“Maria Stuarda” – Act 1
by Gaetano Donizetti libretto (English)
| Act One |
| Prelude Gallery in the Palace of Westminster. Knights and ladies returning from the tournament held in honor of the French envoy arrange themselves in groups to greet the Queen. |
| SCENE I |
| No. 1: Chorus Ladies and Knights Let us wait here, she is near, Returning from the tournament. The Queen of Britain Is the joy of every heart. How happy this day will be If she is joined in noble love. Courtiers The Queen! (Elisabetta enters.) Ladies and Knights Yes, Albion’s radiant star Will shine more brightly for us When we see her united With the splendor of France. Rejoicing, we shall admire The power of love. |
| SCENE II |
| No. 2: Recitative and Cavatina Elisabetta Yes, the King of France seeks My heart and England’s throne. I am still uncertain Whether to accept the noble proposal, But if the welfare of my loyal subjects Calls me to the altar of marriage, This hand shall govern The destinies of France and England alike. (aside) Ah! When a pure love blessed by heaven Leads me to the altar, When it invites me to wear The rosy veil of marriage, Another heart steals from me My cherished freedom! And while I see arising A fatal barrier between us, This soul of mine cannot Smile upon another love. Talbot On this day of rejoicing, Will Maria Stuart’s lament alone Disturb the peace of Britain? Courtiers Mercy, mercy for Maria Stuart! Elisabetta Enough! I never thought the joy of this day Would be disturbed. Why must you force me to weep Over the fate of a guilty woman, Over her unhappy destiny? Cecil Ah, surrender to the axe that head which stirs Deadly fears and disastrous discord, Even in chains, through the fire of love. Courtiers Mercy! Elisabetta Silence! I cannot decide just yet. Ah! May a ray descend from heaven To enlighten my mind; Perhaps then, within this heart, Mercy will find its voice. But if that wicked woman has stolen Every hope dear to my heart, The dreadful day of vengeance Will not be long in coming. Courtiers May Elisabetta’s noble heart Be guided by compassion. Cecil Remember, Elisabetta, That any mercy would be dangerous. Elisabetta Ah! May a ray descend from heaven, etc. |
| No. 3: Scene Elisabetta Why do I not see Leicester among you? Is he alone absent from our common joy? Cecil Here he comes! |
| SCENE III |
| (Leicester enters and kisses Elisabetta’s hand.) Elisabetta My lord! I was just asking for you. Leicester Ah! Forgive me For delaying my response to your summons! What are your commands? Elisabetta (She removes a ring and hands it to Leicester.) Take this ring of mine To the French envoy; Let him return to his Prince with the message That I accept his proposal of marriage. (And not a flicker crosses his face!) (to Leicester) But tell him that I may still Refuse the crown he offers, That I remain free. Take it. (Ungrateful man!) Leicester (indifferently) I obey! Elisabetta Farewell. (She offers him her hand to kiss and departs, followed by the ladies, the nobles, and Lord Cecil. Talbot is about to follow her, but Leicester takes him by the hand and draws him forward to speak with him privately.) |
| SCENE IV |
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