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CHOR O Göttin. die Osiris einst [im Tempel] Zum Leben liess erwarmen, In's Menschenherz die Flamme haucht Der Keuschheit fort und fort: Hilf, hilf uns voll Erbarmen, Der ew'gen Liebe Hort! [Amneris, Ramphis, einige dichtverschleierte Frauen und Leibwachen steigen aus einer Barke, welche am Ufer anlegt] RAM.
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ACT III Shores of the Nile. Granite rocks overgrown with palm trees. - On the summit of the rocks a temple dedicated to Isis, half hidden in foliage. - Starry night, moon shining brightly. CHORUS O thou who to Osiris art [within the temple] Mother and consort immortal, Goddess that mad'st the human heart Flutter as does the dove, Aid us who seek thy portal, Parent of deathless love. [From a boat which approaches the shore descend Amneris and Ramphis, followed by women closely veiled and Guards] RAM. Come to the fane of Isis the eve [to Amn.] Before the day of thy bridal, pray that The Goddess grant thee her favour. To Isis Are the hearts of mortals open. All that is hidden In the heart of man she knoweth. AMN. Yes, and I will pray that Radames may give me Truly his heart, truly as mine to him Has ever been sacred. RAM. Thou shalt pray Till the daylight. I shall be near thee. [All enter the temple, the Chorus repeats the sacred hymn] AIDA [veiled, enters cautiously] He will ere long be here! What would he tell me? I tremble! Ah, if thou comest To bid me, harsh man, farewell for ever, Then, Nilus, thy dark and rushing stream Hides me forever; peace shall I find there and oblivion! O skies cerulean, breezes soft blowing, Where brightly calmness saw life's blithe morn unfold, Sweet sloping verdure by streams so softly flowing, Thee my native land ne'er more shall I behold! O blessed vales, wherein all cares were banish'd, That once did promise love, I bid adieu, Ah me! of love the sweetest dream has vanish'd, O native land, ne'er more shall I see you!
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