gc-a1-s06-u021
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 461 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s06-u022
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u022; HTML ancestor starts at line 461 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s06-u023
Act 1, scene 6, unit gc-a1-s06-u023; HTML ancestor starts at line 461 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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Act 1 · Scene 7
ItalianEnglish
Cesare, poi Curio, Cleopatra (nelle vesti di Lidia), Nireno
Caesar, then Curio, Cleopatra (in the guise of Lydia), Nireno
No. 8 - Recitativo accompagnato
No. 8 — Accompanied recitative
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u001
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 464 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s07-u002
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 465 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s07-u003
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 467 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u004
Italian
Alma del gran Pompeo,
che al cenere suo d'intorno
invisibil t'aggiri,
fur'ombre i tuoi trofei,
ombra la tua grandezza, e un'ombra sei.
Così termina al fine il fasto umano.
Ieri che vivo occupò un mondo in guerra,
oggi risolto in polve un'urna serra.
Tal di ciascuno, ahi lasso!
il principio è di terra, e il fine è un sasso,
Misera vita! oh, quanto è fral tuo stato!
Ti forma un soffio, e ti distrugge un fiato.
English · new translation
Soul of great Pompey,
which invisibly wanders
around his ashes,
your trophies were shadows,
a shadow your greatness, and a shadow you are.
Thus human splendour ends at last.
Yesterday, alive, he held a world at war;
today, reduced to dust, an urn encloses him.
Such is the fate of each—alas!—
the beginning is earth, and the end a stone.
Wretched life! Oh, how frail is your condition!
A breath forms you, and a breath destroys you.
ItalianEnglish
entra, introduce Cleopatra e Nireno
He enters, introducing Cleopatra and Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u005
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 479 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s07-u006
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 482 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u007
Italian
Qui nobile donzella
chiede chinarsi al Cesare di Roma.
English · new translation
Here is a noble maiden
who asks to bow before Rome's Caesar.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u008
English · new translation
Let her come.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u009
Italian
Tra stuol di damigelle
io servo a Cleopatra,
Lidia m'appello, e sotto il ciel d'Egitto
di nobil sangue nata;
ma Tolomeo mi toglie,
barbaro usurpator, la mia fortuna.
English · new translation
Among a company of maidens
I serve Cleopatra.
I am called Lydia, and beneath Egypt's sky
I was born of noble blood;
but Ptolemy, that barbarous usurper,
robs me of my fortune.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u010
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 498 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u011
Italian
(Quanta bellezza un sol sembiante aduna!)
Tolomeo sì tiranno?
English · new translation
(How much beauty one single face gathers!)
Is Ptolemy so tyrannical?
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u012
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 502 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u013
Italian
(Se Cornelia mi sprezza,
oggi a Lidia rivolto
collocherò quest'alma in sì bel volto).
English · new translation
(If Cornelia scorns me,
today, turning to Lydia,
I shall lodge this soul in so lovely a face.)
ItalianEnglish
s'inginocchia avanti Cesare e dice piangendo
She kneels before Caesar and speaks in tears.
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u014
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 507 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u015
Italian
Avanti al tuo cospetto, avanti a Roma,
mesta, afflitta e piangente
chieggio giustizia.
English · new translation
Before your presence, before Rome,
sad, afflicted, and weeping,
I ask for justice.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u016
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 513 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u017
Italian
(Oh dio! che innamora!)
(leva da terra Cleopatra)
Sfortunata donzella, in breve d'ora
deggio portarmi in corte,
oggi colà stabilirò tua sorte.
English · new translation
(O God! She makes me fall in love!)
(He raises Cleopatra from the ground.)
Unfortunate maiden, in a short while
I must go to court;
there today I shall settle your fate.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u018
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 518 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u019
English · new translation
(What lovely hair!)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u020
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u020; HTML ancestor starts at line 522 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CURIO
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u021
English · new translation
(What a lovely breast!)
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u022
Italian
Signor, i tuoi favori
legan quest'alma.
English · new translation
My lord, your favours
bind this soul.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u023
Italian
E la tua chioma i cori.
English · new translation
And your hair binds hearts.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u024
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u024; HTML ancestor starts at line 532 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
aria · gc-a1-s07-u025
Italian
Non è sì vago e bello
il fior nel prato,
quant'è vago e gentile
il tuo bel volto.
D'un fiore il pregio a quello
solo vien dato,
ma tutto un vago aprile
è in te raccolto.
English · new translation
No flower in the meadow
is so lovely and beautiful
as your lovely face
is beautiful and gracious.
The worth of a flower
is given to that flower alone,
but a whole lovely April
is gathered in you.
Editorial note. April stands for the full beauty of spring.
ItalianEnglish
parte con Curio
He leaves with Curio.
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u026
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 540 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s07-u027
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u027; HTML ancestor starts at line 542 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u028
Italian
Cleopatra, vincesti;
già di Cesare il core
tributario al tuo volto amor ti rende,
e tutto il suo voler da te dipende.
English · new translation
Cleopatra, you have conquered;
already love makes Caesar's heart
tributary to your face,
and his entire will depends upon you.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u029
Italian
Cerchi pur Tolomeo con empietà
di cor le vie del trono,
che a me d'avito regno
farà il Nume d'amor benigno dono.
English · new translation
Let Ptolemy seek the paths to the throne
with a wicked heart:
the god of love will graciously give me
my ancestral kingdom.
ItalianEnglish
No. 10 - Aria
No. 10 — Aria
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u030
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u030; HTML ancestor starts at line 553 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a1-s07-u031
Italian
Tutto può donna vezzosa,
se amorosa
scioglie il labbro, o gira il guardo.
Ogni colpo piaga un petto,
se difetto
non v'ha quel che scocca il dardo.
English · new translation
A charming woman can do everything
if, lovingly,
she opens her lips or turns her gaze.
Every stroke wounds a breast,
if there is no fault
in the one who shoots the dart.
Editorial note. Love as weapon continues the military and erotic comparison.
ItalianEnglish
mentre Cleopatra vuol partire, vien ritenuta da Nireno
As Cleopatra is about to leave, Nireno stops her.
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u032
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u032; HTML ancestor starts at line 562 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s07-u033
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u033; HTML ancestor starts at line 564 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u034
Italian
Ferma, Cleopatra, osserva,
qual femmina dolente
con grave passo e lacrimoso ciglio
quivi si porta.
English · new translation
Stay, Cleopatra; observe
what grieving woman
comes here with heavy steps
and tearful eyes.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s07-u035
Italian
Al portamento, al volto
donna volgar non sembra;
osserviamo in disparte
la cagion del suo dolo.
English · new translation
In her bearing and face
she seems no common woman.
Let us watch from aside
the cause of her sorrow.
Editorial note. Source dolo is read as duolo, sorrow; independently checked against Bologna 1724 transcription text lines 396–397. The base Italian is retained.
ItalianEnglish
si ritirano
They withdraw.
Source details
- gc-a1-s07-u036
Act 1, scene 7, unit gc-a1-s07-u036; HTML ancestor starts at line 578 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 1 · Scene 8
ItalianEnglish
Cleopatra (nelle vesti di Lidia) e Nireno in disparte, Cornelia, poi Sesto
Cleopatra (in the guise of Lydia) and Nireno aside; Cornelia, then Sextus
No. 11 – Aria
No. 11 — Aria
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u001
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 579 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u002
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 581 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u003
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 583 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u004
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 586 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA
aria · gc-a1-s08-u005
Italian
Nel tuo seno, amico sasso
sta sepolto il mio tesoro.
English · new translation
In your bosom, friendly stone,
my treasure lies buried.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u006
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 590 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u007
Italian
Ma che! vile e negletta
sempre starai, Cornelia?
English · new translation
But what? Will you always remain
base and neglected, Cornelia?
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u008
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u008; HTML ancestor starts at line 597 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u009
Italian
(E' Cornelia, costei,
la moglie di Pompeo?)
English · new translation
(Is this Cornelia,
Pompey's wife?)
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u010
Italian
Ah no! tra questi arnesi
un ferro sceglierò, con mano ardita
contro il Tolomeo dentro la reggia...
English · new translation
Ah, no! Among these arms
I shall choose a blade, and with a daring hand
against Ptolemy within the palace…
ItalianEnglish
Non sì tosto Cornelia ha preso una spada fuori
No sooner has Cornelia taken a sword from
degli arnesi di guerra che Sesto sopraggiunge
the weapons of war than Sextus arrives.
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u011
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 605 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u012
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 605 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u013
Italian
Madre, ferma; che fai?
English · new translation
Mother, stop! What are you doing?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u014
Italian
Lascia quest'armi:
voglio contro il tiranno
uccisor del mio sposo,
tentar la mia vendetta.
English · new translation
Leave these weapons!
Against the tyrant
who killed my husband
I wish to attempt my revenge.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u015
Italian
Questa vendetta a Sesto sol si aspetta.
English · new translation
This vengeance belongs to Sextus alone.
ItalianEnglish
toglie la spada a Cornelia
He takes the sword from Cornelia.
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u016
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 619 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u017
Italian
Oh dolci accenti! oh care labbra! dunque
sull'alba de' tuoi giorni
hai tanto cor?
English · new translation
Oh, sweet words! Oh, dear lips! So,
at the dawn of your days,
have you so much courage?
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u018
Italian
Son Sesto, e di Pompeo
erede son dell'alma!
English · new translation
I am Sextus, and I am heir
to Pompey's soul!
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u019
Italian
Animo, oh figlio, ardire! Io coraggiosa
ti seguirò,
English · new translation
Heart, my son, and daring! I shall bravely
follow you.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u020
Italian
Ma, oh dio! chi al re fellone
ci scorterà?
English · new translation
But, O God, who will escort us
to the treacherous king?
ItalianEnglish
che sorte fuori impetuosamente
She comes forward impetuously.
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u021
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 637 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u022
English · new translation
Cleopatra—
Editorial note. Cleopatra nearly reveals her identity; Nireno interruption and her continuation conceal it.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u023
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u023; HTML ancestor starts at line 641 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u024
English · new translation
Do not reveal yourself!
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u025
Italian
E Lidia ancor, per ché quell'empio cada,
ti saran scudo, e t'apriran la strada.
English · new translation
—and Lydia too, so that the wicked man may fall,
will be your shield and open the way for you.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u026
Italian
E chi ti sprona, amabile donzella,
oggi in nostro soccorso offrir te stessa?
English · new translation
And what urges you, lovely maiden,
to offer yourself today to our aid?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u027
Italian
La fellonia d'un re tiranno, il giusto.
Sotto il nome di Lidia
io serbo Cleopatra;
se in virtù del tuo braccio ascende al trono,
sarai felice, e scorgerai qual sono.
English · new translation
A tyrant king's treachery; justice.
Under the name of Lydia
I serve Cleopatra.
If through the strength of your arm she ascends the throne,
you will be fortunate, and discover who I am.
Editorial note. Source serbo is read as servo, I serve; independently checked against Bologna 1724 transcription, which prints io servo a Cleopatra (text line 441). Base Italian retained. The a is absent in the base witness.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u028
Italian
Chi a noi sarà di scorta?
English · new translation
Who will be our escort?
ItalianEnglish
accennando a Nireno
Pointing to Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u029
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u029; HTML ancestor starts at line 660 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u030
Italian
Questi, che alla regina è fido servo,
saprà cauto condurvi all'alta impresa.
English · new translation
This man, who is the queen's faithful servant,
will know how to lead you carefully to the great enterprise.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u031
Italian
Figlio non è, chi vendicar non cura
del genitor la morte.
Armerò questa destra, e al suol trafitto
cadrà punito il gran tiran d'Egitto.
English · new translation
He is no son who does not care to avenge
the death of his father.
I shall arm this right hand, and pierced upon the ground
Egypt's great tyrant will fall, punished.
ItalianEnglish
No. 12 - Aria
No. 12 — Aria
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u032
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u032; HTML ancestor starts at line 666 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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SESTO
aria · gc-a1-s08-u033
Italian
Cara speme, questo core
tu cominci a lusingar.
Par che il ciel presti favore
i miei torti a vendicar.
English · new translation
Dear hope, you begin
to flatter this heart.
Heaven seems to offer favour
to avenge my wrongs.
ItalianEnglish
partono Cornelia, Sesto e Nireno
Cornelia, Sextus, and Nireno leave.
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u034
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u034; HTML ancestor starts at line 674 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u035
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u035; HTML ancestor starts at line 676 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a1-s08-u036
Italian
Vegli pur il germano
alla propria salvezza:
che già gli mossi
di Cesare la spada,
di Sesto e Cornelia il giusto sdegno;
senza un certo periglio
non creda aver solo d'Egitto il regno.
English · new translation
Let my brother be vigilant
for his own safety:
for already I have stirred against him
Caesar's sword
and the just indignation of Sextus and Cornelia.
Let him not think he can hold Egypt's kingdom alone
without certain danger.
ItalianEnglish
No. 13 - Aria
No. 13 — Aria
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u037
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u037; HTML ancestor starts at line 686 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a1-s08-u038
Italian
Tu la mia stella sei,
amabile speranza,
e porgi ai desir' miei
un grato e bel piacer.
Qual sia di questo core
la stabile costanza,
e quanto possa amore,
s'ha in breve da veder.
English · new translation
You are my guiding star,
lovable hope,
and you offer my desires
a pleasing, lovely delight.
What steadfast constancy
this heart possesses,
and how much love can do,
will shortly be seen.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene
Atrio nel palagio de' Tolomei
Hall in the palace of the Ptolemies
Source details
- gc-a1-s08-u039
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u039; HTML ancestor starts at line 697 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u040
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u040; HTML ancestor starts at line 699 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s08-u041
Act 1, scene 8, unit gc-a1-s08-u041; HTML ancestor starts at line 699 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 1 · Scene 9
ItalianEnglish
Tolomeo ed Achilla (con seguito di Egizii
Ptolemy and Achillas (with Egyptian followers
e guardie), Cesare (con seguito di Romani)
and guards), Caesar (with Roman followers)
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u001
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 701 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s09-u002
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 702 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s09-u003
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 702 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s09-u004
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 704 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u005
Italian
Cesare, alla tua destra
stende fasci di scettri
generosa la sorte.
English · new translation
Caesar, generous fortune
extends bundles of sceptres
to your right hand.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u006
Italian
Tolomeo, a tante grazie
io non so dir , se maggior lume apporti,
mentre l'uscio del giorno egli diserra,
il sole in cielo o Tolomeo qui in terra.
Ma sappi, ogni mal'opra
ogni gran lume oscura.
English · new translation
Ptolemy, with so many favours
I cannot say who brings the greater light,
as the sun unlocks the doorway of day:
the sun in heaven, or Ptolemy here on earth.
But know that every evil deed
darkens every great light.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u007
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 720 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u008
Italian
(Sin al real aspetto egli t'offende?)
English · new translation
(Does he insult you even to your royal face?)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u009
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 724 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u010
Italian
(Temerario Latin!)
English · new translation
(Reckless Roman!)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u011
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 728 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u012
Italian
(So che m'intende).
English · new translation
(I know he understands me.)
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u013
Italian
Alle stanze reali
questi che miri t'apriran le porte,
e a te guida saranno.
English · new translation
Those whom you see
will open the doors to the royal apartments
and be your guides.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u014
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 735 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u015
Italian
(Empio, tu pur venisti in braccio a morte).
English · new translation
(Wicked man, you have indeed come into the arms of death.)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u016
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 739 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a1-s09-u017
Italian
(Scorgo in quel volto un simulato inganno).
English · new translation
(I perceive deceit concealed behind that face.)
Editorial note. Simulato inganno denotes deceptive appearance; this rendering keeps the redundant concealment rather than inventing a visible confession.
ItalianEnglish
No. 14 - Aria
No. 14 — Aria
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u018
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 742 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
aria · gc-a1-s09-u019
Italian
Va tacito e nascosto,
quand'avido è di preda,
l'astuto cacciator.
E chi è mal far disposto,
non brama che si veda
l'inganno del suo cor.
English · new translation
Silent and hidden goes
the cunning hunter
when eager for prey.
And whoever is disposed to do evil
does not wish the deception
of his heart to be seen.
ItalianEnglish
parte con seguito
Leaves with followers.
Source details
- gc-a1-s09-u020
Act 1, scene 9, unit gc-a1-s09-u020; HTML ancestor starts at line 750 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 1 · Scene 10
ItalianEnglish
Achilla, Tolomeo (con seguito e guardie),
Achillas, Ptolemy (with followers and guards),
Cornelia e Sesto
Cornelia and Sextus
Cornelia e Sesto entrano
Cornelia and Sextus enter.
Source details
- gc-a1-s10-u001
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 751 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s10-u002
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 753 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s10-u003
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 753 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s10-u004
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 753 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s10-u005
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 758 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u006
Italian
Sire, con Sesto il figlio
questa è Cornelia.
English · new translation
Sire, this is Cornelia
with her son Sextus.
Editorial note. The stage presents Cornelia as mother; ancient comparison distinguishes stepmother.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s10-u007
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 764 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u008
Italian
(Oh che sembianze, Amore!)
English · new translation
(O Love, what beauty!)
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u009
Italian
Ingrato, a quel Pompeo, che al tuo gran padre
il diadema reale
stabilì sulla chioma,
tu recidesti il capo in faccia a Roma?
English · new translation
Ungrateful man! That Pompey who established
the royal diadem upon the head
of your great father—
you cut off his head in the face of Rome?
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u010
Italian
Empio, ti sfido a singolar certame;
veder farò con generosa destra
aperto a questo regno
che non sei Tolomeo, che un indegno.
English · new translation
Wicked man, I challenge you to single combat!
With a noble right hand I shall make plain
to this kingdom
that you are no Ptolemy, but an unworthy man.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u011
Italian
Oh là! da vigil stuol sian custoditi
questi Romani arditi.
English · new translation
Guards! Let these bold Romans
be kept under vigilant guard.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u012
Italian
Alto signor, condona
il lor cieco furor!
English · new translation
Great lord, forgive
their blind fury!
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u013
Italian
Per or mi basta
ch'abbia garzon sì folle
di carcere la reggia.
accenna alla guardie
Costei, che baldanzosa
vilipese il rispetto
di maestà regnante,
nel giardin del serraglio abbia per pena
il coltivar i fiori.
English · new translation
For now it is enough for me
that so foolish a youth
should have the palace as his prison.
(He gestures to the guards.)
As for this woman, who insolently
scorned the respect
due to reigning majesty,
let her punishment be to cultivate flowers
in the garden of the seraglio.
Editorial note. Serraglio gives the ancient royal court an early-modern palace/seclusion vocabulary; no literal Ottoman institution is inferred.
ItalianEnglish
piano ad Achilla
Quietly to Achillas.
Source details
- gc-a1-s10-u014
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 792 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u015
Italian
Io per te serbo
questa dell'alma tua bella tiranna.
English · new translation
I am keeping for you
this beautiful tyrant of your soul.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u016
English · new translation
Fortunate me!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s10-u017
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 800 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a1-s10-u018
Italian
(Quanto costui s'inganna!)
English · new translation
(How deceived he is!)
ItalianEnglish
parte con seguito
Leaves with followers.
Source details
- gc-a1-s10-u019
Act 1, scene 10, unit gc-a1-s10-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 803 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 1 · Scene 11
ItalianEnglish
Achilla (con guardie), Cornelia, Sesto
Achillas (with guards), Cornelia, Sextus
Source details
- gc-a1-s11-u001
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 41 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s11-u002
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 806 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u003
Italian
Cornelia, in quei tuoi lumi
sta legato il mio cor.
Se all'amor mio
giri sereno il ciglio
e i talami concedi,
sarà la madre in libertà col figlio.
English · new translation
Cornelia, in those eyes of yours
my heart is bound.
If you turn a kindly gaze
upon my love
and grant the marriage bed,
the mother shall be free together with her son.
Editorial note. Talami literally marriage beds, metonymy for marriage with sexual implication. Mother/son language translates the drama; it does not establish biological parentage.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u004
Italian
Barbaro, una Romana
sposa ad un vil Egizio?
English · new translation
Barbarian! A Roman woman
become the wife of a base Egyptian?
Editorial note. Sposa is a noun with the verb understood. Vil means base/ignoble; the refusal carries social and ethnic contempt as well as condemnation of coercion.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u005
Italian
A te consorte?
Ah no! pria della morte....
English · new translation
To you as wife?
Ah, no! Before death…
Editorial note. Pria della morte literally means before death. The frozen web witness ends with an ellipsis; the modern Bologna transcription has a full stop. The fragment is preserved without supplying an omitted action. A refusal, preference for death, or interrupted threat may be inferred from the dramatic context, but none is silently completed here.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u006
Italian
Oh là: per regal legge orma si guidi
prigionier nella reggia
così audace garzon.
English · new translation
Guards! By royal command, let so bold a youth
now be led as a prisoner
into the palace.
Editorial note. Witness orma is read as omai, now, a declared correction; Italian source retained.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u007
Italian
Seguirò anch'io
l'amata prole, il caro figlio mio.
English · new translation
I too shall follow
my beloved child, my dear son.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u008
Italian
Tu ferma il piede e pensa
di non trovar pietade acciò che chiedi,
se pietade al mio amor pria non concedi.
English · new translation
Stay where you are, and remember
that you will find no pity for what you ask
unless you first grant pity to my love.
Editorial note. Acciò che is read as a ciò che, for what, a declared word division. Repeated pietade exposes the coercive bargain.
ItalianEnglish
No. 15 - Aria
No. 15 — Aria
Source details
- gc-a1-s11-u009
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 833 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
aria · gc-a1-s11-u010
Italian
Tu sei il cor di questo core,
sei il mio ben, non t'adirar!
Per amor io chiedo amore,
più da te non vo' bramar.
English · new translation
You are the heart of this heart;
you are my beloved—do not be angry!
For love I ask for love;
I do not wish to desire more from you.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a1-s11-u011
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 839 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s11-u012
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 840 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u013
English · new translation
Mother!
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u014
English · new translation
My life!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u015
English · new translation
Farewell!
ItalianEnglish
mentre le guardie vogliono condur via Sesto,
As the guards are about to lead Sextus away,
Cornelia corre a ritenerlo per un braccio
Cornelia runs to hold him back by one arm.
Source details
- gc-a1-s11-u016
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 851 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a1-s11-u017
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 851 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a1-s11-u018
Italian
Dove, dove, inumani,
l'anima mia guidate? Empi, lasciate,
che al mio core, al mio bene
io porga almen gli ultimi baci. Ahi pene!
English · new translation
Where, where, inhuman men,
are you leading my soul? Wicked men, allow me
at least to give the last kisses
to my heart, to my beloved. Alas, anguish!
ItalianEnglish
No. 16 - Duetto
No. 16 — Duet
Source details
- gc-a1-s11-u019
Act 1, scene 11, unit gc-a1-s11-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 859 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA e SESTO
duet · gc-a1-s11-u020
Italian
Son nata/o a lagrimar/sospirar,
e il dolce mio conforto,
ah, sempre piangerò.
Se il fato ci tradì,
sereno e lieto dì
mai più sperar potrò.
English · new translation
I was born to weep / to sigh,
and for my sweet consolation,
ah, I shall always weep.
If fate has betrayed us,
a clear and joyful day
I shall never again be able to hope for.
Editorial note. The witness compresses the two voices as nata/o and lagrimar/sospirar. This English retains the paired alternative in one aligned segment; it does not invent absent repeat instructions.
Act 2 · Opening directions
ItalianEnglish
Deliziosa selva di cedri con il monte Parnasonel prospetto, il quale contiene in se' la reggia della Virtù.
A delightful cedar grove, with Mount Parnassus in the background; it contains within it the palace of Virtue.
Source details
- gc-a2-s00-u001
Act 2, scene 0, unit gc-a2-s00-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 865 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s00-u002
Act 2, scene 0, unit gc-a2-s00-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 866 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Editorial note. The web witness fuses Parnaso nel into Parnasonel; translation separates the words.
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 1
ItalianEnglish
Cleopatra, Nireno
Cleopatra, Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a2-s01-u001
Act 2, scene 1, unit gc-a2-s01-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 867 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s01-u002
Act 2, scene 1, unit gc-a2-s01-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 868 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s01-u003
Act 2, scene 1, unit gc-a2-s01-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 869 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u004
Italian
Eseguisti, oh Niren, quanto t'imposi?
English · new translation
Have you carried out, Nireno, what I ordered you?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u005
Italian
Adempito è il comando.
English · new translation
Your command has been fulfilled.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u006
Italian
Giunto è Cesare in corte?
English · new translation
Has Caesar arrived at court?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u007
Italian
Io ve'l condussi,
ed ei già a queste soglie il piè rivolge.
English · new translation
I brought him there,
and he is already turning his steps towards these doors.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u008
Italian
Ma dimmi: è in pronto
la meditata scena?
English · new translation
But tell me: is the scene
we planned ready?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u009
Italian
Infra le nubi
l'alta regina sfavilla;
ma che far pensi?
English · new translation
Amid the clouds
the lofty queen shines forth;
but what do you intend to do?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u010
Italian
Amore
già suggerì all'idea
stravagante pensier: ho già risolto,
sotto finte apparenze
far prigionier d'amor ch'il cor m'ha tolto.
English · new translation
Love
has already suggested an unusual thought
to my imagination: I have resolved,
under a false appearance,
to make love’s prisoner of the man who has taken my heart.
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u011
Italian
A lui ti scoprirai?
English · new translation
Will you reveal yourself to him?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u012
Italian
Non è ancor tempo.
English · new translation
It is not yet time.
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u013
Italian
Io che far deggio?
English · new translation
What must I do?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s01-u014
Italian
Attendi
Cesare qui in dispare; indi lo guida
in questi alberghi, e poi lo guida ancora
colà nelle mie stanze e a lui dirai,
che per dargli contezza
di quanto dal suo re gli si contende,
pria che tramonti il sol Lidia l'attende.
English · new translation
Wait here, aside,
for Caesar; then guide him
into these rooms, and afterwards lead him
there, into my chambers, and tell him
that, to explain to him
what her king denies her,
Lydia awaits him before the sun sets.
Editorial note. The speaker is still performing the identity of Lidia. The historical indirect-object gli can refer to her; the denied rights are Lidia’s ostensible grievance.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s01-u015
Act 2, scene 1, unit gc-a2-s01-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 898 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 2
ItalianEnglish
Nireno, poi Cesare; Cleopatra (nelle vesti di Virtù)
Nireno, then Caesar; Cleopatra dressed as Virtue.
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u001
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 899 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u002
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 901 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u003
Italian
Da Cleopatra apprenda
chi è seguace d'amor l'astuzie e frodi.
English · new translation
Let anyone who follows Love
learn cunning and deception from Cleopatra.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u004
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 905 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u005
Italian
Dov'è, Niren, dov'è l'anima mia?
English · new translation
Where, Nireno, where is my soul’s beloved?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u006
Italian
In questo loco in breve
verrà Lidia, signor.
English · new translation
Lydia will soon come
to this place, my lord.
ItalianEnglish
No. 17 - Sinfonia
No. 17 - Instrumental piece
Qui s'ode vaga sinfonia di vari strumenti
An attractive instrumental piece is heard, played by various instruments.
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u007
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 909 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u008
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u008; HTML ancestor starts at line 910 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u009
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 911 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u010
English · new translation
Be quiet!
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u011
English · new translation
What is it?
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u012
Italian
Cieli, e qual delle sfere
scende armonico suon, che mi rapisce?
English · new translation
Heavens! What harmonious sound
descends from the celestial spheres and carries me away?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u013
Italian
Avrà di selce il cor chi non languisce.
English · new translation
Anyone who does not languish must have a heart of flint.
ItalianEnglish
No. 18 - Sinfonia
No. 18 - Instrumental piece
S'ode nuovamente una sinfonia; s'apre il Parnasso, e vedesi in trono la Virtù, assistita dalle nove Muse
Another instrumental piece is heard. Parnassus opens, and Virtue is seen enthroned, attended by the nine Muses.
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u014
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 920 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u015
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 921 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u016
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 922 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u017
Italian
Giulio, che miri? e quando
con abisso di luce
scesero i Numi in terra?
English · new translation
Julius, what do you see? And when
did the gods descend to earth
in such a boundless blaze of light?
ItalianEnglish
No. 19 - Aria
No. 19 - Aria
nelle vesti di Virtù
Dressed as Virtue.
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u018
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 927 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u019
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 929 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a2-s02-u020
Italian
V'adoro, pupille,
saette d'amore,
le vostre faville
son grate nel sen.
Pietose vi brama
il mesto mio core,
ch'ogn'ora vi chiama
l'amato suo ben.
English · new translation
I adore you, eyes,
arrows of love;
your sparks
are welcome within my breast.
My sorrowful heart
yearns for your pity,
calling you always
its beloved treasure.
Editorial note. Pupille means the eyes; it does not mean female pupils. Cleopatra addresses Caesar’s eyes while posing as Virtue.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u021
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 938 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u022
Italian
Non ha in cielo il Tonante
melodia che pareggi un sì bel canto.
Vola, mio cor, al dolce incanto...
English · new translation
The Thunderer in heaven has no melody
that equals such beautiful singing.
Fly, my heart, to this sweet enchantment…
Editorial note. Tonante is Jupiter, the Thunderer. The Bologna transcription has a V’adoro ecc. repeat instruction after Caesar’s praise; the base web witness omits it.
ItalianEnglish
Mentre Cesare corre a Cleopatra, si chiude il Parnasso, e torna la scena come prima
As Caesar runs towards Cleopatra, Parnassus closes and the scene returns to its previous appearance.
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u023
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u023; HTML ancestor starts at line 942 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u024
Italian
... e come?
Ah! che del mio gioir invido è il Nume!
English · new translation
…but how?
Ah! The god is jealous of my joy!
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u025
Italian
Signor, udisti, e che ti par di Lidia?
English · new translation
My lord, you have heard her: what do you think of Lydia?
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u026
Italian
Virtù cantata da Lidia possiede?
Ah! Che se già piangente
mi saettò tra le armi, io ben m'aveggio
che bellezza sì vaga
cantando lega, e lagrimando impiaga.
English · new translation
Does Lydia possess such talent?
Ah! If, weeping, she already shot her arrows at me
amid the weapons, I now clearly see
that such lovely beauty
binds by singing and wounds by weeping.
Editorial note. The web witness’s Virtù cantata da Lidia possiede? is corrupt. Translation follows Virtù cotanta / Lidia possiede? in the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene II. Virtù here can mean accomplishment or talent, while recalling the staged personification of Virtue.
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u027
Italian
Signor, se amor t'accese,
non affligger, no, no; Lidia è cortese.
Anzi, se non t'è grave, ella t'attende
nelle sue stanze oror.
English · new translation
My lord, if love has set you aflame,
do not distress yourself; no, no, Lydia is kindly disposed.
Indeed, if it does not trouble you, she awaits you
in her chambers this very moment.
Editorial note. Oror is read as or or, confirmed by the Bologna 1724 transcription.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u028
English · new translation
Lydia longs for me?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u029
Italian
Ed ella a Cleopatra
anche ti scorterà.
English · new translation
And she will also
escort you to Cleopatra.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s02-u030
Italian
Guidami tosto in seno al mio tesoro,
acciò che dolce rendo il mio martoro.
English · new translation
Lead me at once into my treasure’s arms,
so that my torment may become sweet.
Editorial note. The web witness’s rendo is translated with the subjunctive sense of renda, as in the Bologna 1724 transcription.
ItalianEnglish
No. 20 - Aria
No. 20 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u031
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u031; HTML ancestor starts at line 957 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
aria · gc-a2-s02-u032
Italian
Se in fiorito ameno prato
l'augellin tra fiori e fronde
si nasconde,
fa più grato il suo cantar.
Se così Lidia vezzosa
spiega ancor notti canore,
più graziosa
fa ogni core innamorar.
English · new translation
If, in a pleasant flowery meadow,
the little bird hides
among flowers and foliage,
it makes its singing sweeter.
If charming Lydia likewise
pours forth melodious notes,
more charming still,
she makes every heart fall in love.
Editorial note. Notti canore in the web witness is read as note canore, confirmed by the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene II.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene.
Giardino del serraglio, dove corrisponde quello delle fiere
The garden of the seraglio, adjoining the enclosure of wild beasts.
Source details
- gc-a2-s02-u033
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u033; HTML ancestor starts at line 965 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s02-u034
Act 2, scene 2, unit gc-a2-s02-u034; HTML ancestor starts at line 965 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 3
ItalianEnglish
Cornelia, poi Achilla
Cornelia, then Achillas.
Cornelia, con piccola zappa nelle mani, che vien coltivando i fiori
Cornelia, holding a small hoe, is tending the flowers.
No. 21 - Arioso
No. 21 - Arioso
Source details
- gc-a2-s03-u001
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 967 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s03-u002
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 968 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s03-u003
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 968 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s03-u004
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 970 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u005
Italian
Deh. Piangete, oh mesti lumi,
già per voi non v'è più speme.
English · new translation
Ah, weep, sorrowful eyes;
for you there is no longer any hope.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s03-u006
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 973 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s03-u007
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 975 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u008
Italian
Bella, non lagrimare!
Canterà il tuo destin le crude tempre.
English · new translation
Beautiful one, do not weep!
Your fate will change its cruel disposition.
Editorial note. Canterà in the web witness is read as cangerà, confirmed by the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene III.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u009
Italian
Chi nacque a sospirar piange per sempre.
English · new translation
Whoever was born to sigh weeps for ever.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u010
Italian
Un consenso amoroso,
che tu presti ad Achilla,
può sottrarti al rigor di servitù.
English · new translation
A loving consent
that you grant to Achillas
can release you from the harshness of servitude.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u011
Italian
Olà! Così non mi parlar mai più.
English · new translation
Enough! Never speak to me like that again.
ItalianEnglish
vuol partire
Prepares to leave.
Source details
- gc-a2-s03-u012
Act 2, scene 3, unit gc-a2-s03-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 983 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u013
Italian
Oh dio! ascolta; ove vai?
English · new translation
Oh God! Listen; where are you going?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s03-u014
Italian
Fuggo da te per non mirarti mai.
English · new translation
I flee from you, so that I need never look at you again.
Act 2 · Scene 4
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Tolomeo
The same characters, Ptolemy.
mentre Cornelia fugge, incontra Tolomeo, che la prende per la mano
As Cornelia flees, she encounters Ptolemy, who takes her by the hand.
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u001
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 988 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s04-u002
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 990 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s04-u003
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 990 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s04-u004
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 992 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u005
Italian
Bella, placa lo sdegno!
English · new translation
Beautiful one, calm your anger!
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u006
Italian
Lasciami, iniquo re!
English · new translation
Let me go, wicked king!
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u007
Italian
Sire, qua mi portai,
per ammollir questa cruedel, che adoro.
English · new translation
Sire, I came here
to soften this cruel woman whom I adore.
Editorial note. Cruedel is treated as a spelling defect for crudel.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u008
Italian
Fu pietosa a' tuoi detti?
English · new translation
Did she show pity at your words?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u009
Italian
Ella mi sprezza ognor, ed io mi moro.
English · new translation
She always spurns me, and I am dying.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u010
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 1005 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u011
Italian
(Respiro, oh ciel!) Bella, lo sdegno
ammorza!
English · new translation
(I can breathe again, heavens!) Beautiful one,
quench your anger!
ItalianEnglish
tira da parte Achilla
Draws Achillas aside.
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u012
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1008 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u013
English · new translation
Well, my friend?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u014
Italian
Signor, oggi vedrai
Cesare estinto al suolo,
re vendicato, e regnator tu solo.
English · new translation
My lord, today you will see
Caesar dead upon the ground,
you avenged as king, and yourself sole ruler.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u015
Italian
Parti, eseguisci, e spera; avrai in mercede
la tua crudel.
English · new translation
Go, carry it out, and hope; as your reward you shall have
your cruel beloved.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u016
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 1017 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u017
Italian
(Folle è costui se'l crede).
English · new translation
(He is a fool if he believes it.)
ItalianEnglish
No. 22 - Aria
No. 22 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u018
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 1019 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s04-u019
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 1021 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
aria · gc-a2-s04-u020
Italian
Se a me non sei crudele,
ognor sarà fedele
a te questo cor.
Ma se spietata sempre
ver me non cangi tempre,
aspetta sol rigor!
English · new translation
If you are not cruel to me,
this heart will always
be faithful to you.
But if, ever pitiless,
you do not change your disposition towards me,
expect only severity!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u021
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 1027 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s04-u022
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u022; HTML ancestor starts at line 1028 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u023
Italian
Bella, cotanto aborri
chi ti prega d'amar?
English · new translation
Beautiful one, do you so deeply abhor
the man who begs you to love him?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u024
Italian
Un traditore
degno non è d'amor.
English · new translation
A traitor
does not deserve love.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u025
Italian
Tanto rigore?
Ma se un re ti bramasse?
English · new translation
Such severity?
But if a king desired you?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u026
Italian
Sarei una furia in agitargli il core.
English · new translation
I would become a Fury to torment his heart.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u027
Italian
Possibil che in quel volto
non alberghi pietà? che in questo seno...
English · new translation
Can it be that no pity
dwells in that face? That in this breast…
ItalianEnglish
stende la destra al seno di Cornelia, che sdegnosa si ritira
He reaches his right hand towards Cornelia’s breast; she draws back indignantly.
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u028
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u028; HTML ancestor starts at line 1042 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u029
Italian
Freni l'anima insana
lo stimolo del senso:
pensa che son Cornelia, e son Romana.
English · new translation
Let your crazed soul restrain
the goad of lust:
remember that I am Cornelia, and I am Roman.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u030
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u030; HTML ancestor starts at line 1047 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s04-u031
Italian
Tanto ritrosa a un re? perfida donna!
Forza userò, se non han luogo i prieghi,
e involarti saprò ciò ch'or mi nieghi.
English · new translation
So unwilling towards a king? Faithless woman!
I shall use force if entreaties find no place,
and I shall know how to steal what you now deny me.
ItalianEnglish
No. 23 - Aria
No. 23 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u032
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u032; HTML ancestor starts at line 1050 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
aria · gc-a2-s04-u033
Italian
Sì, spietata, il tuo rigore
sveglia l'odio in questo sen,
Giacché sprezzo questo core,
prova, infida, il mio velen!
English · new translation
Yes, pitiless woman, your severity
awakens hatred in this breast.
Since you spurn this heart,
taste my poison, faithless one!
Editorial note. Giacché sprezzo in the web witness is read as Giacché sprezzi, confirmed by the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene IV.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s04-u034
Act 2, scene 4, unit gc-a2-s04-u034; HTML ancestor starts at line 1054 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 5
ItalianEnglish
Cornelia, poi Sesto
Cornelia, then Sextus.
Source details
- gc-a2-s05-u001
Act 2, scene 5, unit gc-a2-s05-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1055 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s05-u002
Act 2, scene 5, unit gc-a2-s05-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1057 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s05-u003
Act 2, scene 5, unit gc-a2-s05-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1058 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s05-u004
Act 2, scene 5, unit gc-a2-s05-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1060 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u005
Italian
Su, che si tarda? or che partì il lascivo,
un generoso ardir l'onor mi salvi;
tra le fauci de' mostri
mi scaglierò da queste eccelse mura,
cibo sarò di fiere;
non paventa il morir un'alma forte.
Addio Roma, addio Sesto! Io corro a morte.
English · new translation
Come, why delay? Now that the lustful man has gone,
let a noble boldness save my honour;
from these lofty walls I shall throw myself
into the jaws of the monsters;
I shall become food for wild beasts.
A brave soul does not fear death.
Farewell, Rome; farewell, Sextus! I hasten to death.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s05-u006
Act 2, scene 5, unit gc-a2-s05-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1067 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u007
English · new translation
Stop! What are you doing?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u008
Italian
Chi mi trattiene il passo?
English · new translation
Who holds back my steps?
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u009
English · new translation
Mother!
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u010
Italian
Madre? che veggio?
Figlio, Sesto, mio core!
Come qui ne venisti!
English · new translation
Mother? What do I see?
My son, Sextus, my heart!
How did you come here?
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u011
Italian
Io, per sottrarti al regnato lascivo
di Niren con la scorta
quivi occulto mi trassi.
English · new translation
To rescue you from the lustful ruler,
I came here secretly,
guided by Nireno.
Editorial note. Regnato in the web witness is read as regnator, confirmed by the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene V.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u012
Italian
Troppo è certo il periglio
in cui, figlio, t'esponi.
English · new translation
The danger to which you expose yourself,
my son, is all too certain.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s05-u013
Italian
Chi alla vendetta aspira
vita non cura, oh madre.
Sì cadrà Sesto, o cadrà il tiranno.
English · new translation
Anyone who seeks vengeance
does not care for life, mother.
Yes, either Sextus will fall, or the tyrant will fall.
Act 2 · Scene 6
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Nireno
The same characters, Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a2-s06-u001
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1085 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u002
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1087 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u003
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1088 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u004
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1090 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u005
Italian
Cornelia, infauste nove. Il re m'impone,
che tra le sue dilette io ti conduca.
English · new translation
Cornelia, unhappy news. The king commands me
to lead you among his favourites.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u006
English · new translation
Oh God!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u007
English · new translation
Gods, what do I hear?
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u008
Italian
Non vi turbate, no: unqua sospetto
a Tolomeo non fui; ambi verrete
là dove il re tiranno
è in preda alle lascivie;
colà Sesto nascoso
in suo potere avrà l'alta vendetta;
egli solo ed inerme
far non potrà difesa.
English · new translation
Do not be troubled, no. I have never
been suspected by Ptolemy. You shall both go
where the tyrant king
is given over to his lusts.
There Sextus, hidden,
will have his great vengeance within his power;
the king, alone and unarmed,
will be unable to defend himself.
Editorial note. Egli in the final clause refers to Ptolemy, not to Sextus.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u009
Italian
Molto, molto ti devo.
English · new translation
I owe you so very much.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u010
Italian
Assista il cielo una sì giusta impresa!
English · new translation
May heaven assist so just an undertaking!
ItalianEnglish
No. 24 - Aria
No. 24 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s06-u011
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 1104 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
aria · gc-a2-s06-u012
Italian
Cessa omai di sospirare!
Non è sempre irato il cielo
contro i miseri; suol fare
benché tardi, le vendette.
Il nocchier, s'irato è il mare,
mai non perde la speranza,
onde avvien che la costanza
la salute a lui promette.
English · new translation
Cease your sighing now!
Heaven is not always angry
with the wretched; it brings vengeance,
though it comes late.
The helmsman, when the sea is angry,
never loses hope;
thus his steadfastness
promises him deliverance.
ItalianEnglish
parte con Nireno
Exits with Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a2-s06-u013
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u013; HTML ancestor starts at line 1111 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u014
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 1112 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u015
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 1114 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s06-u016
Italian
Figlio non è, chi vendicar non cura
del genitor lo scempio.
Su dunque alla vendetta
ti prepara, alma forte,
e prima di morir altrui dà la morte!
English · new translation
He is no son who does not seek to avenge
his father’s slaughter.
Come, then: prepare yourself for vengeance,
brave soul,
and before you die, deal death to another!
ItalianEnglish
No. 25 - Aria
No. 25 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s06-u017
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 1119 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
aria · gc-a2-s06-u018
Italian
L'angue offeso mai riposa,
se il veleno pria non spande
dentro il sangue all'offensor.
Così l'alma mia non osa
di mostrarsi altera e grande,
se non svelle l'empio cor.
English · new translation
The injured serpent never rests
until it first pours its venom
into the offender’s blood.
So my soul does not dare
show itself proud and great
until it tears out the wicked heart.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene.
Luogo di delizie
A place of pleasure.
Source details
- gc-a2-s06-u019
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 1126 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u020
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u020; HTML ancestor starts at line 1127 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s06-u021
Act 2, scene 6, unit gc-a2-s06-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 1128 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 7
ItalianEnglish
Cleopatra, poi Cesare
Cleopatra, then Caesar.
Source details
- gc-a2-s07-u001
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1129 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s07-u002
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1130 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s07-u003
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1131 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u004
Italian
Esser qui deve in breve
l'idolo del mio sen, Cesare amato;
ei sa che qui l'attende
Lidia sua, che l'adora;
per discoprir, se porta il sen piagato,
fingerò di dormir, porterò meco,
mascherato nel sonno, Amor ch'è cieco.
English · new translation
Soon the idol of my breast,
my beloved Caesar, must be here.
He knows that his Lydia,
who adores him, awaits him here.
To discover whether his breast is wounded,
I shall pretend to sleep, and bring with me
blind Love, disguised within sleep.
ItalianEnglish
si pone a sedere
Sits down.
Source details
- gc-a2-s07-u005
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 1138 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s07-u006
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1139 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a2-s07-u007
Italian
Venere bella,
per un istante,
Deh, mi concedi
le grazie tutte
del dio d'amor!
Tu ben prevedi
ch'il mio sembiante
dee far amante
d'un regio cor.
English · new translation
Beautiful Venus,
for one moment,
ah, grant me
all the charms
of the god of love!
You well foresee
that my appearance
must make a royal heart fall in love.
Editorial note. Dee far amante d’un regio cor is grammatically defective in the web witness. Translation follows dee fare amante / un regio cor in the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene VII.
ItalianEnglish
finge di dormire
Pretends to sleep.
Source details
- gc-a2-s07-u008
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u008; HTML ancestor starts at line 1150 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s07-u009
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1151 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s07-u010
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 1153 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u011
Italian
Che veggio, oh Numi? il mio bel sol qui dorme?
Vaga Lidia, adorata,
ah! se di tanto incendio
che mi bolle nel seno,
ti penetrasse al cor qualche scintilla,
ben potresti sperar dalla tua sorte
d'essermi forse un dì sposa e consorte.
English · new translation
What do I see, gods? My beautiful sun sleeps here?
Lovely, adored Lydia,
ah! If some spark of the great fire
that boils within my breast
were to enter your heart,
you might well hope that your destiny
could make you my wife and consort one day.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s07-u012
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1161 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Editorial note. Sporgendo in the web witness is read as Sorgendo, “rising,” the stage direction in the Bologna 1724 transcription, Act II, Scene VII.
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u013
Italian
Sposa? t'adorerò fino alla morte.
English · new translation
Your wife? I shall adore you until death.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u014
English · new translation
Enough!
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u015
English · new translation
What troubles you?
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u016
Italian
Una donzella,
serva di Cleopatra a tanto aspirar?
English · new translation
A girl,
a servant of Cleopatra, aspire to so much?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s07-u017
Italian
Cesare, frena l'ire!
Giacché desta m'aborri,
perché m'abbi ad amar, torno a dormire.
English · new translation
Caesar, restrain your anger!
Since you abhor me awake,
I return to sleep so that you may love me.
ItalianEnglish
va per tornar al suo luogo
Moves to return to her place.
Source details
- gc-a2-s07-u018
Act 2, scene 7, unit gc-a2-s07-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 1171 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 8
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Curio, dopo congiurati (di dentro)
The same characters, Curio; then conspirators, heard from within.
entra con spada impugnata
Enters with sword in hand.
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u001
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1172 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s08-u002
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1174 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s08-u003
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1175 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s08-u004
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1177 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CURIO
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u005
Italian
Cesare, sei tradito.
English · new translation
Caesar, you are betrayed.
ItalianEnglish
snuda il brando
Draws his sword.
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u006
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1180 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u007
English · new translation
I, betrayed?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u008
English · new translation
What do I hear?
CURIO
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u009
Italian
Mentr'io ver le tue stanze,
signor', t'attendo, odo di genti e spade
ripercosso fragor, ed una voce
gridar: «Cesare mora», ed improvviso
a te ne volo, ad arrecar l'avviso.
English · new translation
As I wait for you, my lord,
on my way towards your chambers, I hear the resounding clash
of men and swords, and a voice
crying, “Let Caesar die!” At once
I fly to you to bring the warning.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u010
Italian
Così dunque in Egitto
regna la fellonia? Bella, rimanti;
sono infausti per noi cotesti lidi.
English · new translation
Does treachery, then,
reign in Egypt? Beautiful one, stay here;
these shores are ill-fated for us.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u011
Italian
Fermati, non partir, che tu m'uccidi.
English · new translation
Stay, do not go: you will kill me.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u012
English · new translation
Let me go, Lydia!
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u013
Italian
Che Lidia?
Io volerò al conflitto in tua difesa,
sino agli stessi abissi
scenderia Cleopatra.
English · new translation
What Lydia?
I shall fly into battle to defend you;
Cleopatra would descend
even into the depths of hell.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u014
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 1200 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u015
Italian
(ohimè, che dissi?)
English · new translation
(Alas, what have I said?)
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u016
English · new translation
Cleopatra?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u017
English · new translation
Yes.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u018
English · new translation
Where is she?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u019
Italian
Cesare, volgi
in questo seno, e non altrove, il lampo
di quegli occhi che adoro:
Son Cleopatra, e non più Lidia in cambio.
English · new translation
Caesar, turn the brightness
of those eyes I adore
upon this breast, and nowhere else:
I am Cleopatra, no longer Lydia in her place.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u020
English · new translation
You are Cleopatra?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u021
Italian
In breve
de' congiurati il temerario ardire
questo aspetto regal farà che cada;
torna al fianco, signor, quella tua spada!
English · new translation
Very soon
this royal presence will bring down
the conspirators’ reckless audacity.
Return that sword to your side, my lord!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u022
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u022; HTML ancestor starts at line 1216 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u023
Italian
Curio, a sì strani eventi
resto immobile sasso.
English · new translation
Curio, at such strange events
I stand like a motionless stone.
CURIO
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u024
English · new translation
I am dumbfounded.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u025
Italian
Che udisti mai, cor mio?
Lidia è Cleopatra? e la spregiasti? Oh dio!
English · new translation
What have you heard, my heart?
Lydia is Cleopatra? And you spurned her? Oh God!
ItalianEnglish
che frettolosa ritorna
Returns hurriedly.
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u026
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 1224 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u027
Italian
Fuggi, Cesare, fuggi!
Dalle regie tue stanze a questa fonte
volano i congiurati.
English · new translation
Flee, Caesar, flee!
From your royal chambers the conspirators
are rushing to this fountain.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u028
Italian
Come! nemmen Cleopatra
valse a frenar sì perfido ardimento?
English · new translation
What! Could not even Cleopatra
restrain such treacherous audacity?
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u029
Italian
La porpora reale
scudo non è bastante al tradimento.
English · new translation
The royal purple
is not a sufficient shield against betrayal.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u030
Italian
Vengano pure, ho core.
Cesar non sappe mai che sia timore.
English · new translation
Let them come; I have courage.
Caesar never knew what fear is.
Editorial note. Sappe is translated as the intended seppe, “knew.”
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u031
Italian
Oh dio! tu il mio cor mi struggi;
salvati, o mio bel sol! Cesare, fuggi!
English · new translation
Oh God! You tear my heart apart.
Save yourself, my beautiful sun! Caesar, flee!
ItalianEnglish
No. 27 - Aria e Coro
No. 27 - Aria and chorus
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u032
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u032; HTML ancestor starts at line 1238 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
aria · gc-a2-s08-u033
Italian
Al lampo dell'armi
quest'alma guerriera
vendetta farà.
Non fia che disarmi
la destra guerriera
che forza le dà.
English · new translation
At the flash of weapons
this warrior soul
will take vengeance.
The warrior right hand
that gives this soul strength
shall not be disarmed.
Editorial note. The agency of disarming is implicit in Non fia che disarmi. The passive English avoids assigning a definite agent; the final relative clause makes the warrior hand the giver of strength to the soul.
ItalianEnglish
parte con Curio
Exits with Curio.
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u034
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u034; HTML ancestor starts at line 1244 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s08-u035
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u035; HTML ancestor starts at line 1246 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CHORUS
chorus · gc-a2-s08-u036
Italian
Mora Cesare, mora!
English · new translation
Let Caesar die, let him die!
ItalianEnglish
No. 28 – Recitativo accompagnato
No. 28 – Accompanied recitative
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u037
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u037; HTML ancestor starts at line 1248 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s08-u038
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u038; HTML ancestor starts at line 1250 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a2-s08-u039
Italian
Che sento? Oh dio! Morrà Cleopatra ancora.
Anima vil, che parli mai? Deh taci!
Avrò, per vendicarmi,
in bellicosa parte,
di Bellona in sembianza un cor di Marte.
Intanto, oh Numi, voi che il ciel reggete,
difendete il mio bene!
Ch'egli è del seno mio conforto e speme.
English · new translation
What do I hear? Oh God! Cleopatra too will die.
Cowardly soul, what are you saying? Ah, be silent!
To avenge myself I shall have,
on the field of war,
a heart of Mars in the likeness of Bellona.
Meanwhile, gods who govern heaven,
defend my beloved!
For he is the comfort and hope of my breast.
Editorial note. Bellona is a Roman war goddess; Mars is the god of war. The line stages Cleopatra’s shift from erotic enchantment to martial resolve.
ItalianEnglish
No. 29 - Aria
No. 29 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u040
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u040; HTML ancestor starts at line 1257 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a2-s08-u041
Italian
Se pità di me non senti,
giusto ciel, io morirò.
Tu da pace a' miei tormenti,
o quest'alma spirerò.
English · new translation
If you feel no pity for me,
just heaven, I shall die.
Bring peace to my torments,
or I shall breathe out my soul.
Editorial note. Pità is read as pietà, as in the Bologna 1724 transcription.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene.
Camera nel serraglio
A chamber in the seraglio.
Source details
- gc-a2-s08-u042
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u042; HTML ancestor starts at line 1261 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s08-u043
Act 2, scene 8, unit gc-a2-s08-u043; HTML ancestor starts at line 1262 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 9
ItalianEnglish
Tolomeo circondato dalle sue favorite,
Ptolemy surrounded by his favourites;
Cornelia fra loro, poi Sesto
Cornelia among them; then Sextus.
No. 30 - Arioso e Recitativo
No. 30 - Arioso and recitative
Source details
- gc-a2-s09-u001
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1263 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s09-u002
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1264 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s09-u003
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1264 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s09-u004
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1266 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
arioso · gc-a2-s09-u005
Italian
Belle dee di questo core,
voi portate il ciel nel volto,
non ha il ciel più bel splendore
di quel ch'avete in doppie stelle accolto.
Questo è luogo di pace,
onde il ferro depongo,
English · new translation
Beautiful goddesses of this heart,
you carry heaven in your faces.
Heaven has no finer splendour
than you hold within your twin stars.
This is a place of peace,
so I put down my sword,
Editorial note. The twin stars are the women’s eyes.
ItalianEnglish
pone la spada sopra una tavola
Places his sword on a table.
Source details
- gc-a2-s09-u006
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1272 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
arioso · gc-a2-s09-u007
Italian
che inutile ornamento
ora è questo in amor fiero stromento.
English · new translation
for this fierce instrument
is now a useless adornment in love.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s09-u008
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u008; HTML ancestor starts at line 1275 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
arioso · gc-a2-s09-u009
Italian
(Numi! che fia di me?)
English · new translation
(Gods! What will become of me?)
TOLOMEO
arioso · gc-a2-s09-u010
Italian
Ma qui Cornelia?
Questo candido lin tu prendi in segno,
secondo il mio costume,
di colei che destino
al regio letto, alle notturne piume.
English · new translation
But Cornelia is here?
Take this white cloth as the sign,
according to my custom,
of the woman I choose
for the royal bed, for the nightly pillows.
ItalianEnglish
Cornelia prende il fazzoletto, e poi lo getta con sdegno
Cornelia takes the handkerchief, then throws it away indignantly.
entra, da se'
Enters; aside.
Source details
- gc-a2-s09-u011
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 1283 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s09-u012
Act 2, scene 9, unit gc-a2-s09-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1285 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
arioso · gc-a2-s09-u013
Italian
(Ora è il tempo, oh mia destra!
il proprio ferro
che uccise il genitore, l'empio trafigga).
English · new translation
(Now is the time, my right hand!
Let the very sword
that killed my father pierce the wicked man.)
Editorial note. Sextus’s claim that Ptolemy’s own sword killed Pompey is part of the drama’s assignment of responsibility; it is not a historical finding.
Act 2 · Scene 10
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Achilla
The same characters, Achillas.
mentre Sesto vuol prendere la spada di Tolomeo, vien sorpreso da Achilla, che entra in furia e la prende
As Sextus is about to take Ptolemy’s sword, Achillas surprises him, rushing in and taking it.
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u001
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1289 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s10-u002
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1291 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s10-u003
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1291 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s10-u004
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1292 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u005
English · new translation
Sire, take it!
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u006
English · new translation
What is it?
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u007
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1298 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u008
English · new translation
Cruel stars!
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u009
Italian
Arma la man che non è tempo, o Sire,
di star fra vezzi in amorosa parte;
queste Veneri lascia, e vola a Marte!
English · new translation
Arm your hand, Sire; it is no time
to stay amid caresses in love’s domain.
Leave these Venuses and fly to Mars!
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u010
Italian
Qual nemica la fortuna...
English · new translation
What hostile fortune…
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u011
Italian
Mentre io cerco di Cesare la strage,
s'avventa egli fra i nostri,
ma il numero di molti
alla virtù d'un solo al fin prevale;
fugge con Curio, e da balcon sublime
si scaglia d'improvviso in mezzo al porto,
ed io miro in un punto Curio sommerso,
e Cesare già morto.
English · new translation
While I seek Caesar’s slaughter,
he hurls himself among our men;
but at last the numbers of many
prevail over the valour of one.
He flees with Curio, and from a lofty balcony
suddenly throws himself into the harbour;
in a single moment I see Curio submerged
and Caesar already dead.
Editorial note. Achillas reports Caesar as dead; the audience later learns this report is false. Translate the report without treating it as the drama’s final fact.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u012
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1313 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u013
English · new translation
Caesar dead?
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u014
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 1316 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u015
English · new translation
Oh gods!
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u016
Italian
Or Cleopatra
vola al campo romano,
e delle trombe ai bellicosi carmi,
di Cesare in vedetta, corre co' suoi
contro il tuo campo all'armi.
English · new translation
Now Cleopatra
flies to the Roman camp,
and, to the trumpets’ warlike strains,
in vengeance for Caesar, rushes with her men
to arms against your camp.
Editorial note. Vedetta in the web witness is read as vendetta, the word in the Bologna 1724 transcription.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u017
Italian
D'una femmina imbelle
non pavento i furori.
English · new translation
I do not fear
the fury of an unwarlike woman.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u018
Italian
A te sol resta
che in premio di tant'opra
in isposa costei tu mi conceda.
English · new translation
All that remains for you
is to grant me this woman as my wife
as a reward for so great a deed.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u019
Italian
Temerario! Beltà che non ha pari
d'un tradimento in guiderdon pretendi?
English · new translation
Presumptuous man! You demand
a beauty without equal as the reward for a betrayal?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u020
English · new translation
Sire…
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u021
Italian
Ammutisci e parti!
Son re, e saprò premiarti.
English · new translation
Be silent and go!
I am king, and I shall know how to reward you.
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u022
Italian
Il mio servir questa mercé riceve?
English · new translation
Does my service receive this recompense?
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u023
English · new translation
Enough!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u024
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u024; HTML ancestor starts at line 1340 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u025
Italian
A chi fede non ha, fe' non si deve.
English · new translation
No faith is owed to one who has no faith.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u026
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 1342 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a2-s10-u027
Italian
Ciascuna si ritiri;
dopo breve soggiorno
vittorioso fra voi farò ritorno.
English · new translation
Let each of you retire;
after a brief absence
I shall return to you victorious.
ItalianEnglish
parte con le favorite
Exits with the favourites.
Source details
- gc-a2-s10-u028
Act 2, scene 10, unit gc-a2-s10-u028; HTML ancestor starts at line 1346 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 2 · Scene 11
ItalianEnglish
Sesto, Cornelia
Sextus, Cornelia.
Source details
- gc-a2-s11-u001
Act 2, scene 11, unit gc-a2-s11-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1347 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s11-u002
Act 2, scene 11, unit gc-a2-s11-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1349 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s11-u003
Italian
Ecco in tutto perduta
la speme di vendetta!
Ferro, inerme ti vedo;
io per non più soffrir morte a te chiedo.
English · new translation
Now the hope of vengeance
is utterly lost!
Sword, I see you powerless;
I ask you for death, so that I may suffer no longer.
Editorial note. Inerme, “unarmed,” is addressed paradoxically to the sword; “powerless” renders its inability to accomplish revenge.
ItalianEnglish
tira la spada per uccidersi
Draws his sword to kill himself.
Source details
- gc-a2-s11-u004
Act 2, scene 11, unit gc-a2-s11-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1354 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s11-u005
Italian
Fermo? che fai? se perverso il destino
fè vano il colpo, invan disperi, oh Sesto.
English · new translation
Stop! What are you doing? If perverse destiny
made the stroke futile, you despair in vain, Sextus.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s11-u006
Italian
Or che Cesare è estinto
che più sperar possiamo?
English · new translation
Now that Caesar is dead,
what more can we hope for?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a2-s11-u007
Italian
Animo, ardire!
Niren già t'apre il passo; al campo vanni;
colà tu rivedrai l'empio tiranno,
e a lui fa poi mirar con alma forte,
che incontrar sai, non paventar la morte.
English · new translation
Courage, boldness!
Nireno already opens your way. Go to the camp;
there you will see the wicked tyrant again,
and then show him, with a brave soul,
that you know how to meet death, not fear it.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a2-s11-u008
Act 2, scene 11, unit gc-a2-s11-u008; HTML ancestor starts at line 1362 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a2-s11-u009
Act 2, scene 11, unit gc-a2-s11-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1364 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a2-s11-u010
Italian
Seguirò tanto con ignoto passo
ogn'orma del tiranno,
finché nel suo periglio
farò che cada esangue
del padre l'uccisor per man del figlio.
English · new translation
I shall follow the tyrant’s every track
with unnoticed steps
until, in his hour of danger,
I make my father’s killer fall lifeless
by the son’s hand.
ItalianEnglish
No. 31 - Aria
No. 31 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a2-s11-u011
Act 2, scene 11, unit gc-a2-s11-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 1368 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
aria · gc-a2-s11-u012
Italian
L'aure che spira
tiranno e fiero
egli non merta
di respirar.
Mi sveglia all'ira
quel cor severo,
sua morte solo
mi può placar.
English · new translation
The air he breathes,
tyrannical and savage,
he does not deserve
to breathe.
That cruel heart
awakens me to anger;
only his death
can appease me.
Editorial note. L’aure in the web witness is read as singular L’aura, as in the Bologna 1724 transcription. The adjectives describe the tyrant, not the air.
Act 3 · Opening directions
ItalianEnglish
Bosco vicino alla città di Alessandria
A grove near the city of Alexandria.
(con una parte del porto a margine)
(With part of the harbour at the edge.)
Source details
- gc-a3-s00-u001
Act 3, scene 0, unit gc-a3-s00-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1380 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s00-u002
Act 3, scene 0, unit gc-a3-s00-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1381 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s00-u003
Act 3, scene 0, unit gc-a3-s00-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1381 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 1
ItalianEnglish
Achilla con seguito di soldati
Achillas with a retinue of soldiers.
Source details
- gc-a3-s01-u001
Act 3, scene 1, unit gc-a3-s01-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1383 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s01-u002
Act 3, scene 1, unit gc-a3-s01-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1384 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s01-u003
Act 3, scene 1, unit gc-a3-s01-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1385 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a3-s01-u004
Italian
In tal' modi si premia
il mio lungo servir, la fede mia?
Barbaro re! ti pentirai fra breve
d'avermi offeso. Andiamo,
prodi campioni, e a Cleopatra avanti
offriam le nostre insegne, offriamle il core,
e sia menda al tarda l'alto valore.
English · new translation
Is this how my long service
and my loyalty are rewarded?
Barbarous king! Before long you will regret
having offended me. Come,
brave champions: let us offer Cleopatra
our standards, let us offer her our hearts,
and let great courage make amends for our delay.
Editorial note. The witness's 'In tal’ modi' and 'menda al tarda' are defective forms. Translation follows 'In tal modo' and 'menda al tardar', supported by the 1724 transcription; the displayed Italian is unchanged.
ItalianEnglish
No. 32 - Aria
No. 32 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s01-u005
Act 3, scene 1, unit gc-a3-s01-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 1394 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
aria · gc-a3-s01-u006
Italian
Dal fulgor di questa spada
vo' che cada
umiliato un empio cor.
Già non dee soffrir l'offese
che difese
il suo regno col valor.
English · new translation
By the flash of this sword
I want an impious heart
to fall humbled.
He who defended
his kingdom with courage
must not endure insults.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s01-u007
Act 3, scene 1, unit gc-a3-s01-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1401 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 2
ItalianEnglish
Tolomeo, Cleopatra, soldati di Cleopatra, soldati e guardie di Tolomeo
Ptolemy, Cleopatra, Cleopatra's soldiers, and Ptolemy's soldiers and guards.
No. 33 – Sinfonia
No. 33 – Sinfonia
Al suono d'una bellica sinfonia segue la battaglia tra soldati di Cleopatra e di Tolomeo, e questi ultimi hanno la vittoria; finita la sinfonia, entra Tolomeo con Cleopatra prigioniera
To the sound of a warlike sinfonia, a battle takes place between Cleopatra's and Ptolemy's soldiers; the latter are victorious. When the sinfonia ends, Ptolemy enters with Cleopatra as his prisoner.
Source details
- gc-a3-s02-u001
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1402 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s02-u002
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1404 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s02-u003
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1405 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s02-u004
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1406 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s02-u005
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 1407 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s02-u006
Italian
Vinta cadesti al balenar di questo
mio fulmine reale.
English · new translation
You fell defeated at the flash
of this royal thunderbolt of mine.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s02-u007
Italian
Tolomeo non mi vinse;
mi tradì quella cieca,
che, tiran, ti protegge,
senz'onor, senza fede, e senza legge.
English · new translation
Ptolemy did not defeat me;
that blind power betrayed me,
which protects you, tyrant,
without honour, without faith, and without law.
Editorial note. The unnamed blind power is understood as Fortune; the Italian itself says only 'quella cieca'.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s02-u008
Italian
Olà! sì baldanzosa
del vincitor al riverito aspetto?
English · new translation
What! So insolent
in the revered presence of your conqueror?
ItalianEnglish
alle guardie
To the guards.
Source details
- gc-a3-s02-u009
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1416 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s02-u010
Italian
S'incateni costei.
English · new translation
Put this woman in chains.
ItalianEnglish
Una guardia incatena Cleopatra
A guard puts Cleopatra in chains.
Source details
- gc-a3-s02-u011
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 1418 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s02-u012
Italian
Empio crudel! ti puniranno gli dèi.
English · new translation
Cruel, impious man! The gods will punish you.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s02-u013
Italian
Costei, che per germano aborro e sdegno,
si conduca alla reggia; io colà voglio
che, ad onta del suo ardire,
genuflessa m'adori a piè del soglio.
English · new translation
Let this woman, whom I as her brother abhor and despise,
be taken to the palace. There I intend,
despite her defiance,
that she kneel and worship me at the foot of the throne.
ItalianEnglish
No. 34 - Aria
No. 34 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s02-u014
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 1423 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
aria · gc-a3-s02-u015
Italian
Domerò la tua fierezza
ch'il mio trono aborre e sprezza,
e umiliata ti vedrò.
Tu qual Icaro ribelle
sormontar brami le stelle,
ma quell'ali io ti tarperò.
English · new translation
I will tame your pride,
which abhors and scorns my throne,
and I shall see you humbled.
Like rebellious Icarus,
you long to rise above the stars,
but I will clip those wings of yours.
ItalianEnglish
parte con i soldati
He exits with the soldiers.
Source details
- gc-a3-s02-u016
Act 3, scene 2, unit gc-a3-s02-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 1428 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 3
ItalianEnglish
Cleopatra, con guardie.
Cleopatra with guards.
Source details
- gc-a3-s03-u001
Act 3, scene 3, unit gc-a3-s03-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1429 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s03-u002
Act 3, scene 3, unit gc-a3-s03-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1431 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s03-u003
Act 3, scene 3, unit gc-a3-s03-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1432 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s03-u004
Italian
E pur così in un giorno
perdo fasti e grandezze? Ahi fato rio!
Cesare, il mio bel nume, è forse estinto;
Cornelia e Sesto inermi son, né sanno
darmi soccorso. O dio!
Non resta alcuna speme al viver mio.
English · new translation
And so, in a single day,
do I lose my splendour and greatness? Ah, cruel fate!
Caesar, my beautiful god, is perhaps dead;
Cornelia and Sextus are unarmed and cannot
come to my aid. O heavens!
No hope remains for my life.
ItalianEnglish
No. 35 – Aria
No. 35 – Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s03-u005
Act 3, scene 3, unit gc-a3-s03-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 1437 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a3-s03-u006
Italian
Piangerò la sorte mia,
sì crudele e tanto ria,
finché vita in petto avrò.
Ma poi morta d'ogn'intorno
il tiranno e notte e giorno
fatta spettro agiterò.
English · new translation
I will weep for my fate,
so cruel and so wicked,
as long as I have life within my breast.
But when I am dead, all around him,
by night and by day,
I will become a ghost and torment the tyrant.
ItalianEnglish
parte con le guardie
She exits with the guards.
Source details
- gc-a3-s03-u007
Act 3, scene 3, unit gc-a3-s03-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1440 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 4
ItalianEnglish
Cesare, Achilla, poi Sesto e Nireno
Caesar, Achillas, then Sextus and Nireno.
Giulio Cesare, da una parte, poi Sesto dall'altra con Nireno, ed Achilla, steso sul margine del porto mortalmente ferito
Julius Caesar on one side; then Sextus on the other with Nireno; and Achillas, lying at the edge of the harbour, mortally wounded.
No. 36 – Recitativo accompagnato ed Aria
No. 36 – Accompanied recitative and aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u001
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1441 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s04-u002
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1443 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s04-u003
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1444 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s04-u004
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1445 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
aria · gc-a3-s04-u005
Italian
Dall'ondoso periglio
salvo mi porta al lido
il mio propizio fato.
Qui la celeste Parca
non tronca ancor lo stame alla mia vita!
Ma dove andrò? e chi mi porge aita?
Solo in queste erme arene
al monarca del mondo errar conviene?
Aure, deh, per pietà
spirate al petto mio,
per dar conforto, oh dio!
al mio dolor.
Dite, dov'è, che fa
l'idol del mio sen,
l'amato e dolce ben
di questo cor.
Ma d'ogni intorno i' veggio
sparse d'arme e d'estinti
l'infortunate arene,
segno d'infausto annunzio al fin sarà.
English · new translation
From the danger of the waves
my favourable fate brings me
safely to the shore.
Here the heavenly Fate
has not yet cut the thread of my life!
But where shall I go? Who will bring me help?
Must the monarch of the world
wander alone on these deserted sands?
Breezes, ah, in pity,
breathe upon my breast
to bring comfort, O heavens,
to my sorrow.
Tell me: where is she, what is she doing,
the idol of my breast,
the beloved, sweet treasure
of this heart?
But all around I see
these unhappy sands
strewn with weapons and the dead;
in the end this will be a sign of unhappy news.
Editorial note. The source groups accompanied recitative and aria under one musical heading; the passage includes the opening accompanied recitative, 'Aure, deh, per pietà', and the following observation. Parca refers to a Fate who cuts life's thread.
ItalianEnglish
Entrano Sesto e Nireno, in veste bellica e con visiera chiusa
Sextus and Nireno enter in battle dress with their visors lowered.
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u006
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1462 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s04-u007
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1463 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u008
Italian
Cerco invan Tolomeo per vendicarmi,
e il mio destino spietato a me l'asconde.
English · new translation
I seek Ptolemy in vain to take my revenge,
and my pitiless destiny hides him from me.
ItalianEnglish
sul margine del porto, mortalmente ferito
At the edge of the harbour, mortally wounded.
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u009
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1468 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u010
Italian
Hai vinto, oh fato!
English · new translation
You have won, O fate!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u011
Italian
Quai tronche voci?
English · new translation
What broken voices are these?
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u012
Italian
Avete vinto, oh stelle!
English · new translation
You have won, O stars!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u013
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u013; HTML ancestor starts at line 1475 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u014
Italian
Due guerrieri? in disparte
de' loro accenti il suono
udir io voglio, e penetrar chi sono.
English · new translation
Two warriors? From a distance
I want to hear the sound of their words
and discover who they are.
ItalianEnglish
si ritira in disparte
He withdraws to one side.
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u015
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 1479 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s04-u016
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 1481 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u017
Italian
E' questi Achilla, in mezzo al sen piagato.
English · new translation
This is Achillas, wounded in the middle of his breast.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u018
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 1484 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u019
Italian
(Achilla è il moribondo?)
English · new translation
(Is the dying man Achillas?)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u020
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u020; HTML ancestor starts at line 1487 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u021
English · new translation
My friend, my friend!
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u022
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u022; HTML ancestor starts at line 1490 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u023
Italian
Oh cavalier ignoto,
che con voci d'amico
articoli il mio nome,
deh, se dia mai che ti conceda il fato
di favellar un giorno
alla bella Cornelia, al sol di Roma,
digli che quell'Achilla,
che consigliò di Pompeo la morte....
English · new translation
O unknown warrior,
who with a friend's voice
speak my name,
ah, if fate should ever grant you
to speak one day
to beautiful Cornelia, the sun of Rome,
tell her that Achillas,
who advised Pompey's death…
Editorial note. The witness reads 'se dia mai'; translation follows the contextually clear 'se fia mai' in the 1724 transcription.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u024
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u024; HTML ancestor starts at line 1499 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u025
English · new translation
(Ah, wicked man!)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u026
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u026; HTML ancestor starts at line 1502 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u027
English · new translation
(Ah, villain!)
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u028
Italian
Che per averla in moglie,
contro Cesare ordì l'alta congiura...
English · new translation
Who, to have her as his wife,
contrived the great conspiracy against Caesar…
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u029
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u029; HTML ancestor starts at line 1507 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u030
English · new translation
(Ah, traitor!)
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u031
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u031; HTML ancestor starts at line 1510 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u032
English · new translation
(Traitor!)
ACHILLA
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u033
Italian
Sol per cagion di vendicarsi un giorno
contro il re Tolomeo
giunse in tal notte a spirar l'alma in guerra.
Questo sigil tu prendi;
nel più vicino speco
centro armati guerrieri
a questo segno ad ubbidir son pronti;
con questi puoi per sotterranea via
penetrar nella reggia, e in breve d'ora
torre all'empio Cornelia,
e insieme far che vendicato io mora.
English · new translation
Solely to avenge himself one day
upon King Ptolemy,
came on such a night to breathe his last in battle.
Take this seal;
in the nearest cave
a hundred armed warriors
are ready to obey this token.
With them you can make your way
into the palace through an underground passage, and in a short time
rescue Cornelia from the impious man,
and also ensure that I die avenged.
Editorial note. The witness reads 'centro armati guerrieri'; 'a hundred' follows 'cento' in the 1724 transcription. The seal is a token authorising command, not a modern identification document.
ItalianEnglish
dà il sigillo a Sesto e spira
He gives the seal to Sextus and dies.
Source details
- gc-a3-s04-u034
Act 3, scene 4, unit gc-a3-s04-u034; HTML ancestor starts at line 1523 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u035
Italian
Spirò l'alma il fellon.
English · new translation
The traitor has breathed his last.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s04-u036
Italian
Tu scaglia intanto
il cadavere indegno
del traditor nell'onde.
English · new translation
Meanwhile throw
the traitor's unworthy corpse
into the waves.
Act 3 · Scene 5
ItalianEnglish
Cesare, Sesto, Nireno
Caesar, Sextus, Nireno.
Appare e rapisce il sigillo a Sesto
He appears and snatches the seal from Sextus.
Source details
- gc-a3-s05-u001
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1529 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s05-u002
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1531 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s05-u003
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1532 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s05-u004
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1534 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u005
Italian
Lascia questo sigillo.
English · new translation
Give up that seal.
ItalianEnglish
alza la visiera
He raises his visor.
Source details
- gc-a3-s05-u006
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1537 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u007
English · new translation
O gods!
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u008
English · new translation
What do I see!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u009
English · new translation
My lord!
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u010
English · new translation
You, Sextus?
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u011
Italian
E come
vivo, Cesare, e illeso
ti sottrasti alla Parca?
English · new translation
And how, Caesar,
alive and unharmed,
did you escape the Fate?
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s05-u012
Italian
Io fra l'onde nuotando al lido giunsi
non ti turbar; mi porterò alla reggia,
e m'aprirò con tal sigil l'ingresso.
Teco Niren mi siegua:
o che torrò alla sorte
Cornelia e Cleopatra, o avrò la morte.
English · new translation
I reached the shore by swimming through the waves.
Do not be troubled; I will go to the palace
and gain entrance with this seal.
Let Niren follow me with you:
either I will wrest Cornelia and Cleopatra from fate,
or I will meet my death.
ItalianEnglish
No. 37 - Aria
No. 37 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s05-u013
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u013; HTML ancestor starts at line 1552 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
aria · gc-a3-s05-u014
Italian
Quel torrente, che cade dal monte,
tutto atterra ch'incontro lo sta.
Tale anch'io, a chi oppone la fonte,
dal mio brando atterrato sarà.
English · new translation
That torrent which falls from the mountain
throws down everything that stands in its way.
So too, whoever sets his brow against me
will be thrown down by my sword.
Editorial note. The witness reads 'oppone la fonte'; translation follows 'oppone la fronte' (sets his brow against/resists) in the 1724 transcription.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s05-u015
Act 3, scene 5, unit gc-a3-s05-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 1557 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 6
ItalianEnglish
Sesto, Nireno
Sextus, Nireno.
Source details
- gc-a3-s06-u001
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1558 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s06-u002
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1560 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s06-u003
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1561 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s06-u004
Italian
Tutto lice sperar, Cesare vive.
English · new translation
We may hope for everything: Caesar lives.
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a3-s06-u005
Italian
Segui, oh Sesto, i suoi passi.
English · new translation
Follow his steps, Sextus.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s06-u006
Italian
Achilla estinto? or sì che il ciel comincia
a far le mie vendette,
sì, sì, mi dice il core
che mio sarà il desiato onore.
English · new translation
Achillas dead? Now indeed heaven begins
to take my revenge.
Yes, yes, my heart tells me
that the honour I desire will be mine.
ItalianEnglish
No. 38 - Aria
No. 38 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s06-u007
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1568 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
aria · gc-a3-s06-u008
Italian
La giustizia ha già sull'arco
pronto strale alla vendetta,
per punire un traditor.
Quanto è tarda la saetta,
tanto più crudele aspetta
la sua pena un empio cor.
English · new translation
Justice already has on her bow
an arrow ready for revenge,
to punish a traitor.
The longer the arrow delays,
the more cruel the punishment
that awaits an impious heart.
ItalianEnglish
parte con Nireno
He exits with Nireno.
Cambiamento
Change of scene.
Appartamento di Cleopatra
Cleopatra's apartments.
Source details
- gc-a3-s06-u009
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1573 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s06-u010
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 1575 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s06-u011
Act 3, scene 6, unit gc-a3-s06-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 1576 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 7
ItalianEnglish
Cleopatra con guardie, damigelle egizie, poi Cesare con soldati
Cleopatra with guards and Egyptian ladies-in-waiting; then Caesar with soldiers.
No. 39 - Recitativo accompagnato
No. 39 - Accompanied recitative
fra le sue damigelle che piangono
Among her ladies-in-waiting, who are weeping.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u001
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1577 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s07-u002
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1578 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s07-u003
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1579 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s07-u004
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1581 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u005
Italian
Voi che mie fide ancelle un tempo foste,
or lagrimate invan, più mie non siete.
Il barbaro germano
che mi privò del regno,
a me vi toglie, e a me torrà la vita.
English · new translation
You who were once my faithful servants
now weep in vain: you are no longer mine.
My barbarous brother,
who deprived me of my kingdom,
takes you from me, and will take my life.
ItalianEnglish
S'ode strepito d'armi nella scena
A clash of arms is heard on stage.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u006
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1584 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u007
Italian
Ma qual strepito d'armi?
Ah sì! più mie non siete,
spirar l'alma Cleopatra or or vedrete.
English · new translation
But what is this clash of arms?
Ah yes! You are no longer mine;
you will now see Cleopatra breathe her last.
ItalianEnglish
entra con spada nuda in mano e soldati
He enters with a drawn sword in his hand and with soldiers.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u008
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u008; HTML ancestor starts at line 1587 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s07-u009
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1589 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u010
Italian
Forzai l'ingresso a tua salvezza, oh cara!
English · new translation
I forced the entrance to save you, my beloved!
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u011
Italian
Cesare o un'ombra sei?
English · new translation
Are you Caesar, or a ghost?
ItalianEnglish
alle guardie
To the guards.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u012
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1594 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u013
Italian
Olà, partite ormai, empi ministri
d'un tiranno spietato!
Cesare così vuol, pronti ubbidite!
English · new translation
Guards, depart now, impious servants
of a pitiless tyrant!
Caesar wills it so: obey at once!
ItalianEnglish
partono le guardie
The guards depart.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u014
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 1597 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u015
Italian
Ah! ben ti riconosco,
amato mio tesoro,
al valor del tuo braccio!
Ombra, no, tu non sei, Cesare amato.
English · new translation
Ah! I recognise you well,
my beloved treasure,
by the valour of your arm!
No, you are no ghost, beloved Caesar.
ItalianEnglish
corre ad abbracciarlo
She runs to embrace him.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u016
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u016; HTML ancestor starts at line 1603 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u017
Italian
Cara, ti stringo al seno;
Ha cangiato vicende il nostro fato.
English · new translation
My beloved, I hold you to my breast;
our fate has changed its course.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u018
Italian
Come salvo ti vedo?
English · new translation
How do I see you safe?
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s07-u019
Italian
Tempo avrò di svelarti
ogni ascosa cagion del viver mio.
Libera sei, vanne fra tanto al porto,
e le disperse schiere in un raduna;
colà mi rivedrai; Marte mi chiama
all'impresa total di questo suolo.
Per conquistar, non che l'Egitto, un mondo,
basta l'ardir di questo petto solo.
English · new translation
I shall have time to reveal to you
every hidden cause of my survival.
You are free: meanwhile go to the harbour
and gather the scattered troops together.
You will see me there again; Mars calls me
to the complete conquest of this land.
To conquer a world, let alone Egypt,
the courage of this breast alone is enough.
ItalianEnglish
parte con i soldati
He exits with the soldiers.
No. 40 - Aria
No. 40 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u020
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u020; HTML ancestor starts at line 1616 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s07-u021
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u021; HTML ancestor starts at line 1617 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CLEOPATRA
aria · gc-a3-s07-u022
Italian
Da tempeste il legno infranto,
se poi salvo giunge in porto,
non sa più che desiar.
Così il cor tra pene e pianto,
or che trova il suo conforto,
torna l'anima a bear.
English · new translation
When a ship shattered by storms
then reaches harbour safely,
it has nothing more to desire.
So the heart amid suffering and tears,
now that it finds its comfort,
returns to gladden the soul.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene.
Sala reggia di Tolomeo
A royal hall in Ptolemy's palace.
Source details
- gc-a3-s07-u023
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u023; HTML ancestor starts at line 1624 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s07-u024
Act 3, scene 7, unit gc-a3-s07-u024; HTML ancestor starts at line 1625 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 8
ItalianEnglish
Tolomeo, Cornelia
Ptolemy, Cornelia.
Source details
- gc-a3-s08-u001
Act 3, scene 8, unit gc-a3-s08-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1626 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s08-u002
Act 3, scene 8, unit gc-a3-s08-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1627 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s08-u003
Act 3, scene 8, unit gc-a3-s08-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1628 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s08-u004
Italian
Cornelia, è tempo omai
che tu doni pietade a un re che langue.
English · new translation
Cornelia, it is now time
for you to give pity to a languishing king.
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a3-s08-u005
Italian
Speri invano mercede.
Come obliar poss'io
l'estinto mio consorte ?
English · new translation
You hope for a reward in vain.
How can I forget
my dead husband?
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s08-u006
Italian
Altro ten'offre il regnator d'Egitto;
Cara, al mio sen ti stringo...
English · new translation
The ruler of Egypt offers you another;
my beloved, I clasp you to my breast…
ItalianEnglish
va per abbracciarla
He moves to embrace her.
Source details
- gc-a3-s08-u007
Act 3, scene 8, unit gc-a3-s08-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1638 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a3-s08-u008
Italian
Scostati, indegno, e pensa
che Cornelia è Romana.
English · new translation
Stand back, unworthy man, and remember
that Cornelia is Roman.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s08-u009
Italian
Non ho più da temer; Cesare estinto,
Cleopatra umiliata, or non ascolto
che il mio proprio volere.
English · new translation
I have nothing more to fear: Caesar dead,
Cleopatra humbled, now I listen
only to my own will.
ItalianEnglish
si vuol accostar di nuovo
He tries to approach her again.
Source details
- gc-a3-s08-u010
Act 3, scene 8, unit gc-a3-s08-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 1644 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a3-s08-u011
Italian
Se alcun non temi,
temi pur questo ferro,
che a me sola s'aspetta
far del morto consorte or la vendetta!
English · new translation
If you fear no one,
fear this blade,
for it falls to me alone
now to avenge my dead husband!
ItalianEnglish
estrae un pugnale
She draws a dagger.
Source details
- gc-a3-s08-u012
Act 3, scene 8, unit gc-a3-s08-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1650 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
Act 3 · Scene 9
ItalianEnglish
I detti, Sesto
The same characters, and Sextus.
Mentre Cornelia corre alla vita di Tolomeo, sopraggiunge Sesto con spada nuda in mano
While Cornelia rushes to attack Ptolemy, Sextus arrives with a drawn sword in his hand.
Source details
- gc-a3-s09-u001
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1651 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s09-u002
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1653 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s09-u003
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1653 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s09-u004
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1655 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s09-u005
Italian
T'arresta, o genitrice! a me, oh tiranno!
English · new translation
Stop, mother! Face me, tyrant!
ItalianEnglish
snuda il ferro
He draws his sword.
Source details
- gc-a3-s09-u006
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1659 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s09-u007
Italian
Io son tradito, oh Numi!
English · new translation
I have been betrayed, O gods!
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s09-u008
Italian
Sappi, perfido mostro, e per tua pena:
Salvo i Numi serbar' dai tradimenti
Cesare invitto, e Cleopatra ei sciolse
dall'ingiuste catene; ei qui sen' viene;
io lo precorro, e questo
chiede quel sangue ch'è dovuto a Sesto.
English · new translation
Know, perfidious monster, to your dismay:
the gods kept unconquered Caesar safe from treachery,
and he freed Cleopatra
from her unjust chains; he is coming here.
I go before him, and this blade
demands the blood that is owed to Sextus.
TOLOMEO
recitative · gc-a3-s09-u009
Italian
Del folle ardir ti pentirai ben presto.
English · new translation
You will soon regret your reckless boldness.
ItalianEnglish
Si battono, e Tolomeo vien ferito, e cade morto in scena
They fight; Ptolemy is wounded and falls dead on stage.
Source details
- gc-a3-s09-u010
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u010; HTML ancestor starts at line 1669 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a3-s09-u011
Italian
Or ti riconosco,
figlio del gran Pompeo, e al sen ti stringo.
English · new translation
Now I recognise you
as the son of great Pompey, and clasp you to my breast.
ItalianEnglish
guardando nella scena
Looking towards the stage.
Source details
- gc-a3-s09-u012
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u012; HTML ancestor starts at line 1674 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s09-u013
Italian
Giace il tiranno estinto;
or padre sì, tu benché vinto, hai vinto.
English · new translation
The tyrant lies dead;
now, father, yes: though defeated, you have won.
ItalianEnglish
No. 41 - Aria
No. 41 - Aria
Source details
- gc-a3-s09-u014
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u014; HTML ancestor starts at line 1676 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s09-u015
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u015; HTML ancestor starts at line 1677 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CORNELIA
aria · gc-a3-s09-u016
Italian
Non ha più che temere
quest'alma vendicata,
or sì beata,
comincio a respirar.
Or vo' tutto in godere
si cangi il mio tormento,
ch'è vano ogni lamento,
se il ciel mi fa sperar.
English · new translation
This avenged soul
has nothing more to fear;
now so blessed,
I begin to breathe again.
Now I wish all my torment
to turn into rejoicing,
for every lament is vain
if heaven gives me hope.
ItalianEnglish
Cambiamento
Change of scene.
Porto di Alessandria
The harbour of Alexandria.
Source details
- gc-a3-s09-u017
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u017; HTML ancestor starts at line 1684 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s09-u018
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u018; HTML ancestor starts at line 1686 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s09-u019
Act 3, scene 9, unit gc-a3-s09-u019; HTML ancestor starts at line 1687 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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Act 3 · Scene 10
ItalianEnglish
SCENA ULTIMA
SCENE TEN (FINAL SCENE)
Cesare, Cleopatra, Nireno, Sesto, Cornelia,
Caesar, Cleopatra, Nireno, Sextus, Cornelia,
Curio, seguito di Romani e di Egizii, un paggio
Curio, a retinue of Romans and Egyptians, and a page.
No. 42 - Sinfonia e Marcia
No. 42 - Sinfonia and march
Cesare, Cleopatra e seguito con trombe e timpani. Finita la sinfonia entrano Curio e Nireno e poi Sesto e Cornelia, con un paggio che porta lo scettro e la corona di Tolomeo
Caesar, Cleopatra, and their retinue, with trumpets and kettledrums. When the sinfonia ends, Curio and Nireno enter, then Sextus and Cornelia, with a page carrying Ptolemy's sceptre and crown.
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u001
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u001; HTML ancestor starts at line 1688 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s10-u002
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u002; HTML ancestor starts at line 1689 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s10-u003
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u003; HTML ancestor starts at line 1689 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s10-u004
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u004; HTML ancestor starts at line 1691 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s10-u005
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u005; HTML ancestor starts at line 1692 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s10-u006
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u006; HTML ancestor starts at line 1693 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link - gc-a3-s10-u007
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u007; HTML ancestor starts at line 1695 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
NIRENO
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u008
Italian
Qui Curio vincitor, qui tuo l'Egitto;
in questo ondoso piano
Cesare ognun acclama
Signor del mondo e imperator romano.
English · new translation
Here is victorious Curio; here Egypt is yours.
Upon this watery expanse
everyone acclaims Caesar
as lord of the world and Roman emperor.
Editorial note. Imperator is rendered emperor to preserve the libretto’s ruler-language; Caesar’s own account calls him consul. The report of Curio’s drowning in Act II is not final: Nireno here announces him victorious.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u009
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u009; HTML ancestor starts at line 1701 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u010
Italian
Del suo fido servir premio condegno
avrà Nireno;
English · new translation
Nireno will receive a fitting reward
for his faithful service.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u011
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u011; HTML ancestor starts at line 1703 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u012
Italian
Curio,
già del tuo forte braccio
si conosce il valor.
English · new translation
Curio,
the valour of your strong arm
is now recognised.
ItalianEnglish
Sesto e Cornelia s'inginocchiano
Sextus and Cornelia kneel.
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u013
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u013; HTML ancestor starts at line 1706 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u014
English · new translation
But Cornelia here?
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u015
Italian
Signor, ecco a' tuoi piedi
e di Cornelia e di Pompeo il figlio;
egli la grande offesa
del tradimento enorme
vendicò con suo brando,
e tolse a Tolomeo l'alma col sangue.
English · new translation
My lord, here at your feet
is the son of Cornelia and Pompey.
With his sword he avenged
the great offence
of that enormous betrayal,
and took Ptolemy's life together with his blood.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u016
English · new translation
And Ptolemy died?
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u017
Italian
Se Sesto in mia difesa
pronto non accorrea,
di Cornelia l'onor era in periglio.
English · new translation
If Sextus had not hastened
to my defence,
Cornelia's honour would have been in danger.
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u018
Italian
La vendetta del padre
è ben dovuta al figlio;
Sorgi, Sesto, ed amico al sen t'accolgo.
English · new translation
A father's vengeance
rightly belongs to his son.
Rise, Sextus: I welcome you to my breast as a friend.
SESTO
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u019
Italian
Ogni affetto di fede in te rivolgo.
English · new translation
I turn every feeling of loyalty towards you.
ItalianEnglish
si abbraccian
They embrace.
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u020
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u020; HTML ancestor starts at line 1724 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CORNELIA
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u021
Italian
Dell'estinto tiranno
ecco i segni reali, a te li porgo.
English · new translation
Here are the royal emblems
of the dead tyrant; I offer them to you.
ItalianEnglish
dà la corona e lo scettro di Tolomeo a Cesare
She gives Ptolemy's crown and sceptre to Caesar.
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u022
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u022; HTML ancestor starts at line 1727 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
Permanent link
CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u023
Italian
Bellissima Cleopatra,
quel diadema che miri, a te s'aspetta;
io te ne cingo il crine;
Regina dell'Egitto
darai norma alle genti, e legge al trono.
English · new translation
Most beautiful Cleopatra,
that crown you see belongs to you;
I place it around your hair.
As queen of Egypt
you will give rule to the peoples and law to the throne.
CLEOPATRA
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u024
Italian
Cesare, questo regno è sol tuo dono,
tributaria regina
Imperator t'adorerò di Roma.
English · new translation
Caesar, this kingdom is your gift alone;
as a tributary queen
I shall revere you as emperor of Rome.
Editorial note. The opera describes Cleopatra as tributary to an emperor of Rome. This is its staged political rhetoric; the ancient settlement and offices are examined separately in comparison24.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u025
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u025; HTML ancestor starts at line 1737 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u026
Italian
(Amor, chi vide mai più bella chioma?)
English · new translation
(Love, who ever saw more beautiful hair?)
ItalianEnglish
No. 43 - Duetto
No. 43 - Duet
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u027
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u027; HTML ancestor starts at line 1739 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CLEOPATRA
duet · gc-a3-s10-u028
English · new translation
My beloved!
CESARE
duet · gc-a3-s10-u029
English · new translation
My beauty!
CLEOPATRA e CESARE
duet · gc-a3-s10-u030
Italian
Più amabile beltà
mai non si troverà
del tuo bel volto.
In te/In me non splenderà
né amor né fedeltà
da te/da me disciolto.
English · new translation
A more lovable beauty
will never be found
than your lovely face.
In you / In me neither love
nor fidelity will shine
separated from you / from me.
Editorial note. The slash alternatives are retained from the witness rather than assigned silently to individual singers. This is not a score-based vocal-part collation.
ItalianEnglish
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u031
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u031; HTML ancestor starts at line 1747 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CESARE
recitative · gc-a3-s10-u032
Italian
Goda pur or l'Egitto
in più tranquillo stato
la prima libertà. Cesare brama,
dall'uno all'altro polo
ch'il gran nome roman spanda la fama.
English · new translation
Let Egypt now enjoy
its former freedom
in a more peaceful state. Caesar desires
that Fame spread the great Roman name
from one pole to the other.
Editorial note. 'Prima libertà' is read as former/original freedom. The proclamation is the drama's political language; it is not an editorial statement that Egypt became independent of Roman power.
ItalianEnglish
No. 44 - Coro
No. 44 - Chorus
Source details
- gc-a3-s10-u033
Act 3, scene 10, unit gc-a3-s10-u033; HTML ancestor starts at line 1752 (coarse markup anchor, not an exact speech-line range)
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CHORUS
chorus · gc-a3-s10-u034
Italian
Ritorni omai nel nostro core
la bella gioia ed il piacer;
sgombrato è il sen d'ogni dolor,
ciascun ritorni ora a goder.
English · new translation
Let beautiful joy and pleasure
return now to our hearts;
the breast is cleared of every sorrow,
let everyone return now to rejoicing.
CLEOPATRA e CESARE
chorus · gc-a3-s10-u035
Italian
Un bel contento il sen già si prepara,
se tu sarai costante ognor per me;
così sortì dal cor la doglia amara,
e sol vi resta amor, costanze e fè.
English · new translation
A lovely happiness already prepares itself in our breasts,
if you will always be constant to me;
thus bitter grief has left the heart,
and only love, constancy, and faith remain there.
CHORUS
chorus · gc-a3-s10-u036
Italian
Ritorni ormai nel nostro core
la bella gioia ed il piacer;
sgombrato è il sen d'ogni dolore,
ciascun ritorni ora a goder.
English · new translation
Let beautiful joy and pleasure
return now to our hearts;
the breast is cleared of every sorrow,
let everyone return now to rejoicing.