PRICE 30 CENTS ^'S. *^^^< r^^ NEW YORK CITY /THE ONLY CORRECT AND AUTHORIZED EDITION^ THE KNABE PIANO USED EXCLUSIVELY FRED. RULLMAH Inc. PUBLISHERS OF OPERA LIBRETTOS AND PLAY BOOKS 17 EAST 42nd STREET, NEW YORK NORMA A TRAGIC OPERA /^,5,V IN TWO ACTS ^S*^ C Q LIBRETTO BY |2i|u FELICE ROMANI I') 00 MUSIC BY ' VINCENZO BELLINI PUBLISHED BY FRED. RULLMAN, INC., NEW YORK, N. Y, ARGUMENT. The Romans, having effected the subjugation of Gaul, committed the government of the conquered province to PoUio, a Proconsul, who became eiiamoured of Norma, daughter of the Ai'ch-Druid (Druidism being at tiat time the religion of the country), and who, besides the I'espect awarded her from the consideration of her birth and connections, was regarded by the superstitious multitude as the uneriing oracle through whom their grand deity, Irminsul, condescended to convey to his faithful votaries his divine decrees. Noi-ma having been secretly united to PoUio, the Roman Governor, has become the mother iftf two children, whom she keeps secret from all, excepting Clotilda. PolHo after- wards de33ftstSDrma, and transfers his affections to Adalgisa, a young priestess of the Temple' of T^oaj(^tir,^ho^xpefm}is a similar passion to kindle in her bosom for the faithless Roman, who, after muclkjij(]*ba^4*;»?r™c<3eeds in gaining her consent to abandon the Temple, and fly with him to Rome. Rcmors^^wever, soon takes possession of her breast, and, in her agony, she resolves to reveal all tu Nch-ma, who is already labouring under the influence of slighted love. PoUio makes his appearance at the instant that Adalgisa is relating her story to Norma, whose anger is transformed into the wildest fury, on being informed by Adalgisa that he is the corrupter of her youthful heart, and she bitterly reproaches PoUio for his infidelity and baseness. The Second Act commences by introducing Norma, with her children, the former stUl under the influence of rage, and bent on their destruction, which she is on the point of accomplishing, when the fuU tide of maternal feeling rushes into her heart, and arrests her uplifted arm. She next resolves to destroy herself, and, as a preliminary step, requests Adalgisa to take charge of her children, who, moved by her distress, endeavours to allay her perturbation, and promises to persuade PoUio to return to her. In anticipation of her success, Norma becomes more tranquillised, and indulges hopes of brighter days. The illusion is of short duration. ClotUda soon after informs her that Adalgisa has been unsuccessful, and that the Roman persists in his determination to "possess her. Inte ligence soon after arrives that a Roman has been discovered in a certain part of the Temple, exclusively appropriated to the use of the Virgins, who, on being introduced, proves to be PoUio. Another scene of recrimination ensues between him and Norma, in which she threatens the life of Adalgisa. Pollio pleads for her, but the other is inexorable, and orders the pUe to be prepared, and, on the name of the victim being demanded, she publicly announces herself. All present are struck with horror as.d amazement, anxious to know the nature of her crime ; this she reveals to her father, by informing him that she is a mother ! PoUio's first passion rekindles in his breast at this her devotion, and he gladly ascends the pile with her, after she has recommended her children and Clotilda to the care of hel. father. DRAMATIS PERSON tE. POLLIO, a Roman Proconsul. PLAVIO, his Friend. OROVESO, Arch-Druid. NORMA, a Bruidess, Daughter of Oroveso. ADALGISA, a young Priestess of the Temple of Irminsul. CLOTILDA, Confidante of Norma. The two Children of PoUio & N->rmn, Druids, Bards, Euhagi, Priestesses, Warriors, ai'd Gallic Soldiers^ The Scene is laid in Gaul, in the Sacred Forest of the Druids, and m the Temple of Irminsul, NORMA. ATTO I. SCENA I. — Foresia Sacra de' Bruidn,. — In mezzo, la Querda d' Irminsul ; al pie delta quale vedesi la Pietra Druidica, che serve d' AUa/re. — Colli in dis- tanza sparsi di Selve. — E noUe: lontani fuochi trapeUmo dai bosehi. Al suono di Ma/rcia Religiosa difilano Is schiere de' Gain ; indi, la Processione de' Dnddi ; per ultimo Oboveso, coi MaggioH Saeerdoti. Oro. Ite sul colle, o Dmidi ! Ite a spiar ne' Oieli ; Quando il suo disco argeuteo La nuova luna sveli, Ed il primier sorriso Del verginal suo viso. Tre volte amnunzi il mistico Bronzo sacerdotal. Thu. n sacro vischio a mietere, Norma verra ? Oro. Si, Norma. ACT I. SCENE 1.— Sacred Forest of the Druids.— In the centre, the Oak of Irminsul ; at the foot of which it seen a Drmdioal Stone, serving as am Altar. — Jlillt in the dista/nce, parrtiaUy covered with trees. — It it night : lights a/re seen a/mong the trees at the hash, A Religious Ma/rch is hea/rd. — Enter the Gallic Army, followed by a Procession of Druids ; and, lastly, the Chief Priests, headed by Oboveso. Oro. On to the hiUs, oh holy band of Druids ! On, as your duty is, and watch the Heavens ; And when you see on high her silvery disk The new moon (omen of success) unveils. At the first radiant smile that beams from fortk Her virgin face, charming the sea and shore, Thrice the glad tidiilgs, spreading aU around, Announce upon the sacerdotal bronze. Dru. Will, then, to cut the sacred mistletoe, The mighty Norma come ? Oro. Yes, Norma will. D^ii' ^DB4 PBOJ'^riO^— OH! WITH THY PROPHETIC POWER. Choeus. Oboveso ami Detjids. ' )BuiDS. Andante Mosso fe^^^ ^^^^^ |»^>— j-F Z^Z Ji= fe^^^if: jpiiiEU^^^^ DelV au - ra tua pro -fe - ti - ca, Ter - ri-bil Dio I'in -for - m,a ; Sensi Olr- min-sul, le m- Oh ! with thy pro-phe - tic pow'r, Eire her heart, a - veng - ing fate ; Dread Ir - min-sul, 'tis ^^^^^^^m^m -»-T-V wm^ spi - - ra, D'o • dio ai Ro-mM - ni e d'i - ra ; Sen - si che questa in - fra/n - ga - no, now the hour, In - spire to Rome e - - ter - nai hate ; Let re - so - lu - tion be her dow'r, 1^^^ f^a-:^ =^ Oboteso. qe=F: -i-^^ P^ ^E -&,- ifcEi ^^ Pa - ee per noi mor - tal. _ Si, par -le -ra ter - ri bi - le, Da, ques - te quer - ce ■Of dead-ly peace to spurn the weight. Yes, great God, in an - ger speak, Fi-om these thy aii-cient NORMA. -r-a- 3= 13-^ an - ti - che : Sgom-hre fa - ra le Qal ■ - lie Ball' a - qui - le ne • mi • - che. oaks re - ply : And free tMs land, thy ven-geance wreak, Till far the Ro - man ea - gles fly. zw-pz m # guo scu - do il the sound of siw - no, thy dread shield. Pa - ri alfra - gor Like the I'oar del of tiw • no, thunder heard, iiOkoveso and Chokus. E^ Nel - la cit - to, del Ce Through the Ce - sa - rian oi El^= :4- m Mm -F — -- sa n, ty peal'd, Tuiti. Luna, ti affretta a sorgere ! Norma all' aitar verra. \_Si allontanamo tutti e si sperdono nella Foresia : d/i quando in quomdo si odone ancora le lore voci risuona/re in lonta/na/nza. SCENA II. — PoLLiONE e Flavio. Mteono quitidi da wn, lata Flavio e Pollione gua/r- dinghi e rawolti nelle lor toghe. Pol. Svanir le vooi. — Dell' orrenda selva Libero e il varco. Pla. In questa selva e morte. Norma tel disse. P6l. Profferisti un nome Che il cor m' agghiacoia. Fla. O ! che di tu ? — 1' amante — La madre de' tuoi figli ! Pol. A me non puoi Far tu rampogna, ch' io mertar son senta ; Ma nel mio core e spenta La prima fiamma. E un Dio la spense un Dio, Nemico al mio riposo. A' pie mi veggo L' abisso aperto, e in lui m' awento io stesso. Altra ameresti tu ? 'ol. Parla sommesso ! Un' altra ! — si, Adalgisa ! Tu la vedrai, fior d' innocenza e riso Di candore e di amor ! Ministra al tempio Di questo Iddio di sangue, ella vi appare Come raggio di stella in Ciel turbato. Fla. Misero amico ! e amato Sei tu del pari ? fol. Io n' ho fiducia. Fla. E 1' ira Non temi tu di Norma ? Pol. Atroce, orrenda ; — Me la presenta il mio rimorso estremo. Un sogno— ^ — Fla. Ah! nan-a. Pti. In rammentarlo io tremo ! Meco air altar di Venere, Ei-a Adalgisa in Roma : Cinta di bende candide, — Spai sa di fior la ohioma. 2Ve - men -do ec - cheg .. ge - - ra! Re - e - cho, Vic- to - ry the word ! All. Sweet moon, oh, hasten thy propitious rise I Norma will come— she will bless our wishes. [¥he whole disperse, and disappear in the Forest at the hack -. from time to time their voices are heard in the distance. SCENE IL— PoLLio and Flavio. Flavio and Pollio enter cautiously, ewoeloped fc their togas. Pol. AH IB hush'd and stiU. — In this dread wood Our course is free. We seek death in this forest. So Norma warn'd us. Thou'st pronounced a name That thrills my heart. Heavens ! what say'st thou ? — thy lov'd one — The mother of thy children ! No reproach Can fall from thee that I've not deserv'd ; But in my hapless bosom burns no longer My heart's first flame. A God so wills — a God, Foe to my peace, has wrought this falsehood^ I see the abyss before me, nor would shun it What ! dost thou love another ? Hush ! speak softly ! Another ! — ^yes, the enchanting Adalgisa ! Thou shalt see this flower of youth and beauty. Innocence and love ! A priestess in the temple Of these Gauls' blood-stain'd God, she beams Lifceabright star thatcheers the gloomy night. My ill-fated friend ! and is thy hapless love Returned ? I trust so. But the jealous wi-ath. Dost thou not dread, of Norma ? Yes, o'erpowering ; — My deep remorse but too well pictures it. A dream Ah! speak. Its memory shakes my soul ) With me to Venus kneeling. In Rome, was Adalgisa : White robes her truth revealing, — Pui-e nowers her hair's sole treasure. Fla. Pol. Fla. Pol. Fla. Pol. Fla. Pol. Fla. Pol. Fla. Pol. NORMA FUi. Voci Fla. Pol. TJdia d' Imene i cantici, Tedea fumar gl' incensi ; Eran rapiti i sensi — Di voluttade e amor. Quando fra noi tembile, Viene a locarsi un' ombra, L' ampio mantel Drtiidico Come un vapoi- 1' ingombra Cade su 1' ai-a il folgore, D' un vel si copre il giorno. Muto si spande intorno — Un sepolcrale orror. Piu r adoi"ata vergine lo non mi trovo accanto N' odo da lunge un gemito, Misto de' figli al pianto, — Ed una voce on-ibUe, Eclieggia in fondo al tempio i ' Norma cosi fa scempio Di amante traditor I' [Squilla il Sacro Bronzo. Odi ? — I suoi riti a compiere, Norma dal tempio move. [Lontano.] Sorta e la luna, o Druidi ! Ite, profani, altrove. Vieni I^Puggiam ! sorprendere, Scoprire alcun ti puo. Traman congiure i barbari ! Ma io li preverro. Fla. Fla. Pol. The bymni of Hymen hearing, We saw the inounse burning ; Ripture both hearts endearing— Thus love with love returning When straight, while thus devoted. Between us rose a shadow, In Druid robes, that floated Like mists o'er morning meadow. A. thunderbolt the altar Struck — day became o'erclouded. With fearful doubt 1 falter— Sepulchi-al awe onshroudt-'d. My bride, sweet maiden 1 t-aiiish'd, I heard, with saiises faUing, A gvoan, all hope that banish'd, Slix'd with my children's wailing, — A voice, my bliss that changss. The temple's depths rolls over : Thus Norma weU revenges The treachery of her lover !' , [The Sacred Bronze is heard sounding Hear'st thou that .' — Her rites to perform, The Norma thou'st forsaken comes. [Heard in the distance.] The moon appears, oh Druids I Hence, profane ones, trom these scenes. They come ! — Ply ! or we may be surpris'd,' Discover'd ; let us, then, away. Barbarians ! they conspire to entrap us. But their machinations I will defeat. ME PB0TEGGE~1.0TE WILL SHIELD. Solo. Pollione. Andante, mf m,,^^ y. Me pro gel di - fen.. - i3^^ TJn po ■ ter inag - gior di lo Love will shield, wOI pro - tect ! yes, a pow'r. Great - er far than they boast, will de - ^=fe=0=|^ !— ,-S5- sier di lei che a do - ro, EVc m f — :* — z'tz ro, E I'a - mor, e I'a-mor che^i'in-fiam- fend : The bright thought of my fair, in this hour. With love's flame»will pro - tect, \%'i]l be- ■ ^# Di quel Dio che a me con fen ■ Of the God who'd ri val turn- de — Quel - la ver - gi -ne ce • - Turn with me for the mai-den di- i &= 6=t±J 55S i^. L-! U^ -W- - tel vine! Ar -de The ro feU le rie wood's haunts fo - res - fe, L'em-pio al • ta - re, Vem-pio at- , un - ho - ly I'll bum, And lay low in tkoi' i 1?=^ :,^| J fi P^^XS i S ^ B ta - re abbat-te ■ rb ! L'envpio al • ta -re ai>- bat - te ro, I'empio al • ta-re ab - bat - e - ro! dust his foul shrine! I'll bmTi,and lay low in the dust, in the dust, his fou, shrine! [Partono rapidamente.] [Exeunt, hastily 8 NORMA. SCBNA in. — Drmdi dal fondo, Sacerdotessc. Guer- rieri, Bardi, Eubagi, Saerificatori. — E in mezzo, a tutti, Oeoveso. SCENE m.— Enter, from the bach, Druids, Priest- esses, Soldiers, Bards, Sacrificers, &c. — In tlie centre, at tlwir head, ObOveso. SOFBINI. Tenori. Bassi. ^ NORMA riENE—SEB, NORMA COMES Chorus ■^ — &- T=f s m =,j= ^ ::5s5i= Nor See, ma vie • net, Le Nor - ma comas! Kbe on ge ' la chio ■ ma La her calm brow wears A ^fe IS" f^ ^^ i T 0- -J— J- T=^ ^ :S= ^ :i=^ ver • • be - naai mi - ste • • • ri sa - era • ta; wreath, of ver - vain form'd, with myst - 'ry crown 'd; i j=j= In sua In her ^ w $ ^ 4— J— J- iW^-i-' -i i .! I ; m i=i ^^ 1 r r man co • me right hand, like Lu ■ na fal ■ ca - ta, L'ani - rea fal - ee dif - fon • - de splem- Lu - na, bears A gold-wrought sic - Ide, spread-ing splen-dour J J J , J J^ J | ^-^.J J J ,J J J-W "Ti^r^H^ ^ J I J J— ^ T^^ — r i ti /Hr^Hr-^ ^ ^V-f-H^ ^: 1 VI r r ia ine - ne! e la Bhe comes, and Rome's J J , J J J - dor. El - round Lo ! i stel - la di Bo^ - wia, Shi - got . ti - ta si bright star de - clines, Fades ob-soure-ly in ^^" r ^ " I ^ V ^ ^ 3E r^T — r r VH ' ^ ^ r r # ■ '■! ;/Hi'' | >M ' i !i ' i 'i/^/; l| I eo - jJre cJ'tm ve - lo. Ir • min • • sul cor-re i cam. - • pi del Cie - Ja, dai-k-ness and night. Ir - min - - sul in the vault -ed skjr now shines. i^^' "i| f \^. J . I , , : ! i ! I 'J J J l J-i J ^ \ '^ i "1 1 ' 1 r r ' 1 ^ T r -r^ NORMA. ^m^ j=j= -i- :^: J- u^ 1- J=J= -r — r- :fe: rt T 00 - • Hor - ror! a me CO r non sa.) ' Oh ! calm thou hearts, too ai-dent burnirg : Oh ! calm thou zeal, all prudence spuruiug ! Then, peace on earth again returning. Speed on through Heaven with ray divine. All. Oh ! on us, with favour gleaming, Pree from clouds, propitious shine ! Nor. The rites are finish'd ; and the sacred wood Must now be olear'd of all profane intruders j When he, the Deity of wrath and gloom, Shall decree the ensanguin'd fall of Rome, Then, from the Druid's' consecrated altar, My summoningvoice in thunder shall )vu heard. AIL Let it be heard ! ajid of the impious race Not one shall escape our vengeance ! ^ Beneath our retributive weapons Shall the Proconsul be the first to faU. Nor. Tes, first to fall ! I have pow'r to punish him, (But how, alas ! my weak heart knows not.) NORMA. I AS! BELLO, A ME BITOBNA.—AH] DEAR ONE. AS TRUE RETURNING. Air. Noema. Alleijro S-^rf=F= -r^- Efet t- j4fc.' bel-lo a me ri-tor-na, Del fi - do a - -mor pri - mie - ro ; E con-tro il mon-dom- Ah ! dear one. as true re-turning, As -wlien with love first bum - ing; No ma. the whole world tie - ro, Di - fe - sa a te sa • • rb. spum-ing, Will thy de - fen - der be. Ah ! bel - lo a me Ah ! dear one, to me tor - na, Del rag-gi - a tw) turn - ing, With love se - rene se - - re - - no; \y yearn - ingj _=,--|, E m • ta nel tuo My breast shall find life's m-»-m-^-» -a-o- se no- dawn - ing- pa Hea rgzjg^^^^ -P- -• e Gie - loa- vrb, , try, all in thee, *- -m- -F — ?— 1- -^ - Cora. ida. Pol. Ada. Vol. Ada. Vol. Ada. Sei lento, si, sei lento, O giomo di vendetta ; Ma irato il Dio t' affretta Che n Tebro condanno. [Norm,a pmie ; e tutte in ordme la seguono. SCENA Y.—Entra Adalgisa. Sgombra e la sacra selva, — ^ Compiuto il rito. Sospirar non vista Alfin poss' io, qui, dove a me s' offerse La prima volta quel fatal Romano Che mi rende rubeUa al tempio, al Dio. Fosse r ultima almen ! — Vano desio ! Irresistibi] forza Qui mi strascina : e di quel caro aspetto n cor si pasce ; e di sua cara voce L' aura che spira mi repete il suono. \Gorre a prostrarsi, sulla Pietra d' Irrmnsul. Deh ! proteggimi, o Dio ! perduta io sono. SCENA YI. — PoLLroNE, Flatio, e detta. Eccola ! va ! mi lascia — Ragion non odo. \Flamo pa/rte. [Veggendolo sbigottita.'] O ! PoUione ! Che veggo? — Piangevi tu? Pregava. Ah, t' aUontana — Pregar mi lascia ! Un Dio tu preghi atroce, Crudele, awerso al tuo desire e al mio ! O, mia diletta ! U Dio Che invocar devi e Amor ! Amor ! deh ! taci ! Oh' io pi^ non t' oda. f Si allontana da lui. 10 a - vro, in thee Cho. Lingering and slow-paced, Oh day of vengeance, thou approachest, But the angry God shall haste thee. That the Tiber hath condemned. [Exit Norma; the rest follow in procession. SCENE r.— Enter Adalgisa. Ada. The sacred wood is free from all intruders. The rites perform'd. I here may sigh unseen. Within these shades that treacherous gave The first rencontre with that fatal Roman, Who made me false alike to vows and God. Would that time were the last ! — Vain desire ! A force irresistible Impels me hither : his seductive looks My heart entrance ; and of his dear voice The air I breathe loves to repeat the sound. [Prost/rates herself at the Alta/r of Irminsul. Protect thou me, oh God, or I am lost ! SCENE VI. — PoLLio, Plavio, and the same. Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. 'Tis she! leave me! vain's remonstrance now — I'm deaf to reason. \_Exit Flavio. \Distwrbed at the sight of Pollio.] Pollio ! What see I ? — In tears, love ? I was praying. Leave me. leave me— Leave me to prayer ! Prayer to a a ruthless God, Who frowns on the desires of two fond hearts ! Oh, my belov'd, my beautiful ! the God Thou should'st invoke, is Love ! Love ! hush ! no more'.: I dare not stay to listcu [Uetreating, 10 Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. Pol NORMA Ada. Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. Pol E vuoi ftigginm ? e dove Fuggir vuoi tu ch' io non ti segua P Al tempio : Ai sacri altari ch' io sposar giurai ! Gli altari ! — e il nostro amor ? lol'obbliai! Va, crudele — e al Dio spietato, Ofti in dote il sangue mio — Tutto, ah ! tutto ei sia versato; Ma lasciarti non poss' io. Sol promessa al Dio tu fosti — Ma il tuo cuore a me si die. All ! non sai quel che mi costi; Perch' io mai rinunzi a te. E tu pure, ah ! tu non sai I Quanto costi a me dolente ! All' altare che altraggiai, Lieta andava ad innooente ! II pensiero al Oiel s' ergea; II mio Dio vedeva in Oiel ! Or per me — spergiura' e rea — ■ Oielo e Dio ricopre un vel. Oiel piu puro, e Dei inigliori, T' offro in Roma, ov' io mi reco. [Colpita.'] Parti forse ! Ai nuovi albori. Parti ! — ed io ? Tu vieni meco. De' tuoi riti, e amor piu santo : A lui cedi, ah ! oedi a me ! [Piu comosso.] Ah ! non dirlo ! n diro tanto, Ohe ascoltato io sia da te. Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. Pol. Ada. Would'st fly from me P Where canst thou fly that I cannot follow P Our temple j Those sacred altars I to espouse have sworn } The altar ! — and our love ? ■ I have forgotten it! Go, cruel beauty — go to thy fell Deity, And offer up in sacrifice my blood — To the last drop ! — all, all — let it be shed; For leave thee I cannot, whate'er the cob4 Thou wert but promia'd to thy tyrant Go{f — Not so to me : thy heart to me was given. Ah ! none can tell what I for thee would suffer No power shall force me to renounce thy love And who can say what I have staked for thee What grief thy fatal love has cost me ! To the sacred altar I have outrag'd. Cheerful and innocent of heart I came ! My every thought I gave to Heaven alone ! And I in Heaven with joy beheld my God ! But now I — lost, perjur'd, guilty thing. Heaven and my Deity see no longer. Heavens far purer, Gods more just, To Rome invite thee, whither now I go. Ada. [Amazed.'] Depart, said'st thou ? Pol. Yes, at the dawn of day. Ada. Depart ! — and I ? Pol. Thou must go with me. Than thy fell rites, love's are holier far ; Yield to love ! and, yielding, yield to me ! Ada. [Much agitated.'] Ah ! urge not thus ! Pol. StiU shaE I urge, Until thou, pitjring, dost consent. Pol. VIENI IN iJ0Jl£4— COME TO ROME. Duet. Adalgisa amd Pollio. PoLiio. Piu mosso assai. ^i= 1^:4 -K-^ ^^^z -f=v I F- -h- ! — '—/—y- zic-t2c:^z. :p-Tii ^^=:^ 'Vieni in Bo - ma, ah ! vieni,o cara : Do - v'e a-inor, do-v'e amiore,egioja,evi - ta, I-neh- Come to Rome with me, my fair - est : Love, and joy, and life, my dear - est, All wiH m^m. * hriaim nosbr' al-mea gara, — Del con - - ten -to, del con-ten -to a cuinein-vi - ta. Vo-eeim there trans -port, de - light us,— Bliss,and sweet con - tent, ia - vite us. A -0=h- -t -f— 1 ^— -=- ai- cor pa/r - lar non sen voice must in thy heart be speak if5^"i--3zif 1(1=:,- -I — 1_,^ p—f- -t- f£-«i $ fe^s: _JV E[=^^|=t^ ti, Che pro - met - te e-ter - no hen ; Ah ! da ing. Pro - mis - ing e - ter nal bliss ; Such sweet Adaloisa. i. Mmmm^^^ fe - de ai dol - ciac- cen - ti, Spo - so tuo — spo - so tuo mi stringi al sen ! ac- cents stiU there seek- ing, Be mine — ^yield Hea-ven iu thy kiss! tr Ciel ! CO- Heav'ns ! the :^=E=p=J'^^ -N-A- ->->-P= ^5=[q^-'= -t=F eiiP^iHa; si par-lar I'a - scol - to, Sem - pre, o-mmque, al tem-pioi • stes-so. Con que- words I now hear sound - ing, Are our tem - pie's pray'rs con founding. Those eyes, that NORMA. 11 i -tse ->-qs- =t= -t;- ^- $ kt gliocdhi, con quel vol - to — Fin sull'a-rafin svlVa-ra il vag-go im - prea so. Mi tri- face, are ne-ver from me — E'en at the al - tar tiey beam on me. Heav'ns ! the jS .=— == TTS 1 (k N ^j mm^. SE^EE l^^ ^ ^^fW ^ E3E :*^ ^^m=^W -I- • F-«— F-*-l~a F— •— » i— a-P- ZK^f- qtzsfiiZfiZi: :fc=t -J 1 I 1 1 1 L, .?i=fe?^^=:^ -t=f3zEEiH- '■!( -ro eg - get -to u - ni - - - ta — Vi ■ vraife • • li - ce . , . a/n - cor ; Al gont-ly . . . chain-ing, thy dear one em -brace — In joy live, in joy live, .... e-ver; Love --,rr-=— P — P-*-. i --•■-- ta, Vi- vrai fe - li - < jar one embrace, In joy live, in joy live ca ro og-get. . . tou • ni - - •■- - ta, Vi-vrai fe - li - eea/n-cor, . . vi gent - ly chain-ing, thy dear one embrace. In joy live, in joy live . . e - ver. . . vra ... . i am, - cor, . vi - vra t fe lice an- . . in joy, in joy, in joy live \ ^ Adalqisa. F^ cor! e - ver ! Ri - pe - ti del, ri - pe - ti - m/i! Si lu ■ singh - ieri, ac- Re - peat, repeat thou, great Hea - vens ! yes, Those ao - cents sweet, and cen - - ti; Per te, per te s'aa - que - ta no, I lun - ghi miei tor sor - row chase ; Through thee, pure calm my hopes wiU bless. My aeart from woe shall if-Ei*l ^E^^^^^\E^ -p:tp=iii7CSr^lC5 :E^^Ec^ i=i:= ■=s- e^M^z ■zcp F p _«_i__F-»— ■_» men-ii, — Tu ren-di a me la vi - - - - ta, Se non e col - paa- se - ver, — life's ear - ly morning, fe-stor'd through thy grace, If pas - sion be guHt less, mor ; Tu rem, - dia mela vi - - ■ ta, Se non e col - pa a- e - ver ; Life's ear ly morning re - stor'd thro' thy grace, If pas-sion be guilt less. -fl~ P P P-«- , 1 --^^ ^ - , 1 • t f- P - •— 1 N — p P P •- fa=E^ caygE ^Eg£ JZi=^EEEi^=^=gEg^=pr =E=E^EZ ^E mor, non e - ver, . . e, 8( If pas w-hw-zzr^i--^P'^!^~]=J^=^w=w-f=l-=w-l=i. :»H?EFEf: -F — I non, non . . e col - paa - mor. sion be guilt - less, e-ver. 14 Nor. Ada. N(yi: Ma di' — r anjato giovane, Quale fra noi si noma ? Culla ei non ebbe in Gallia : Roma gli e patria Boma! Ed e ? — prosequi ! SCENA IX.— PoLLiONE, e detti NORIVIA. Nor. Ada. H mira ! Nor. Ei! PoUione! Add. Qual ira P Nor. Costui, cestui dicesti P Ben io compresi ? dda. Ab, si ! Pol. Jlnoltandosi ad Adalgisa^ Miscra te ! — che festi ? Ada. Io ! Nor. \_A PoUione.] Tremi tu — per cbi ? [Alcuni mmiit ,iii di silenzio : PoUione e confuso, Adalgisa u emamte, e Norma fermente. O non tremare ! o pei-fido ! No, non tremar per lei : Essa non e colpevole U malfattor tu sei ! Trema per te — feUone ! Pei figli tvToi, per me. Ada. Che ascolto ? — Ah, PoUione ! Taci ! t' arretri P — Abime ! \_8i copre il voUo colle mani : Norma V afferra per im braccio, e la costringe a mirra/r PoUione, egli la segue. Nor. O ! di qual sei tu vittima ! Crudo e funesto inganno ! Pria che costui conoscere, T' era U niorir men danno. Fonte d' etenie lagrime, L' empio a te pure aperse; D' orvibil vel coperse L' aurora de' tuoi di. Ada. O ! qual traspare orribile Dal tuo parlar mistero ! Trema il mio cor di cbiedere — Trema d' udire il vero : Tutta comprendo, o misera ! Tutta la mio sventura— Essa non ba misura, Se m' inganno cosi. PoZ. Norma, de' tuoi rimproveri Segno, non farmi adesso. Deb ! a questa afflitta vei'gine, Sia respirar concesso : Copra a quell' alma iagenua — Copra nostr' onte un velo. Giudichi solo il Cielo Qual piu di noi falli. Nor. Pei-fido ! Pol. Or basti ! [Per allontamm-si. Nor. Permati ! E a me sottrarti speri ? Pol. Vieni ! [Afferra Adalgisa. Ada. Mi lascia I — soostati ! [Dividendosi da lui. Tu sei di Noi'ma sposo. Ada. Nor. But tell me — this mucb-lov'd youth, By what name, 'mongst us, is be oaJled? He was not bom here in Gaul : Rome is bis country Rome! His name P — speak ! SCENE IX. — PoLLio, a/Hd the same. Ada. Bebold bim ! Nor. He! PoUio! Ada. Wbat means this rage? Nor. This man, say'st thou P Have I heard rightly ? Ada. Ah, yes ! Pol. [Approaching Ado,lgisa.] Ob, miserable thou ! — wbat rashness I Ada. 1 ! Nor. [To Pollio.] Thou tremblest^for whom ? [Sowie moments of silence : Pollio is confused, Adal- gisa trembling, and Norma enraged. Tremble not ! perfidious one ! Tremble not thus with fear for her : She's not foresworn and guilty, The criminal, the guilty, is thyself ! Then tremble for thyself, betrayer ! For thy hapless children, and at me. Ada. Wbat do I hear ?— Ah, PoUio ! Silent ! not vindicate thyself? — Alas ! [She covers her face with her ha/nds. — Norma seizes her by the airm, and compels her to look on Pollio, who anmoiisly observes her. Nor. Oh ! of what treachery art thou the victim ! Cruel, unhappy, infamous deception ! Rather than this man thou e'er hadst known. To thee death's self bad preferable been. A bitter fountain of eternal tears, This impious one causes to flow ; With hoiTid clouds he has o'ershadow'd The morning of thy unsuspecting days. Ada. OK! wbat treachery gleams forth Too clearly in thy dark mysterious words ! My trembling heart no more dares ask — • Dares not, though yearning, hear the truth : I comprehend ail my misery, AU my misfortunes, my o'erwhelming woes — They are destined ne'er to end. If thus be has deceived me. Pol. Norma, of thy weU-merited reproaches Make me not now the object. Oh ! pitying this afflicted virgin. Her hapless sighs, so undeserv'd, respect : Let us conceal from her ingenuous soul — Let us conceal our shame beneath a veil. To the justice only of offended Heaven Be left to say which of us has erred. Nor. Perfidious one ! Pol. Enough ! enough ! [Turning to go. Nor. Hold! bold! Thus to escape me dost thou hope ? Pol. Come ! [Seizing Adalgisa. Ada. Oh, leave me ! — hence, away ! [Getting free from PoUio. Begone ! thou art the spouse of Norma NORMA. 15 Pol. Quai 10 mi tossi obblio ; L' amante tuo son io. \Con tutto ilfuoco. E niio destino amarti, Destin costei fuggir. Xor. Ebben! Lo compi — e parti. [Beprimendo il furore. \_A Adalgisa.] Seguilo. Ada. Ah ! pria morir ! Nor. l^Prorompendo.] Vanne, si — mi lascia, indegno. Figli obblia, promesse, onore. Maledetto dal mio sdegno Non godiai d' un euipio amore ; Te suU' onde, te eai venti, Segii iran mie furie ardenti ; Mia vendetta, e notte e giorno, Ruggii-ad' intorno a te. Pol. \I)isjperatamente.'\ Fremi pure, e angoacia eterna. Pur m' impreohi il tuo furore. Questo amor che mi governa, 6 di te, di me maggiore Dio non v' ha che mali inventi De' miei mali piu cocenti. Maledetto io fui quel giarno Ohe il destin t' offerse a me. Ada. [Supplichevole a Norma."] Ah ! non fia, non fia ch' io costi Al tuo cor si rio dolore. Mari e monti sian frapposti Fra me sempre e il traditore. Soffocar sapro i lamenti — Divorar i miei tormenti, Morivo, percbe ritorno Faocia il crudo ai figli e a te. Cora. [Di dentro.] Norma ! all' ara ! In suon ferooe, D' Irminsul tuono la voce ! Nor I [A Pollione.'] Suon di morte !— a te b' intima. Ad I. I Fuggi! va! qui pronta ell' e. Pol. Si! la spezzo - si ; ma prima Mi cadra, il tuo nume al pie ! [Sqwllano i Sacri Bronzi del Terrvpio.— Norma e chiamala ai riti. — Ella rispinge d' un braccio Pollione e gh accenna di usoire. — Pollioiw si allontana fwevfe. WINE dell' atto PRIMO. Pol. What I have been I -will forget ; Only of thee the lover am I now. [With fire. It is my destiny to love thee, As 'tis my destiny to fly from her. Nor. Infatuated ! Thy with accomplish — go. [Restraining her rage. [To Adelgisa.] And thou, to, follow. Ada. Ah ! rather would I die ! Nor. [In great rage.] Tes, fly — leave me, thou unworthy one ! Forget tby cheldren, promises, honour. The curse of my just vengeance on thee, Never shalt thou enjoy thy impious love : On the sounding wave, iu the howling wind. Thou following wilt find my ardent fury ? My vengeance, night and day unceasingly, Blasting thy peace, shall rage around thee. Pol. [With desperation.] Still madly rave, and endless agonies Upon me imprecate, in thy wild fury. The mighty love of which I own the empire. Than thee, o'er me possesses greater power. No god in malice torments can invent. Than my own torments more excruciating, A curse fell upon that fatal day When destiny presented thee to me. Ada. [Supplicating Narma.] Ah ! no, it shall not be that thus I thy fond heart should lacerate. May seas and mountains alike divide From me for ever this treacherous lover. I'll stifle all weak lamentations — Hide each torment I may feel. And die without reproach, if he But return to his children and to thee. Cho. [From within.] Norma! hasten! With fearful sound Irminsul in thunder lifts his voice. Nor. 1 [To Pollio.] The sound of death ! to thee a A.ia. j warning Fly ! away ! prepar'd it comes ! Pol. Tes! I defy it— yes ; but first I'll o'erthrow thy Deity at thy feet. [The Sacred Bronze is heard sounding from {he Temple. — Norma is summoned to the rites. — With one arm she repulses Pollio, and with the other imperatively points for him to retire, which he does in grent anger. END OF THE FIRST ACT. w NORMA. A TTO II. SCENA I. — Intemo dell' Abitazione M Norma. — Ba una parte vm Letto Romano, coperto di pelle d' Orso. — 1 Figli d/i Norma sono addormentati. NoEMA con vma la/mpa e wn pugnale alia ma/no. — Siede e posa la lampa sopra wna tavola. — E pallida, co'ivbraffata. Nor. Dormono entrambi ! non vedran la mano Che li percuote ; — non pentirti, o core, Viver non ponno ; qui supplizio, e in Boma Obbrobrio avrian (peggior supplizio asaai) : Schiavi d' una matrigna ! — Ah no ! giammai ! \8orge. Muoiano ! — si. Non posso [Fa wn passo, e siferma. Awicindrmi — ^un gel mi prende; E in ffonte mi soUeva n crin. I figli uccido ! tenero figK — In questo sen concetti ! [Intenerendosi. Da questo sen nutriti — essi, pur dianzi Delizia mia ! — essi, nd cui sorriso H perdono del Oiel mirar credei — lo, io, li svenero ! Di che son rei ? Di PoUione son figh : Ecco il deUtto. Essi per me son morti — Muoia per ltd ; E non sia pena che la sua somigli ! Feriam ! [S' incam/mina verso il Letto, aha il pugnale — essa aa urn, grido inorrid/ita, i Figli si sve- glia/mo. Ah, no ! son figli miei ! — ^miei figli ! \Li abbraccia, e piange. Olotilde ! SCENA II. — Clotildb e detta. Nor. Corri ! vola ! Adalgisa a me guida. Clo. EUa qui presso — SoHtaria si aggira, e prega e plora. Nor. Va; si emend: il mio faJlo, e poi, si mora ! [Clotilde parte SCENA III. — Adalgisa e Noema. Ada. Me chiami, o Norma. Qual ti copre il volto Trlsto pallor? Nwr. Pallor di morte ! Io tatta L' onta mia ti rivelo. Una preghiera sola Odi, e 1' adempi : se pieta pur merta H presente mio duolo, e il duol fiituro. Ada. Tutto, tutto, io prometto. Nor. n giura ! Ada. H giuro ! Nor. Odi : — Purgar quest' aura Contaminata daUa mia presenza, Ho risoluto. Ne trar, meco io posso ; Questi infelici ! — a te, gli affido ! ACT T T . SCENE I. — Interior of Noma's Dwelling. — On one side, a Roman, Couch, covered with Bear-skins, on which the children of Norma are sleeping. Enter Noema, viith a lamp and a dagger m her hand. — She seats herself, placing the lamp on a table. — iSi^ie is pale amd distracted. Nor. They sleep — ^they will not see the hand That strikes the blow ; repent not, my heart, They must die ; their fate in Rome would be Opprobrium (worse than their sufipring here) : Slaves to a stepmother ! — Ah no ! never ! [She rises. Better they should die ! — yes. 1 cannot [Ad/ofincmg, then drawing back. Draw nearer — chill seizes me ; On my brow my hair stands erect. Murder my children ! my helpless children — My own dear offspring ! [With tenderness. Nurtur'd at this breast — they who once Were my delight ! — ia whose fond smile The pardon of Heaven I thought I saw — I, I, their murderer ! What is their crime? They are the children of PoUio : That is their crime ? To me they're dead — For him they die ; May their sacrifice cause him remorse eternal 1 Now will I strike ! [She advances towards the Couch, and raises her her dagger — then utters a fearful scream,, which awakens the Children. Ah, no ! they are my children ! — my children ! [She embraces them, amd weeps OlotUde ! SCENE n. — Clotide, and the sa/me. Nor. Hasten ! fly ! Bring Adalgisa to me. Clo. She is near — Lonely she wanders, praying and in tears. Nor. Go ; I win atone my ciime, then die ! [Exit Clotilde, SCENE m. — Adalgisa and Noema. Ada. Thou call'st me. Norma. What horrid pallor O'erspreads thy features P Nor. That of death ! Now all My shame will I reveal. One prayer only Hear, and my wish fulfil, tf thou canst pity S present grief, my fature woe. J all, I promise thee. Nor. But swear ! Ada. I swear ! Nor. Hear me : — To purify and free the air. Too long contaminated by my presence, Is my resolve. Take them with me I cannot, What misery ! — to thee, then, I confide theml ASki. O, Cielo ! A me gli aiSdi P Nor. Nd Romano campo Guidali a lui — ohe nominar non oso. Ada. Oil ! che mai chiedi ? Nor. Sposo Ti sia men orudo, io gli perdono, e more. Ada. Sposo ! — Ah ! non mai ! Nor. Pei figli suoi 1' imploro. NORMA. I Ada, 17 Oh, Heaven! [ To me confide them P Nor. To the Roman camp Take them to him — his name I dare not utter. Ada. Oh ! what do'st thou ask of me ? Nor. A husband may he be To thee less faithless ; I forgive him, and die. Ada. A husband ! — Ah ! never ! Nor. I for his children ask it DEE! CON TE LI PBENDI—PBjAY ! BENEATH THY CARE. Aib. Noema. Allegretto Modm-ato. — a_L_B ,._ -=i--E r-V^-^^m^ t-k-f-~ ■»-F— ) — I w~m — a — • s- $ Dehl con te, con te, li pren - dd, Li so-stie ni, li di - fen - dd! Non ti Pray ! be-neath ihy care be - friend them, And from ev' - ry ill de - fend them ! Not foi ^^-=i^^^mmm^im=m^^ r ehie-do o^norie fa - sci — A t/uoi fl - gli ei fiam ser - ba - ti: Pre - go sol che ho-nours I im-plore thee — These thy chil - dren's por-tions store thee: I but ask thou 'It i miei non la - sci, SchAami ab-biet-ti, ah - horn - do - na not deceive them, Nor to ab - ject slav' - ry leave pg^p^a^jsap^ppiii ti — Bas-tia te che d/i-sprez- them — For re - mem-ber that des- EEE =^-£= za ta, Che tra pis'd, be - tray'd, For dd - ta io fui per te! A sa ken, I've been for thee ! A dal - gi - sa, deh ti dal - gi - sa, I im- mo - va, tan - to stra - zio del plore thee, grant the pray'r of my mio cor ; A poor heart; A deh . . ti mo va, tan - to stra ' |t(t,_ =P*-#. s — J. -J — „■_ J.7 ....•- ■•.... dal ■ - - - - dal o ■*? \d gi -F-p-p: i mo va, tan - to stra "-.....- zio del mio cor. im plore thee. Grant the pray'r of . . . my poor heart. Ada. Nor. Ada. Nor. Norma ! ah, Noi-ma ! ancora amata ! Madre ancor sarai per me — Tienti i figli. Non fia mai Oh' io mi tolga a queste arene. Tu giurasti. Si, giurai; Ma il tuo bene — U sol tuo bene — Vado al campo, ed all' ingrato. Tutti io reoo i tuoi lamenti La pieta che mi hai destatd, Parlera sublimi aceenti. Spera, — spera : amor, natura Ridestarsi in lui vedrai, — Del suo cor son io secura — Norma ancor vi regnera ! , Ch' io Io preghi ? ah ! no — giammai ! Piu non t' odo — parti, va ! Ada. Norma ! ah, Norma ! still belov'd ! A mother shalt thou be to me — StiU keep thy children. Never shall it be That I will quit these hallow'd woods, Nor. But thou hast sworn. Ada. Yes, I have sworn ; To seek thy happiness — restore thy peace — To the camp of the ingrate will I go, And reveal thy sad lamentations. The ardent pity thou in me hast kindled, Shall speak to him in inspiration's accents. Hope all — yes, all : love and nature AwaJren'd in him shaU. again be seen, — His heart to thee I wiU secure once more— Norma again shall reign triumphant ! Nor. What ! I suppHcate him ? ah ! no — never ! I can no longer listen — hence, away ! 18 NORMA. MIRA, NORMA— SEE, OH NORMA. Dttet. Adalgisa st sin ghe, ah piu spe-ran - za, Pres feel - ing hope can ren - der, Nor Ada. Cedi, deh ! cedi ! Nor. Ah! lasciami! Ei t' ama. Ada. E gia sen pente. Nor. E tu ? Ada. Lo amai, quest' anima Sol r amistade or sente. Nor. O giovinetta ! — E vuoi ? Ada. Renderti i dritti tuoi O teco, al Cielo e agli uomini, Giuro celarmi ognor. Nor. Hai vinto. hai vinto. Abbracoiami — Trovo un' amica ancor. i^=^^'= t=t±f z ri^zzi: — i: S^33 so a - mor-ie v/n cor non . ... ha. more in - spire a dy-ing heart hke mine. Ada. Yield, oh yield to my entreaties ! Nor. Leave me ! Loves he not thee ? Ada. He is now repentant. Nor. And thou ? Ada. With love my heart was fir'd, But friendship now is aU I feel. Nor. Young maiden ! — ^what would'st thou ? Ada. Restore to thee what is justly thine. Or else with thee from Heaven and man, I swear, concealed to live for ever. Nor. I am vanquish'd, conquer'd. Embrace me — I find a friend is left me yet, 81 FINO ALL ORE ESTRHME.—GKLKLY TILL CLOSES. Dtjet. Norma and Adalgisa. NoBMA Allegretto. 6^P= la ^^^^m zMr± E^g =& -r- St, fino all' o - re, all' o - re e - stre-m^, Com -pa - gna tu - a, cam-pa - gna nia- Calm-ly till clos-es life's last fleet -ing moment, Tru - ly to thee a corn-pan -ion I'll Adaloisa. 1 i^^^^^^^i^^^^^^^^^} ^ «= 3t± vra - i ; Per ri- co - vrar - ei, per ri - co-vra/r-ci in-sie - me — Am - pia e la ter-raela prove; A-boveus one roof shall give safe-ty's en -joyment — This world's wide e-nough to yield ^ -N— N m a^^i _i/_i NORMA. 19 -^ -pTV '^3^^^^^^^^^m Te - CO del fa - to all' on - te. To - ge-ther fate op - pos - ing, Ferma (m-por - ro la Ris - ing, brav - ing ,' »* — ? — \>> SiF Te - CO del fa - to all' To - gej-ther fate op - rj-pzp: '-y- bpi^^i^Mf5^^S=£e^|a^ fron - te. Fin - chs il mdo core a bat - te-re, lo sen - ta sul tuo cor ; sor - row, On thy breast re - pos ing, Calm my breast will bor - row ; on te, pos ing, Fev-ma op-per ■ rb la fron - te, Ris ing, brav ing sor - i-ow, ipzrpj L-^F Fin - chemibat - te il cor sen - On thy breast re pos - - Sen ta, Calm my breast. sid tuo cor lo sen calm .my breast will bor ta, lo row. My -i*: l^-|lE?E^feE=t^iE^^^ei]Ep^;E]E^E=E ta, ing. Sul tuo cor, sul cor, ' lo sen Calm my breast will bor .•-...... ta, lo row. My ) sen - ta svi tuo cor, lo sen - ta sul tuo cor, breast will bor-row, wiU bor .......... row. My breast, my breast will bor |C 35 -\ 1 1 ^^^H Ur B — •-r-P — ^ •-!-» r 1" y \Fa/rtono. SCENA IV. — Luogo solitaHo presso il Bosco dei Druidi, cinto da burroni e da Caverne. — In fondo v/n Logo, attraversato da wn, Ponte da Pietrra. Gnerrieri e Oalli. Goto 1. Non parti ? Coro 2. Fiaora e al campo — Tutto il dice : i feri carmi, II fragore, U suon del' armi, Delle insegne il ventilav. [JExeunt. SCE1S1E IV. — A solitary spot near the Bruida' Wood, svjrrounded by rochy Va/aerns. — In Uie distance is a. Lake, over which is a Stone Bridge. Enter Warriors cmd Gauls. 1st Cho. Has be departed ? 2wd Cho. He's still in the camp — AH things bespeak it : the fierce warlike song, The clang of ai-ms. that cetL.cless sound; Their standards still triumphant wave. 20 NORMA. Xutti. Attendiam : un breve inciampo 4-11- Non ci turbi, — ^non ci arresti. E in silenzio il cor si appresti La grand' opra a consumar. SOBNA V. — Oboveso e detti, Oro. Guerrieri ! a voi venime Oredea foriero d' awenir migliore : II generoso ardore, L' ira che in sen vi bolle, lo credea secondar — ma il Dio nol voile.. Coro. Come ? B le nostre selve L' abbon-ito Proconsole non laseia ? — Non riede al Tebro ? Oro. Ma pivi temuto, e fero Latino condottiero, A PoUion succede ; e di novelle Possenti Legioni, Aiforza il campo che ne tien prigioni. Coro. B Norma il sa ? — Di pace E consigUera ancor ? Oro. Invan di Norma La mente investigai. Coro. E oie far pensi ? Oro. Al fato Piegar la fronte ; — separarci, e nullo Lasciar sospetto del faUito intento. Coro. E finger sempre ? Oro. Amara legge it sento ! Ah ! del Tebro al giogo indegno Fremo io pure — e all' armi anelo ; — Ma nemico e sempre il Oielo ; — Ma consigHo e il simtdar : Divoriamo in cor lo sdegno, Tal che Roma estinto il creda : Di verra, che desto, ei rieda, Piii tremendo a divampar ! Coro. Si, fingiam, se il finger giovi ; Ma il furore in sen si oovi ; — Guai per Roma, aUor che il segno Dia dell' armi il sacro altar ! [Partono. SCENA VI. — Tempio d' Irrrdnsul : Ara da wn lata. NOEMA, indi Olotilde. t Hfor. Ei tomera. — Si ! mia fidanza e posta In Adalgisa : ei tornera pentito^ SuppHchevole, amante ! O ! a tal pensiero, Sparisce il nuvol nero Che mi premea la fronte ! e il sol m' arride, Come dd primo amor nei di fehoi. Esce Clotilde. OlotUde! Cfo. O, Norma ! uopo e d' ardir. Nor. Che dioi F Clo. Lassa ! Nor. FaveUa ! Clo. Indamo Parlo Adalgisa, e pianse. Nor. Ed io fidarmi Di lei dovea ? di mano uscirmi, e beUa Del sue dolore, presentarsi all' empio P T^llg. tramava ! Let us be patient : a sHght mipediment Must not disturb us, — nor stop our progress. In silence let us our hearts prepare The glorious work to consummate. SCENE Y.— Enter Oroveso. Gallant warriors ! I had hop'd To be the messenger of better prospects : The patriotic zeal, the generous ardour, The noble rage which in your bosoms bum, I hop'd to second— the God wills differently. How is it that our consecrated woods This abhorr'd Proconsul does not leave ? — Returns not to the Tiber ? A more fierce And cruel Roman commander. To Pollio succeeds ; and myriads of new O'erpow'ring Legions, eager to destroy. Reinforce the camp to keep us in subjection. Does Norma know this ? — ^Does she peace Still counsel us ? I in vain of Norma The mind have sought. How wilt thou act ? To fate Submissive bow ;— separate all, and nothing Leave to awake suspicion of intentions. Dissembling ever P A bitter law I feel it ! Ah ! at the Tiber's yoke dishonourable I alike rage — alike for ai-ms I pant ; — But unfriendly to us still is Heaven ! — My counsel, then, is, we dissimulate : Let's stifle in our hearts our indignation. That Rome extinguish'd may believe it : The day will come, when it shall return. More terribly to vanquish and destroy ! Yes, let us feign, if feigning help us ; But fury in our bosoms still we'll shroud ; Woe be to Rome, whene'er the fatal signal, To arms, sounds from our sacred altar ! \_Exewni. SCENE VI. — Temple of Irminsul : Altar on one side- Enter NoKMA, aflerwa/rds Clotilde. Oro. Cho. Oro. Cho. Oro. Cho. Oro. Cho. Oro. Cho. Nor. Clo. Nor. Clo. Nor. Clo. Nor. He win return. — Ah, yes ! my faith is fii'm In Adalgisa : he'U return repentant — A supphoating lover ! At that thought. How disappear the clouds that late so darkly Oppress'd my brow ! the bright sun smUes/ As in my first lov'd days of happiness. Enter Clotilde. aotnde ! Oh, Norma ! summon courage. Speak? Alas! TdlmeaU Vainly Spoke Adalgisa's tears. Should I have Trusted her P let her, so beauteous In sorrow, seek that impious one ? She has betrayed me ! TSCfSMA. Cho. Ella ritoma al tempio Trista, dolente implora Di profiferir suoi voti. Nor. Ed egli P Clo. _ Ed eg^ Bapirla giura anco all' altar del Nume ! Nor. Troppo u feUon presume ; L'o previen, mia vendetta, e qui di sangne — Sangue Romano — scorreran torrenti ! [Si appressa all' cwra, e batte ire voUe lo scudo d' Trnwnsul. Coro. [Di dentro.'] SquiUa il bronzo del Dio ! Clo. Cielo ! ohe tenti ? SCBNA VII. — Accorono, da vaHeparU, Oeoveso, i Druidi, i Ba/rdd, e le Ministre. — A foco a poco il Tempio si riempie d' wrmati. — Norma si colloca suW Altare. Oro. Norma, clie fa ? Peroosso Lo scudo d' Irminsul, quali aJla terra Deoreti, intima ? Nor. Guerra! strage! sterminio! Oro. E a noi pur dianzi pace S' imponea pel tuo labbro ? Nor. Ed ira adesso — Armi, furore, e morti ! n cantico di guerra alzate, o forti — Guerra, guerra ! Le GaUiche selve Quaute ban quercie producon guerrier. Quid sui greggi famelicbe belve, Sui Romani van essi a cader. Sangue ! sangue ! le GaUicbe scuri Eino al tronco bagnate ne son, Sovra i flutti del Liguri impuri, Ei gorgoglia, con funebre, suon. Strage ! strage ! sterminio, vendetta ! Gia comincia, si compie, si affretta. Oome biade da falci mietute. Son di Roma le scMere cadute ; TroncM i vanni, recisi gli artigli, Abbattuta ecco 1' aquila al suol ! A mirar il trionfo dei figli, Viene U Dio sovra un raggio di sol. Oro Ne Gompi il rito, o Norma? Ne la vittima aceenni ? Nm-. Ella fia pronta. Non mai 1' altar tremendo Di vittime manco. — Ma quel tumulto ? SCENA VIII. — Clotilde, frettilosa, e detti. Clo. Al nostro tempio insulto Fece un Romano : neUa sacra cbiostra DeUe vergini alunne egU fu c61to. Tutti. Un Romano ? Nor. (Che ascolto ? Se mai foss' egli .") Tutti A noi vien tratto ! Nor. (B desso ij SCENA IX. — PoLLiONB, /ra Soldati e detti. Oro. E PoUione! Nor. (Son vendicata adesso !) Oro. Sacrilego nemico ! e chi ti spinse A violar qiieste temute soglie ^— A sfidar 1' ira d' Irminsul ? Cflo. She has resought the templa. Sorrow-stricken, earnestly imploring To offer up bar vows. Nor. And he ? Clo. And he sweara To force her e'en from the altar of her God ! Nor. Too much, foul traitor, he presumes ; Forestall'd "bj my vengeance, seas of blood — Of Roman blood — shall flow forth in torrents ! {She approaches the Alton-, cund thrice strikes the sideld of Irm/msul. Cho. [Within^ The sacred shield has sounded ! OVo. Heavens ! what dar'st thou ? SCENE VII. — Enter hastily, from vourvms sides, Oeotbso, Druids, Bards, and officiating Priestesses. — By little amd little the Temple becomes filled with armed Men. — Norma takes her place on the Alton: Oro. Norma, why summon us P That dread sound. The shield of Iiminsul, what, to this earth Decreeing, does it intimate ? Nor. War! carnage! extermination! Oro. And yet but lately was peace Impos'd by thine own lips P Nor. Wrath now I'd wake — Arms, fury, exterminating death ! Quick, let the song of war rise loudly — War to the steel ! The Gallic forests Shall, numerous as their oaks, produce warriors. As on our flocks rush famish'd beasts of prey. So we the Romans wiU o'erpower, destroy. Blood ! blood ! the Gallic battle-axes Shall cut them off for ever, And the dark waters of the foul Liguri, Flowing o'er them, sound their dirge. Slaughter ! extermination ! vengeance ! Conjmence, and hasten to complete. Like ripen'd com beneath the sickle Shall the Roman forces fall ; Olipp'd the proud wings, and cut the talons, O'erthrown on the earth shall the eagle lie ! To triumph in his children's triumph. Win come our God, radiant as the sun. Oro. Do'st thounot consummatetherite,ohNorniaP Nor yet point out the victim P Nor. The victim is ready. Never, did this dread altar Its victim lack. — But say, why this tumult P SCENE VIII. — Clotilde, hastily, amd the same. Clo. Our temple has been insulted By a Roman : in the sacred cloister Of our noviciate virgins was he surpris'd. All. A Roman P Nor. (What do I hear P Should it be he ?) All. To us he's dragg'd ! Nor. (It is !) SCENE IX. — Enter Pollio, conducted by Soldiers Oro. PoUio ! Nor. (This moment avenges me !) Oro. Sacreligious-foe ! what demon urg'd thee To violate our calm secluded shrine ? — Defy the wratiii of Irminsul ? NOEMA. PoZ. Perisci ! Ma non interrogarmi. Nor. [Svelam.dosi.'] lo ferir deggio ! Soostatevi ! Pol. Ohi veggio P — Norma ! Nor. Si, Norma ! Tutti. II sacro ferro impugna ! Yendica il tempio e il Dio. Nor. [Prejide il Pugnale dalle mani di Oroveso.] Si, feriamo ! — Ah ! [Si wrresta. TvMi. Tu tremi ! Nor. (Ai ! non poss' io !) Oro. Che fia ! perche t' arresti ? Nor. (Poss 'io sentir pieta !) Coro. Ferisci ! Nor. Io deggio Interrogarlo, investigar qual sia — L' insidiata, o complice ministra — Ohe il profan persuase a faUo estremo. Ite per poco. Q ' J Che far pensa P Pol. (Io tremo !) [^Oroveso e,il Coro si ritircmo. — II Tem/pio rimcme sgombro. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. Pol. Nor. SCENA X. — NOEMA Z POLLIONE. In mia mano alfin tu sei ; Niun potria spezzar tuoi nodi : Io lo posso ! Tu !— nol dei. Io lo vogHo. Come ? M'odi:— Pel tuo Dio, pe' figli tuoi, Giurar dei, che d' ora in poi, AdaJgiaa fuggirai, AH' altar non la torrai : E l-i vita ti perdono, E non pill ti rivedro. Giura ! No ; si vil non sono. Giura! giura! Ah ! pi-ia morro. Non sai tu, che U inio fiii-ore Passa il tuo ? Ch' ei piombi attendo. Non sai tu che ai figh in core Questo ferro O, Dio I che intendo ? Si, sovt' essi alzai la punta — Vedi, vedi, a che son giunta ! Non ferii ; ma tosto — adesso, Consumar poss' io 1' eccesso ! Un' istante, e d' esser madre. Mi poss' io dimenticar. Ah, crudele ! — In sen del padre n pugnal tu dei vibrar ; A me il porgi. Ate! Ohe spento Cada io solo. Solo ! Tutti— I Romani — a cento a cento — Pol. Strike! But do not question me. Nor. [Discovering herself.] The blow be mine ! Draw back ! Pol. Whom do I see ? — Norma ! Nor. Yes, Norma ! All. The sacred weapon wield! Vindicate at once thy God and temple. Nor. [Taking the Sword from Oroveso' s }iamd.'\ Tes, let me strike ! — Ah ! [She hesitates. All. Thou tremblest ! Nor. (Ah ! I cannot !) Oro. What means this ? what now stays thee ? Njr. (Can I, then, pity feel !) Cho. Strike! Nor. I must Interrogate, find out who aided him — What deceitful priestess prompted This most profane one to a crime so dire. Withdraw awhile. /-,, ' [ What means all this P Pol. (I tremble !) [Bxeunt Oroveso cmd Chorus. — The Temple i» cleared. SCENE X. — Norma and Pollio. Nor. To my hands consign 'd at length thou art ; No one is able now to break thy bonds : I only can ! Pol. Thou ! but thou must not. Nor. I have the will. Pol. How? Nor. Hear me : — By thy God, and by thy helpless children, Swear, that from this hour, for ever Thou wilt from Adalgisa fly. Nor from our altar bear her off: Then I will grant thy forfeit hfe, And never see thee more. Swear ! Pol. Never ! — No ; so vile I am not. Nor. Swear! swear! j Pol. Ah ! sooner will I die. Nor. Know'st thou not the fury of my purpose Is greater far than thine ? Pol. Let it descend. Nor. And that in thy children's hearts This dagger Pol. J Oh Gods ! what do I hear? Nor. Tes, o'er tnem I've already rais'd its point — • See, see, to what extreme thdu'st driven me ! I struck not then ; but soon — instantly, I'll consummate my fearful, wild excess ! A moment, and that I am a mother, I will wash out aU memory of. Pol. Ah, cruel ! — In the bosom of the father More justly should it be plung'd : To me, then, deal it. Nor To thee ! Pol. That I Alone may perish. Nor. Alone ! Nay, aU — The Romans — hundreds upon hundreds — NORMA. 23 Ksn nnetnti, fian dititruLti ; B Adalgisa JPoI. AMme ! Nor. Infeddft A' suoi Toti ! Pol. Ebben, crudde! Nor. Adalgisa fia pvmita ; Nelle fiamme perira. Pol. Oh, ti prendi la mia yita ! Ma di lei, di lei pieta ! Mi>r. PregM alfine ? — Indegno, e tardi ; Nel suo cor ti vo' ferire ! Gia mi pasco ne' tuoi sg>iardi Del tuo duol, del sue morire ! Posso alfine, e vogUo farti Infelice al par di me ! Fvl. Ah ! t' appaghi il mio terrore ! Al tuo pie son io piangente : In me sfoga il tuo furore, Ma risparmia un' innocente ! Basti, ah ! basti a vendicarti Ch' io mi sveni innanzi a te. Dammi quel ferro. Nor. Sorgi : Scostati. Pol. n ferro ! il ferro ! Nor. Ola ! ministri, sacerdoti, accorrete ! SCENA ULTIMLA. — Bitomcmo Obovbso, i Druidi, i Bardi, e i Giierrieri. Nor. Al' ira vostra Nuova vittima io svelo : una spergiura Saoerdotessa i saori voti infranse, Tradi la patria, il Dio degli avi offese. l}uMi. O, delitto ! O, furor ! ne sia palese. Nor. S\, preparate il rogo ! Pel. O ! ancor, ti prego, ■ Norma, pieta ! TuMi. Ne avela il nome P Nor. (Io, rea, L' innocente accusar del fallo mio ?) ndti. Farla, chi e dessa ? Pol. Ah, non Io dir ! Nor. Son io ! Oro. Tu, Norma ? Nor. Io, stesaa ! II rogo ergete. IhiMi. D' orrore io gelo ! Pol. (Mi manca il cor !) Futti. Tu delinquente ! Pol. Non le credete ! Nor. Norma non mente. Oro. O ! mio rossor ! Shall fall, in one wide deatraotion; And Adajgiaa Pol. Ah me, alas ! Nor. The fcrait'resa To our altar's vows ! Pol. Passionate cruelty I Nor. Adalgisa shall suffer due punishment; In torturing flames unpitied perish. Pol. Oh, rather take my Hfe ! But upon her, on her have pity ! Nor. Base prayers at last ? — 'tis too late : Through her's thy heart I'U strike ! My pasturage shall be thy guHtj soul — Shall be thy anguish, her righteous death ! I can at last, and will, make thee As wretched as myself! Pol. Ah ! content thee with my terror ! At thy feet see me lonely weeping : On me expend the fury of thy angar. But oh, spare thou the innocent ! Enough, ah ! enough in vindication That I fall lifelessly before thee. Give me the dagger. Nor. Arise ! Begone. Pol. The dagger! the dagger! Nor. Ho ! ministers, priests, hither hasten ! SCENE THE hAST.—Be-mter Oeovbso, Dmidt, Ba/rds, cmd Wa/rriors. Nor. To your righteous wrath I a new victim will reveal : a peijur'd Priestess, who her sacred vows has broken, Betray'd her land, her father's God offended. All. Horrible crime ! Oh, fury ! make her known. Nor. Tes, prepare the pile ! Pol. Again I pray thee. Norma, have pity ! All. Her name ? Nor. (I, the misdoer, The innocent accuse, and of my crime P) All. Speak, who is she P Pol. Oh, do not saj ! Nor. 'TisI! Oro. Thou, Norma ? Nor. All. Pol. All. Thou an offender ! Pol. Oh, do not believe it ! Nor. Norma hath never lied. Oro. Oh! what agony! I, myself! The pile make ready. With horror we are chiU'd ! (My failing heart !) i QUAL COB TBADISTI—TKE HEART THOU'ST SLIGHTED. Duet. Norma cmd Pollio. nAndante. Noema. S=3^ ^^ ^=3^-^i =.£= Tz ^^ :5di. ES ^, Qual cor tra - dd • sH, Qual cor per - de • sti, Quest' ora or - ren - da, . Ti ma - ni- The heart thou'st slight - ed. The heart thou'st blight - ed, Now lost, be-night-ed, ■ This dread hour fe shows ^^^§^^^^^^^=13^"^ - sti; — Da me fug - gi - re, thee: — 'Twerevain to fly me, Ten - ta- sti in ■ va Neg-leot, de - fy no, — Cru - del Bo- rne, — False Ro - man 24 'S^MfrSmi^^ -=|— F q NORMA. -=1-=- =t ma - no, jigli me, Tit sei con Thy love I me. claim. Un Nwrne. un fa to A God.wliose pow - er Di