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OPERA JOURNEYS LIBRETTO SERIES

PUCCINI’S

EDGAR
TRANSLATED FROM ITALIAN
and including music highlight transcriptions

Edited by Burton D. Fisher

Principal lecturer, Opera Journeys Lecture Series

___________________________________________
Opera Journeys Publishing™ / Coral Gables, Florida
 Copyright © 2003 by Opera Journeys Publishing

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Edgar Page 5

Edgar
Opera in Italian in three acts

Music
by
Giacomo Puccini

Libretto by Ferdinando Fontana,

based on Alfred de Musset’s verse drama,
“La coupe et les lèvres” (“Between Cup and Lips”) 1832

Premiere:
Four-act version: Teatro alla Scala, Milan, April 1889
Three-act version: Ferrara, February 1892
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 6

Principal Characters in Edgar

Edgar, a young man,

later disguised as a friar Tenor
Fidelia, a young Flemish girl in love with Edgar Soprano
Tigrana, a temptress, in love with Edgar Mezzo-soprano
Frank, Fidelia’s brother,
passionately in love with Tigrana Baritone
Gualtiero, father of Frank and Fidelia Bass

Villagers, soldiers, monks, children and townspeople

TIME: 1302
PLACE: Flanders

Brief Story Synopsis

Edgar is torn between his love for the chaste Fidelia, and his sensual attraction to the temptress
Tigrana, a woman born of Moors who was abandoned as a child, and brought up by Fidelia’s
father, Frank.
Tigrana attempts to lure Edgar away from his love for the innocent Fidelia; she want to return
with him to their former passion, in which they abandoned themselves to sensual pleasures. But
Tigrana’s efforts are in vain; Edgar denounces Tigrana as a demon. Frank, Fidelia’s brother, is
desperately in love with Tigrana, but she spurns him.
While villagers pray in church, Tigrana angers them with a blasphemous song. They order
her to leave the village. Tigrana retreats towards Edgar’s house. With sword in hand, Edgar
defends Tigrana, threatening anyone who would harm her; he declares that he will leave the
village with her, and in defiance, sets fire to his house. As Edgar and Tigrana are about to leave,
Frank challenges Edgar, his rival for Tigrana. Frank’s father, Gualtiero, intervenes, but Tigrana
succeeds in urguing the rivals to duel. Frank falls wounded, as the villagers curse the fleeing
lovers.
Edgar and Tigrana lead a life of debauchery, but he is tired of that life and yearns to return to
Fidelia. Soldiers approach, and Edgar is surprised to find that Frank is their captain. After Edgar
apologizes to Frank, he is allowed to join the regiment. Tigrana swears vengeance on Edgar for
abandoning her.
There is a funeral procession for Edgar, who has apprently fallen in battle. The townspeople
praise Edgar’s valor, but a monk refutes them, claiming that he heard Edgar’s confession, a
revelation that Edgar led a dissolute life. The monk succeeds in persuading the crowd to condemn
Edgar, except Fidelia, who proclaims his innocence.
Tigrana appears, and tempted by jewels, confirms that Edgar agreed to betray his country for
gold. In outrage, the soldiers rush to Edgar’s bier; but they only find a suit of armor. The monk
reveals himself as Edgar. He admits that he has been cured of his unholy passion for Tigrana, and
embraces Fidelia. Tigrana approaches Fidelia and stabs her to death. Edgar falls broken-hearted
over the corpse of Fidelia, as soldiers grab Tigrana to punish her crime.
Edgar Page 7

Act I

A square in a Flemish village. Edgar’s house is the background,

bordered by an almond tree, a church, and a tavern.
It is a bright dawn. Edgar sleeps in front of the tavern.
The “angelus” is heard from inside the church. Villagers and shepherds fill the square,
greet each other, and then go off to perform their chores.

Coro: Chorus: (from afar)

Qual voce lontana squillò la campana The bell blared like a distant voice
e l’ultima stella fulgor più non ha! and the brilliance of the last star faded!

Fidelia: Fidelia:
O fior del giorno, salve alba serena! Hail morning flower, serene dawn!
Speranza ed esultanza! Hope and joy!
Inno gentil, del giono fior. Gentle hymn of the unfolding day.
Di celestial profumo è l’aura piena. Dawn is filled with heavenly perfume.
O fior dell’anno, Oh first flower of the year,
salve alba d’april, o fior! hail the dawn of April!
Fidelia sees Edgar asleep and calls to him.
Edgar... Edgar...

Edgar: Edgar: (awakening and startled)

Chi mi chiamò? Who called me?
Sei tu, fanciulla? Girl, is it you?

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Buon dì! Good day!

Edgar: Edgar:
Buon dì. Good day!

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Dunque non ha riposo per te la notte, Then you didn’t rest during the night,
se qui il sol ti ha côlto ancor vinto dal since it is dawn and you’re still overcome by
sonno. sleep.
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 8

Edgar: Edgar:
Io non son lieto come sempre sei tu. I’m not as blessed as you.

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Lieta non sono se ti veggo così. I’m not pleased to see you like this.

Edgar: Edgar:
Va! Ti saluto, o Fidelia gentil. See! Gentle Fidelia, I greet you.

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Senti lo strano pensier Listen to the strange thought
ch’io feci quando mi svegliai: I had when I awakened:
Già il mandorlo vicino that the nearby almond tree
dei primi fior si ornò. suddenly began to bloom.

Se sovra il mio cammino If I should meet Edgar

Edgar incontrerò, on my way,
troncar ne voglio un ramo I want to break a twig of the almond tree
e a lui lo vo’ gettar. and toss it to him.
Il mattinal saluto così That is how I want to greet him in the
gli voglio dar! morning.

Fidelia cuts a twig from the almond tree, kisses the flower,
and then tosses it to Edgar.

Eccolo! Here it is!

Edgar: Edgar:
Grazie! Thanks!

Fidelia sees someone approaching, becomes fearful, and quickly disappears.

Edgar: Edgar: (running after Fidelia)

Fermati! Stop!

Coro: Chorus:
O fior dei giorno, salve, alba serena! Hail morning flower, serene dawn!
O fior dell’anno, Oh first flower of the year,
salve alba d’april! hail the dawn of April!
Tigrana appears, a stringed instrument (dembal) across her shoulder.
She approaches Edgar from behind and surprises him.
She scoffs when she notices that Edgar holds an almond twig tenderly.
Tigrana: Tigrana:
Ah!. Ah! Ah! Ah ! Ah! Ah!

Edgar: Edgar: (turning in surprise)

Tu qui? You here?
Edgar Page 9

Tigrana: Tigrana: (with irony)

Tenera scena dunque venni a turbar. What a tender scene I’ve disturbed.
Fuggir di balzo la colombella io feci! I made the little dove fly away!
Io non credea che a te piacesse I didn’t think you cared
il miele di pastorali amor! to love a shepherdess’s honey!

Edgar: Edgar:
Evvia! Mi lascia! Go away! Leave me!

An organ is heard from inside the church.

Gualtiero and villagers appear in the square and then enter the church.
Tigrana approaches Edgar, her demeanor both scornful and alluring.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Tu voluttà di fuoco, You were inflamed with lust,
ardenti baci, sognavi un dì, and one day dreamed of impassioned kisses,
non pastorali amor! not the love of a shepherdess!
Era un desio febbril d’orgia e di gioco, It was a feverish desire for orgies and play.
Era un desio febbril di vizio e d’ôr. It was a feverish desire for vice and gold.

Edgar: Edgar: (resisting her)

Taci, demonio! Taci! Quiet, demon!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (with increasing irony)

Fur vani sogni, Edgar! Edgar, what vain dreams!
Sogni fugaci di chi nacque per gemere e Fleeting dreams of someone born to suffer
tacer. and keep silent.
Nella chiesa tu pur dovresti entrar, You should also go into the church,
non ha d’aquila i voli il tuo pensier! so your thoughts don’t disappear like the
flight of an eagle!

Edgar: Edgar: (agitated, Edgar runs into the house)

Taci, [Link]! Be quiet, demon!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Tu il cuor mi strazii. Io muoio! You torture my heart. I am dying!
Che feci a te, crudel? What did I do to you, you cruel man?
Belava all’avoltoio nell’agonia l’agnel. The lamb in its agony bleated at the vulture.
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 10

Tigrana watches Edgar and laughs scornfully. As she begins to leave,

Frank emerges from the tavern and bars her way.

Frank: Frank:
Ove fosti stanotte? Where were you last night?

Tigrana: Tigrana: (trying to avoid him)

A te che importa ? What does it matter to you?

Frank: Frank: (impassioned)

T’attesi iersera. I waited for you last night.

Tigrana: Tigrana: (scornfully)

Ed io non venni! And I didn’t come!

Frank: Frank: (angrily)

Tigrana! Tigrana!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (arrogantly)

Evvia! Non ho di te paura! Be off! I’m not afraid of you!
Il tuo amor mi dà noia. Your love bores me.

Frank: Frank: (with profound emotion)

Chi detto a me l’avrebbe mai Who would have ever believed that you
che della vita mia l’angoscia più crudel would become the most cruel anguish of my
saresti stata! life!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (sarcastically)

Chiuder dovea l’oroscopo tua madre Your mother should have consulted the
all’errabonda schiera di Morischi che, horoscope of those roving moors,
or fanno quindici anni, bambina qui who abandoned me here fifteen years ago!
m’abbandonò!

Frank: Frank:
Figlia di tutti, in mezzo a noi crescesti. You were raised as everyone’s daughter.
Aimè! Nel nostro seno la vipera scaldammo! Alas! We nurtured a viper in our bosom!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Se della virtù cara hai la fama fa che con me If you are care about your dear reputation
non t’abbiamo a veder! make sure no one sees you with me!

Frank sits with his head in his hands, and sobs in a fit of passion.
Tigrana shrugs her shoulders, laughs scornfully, and then enters the tavern.
Edgar Page 11

Frank: Frank:
Questo amor, vergogna mia, This love has become my shame.
io spezzar, scordar vorrei; I wish I could break it and forget,
ma d’un’ orrida malìa but my emotions are enslaved
sono schiavi i sensi miei. by this ghastly enchantment.

Mille volte al ciel giurai I swore to heaven a thousand times

di fuggirla e a lei tornai! that I would escape from her!
Ella ride del mio pianto She laughs at my tears,
ed io, vil, col cuore infranto, and I prostrate myself at her feet,
ai suoi piedi mi prosterno. a coward with a crushed heart.

E lei sola io sogno, bramo! It is only she whom I desire and dream of!
Ah sventura! Io l’amo! Ah, the misfortune that I love her!

Frank leaves in despair. A group of villagers, finding no seats in the church,

kneel outside and pray.
Tigrana emerges from the tavern and sits upon a table,
her demeanor insolent and rude.

Contadini: Villagers:
Dio non benedice che gli umili quaggiù. God bless the humble here on earth.
Viver può sol felice chi segue la virtù. Only one who follows the faith can live in
Ave, Signor! happiness. Hail to the Lord!
Non gloria ed’ôr noi ti chiediam, We offer you not glory or gold,
ma pace e amor! but peace and love!
Ave, Signor! Hail, Lord!

Tigrana nears the door of the church, accompanying herself on her dembal.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Tu il cuor mi strazii. You tear out my heart.
Io muoio! I am dying!
Che feci a te, crudel ? What did I do to you, cruel one?
Belava all’avoltoio nell’agonia l’agnel. The lamb in its agony bleated at the vulture.
Agnellin,pietà! Pity the little lamb!

Villagers emerge from the church.

Contadini: Villagers: (indignantly to Tigrana)

Dal bieco canto cessa! Cease your blasphemous song!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 12

Tigrana: Tigrana: (arrogantly)

Evvia! Perché? Go away! Why?

Contadini: Villagers:
Di qui ten va! Go away from here!
Lontana di qui ten va! Go far away from here!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Sia per voi l’orazion, Let prayer be for you,
è per me la canzon! and the song for me!
Vo’ cantar, vo’ trillar! I want to sing, I want to trill!
Chi non vuole ascoltar Whoever doesn’t want to listen,
torni in chiesa a pregar! return to church to pray!

Contadini: Villagers:
Vanne, sciagurata! Wretch, get out of here!
Serpe, t’allontana! Viper, go far from here!
Va, scomunicata! Vile cortigiana! Go, excommunicated one! Vile courtesan!
T’allontana! Go far away from us!

Non vogliam la canzon We don’t want your song

che lo scherno ha nel suon! that has scorn in its sound!
Non trillar, non cantar! Don’t trill, and don’t sing
Dove, chini all’altar, where we come to pray
noi veniamo a pregar! and kneel at the altar!
Vattene, va! va! Leave here, go! Go!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
L’ira vostra o il perdon I will equally despise
io del par sprezzerò! your anger or your forgiveness!
L’abborrita canzon, ah, canterò! I will sing the abhorred song!
Vo’ cantar! Vo’ trillar! I want to sing! I want to trill!
Chi non vuole ascoltar Whoever doesn’t want to listen,
torni in chiesa a pregar! return to church and pray!

Contadini: Villagers:
Cortigiana! Via di qui, va! Courtesan! Go away from here!
Vattene! Go away from here!
Vil cortigiana! T’allontana! Vile courtesan! Go far away!
D’ogni sozzura simbolo, You are a symbol of all filth.
fra noi perchè torva la sorte bella e fatal così Why does dark fate bring someone as
giunger ti fè? beautiful and deadly as you?

Dei tuoi sorrisi ilfascino Misfortune and death can only come from
sol può recar sciagura e morte! the fascination of your smiles!
Pietà perdon non puoi sperar! Don’t hope for mercy or forgiveness from us!

As the villagers rush menacingly towards Tigrana, she retreats towards Edgar’s house.
Edgar Page 13

Edgar: Edgar: (appearing at the door)

Che fu ? What happened?

Contadini: Villagers: (indicating Tigrana)

Col canti suoi le nostre preci She dared to mock our prayers with her
ella osava schernir. songs.
Vattene! Get out of here!

Edgar: Edgar: (intervening)

Indietro, turba idiota! Step back, you mob of idiots!

Contadini: Villagers: (in amazement)

Tu la difendi? Are you defending her?

Edgar: Edgar: (touching his sword with intent)

Se alla devota nenia non torni di questo If you don’t return to the solemn hymns
acciar, a te la lama farò provar! I’ll make you taste the blade of my sword!
Ed or da voi men vo stolido gregge, And now, stupid flock, I’m leaving you,
per non tornar mai più! never to return again!
Maledetto paterno tetto su te fra poco Curse this house of my forefathers, that I
ruggendo il fuoco per mano mia divamperà! will soon set ablaze with my own hand!

Contadini: Villagers:
Orror! Horror!

Edgar enters the house. Suddenly sparks and smoke emerge from the house.

Scentura! Al fuoco! What misfortune! To the fire!

Some of the villagers enter the house to try to extinguish the fire,
but they are soon pushed out by Edgar, who now appears at the door
with a lighted firebrand in his hand.

Edgar: Edgar:
Fuori di qui! Nessuno queste soglie Get out of here! No one dare cross this
osi varcar! threshold!
Nessuno d’imporsi a me pretenda! No one try to force me to stop!
È mia la casa ed ardere dovrà! This is my house, and I must burn it!

Edgar throws the firebrand into the house. Then he addresses Tigrana rapturously.

Tigrana, vieni! Tigrana, come!

Noi pure accenda di nuova vita la voluttà! May our lust also be ignited with new life!

Edgar takes Tigrana’s hand and starts to leave.

The villagers are horrified. Frank appears to block their way.
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 14

Frank: Frank: (to Edgar)

T’arresta! Stop!

Contadini: Peasants:
Frank! Frank!

Edgar: Edgar: (to Frank)

Sgombrami il passo! Get out of my way!

Frank: Frank: (indicating Tigrana)

Teco non dee partir! She must not leave with you!

Edgar: Edgar:
Di riso è degna la tua parola! Your words make me laugh!

Frank: Frank: (touching the hilt of his sword)

Questa lama a te l’apprenderà! This blade will teach you!

Edgar: Edgar:
Sta ben! Very well!

Gualtiero emerges form the church and runs to Frank.

Gualtiero: Gualtiero:
Mio figlio! My son!

Fidelia: Fidelia: (running to Edgar)

Edgar! Edgar!

Gualtiero: Gualtiero:
Giù l’armi! Put down the weapons!
La voce d’ un vecchio ascoltate! Listen to the voice of an old man!
Del sangue lo sdegno frenate! Restrain the anger in your blood!

Contadini: Villagers:
Giù l’armi! Put down the weapons!

Edgar: Edgar:
D’un vecchio che prega la voce tremante The old man’s trembling voice has
quai tristi memorie nel cuor mi destò. awakened sad memories in my heart.
O della mia vita terribile istante, Oh what a terrible moment in my life.
di colpe novelle macchiarmi non vo’. I don’t want to stain it with new crimes.

Fidelia: Fidelia:
D’entrambi nel sangue qual nembo veloce Like a dark cloud, the blind frenzy in their
il cieco delirio dell’ira scoppiò! blood has burst quickly.
Ma a un tratto l’insania dell’impeto atroce But all of a sudden, an old man’s voice was
d’un vecchio la voce a vincer bastò. sufficient to quench the madness of the
Lo sdegno frenate, olà! outrageous impulses! May the anger cease!
Edgar Page 15

Gualtiero: Gualtiero:
Del giovane sangue lo sdegno frenate! Restrain the anger of your young blood!
D’un vecchio la voce ascoltate! Listen to the voice of an old man.
La mano vi pose sull’elsa soltanto il torvo An old man counsels you to remove your
consiglio d’un cieco delir. hands from the hilts of your swords.
Ah, un padre, un vegliardo nell’onta e nel Oh sons and brothers, don’t let an old man
pianto, o figli, o fratelli, non fate morir! die in shame and in tears.

Frank: Frank:
D’un padre la voce mi supplica invano, My father’s voice begs me to extinguish the
placar del mio sdegno la fiamma non può! flames of my anger, but it is in vain, because
I cannot!
Qual fascino arcano, qual turbido incanto What a mysterious charm, and what troubled
nel cor mi gettò! enchantment Tigrana has thrown into my
Tigrana, il tuo sguardo nel cor mi gettò! heart!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
D’un vecchio alla voce a spegner bastò! An old man’s voice was sufficient to
Al suolo si chinan gli sguardi, extinguish their anger! Heads are lowered,
ah, la man già l’elsa lasciò! and hands are removed from their swords!

Ah, al suolo d’entrambi si chinan gli Both of them have lowered their heads.
sguardi.
La mano delle spade già l’elsa lasciò! Their hands let go of their sword hilts!
A spegner dell’ira la fiamma, o codardi, You cowards! An old man’s voice was sufficient
la voce d’un vecchio bastò! to extinguish your inflamed anger!

Contadini: Villagers:
La voce d’un vecchio ascoltate, Listen to an old man’s voice and stem your
del giovane sangue lo sdegno frenate! anger!
Il ciglio bagnato è di pianto. We are all bathed in tears.
Il cuore con te palpitò! Our hearts beat for you!
Il cielo un soave mestissimo incanto d’un Heaven gave a soft, but very sad magic to
padre alla voce che implora donò. the voice of a pleading father.
O vecchio, ogni ciglio begnato è di pianto! Oh old man, every eye is bathed in tears!
Lo sdegno frenate, olà! Let the anger cease!

Edgar: Edgar:
Or dunque, addio! Now then, good-bye!
Frank draws his sword to bar the departure of Edgar and Tigrana.
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 16

Frank: Frank:
No. Tu non passerai! No! You will not pass!

Edgar draws his sword.

Edgar: Edgar:
Egli lo vuole! It is his wish!

Gualtiero, Fidelia: Gualtiero, Fidelia: (trying to stop them)

Frank! Edgar! Frank! Edgar!

Edgar e Frank: Edgar and Frank:

Parli il pugnale! May the sword speak!

Edgar and Frank duel.

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Edgar! Edgar!

Gualtiero: Gualtiero:
Olà! Stop!

Contadini: Villagers:
Terror, olà! Terror, stop!

Fidelia: Fidelia: (to Frank and Edgar)

Fratello! Ferma, Edgar! Brother! Stop, Edgar!

Gualtiero: Gualtiero:
Figlio! Cessate! Olà! You boys! Cease! Stop!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Su! Ferisci! Come on! Wound him!
Terror! Incalza! Su! Terror! Drive on! Come on!

Contadini: Villagers:
Per pietà! Fermi olà! No! For pity’s sake! Stop there! No!
Oh terror! Qual furor! Oh terror! What furor!
Qual demonio li spinge! What demon drives them!
Giù il pugnal! Put the sword down!

to Tigrana
Ah, crudel! Taci tu! Ah, cruel one! Be quiet!
L’armi a lo, su, strappiam! Let’s take away their weapons!
Ah, non più, che tardiam? Ah, no more, what are we waiting for?

Edgar: Edgar: (to Frank, stepping back)

Sei ferito! You are wounded!
Edgar Page 17

Frank: Frank:
No! No! No!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to Edgar)

Vieni! Fuggiam! Ferito egli è. Come! Let’s flee! He’s wounded.
Perchè restar? Why stay here?

Frank: Frank: (with anger)

Deve un di noi lasciar la vita qui! One of us must die here!

Gualtiero throws himself on Frank and wrenches the sword from him.

Gualtiero: Gualtiero:
Per Dio, quell’arme a me! By God, give me those weapons!

Edgar: Edgar: (to Tigrana)

Partiamo! Let’s go!

Edgar and Tigrana quickly depart.

Frank makes a supreme effort to follow her, but the villagers hold him back.

Frank: Frank:
Abbietta creatura! Despicable creature!
Maledizione a te! Curses on you!

Fidelia rushes to Frank as he falls into Gualtiero’s arms. The fire continues to rage.

Tutti: All:
Maledizione! Curses!

END OF EDGAR ACT I

Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 18

Act II

A bright moonlit evening. A terrace of a palace that overlooks several gardens;

in the background there is a vast expanse of countryside, crossed by silvery streams.
From the sumptuously lit palace, an orgy is in progress;
there is much laughter and cries of delight are heard.

Coro: Chorus: (inside the palace)

Splendida notte! Notte gioconda! Splendid night! Joyful night!
E dolci olezzi mandano i fior! The flowers send sweet scents!
Godiam la vita! Let us enjoy life!
D’argentea luce la luna inonda la terra e il The moon floods the earth and the sky with
ciel! silvery light!
Godiam la vita, doman si muor! Let us enjoy life; tomorrow one dies!

Edgar appears on the terrace, looking tired and bored.

Edgar: Edgar:
Orgia, chimera dall’occhio vitreo The orgy is a glossy illusion of burning
dal soffio ardente che i sensi incendia, breath that ignites the senses.
tu a me, dell’alta notte nel glauco In vain you return to me in the middle of the
mister silente, invan ritorni. night in silent greenish mystery.

Non più dai tuoi sguardi ammaliato sarà il My heart will no longer be bewitched by
mio cor! your glances!
Ne più m’avvince a te la voluttà. I am no longer bound by lust.

Ma ho terror del doman; But I have fear of tomorrow;

un vigliacco terror che l’onor mio there is a cowardly terror that my honor is
combattere non sa! unable to fight!

O soave visïon di quell’alba d’april, Oh gentle vision of April’s dawn,

o visïon gentil d’amore e di splendor! oh gentle vision of splendor and love!
Nell’abisso fatal, dove caduto io son, I can see the vision I yearn for from the fatal
rimpianta visïon, Ah! abyss into which I have fallen!
Te il mio pensiero evoca sempre ancor! You still evoke my thoughts!
Sovra un sereno cielo si disegna il profil The sweet profile of that angel who loved
dolcissimo dell’angiol che mi amò! me is outlined in the serene sky!
Edgar Page 19

Tigrana appears on the terrace and approaches Edgar with determination.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Edgar, sulla tua fronte erran tetri pensieri. Edgar, dark thoughts are wandering through
your mind.

Edgar: Edgar:
Essi son neri come l’abisso immondo ove They are black like the filthy abyss into
scesi con te! which I have descended with you!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Tu più non m’ami! You don’t love me anymore!

Edgar: Edgar:
La parola d’amor non profanar! Do not profane the word love!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Quel che sognavi un di d’orgie e di baci, One day you had feverish dreams of orgies
sogno febbril, donar io seppi a te. and kisses, and I knew how to give them to
. you.
Per sempre il fato ci unì, intendi? Do you realize that fate has united us forever?
Un mendico sarai lungi da me! You will become a beggar if you leave me!

Edgar: Edgar:
Taci, demonio! Be quiet, you demon!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Dalla valle natia perchè fuggir, Why did you flee from your homeland, and
e la casa paterna, perchè incendiar? why did you set the house of your forefathers
ablaze?
Or la tua sorte è mia, tutto perdesti! You have lost everything, and now your fate
is mine!

Edgar: Edgar:
Taci, demonio! Be quiet, you demon!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
In me soltanto, Edgar, tu puoi sperar! Edgar, your only hope rests with me!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 20

Dal labbro mio suggi l’oblio Draw forgetfulness from my lips,

e a te il doman sorriderà. and tomorrow you will smile.
Nuovi deliri di voluttà a te darà di voluttà la My beauty will give you new passions of
mia beltà. lust.

Edgar: Edgar:
Ogni velen, demon, tu chiudi in sen. Demon, you hide every poison in your breast.
Nè mai da te fuggir potrò? Will I ever be able to flee from you?
Nè un raggio a me brillar vedrò, I will never see a ray of shining hope,
un raggio sol di speme ancor? or even a ray of hope?
Nè mai da te fuggir potrò I will never be able to flee
da quest’abisso d’onta e d’orror. from this abyss of shame and horror.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Vano è lottar, il fato ci unì! It’s useless to fight, fate has us united!
Ora il fato ci unì! Fate has us united now!

The sounds of drums and trumpets are heard from the distance.

Soldati: Soldiers:
Urrò! Hurrah!

Edgar: Edgar:
Uno squillo marzial! A martial blast!
Passa una schiera di soldati alla porta del There’s a platoon of soldiers filing past the
castel. castle door.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Come sfavillan l’armi al raggio della luna! How their arms shine from the rays of the
moon!

Edgar: Edgar: (to himself)

(Ah ! Qual pensiero, a me lo manda Iddio!) (Ah! What an idea God has sent me!)

Olà, soldati, sostate! Hey, soldiers, stop!

Una coppa di vino d’accettare vi piaccia? Would you like to have a glass of wine?
Stringer voglio la mano al capitan! I’d like to shake hands with the captain!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Or ben, che intendi far? Now then, what do you intend to do?

Edgar: Edgar:
Mi lascia! Leave me alone!

Frank, leading the soldiers, recognizes Edgar and Tigrana.

Frank: Frank: (to himself)

(Tigrana! Edgar!) (Tigrana! Edgar!)
Edgar Page 21

Edgar, Tigrana: Edgar, Tigrana:

Frank! Frank!

Frank: Frank:
Perchè voi ancor sul mio cammin? Why are you two still in my way?

Frank begins to depart.

Edgar: Edgar: (stopping him)

Ah no! Fermati! M’ascolta! No! Stop! Listen to me!
S’io t’offesi, mi perdona! If I offended you, forgive me!

Frank: Frank:
D’un amore abbietto, indegno, Your sword cured me of a cursed and
il tuo ferro mi guarì! unworthy love!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to herself)

(Perchè in lor non più lo sdegno? (Why aren’t they angry anymore?
Perchè prega Edgar così?) Why does Edgar beg like that?)

Edgar: Edgar:
Fui colpevol, ma atroce fu la pena! I was guilty but the punishment was painful!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to herself)

(Egli mi sfugge!) (He’s escaping from me!)

Edgar: Edgar:
Oggi salvarmi tu puoi! You can save me today!
Puoi spezzar la mia catena! You can break the chain that binds me!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to herself)

(Mi sfugge!) (He’s getting away from me!)

Frank: Frank:
Io, salvarti? Parla! I, save you? Speak!
Aprimi il tuo cuore! Open your heart to me!
Palesa il tuo pensiero! Reveal your thoughts!

Edgar: Edgar:
Per redimerme e combattere al tuo fianco io I want to fight at your side and redeem
con te voglio partir! myself. I want to go with you!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (grabbing Frank and begging)

Se è ver che un di m’amasti, If it is true that one day you loved me, then
deh, non toglierlo a me! don’t take him away from me!

Frank: Frank:
Lasciami, ti disprezzo Leave me, I despise you!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 22

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to Edgar)

Ah, non abbandonarmi! Ah, don’t abandon me!
D’amarti io non credea come t’amo in I didn’t believe I could love you as much as
quest’ora! I love you at this moment!
Viver sensa di te più non potrei! I could never live without you !

Edgar: Edgar: (haughtily)

Com’io saprò dimenticarti, tu pur mi You will also forget me, just as I will learn to
scorderai! forget you!

Edgar pushes Tigrana away.

A te soltanto mi voto, o Gloria!! Oh Glory, I consecrate myself only to you !

Edgar, Frank, Soldati: Edgar, Frank, Soldiers:

Or la Patria sacra in cuor ci sta! Only sacred thoughts of my country dwell in
my heart!
Chi dà la vita a lei giammai morrà! Whoever gives his life for his country will
achieve immortality!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
O della morte, o mio tu sarai! You will either die, or you will be mine!

Tigrana tries to stop Edgar from leaving, but he repulses her.

Tigrana makes a menacing gesture, swearing vengeance.

END OF EDGAR ACT II

Edgar Page 23

Act III

The bastion of a fortress near the city of Courtray.

A catafalque is covered by veils that hang from a tree.

The sun is setting and black clouds mingle with the falling sky.
Faraway trumpets announce the approach of a funeral procession.
An officer places sentinels near the catafalque;
four pages place lighted candles all around.

The funeral procession files past, the coffin bearing a dead knight in armor.
Laurel leaves are strewn over the coffin.
Frank appears with a Friar, his face concealed by his habit.
Fidelia, Gualtiero, and soldiers watch as the coffin is lowered onto the catafalque.

Fanciulli: Boys:
Requiem aeternam! Rest in eternity!
In pace factus est locus ejus! In peace he has taken his place!
Et in Sion abitatio ejus! And in Zion is his dwelling!

Del Signor la pupilla veglia nell’ombre The eye of the Lord watches in the eternal
eterne. shadows.

Coro: Chorus:
Ora pro eo! Pray for him!
Il bene e il mal discerne. He sees the good and the bad.
Ei vede il giusto e il reo. And he sees the just and the guilty.
Entra nel cielo il buon che cade The good one who fails enters into Heaven
sotto le inique spade! under the evil swords!

Fidelia: Fidelia: (to herself)

(Non basta il pianto al mio dolor, (Oh Edgar, my only love, tears are not
o Edgar, mio solo amor!) enough to express my pain!)

Tutti: All:
Riposa in pace, o pio guerriero, Rest in peace, oh pious warrior,
salva hai la patria tua diletta! who has saved your beloved country!
In noi non vive che un pensiero; Only one thought lives within us:
quel di compir la tua vendetta! that of fulfilling your vengeance!

I Monaci: The Friars:

Deus, in virtute tua judica me! Lord, in your goodness, judge me!
Deus, exaudi orationem meam! Lord, hear my prayers!
Noi, nel tuo nome, pel patrio suol We will know how to shed our blood for our
il sangue nostro saprem versar. native land in Your name.
Iddio la Fiandra schiava non vuol. God does not wish Flanders to be enslaved.
Per te e la Fiandra morremo, Edgar! Edgar, we will die for you and our fatherland!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 24

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Addio, mio dolce amore! Farewell, my sweet love!
Nell’ombra ove discendi, I will also enter the solemn, infinite shadows
solenne, infinita anch’io verrò. M’attendi! where you descend. Wait for me!
Dove tu solo regni, dolor Pain, where you alone reign, youth is
la gioventù non ha più fior! despoiled of its flowers!
Addio ancor, o Edgar, la tua memoria Farewell again, oh Edgar, your memory will
sarà il mio sol pensero! be my sole thought!
Lassù, nella tua gloria m’attendi, Edgar! Up there, in your glory, await me, Edgar!

Tutti: All:
O Edgar, o pio guerriero, Oh Edgar, oh pious warrior,
a te in eterno gloria! to you, glory forever!
La sacra tua memoria Your sacred memory
non perirà mai più! will live eternally!

I Monaci: The Friars:

In pace factus est locus ejus He has taken his place in peace
et in Sion abitatio ejus. and his dwelling is Zion!
Frank delivers the eulogy.
Frank: Frank:
Del prode Edgar, del nostro capitano May the glorious name of our valiant captain
glorioso il nome suoni! Edgar resound!
Fu brezza pei buoni, He was an inspiration for good men,
per gli empi fu uragano! and he was a hurricane for the wicked!
Nel suo nobil cuor, due nomi eran scolpiti: Two words were engraved in his noble heart:
Patria e Onor! Country and Honor!

. a few soldiers and townspeople.

Edgar, disguised as a Friar, advances with

ll Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

D’Edgar l’onor io contestar non vo’. I do not wish to question Edgar’s honor.
Ma la casa paterna egli incendiò But he burned his forefather’s house,
e l’orgia amò. and he loved debauchery.
Voi forse l’ignorate, ma sincero è il mio dir. Perhaps you don’t know it, but my words
are sincere.

Tutti: All:
Silenzio, frate! Silence, friar!
Edgar Page 25

Frank: Frank: (continuing the eulogy)

Alto l’acciar, dove batteva il cuore He was a living example for us,
della battaglia, with his sword held high
egli era per noi viva bandiera, in the midst of the battle:
pei nemici terrore, il suo nome vivrà a terror to the enemy, and his name will live
perché suona: libertà! because it means Liberty!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Fu prode, è ver! It is true that he was valiant!
Ma d’un avventurier fu il suo valor. But his valor was that of an adventurer.
Tutto ei perduto avea e tutto osar potea! He lost everything and could dare anything!
Non rammentate di tal genìa l’ardir? Remember the daring of such rabble?

Frank: Frank:
Silenzio, Frate! Silence, friar!

Coro: Chorus:
No! Lascialo parlar! No! Let him speak!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Edgar mi impose di rivelar le colpe sue As he was dying, Edgar asked me to reveal
morendo; every one his sins;
di penitenza e insiem d’esempio in segno, as a sign of penitence and also as an
ogni inganno a bandir! example!
Some the crowd come closer to the Friar (Edgar) and signal others to do the same.
Coro: Chorus:
Udite! Parla! Listen! Speak!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

V’è alcun fra voi del suo villaggio? Is there someone here from his village?

Alcuni Uomini: Some Men:

Noi! We are!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Sta bene! Or dunque rispondete: All right! Now then answer:
È ver ch’ei la sua casa un dì incendiò? Is it true that one day he set his house ablaze?

Alcuni Uomini: Some Men:

Sì è ver! Yes, it’s true!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Che a voi scherni ed insulti osò scagliar? That he dared to ridicule and insult you?
Or dunque rispondete! Now then, answer!

Alcuni Uomini: Some Men:

Sì, è ver! Yes, it’s true!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 26

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

È ver che Frank ferì ? Is it true that he wounded Frank?
Che con Tigrana la cortigiana allor fuggìa? That he fled with the courtesan Tigrana?

Alcuni Uomini: Some Men:

È ver, è ver!! It’s true, it’s true!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Or, se gioco non son le umane leggi, Now, if human and divine laws are not a
un empio fu! game, he was a villain!

Coro: Chorus:
Un empio, è ver! It’s true, a villain!

Fidelia: Fidelia: (to herself)

(Orror!) (What a horror!)

Gualtiero: Gualtiero: (to Fidelia)

O figlia mia, partiamo, il sol già tramontò! My daughter, let’s leave, the sun has already
set!
The Friar urges everyone to come around him.

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Ei tutto nell’orgia nel gioco perdea. Tigrana sold her kisses at a dear price, and
ma cari i suoi baci Tigrana vendea. he lost everything in orgies and gambling.
Ei visse dell’ôr che dà il disonor! He lived for gold that he acquired dishonestly!

Tutti: All:
Vergogna! What shame!

Fidelia: Fidelia: (to herself)

(Oh terror!) (Oh terror!)

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Al suo castello era un bosco vicino There was a forest near his castle, and more
e più d’ un viandante ivi perì! than one traveller perished in there!

Tutti: All: (horrified)

Assassino! Assassin!

The crowd rushes menacingly toward the coffin.

Onta su lui! Shame on him!

Ai corvi il suo cadavere! Let his corpse be thrown to the crows!
Vergogna e orror la sua memoria His memory will awaken shame and horror
d’ogi fiammingo desterà nel cuor! in the heart of every Fleming!

As they rush to grab the corpse. Fidelia intercedes, blocking them with her body.
Edgar Page 27

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Non più ! Fermate! No more! Stop!

The crowd backs down. Edgar looks at Fidelia expressing great emotion.

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar)

(Angiolo santo! (Saintly angel!
Osò difenderlo ella soltanto! She alone dared to defend him!

Fidelia: Fidelia:
D’ogni dolor questo è il più gran dolor: To see the one you adore be insulted is the
Insultato veder chi si adorò! greatest of all sorrows!
No, puro Edgar tu sei, No, Edgar, you are pure,
Edgar mio solo amor, io ti difenderò! Edgar, my only love, I will defend you!

Nel villagio d;Edgar son nata anch’io I was also born in Edgar’s village and I
e lo conobbi. knew him.
Errò che importa! He erred, but that doesn’t matter!
Pio era il suo cor, His heart was righteous,
se ardente il suo pensier. even if his thoughts were impassioned.
E della giovinezza il breve error He paid for the small error of his youth with
scontò col sangue suo, col suo valor! his valor and his blood!

Coro: Chorus:
Bella e gentil! She’s so beautiful and gentle!

Frank: Frank:
Gentil ell’è davver! She is indeed gentle!

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Or là attender io vo’ che spunti il giorno. Now I want to wait until dawn.
Con me al villaggio ancor ei tornerà! He will return with me to our village!
Riposerà nel nostro cimiter He will rest in our cemetery until such time
finchè con lui nell’ideal soggiorno when Heaven grants me the ideal of eternal
a me la pace eterna il ciel darà! peace together with him!

Al vostro capitano v’inchinate, o soldati! Soldiers, bow to your captain!

The soldiers kneel. Frank dismisses the people.

Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 28

Frank: Frank:
Andate! Go!

Fidelia signals her father to allow her one last moment at the coffin.
She picks up some flowers and laurel fronds, kisses them,
and strews them over the coffin. Everyone slowly leaves.

The Friar (Edgar) kneels before the coffin.

Fidelia glances backward as Gualtiero accompanies her away.

Frank approaches the Friar., both watch Fidelia and Gualtiero.

Suddenly, Tigrana appears.

Voce di Tigrana: Tigrana:

Voglio passar! I want to pass!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

La voce di Tigrana! Tigrana’s voice!
Nella mia coppa rimanea la feccia! The filth remains in my cup!

Tigrana forces her way past a sentinel.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Il passo mi sgombrate! Let me through!

Tigrana addresses the Friar.

A me concesso, o frate, sia di vegliar Friar, I wish to be allowed to pray and keep a
pregando del capitano Edgar presso la vigil near Captain Edgar’s body.
salma.

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Eccola! There it is!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to herself)

(Aimè, finite son le esequie. (Woe is me, the funeral rites are over.
Nessun vedrà il mio lutto!) No one will see me mourning!)

Tigrana approaches the coffin.

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (to himself)

In lei tanta pietà? Is there so much pity in her?
Menzogna è questa al par dell’altre sue! It is a lie, just like all of her others!
Ma sia l’estrema! But let this be the last one!

to Frank
No con me resta. Ascolta! No, stay with me. Listen!
Edgar Page 29

Pregare, amar non seppe mai chi visse sol di A person who lived for lust never knew how
voluttà. to love or pray.
Del suo dolor, tu lo vedrai, solo a far pompa You will see that her sorrow here is but a
ella qui sta. pretence.
Nel perfido suo cuor fra poco io leggerò. I will soon be able to read her wicked heart.

Frank: Frank:
Sempre ignorò preghiera e amore chi visse A person who lived for lust never knew how
sol di voluttà. to love or pray.
Ma spesso il ciel redime un cuore But often Heaven redeems a heart in a
con un istante di pietà. moment of compassion.
Se mente il suo dolor interroga il suo cuor. If her sorrow is false question her heart.
Io ti seconderò! Va! I will support your actions! Go!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Edgar, quanto t’amai! Edgar, how much I loved you!
Questo mio labbro dir non può. These lips cannot say how much.
Edgar, om mio perduto ben! Edgar, oh my lost love!

Tigrana kneels before the coffin. Frank indicates his understanding of the Friar
and is ready to follow his lead.
Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (approaching Tigrana)
Bella signora, il pianto sciupa gli occhi; Beautiful lady, weeping spoils the eyes;
avvizzano i sospiri un bianco sen; your white bosom wilts from sighing;
Io vi chieggo pietà per quei ginocchi I ask you to pity your knees, which are
che voi dannate ai morsi del terren! being harmed by the rough ground!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
V’allontanate, lasciatemi pregar! Go away, leave me to pray!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Io vi chieggo pietà per quei ginocchi. I ask you to pity your knees.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Silenzio frate! Silence, Friar!
Lasciatemi pregar! V’allontanate! Let me pray! Go away!

Frank: Frank:
Bella signora, il morto esser vorrei Beautiful lady, I wish I was the deceased and
che il vostro lutto avrei, dama gentil! mourned by such a charming lady.
Del vostro pianto una perla soltanto One of your pearly tears is worth the
le mille perle val d’ogni monil! thousand pearls in this necklace!

Frank show Tigrana a necklace of pearls.

Tigrana: Tigrana: (excitedly)

Ah ! Va! Non tentarmi! Go! Don’t tempt me!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 30

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (showing another necklace)

Guarda! Look!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
O meraviglia! Oh, what a marvel!

Frank: Frank:
Come da fiamma malïarda osserva, She is already fascinated, observing it as if
affascinata ell’è diggià! possessed by a bewitching flame.

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Un detto della tua bocca vermiglia ed il One word from your red mouth and the
monile è tuo! necklace is yours!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Un detto! A word!

Il Frate (Edgar), Frank: Friar (Edgar), Frank:

Prezzo non ha, bella Signora, questo vezzo! Lovely lady, the necklace is priceless!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (contemplating the jewels)

Qual baglior! What luster!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (to Frank)

Capitan, la tenti invan! Guarda! Captain, you tempt her in vain! Look!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Oh portento! Oh, wonder!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Dal labbro tuo vermiglio un detto sol e tuo I want only one word from your red mouth
sarà l’anel! and this ring is yours!

Frank: Frank:
E tuo sarà il monil! And the necklace will also be yours!

Tigrana: Tigrana: (to herself)

(Perchè mi tenta così? (Why does he tempt me like that?)

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Queste gemme avrai se all’odio mio oggi Today, you will have these gems if you will
servir vorrai! help serve my hatred.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
All’odio tuo? To serve your hatred?

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Sì! Yes!
Edgar Page 31

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Strane parole! Strange words!

Il Frate (edgar): Friar (Edgar): (tempting her)

Guarda! Risplende al par del sol! Look! It shines like the sun!
Or ben? Well now?

Tigrana is still unresolved. Edgar and Frank urge her on,

offering her the jewels with increasing insistence.
After some hesitation, Tigrana stares at the necklace and exclaims resolutely.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Vincesti! You’ve won!
Frank and Edgar take the jewels from Tigrana.
Frank, Il Frate (Edgar): Frank, Friar (Edgar):
Squillin le trombe! Let the trumpets blare!

Soldati: Soldiers: (from inside)

All’armi! To arms!

Tigrana: Tigrana:
Or quale mister? What is this mystery now?

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (to Tigrana)

Attendi! Wait!

Soldati: Soldiers: (entering from all sides)

Che fu? What was it?

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Venite! Soldati! Come! Soldiers!
Io d’una tomba l’onor contesi a Edgar. I questioned Edgar’s honor at his grave.

Soldati: Soldiers:
È ver! It’s true!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

M’han detto: “tu i morti offendi!” You told me: “You offend the dead!”
Alla mia voce fé non prestâr! Nobody heeded my voice!

Indicating Tigrana
Or dunque a voi risponda costei d’Edgar Now then, may she, Edgar’s mistress,
l’amante! answer you!

Soldati: Soldiers: (surprised)

Ella?! She?!
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 32

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Sì! Yes!

to Tigrana
Parla: È ver che Edgar, avido d’ôr, volea Speak: Is it true that Edgar, avid for gold,
tradir la patria? wanted to betray his country?

Frank, Tigrana, Soldati: Frank, Tigrana, Soldiers:

Ciel! Heavens!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar):

Lo afferma e tuo sarà il monil! Admit it and the necklace will be yours!
Showing Tigrana the necklace.
Guarda! Look!

Frank e Soldati: Frank and Soldiers:

Rispondi! Answer!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar)

Avrai, se affermi, mille gemme al par di If you admit it, you will have a thousand
questa. gems like this one.
Io t’amo! Edgar tu amasti. Io l’odio! I love you! You loved Edgar. I hate him!

Frank e Soldati: Frank, Soldiers: (to Tigrana)

Parla! Rispondi! Speak! Answer!

Tigrana takes the necklace from the Friar.

Tigrana: Tigrana:
È ver! It’s true!

Soldati: Soldiers:
Maledizione a lui! Curses!
Ai corvi il suo cadavere! Throw his corpse to the crows!
Maledizion a lui! Curse him!
The soldiers go to the coffin to grab the body, but only find pieces of armor.
They become terrified.
Gran Dio! Great God!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (ironically)

Che fu? What was it?

Soldati: Soldiers:
Non vedi? Vuota è l’armatura! Don’t you see? The armor is empty!

Il Frate (Edgar): Friar (Edgar): (removing his vestment)

Sì! Poichè vive Edgar! Yes! Because Edgar lives!
Edgar Page 33

Fidelia: Fidelia:
Ah! Ah!

Soldati: Soldiers:
Onta su noi! Shame on us!

Edgar: Edgar:
Sì, poichè Edgar vive! Yes, because Edgar lives!
Edgar releases himself from Fidelia’s embrace and violently threatens Tigrana,
who draws back in fear.
O lebbra, sozzura del mondo, Oh leper, filth of the world,
o fronte di bronzo e di fango. oh face of bronze and of mud,
tortura e gingillo giocondo, you playful, torturing bit of filth,
va, fuggi, o t’infrango! go, run off, or I’ll crush you!

Edgar goes to grab Tigrana, who seeks refuge near the soldiers.
Tigrana: Tigrana: (screaming to the soldiers)
Oh il vil! Mi difendete! Oh, the wretch! Defend me!

Soldati, Frank: Soldiers, Frank: (repulsing Tigrana)

Va! T’allontana abbietta cortigiana! Go far from here, despicable courtesan!

Edgar: Edgar: (to the humiliated soldiers)

Maledizione a voi! Redento io son! Curses on you! I have been redeemed!

Embracing Fidelia.
Io ritorno alla vita! I return to life!
O gloria, o voluttà! Oh glory, oh lust!
Bieche illusion, Evil illusions,
addio per sempre. Addio! farewell forever!

Edgar begins to leave with Fidelia. Tigrana, crawling and unseen, approaches Fidelia and
stabs her with a dagger. Fidelia falls, as if struck by lightning. The horrified crowd screams.
Frank and Edgar seek Tigrana, who disappears into the crowd, but then soldiers seize her.

Coro, Soldati: Chorus, Soldiers:

Orror! Horror!

Frank: Frank:
A morte! Kill her!

Coro, Soldati: Chorus, Soldiers:

A morte! Orror! To death! Horror!
Sobbing, Edgar throws himself on Fidelia’s corpse. Frank embraces and consoles Gualtiero.
Some soldiers drag Tigrana’s body away, while some grieving women encircle Fidelia’s
corpse. All kneel in prayer.
END OF OPERA
Opera Journeys Libretto Series Page 34