Web Opera

A Greek Slave
I Cannot Love

Song No. 9

Antonia

Play MIDI File MIDI File 16K, 3 min. 15 seconds. MIDI Karaoke Version


ARIA— Antonia

Antonia:

What is this love that men and women prize,
This charm that brings them happiness untold,
That in the heart of ev 'ry beggar lies,
Yet is not bought for all my wealth of gold?

Is there no pow'r to give me for my own
This passion that will open to my sight,
The faery wonders of a world unknown,
This love that should be mine by woman's right?

Ah tell me why the gods deny
The boon I crave all else above?
Then hear my plea and pity me,
For oh! I cannot, cannot love!

What is this love that holds the world in thrall,
This love that others know, yet know not I,
That bids a woman yield to man her-all,
And man for sake of woman bravely die?

Take lands and gold; take jewels rich and rare
And give me for a moment though it be—
This love that mortals find so passing fair,
This love that is for all yet not for me!

Ah tell me why the gods deny
The boon I crave all else above?
Then hear my plea and pity me,
For oh! I cannot, cannot love!

(At conclusion of song, Antonia throws herself at Maia's feet. Maia descends from her perch and Iris removes bandages. Maia raises up Antonia and leads her forward)

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Page created 27October 2001