Handel Hercules (HWV 60, 1745)

Original source: http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/hercules.htm
The story is based on The Women of Trachis by Sophocles and
Metamorphoses of Ovid.

Georg Friedrich Händel

HERCULES

(1745)

A Musical Drama

Words by Thomas Broughton

Georg Friedrich Händel
Hercules, Oratorio composed in 1744
Singers : J Di Donato I Bohlin S Kirkbride Conductor : William Christie
Published on Feb 19, 2014 by La Casa di Davide (16:9 360p 3:09:41)



Viktoria Vizin in Händel: Herkules
Published on Feb 24, 2013 by Viktoria Vizin (!!) (16:9 720p HD 2:39:02)

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George Frideric Handel Hercules

@Wikipedia, @IMSLP The plot summaries found below are from the Wikipedia article (as of 2013-02). The story is from The Women of Trachis by Sophocles.
Performance and video information
Conductor		William Christie
Mise en scène		Luc Bondy
Orchestra		Les Arts Florissants
Chorus		Les Arts Florissants
Organizers		L’Opera National de Paris Le Festival d’Aix-en-Provence Les Wiener Festwochen (2004)
Venue		Palais Garnier
Performance date		2004-12-22
Duration		3h09m42s
Video type		360p 16:9
Subtitles		English
YouTube uploader		FossoDeiLupi
YouTube upload date		2013-06-06
YouTube deletion date		N/A
Dramatis Personæ
Hercules, surnamed Alcides (bass)		William Shimell
Dejanira, wife of Hercules (mezzo-soprano)		Joyce DiDonato
Hyllus, son of Hercules (tenor)		Toby Spence
Iole, daughter of the King of Oechalia (soprano)		Ingela Bohlin
Lichas, a herald, faithful servant to Dejanira (alto)		Malena Ernman
Priest of Jupiter (bass)		Simon Kirkbride
First Oechalian (soprano)
First Trachinian (tenor)
Chorus of Trachininans
Chorus
Libretto and Links
#	Libretto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Christie Paris 2004 - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ACT ONE
The court laments the inconsolable grief of Dejanira, who is convinced that her husband, Hercules, has been killed whilst on a military expedition that has kept him absent from her. Once consulted, the oracles indicate that the hero is dead and the summits of Oeta are ablaze with fire. The prophecy confirms Dejanira's fears; however, their son, Hyllus, refuses to give up hope. As the latter prepares to set out in search of his father, Lichas arrives and announces that Hercules has returned alive after conquering Oechalia. Among the captives is the princess Iole of legendary beauty. Her predicament leaves Hyllus deeply moved. Despite having ravaged her country and sacrificed her father, Hercules reassures Iole that even though in exile, she may consider herself free.
1	Overture	1-Christie Titles-Christie Synopsis-Christie
Act One, Scene 1
The Palace in Trachis, Thessaly. Dejanira, Lichas and Trachinians.
2	Accompagnato Lichas See, with what sad dejection in her looks, Indulging grief, the mournful princess sits. She weeps from morning's dawn to shades of night, From gloom of night to redd'ning blush of morn, Uncertain of Alcides' destiny, Disconsolate his absence she laments.	2-Christie
3	Air Lichas No longer, fate, relentless frown, Preserve, great Jove, the hero's life. With glory's wreath his actions crown, And oh, restore him to his mourning wife! No longer, fate. . . da capo	(3-Christie) 3-Christie (3/With-Christie) 3/With-Christie (3/No-Christie) 3/No-Christie (3/ritornello)-Christie
4	Accompagnato Dejanira O Hercules! Why art thou absent from me? Return, return, my hero, to my arms! O gods, how racking are the pains of absence To one who loves, who fondly loves, like me!	4-Christie
5	Air Dejanira The world, when day's career is run, In darkness mourns the absent sun; So I, deprived of that dear light That warm'd my breast and cheer'd my sight, Deplore in thickest gloom of grief The absence of the valiant chief.	(5-Christie) 5-Christie 5/So-Christie
6	Recitative Lichas Princess, be comforted, and hope the best! A few revolving hours may bring him back, Once more to bless your longing arms. Dejanira Ah no, impossible! He never will return. Lichas Forbid it, Heav'n, and all ye guardian pow'rs That watch o'er virtue, innocence and Iove!	6-Christie
Act One, Scene 2
To them Hyllus.
6- continued	Dejanira My son, dear image of thy absent sire! What comfort bringst thou to thy mother's ear? Hyllus Eager to know my father's destiny, I bade the priests with solemn sacrifice Explore the will of Heav'n. The altar smok'd, The slaughter'd victim bled, when lo, around The hallow'd walls a sudden glory blaz'd! The priest acknowledg'd the auspicious omen, And own'd the present god, when, in a moment, The temple shook, the glory disappear'd, And more than midnight darkness veil'd the place. Lichas 'Twas dreadful all! Hyllus At length the sacred flamen, Full of the deity, prophetic spoke:	6-continued-Christie
7	7. Air Hyllus « I feel, I feel the god, he swells my breast. Before my eyes the future stands confest: I see the valiant chief in death laid low, And flames aspire from Oeta's lofty brow. »	(7-Christie) 7-Christie
8	Hyllus He said; the sacred fury left his breast And on the ground the fainting prophet fell. Dejanira Then I am lost. O dreadful oracle, My griefs hang heavy on my tortur'd soul, And soon will sink me to the realms of night! There once again I shall behold my Hercules, Or whirl the lance, or bend the stubborn bow, Or to the listening ghosts his toils recount.	8-Christie
9	Dejanira There in myrtle shades reclin'd, By streams that through Elysium wind, In sweetest union we shall prove Eternity of bliss and love.	(9-Christie) 9-Christie
10	Hyllus Despair not, but let rising hope suspend Excess of grief, 'till I have learn'd the certainty Of my dear father's fate. Tomorrow's sun Shall see your Hyllus bend his pious steps To seek the hero through the travell'd globe. If yet he lives, I will restore him to you, Or perish in the search.	10-Christie
11	Hyllus Where congeal'd the northern streams Bound in icy fetters stand, Where the sun's intenser beams Scorch the burning Lybian sand, By honour, love and duty led, There with daring steps I'll tread.	(11-Christie) 11-Christie (11/riternello-Christie)
12	12. Chorus of Trachinians O filial piety, O gen'rous love! Go, youth inspir'd, thy virtue prove! Immortal fame attends thee, And pitying Heav'n befriends thee! O filial piety. . . da capo	12-Christie 12/Immortal-Christie 12/O_filial-Christie
Act One, Scene 3
To them Lichas
13	13. Recitative Lichas Banish your fears! The noble Hercules Lives, and from sacked Oechalia, which his arms Have levell'd with the ground, returns a conqueror! Dejanira O joyful news, welcome as rising day To the benighted world, or falling showers To the parched earth! Ye lying omens, hence! Hence, every anxious thought!	13-Christie
14	14. Air Dejanira Begone, my fears, fly hence, away, Like clouds before the morning ray! My hero found, With laurels crown'd, Heav'n relenting, Fate consenting, Springing joys my griefs control, And rising transports swell my soul. Begone, my fears. . . da capo	(14-Christie) 14-Christie (14/My_hero-Christie) 14/My_hero-Christie (14/Begone-Christie) 14/Begone-Christie
15	15. Recitative Lichas A train of captives, red with honest wounds, And low'ring on their chains, attend the conqueror. But more to grace the pomp of victory, The lovely lole, Oechalia's princess, With captive beauty swells the joyful triumph. Hyllus My soul is mov'd for the unhappy princess, And fain, methinks, I would unbind her chains; But say, her father, haughty Eurytus? Lichas He fell in single combat by the sword of Hercules. Dejanira No more, but haste, and wait thy lord's arrival! Exit Dejanira. Lichas How soon is deepest grief exchanged for bliss!	15-Christie
16	16. Air Lichas The smiling hours of joyful train On silken pinions waft again The moments of delight. Returning pleasures banish woe, As ebbing streams recruited flow, And day succeeds to night. The smiling hours. . . da capo	(16-Christie) 16-Christie (16/riternello-Christie)
17	17. Chorus of Trachinians Let none despair; relief may come though late, And Heav'n can snatch us from the verge of fate. Exeunt.	17-Christie
Act One, Scene 4
	18. Recitative Iole Ye faithful followers of the wretched Iole, Your bonds sit heavier on me than my own. Unhappy maids! My fate has dragg'd you down Like some vast pile, that crushes with its fall The neighb'ring domes, and spreads wide ruin round it. First Oechalian You are our mistress still! Iole Alas, Erastia, Captivity, like the destroyer death, Throws all distinctions down, and slaves are equal. But if the gods relent, and give us back To our lost liberty — ah me! — how soon The flatt'rer hope is ready with his cordial! Vain expectation! No, adieu for ever, Ye smiling joys and innocent delights Of youth and liberty! Oh, sad remembrance!
19	19. Air Iole Daughter of gods, bright liberty! With thee a thousand graces reign, A thousand pleasures crowd thy train And hail the liveliest deity. But thou, alas, hast wing'd thy flight, The graces that surround thy throne And all the pleasures with thee gone, Remov'd for ever from my sight. Daughter of gods. . . da capo
20	20. Recitative Iole But hark, the victor comes!
Act One, Scene 5
To them Hercules and attendants.
21	March	21-Christie
22	22. Recitative Hercules Thanks to the pow'rs above, but chief to thee, Father of gods, from whose immortal loins I drew my birth! Now my long toils are o'er, And Juno's rage appeas'd. With pleasure now, At rest, my various labours I review. OechaIia's fall is added to my titles And points the rising summit of my glory. (Turning to Iole) Fair princess, weep no more! Forget these bonds, In Trachin you are free, as in Oechalia. Iole Forgive me, generous victor, if a sigh For my dear father, for my friends, my country, Will have its way. I cannot yet forget That such things were, and that I once enjoy'd them.	22-Christie 22/Iole-Christie
23	Iole My father! Ah, methinks I see The sword inflict the deadly wound: He bleeds, he falls in agony, Dying he bites the crimson ground. Peaceful rest, dear parent shade, Light the earth be on thee laid! In thy daughter's pious mind All thy virtues live enshrin'd. Exeunt Iole and Oechalians	(23-Christie) 23-Christie (23/Peaceful-Christie) 23/Peaceful-Christie
Act One, Scene 6
24	24. Recitative Hercules Now farewell, arms! From hence, the tide of time Shall bear me gently down to mellow age. >From war to love I fly, my cares to lose In gentle Dejanira's fond embrace.	24-Christie
25	Air Hercules The god of battle quits the bloody field, And useless hang the glitt'ring spear and shield, While, all resign'd to conqu'ring beauty's charms, He gives a Ioose to Iove in Cytherea's arms.	(25-Christie) 25-Christie (25/While-Christie) 25/While-Christie (25/riternello-Christie)
26	Chorus of Trachinians Crown with festal pomp the day, Be mirth extravagantly gay. Bid the grateful altars smoke, Bid the maids the youths provoke To join the dance, while music's voice Tells aloud our rapt'rous joys!	(26-Christie) 26-Christie End_of_Act_1-Christie
ACT TWO
Iole is seized by a yearning desire for a simple, humble form of happiness far removed from the machinations of power. Meanwhile, Dejanira, convinced that Hercules has been unfaithful to her, considers Iole's beauty as proof of his betrayal, even though her suspicions are resolutely refuted by her supposed rival. Lichas, too, observes the unstoppable progression of Dejanira's jealousy. Hyllus, for his part, having declared his love to the captive princess, suffers the agony of her rejection. While Hercules is summoned to celebrate the rites of his victory, Dejanira gives Lichas a garment for her husband as a token of reconciliation. The blood-soaked cloak, entrusted to her by Nessus as he lay dying defeated by Hercules, is apparently endowed with the power to lead a heart back to faithfulness. Meanwhile, Dejanira takes great pains to convince Iole that she regrets her accusations.
Act Two, Scene 1
An apartment. Iole and Oechalians.
27	Sinfonia	27-Christie
28	Iole Why was I born a princess, rais'd on high, To fall with greater ruin? Had the gods Made me the humble tenant of some cottage, I had been happy.	28-Christie
29	Iole How blest the maid ordained to dwell With sweet content in humble cell, >From cities far remov'd, By murm'ring rills on verdant plains To tend the flocks with village swains, By every swain belov'd. [The following is then sung in the Christie performance:] Though low, yet happy in that low estate, and safe from ills which on a princess wait.	(29-Christie) 29-Christie (29/By-Christie) 29/By-Christie (29/Though-Christie) 29/Though-Christie (29/How-Christie) 29/How-Christie (29/riternello-Christie)
Act Two, Scene 2
To her Dejanira.
30	30. Recitative Dejanira (aside) It must be so! Fame speaks aloud my wrongs, And every voice proclaims Alcides' falsehood; Love, jealousy and rage at once distract me! Iole What anxious cares untimely thus disturb The happy consort of the son of Jove? Dejanira Insulting maid! I had indeed been happy, But for the fatal lustre of thy beauty!	30-Christie
31	Dejanira When beauty sorrow's livery wears, Our passions take the fair one's part. Love dips his arrows in her tears, And sends them pointed to the heart. When beauty. . . da capo	(31-Christie) 31-Christie (31/Love-Christie) 31/Love-Christie 31/When-Christie 31/riternello-Christie
32	Iole Whence this unjust suspicion? Dejanira Fame of thy beauty, so report informs me, First brought Alcides to Oechalia's court. He saw, he lov'd, he ask'd you of your father. His suit rejected, in revenge he levell'd The haughty town, and bore away the spoil: But the rich prize, for which he fought and conquer'd, Was lole. Iole Ah, no! It was ambition, Not slighted love, that laid Oechalia low And made the wretched lole a captive. Report, that in the garb of truth disguises The blackest falsehood, has abus'd your ear With a forg'd tale; but oh, let me conjure you For your dear peace of mind, beware of jealousy!	32-Christie
33	Iole Ah, think what ills the jealous prove! Adieu to peace, adieu to love, Exchang'd for endless pain. With venom fraught the bosom swells, And never-ceasing discord dwells Where harmony should reign. Ah, think what ills. . . da capo	(33-Christie) 33-Christie (33/With-Christie) 33/With-Christie (33/Ah-Christie) 33/Ah-Christie Lichas_enters-Christie
34	Dejanira (going) It is too sure that Hercules is false.	34-Christie
Act Two, Scene 3
34- continued	Enter Lichas. Lichas My godlike master? Dejanira Is a traitor, Lichas. Traitor to honour, love and Dejanira. Lichas Alcides false? Impossible.	34/My-Christie
35	Lichas As stars, that rise and disappear, Still in the same bright circle move, So shines unchang'd thy hero's love, Nor absence can his faith impair. The breast where gen'rous valour dwells, In constancy no less excels. As stars. . .da capo	(35-Christie) 35-Christie 35/Nor-Christie (35/The-Christie) 35-Christie (35/As-Christie) 35/As-Christie (35/riternello-Christie)
36	Dejanira In vain you strive his falsehood to disguise. Exit Dejanira. Lichas This is thy work, accursed jealousy.	36-Christie
37	Chorus Jealousy! Infernal pest, Tyrant of the human breast! How from slightest causes bred Dost thou lift thy hated head! Trifles. light as floating air. Strongest proofs to thee appear! Exit Lichas.	(37-Christie) 37-Christie (37/Tyrant-Christie) 37/Tyrant-Christie (37/How-Christie) 37/How-Christie 37/Trifles-Christie 37/Jealousy-Christie
Act Two, Scene 4
Iole; to her Hyllus.
38	Hyllus (aside, entering) She knows my passion, and has heard me breathe My am'rous vows; but, deaf to the soft plea, Rejects my offer'd love. See where she stands, Like fair Diana, circled by her nymphs. Iole Too well, young prince, I guess the cause that this way leads your steps. Why will you urge a suit I must not hear? Love finds no dwelling in that hapless breast Where sorrow and her gloomy train reside. Hyllus The stealing hand of all-subduing time May drive these black intruders from their seat, And leave the heav'nly mansion of thy bosom Serene and vacant to a softer guest. Iole Think'st thou Iole can ever love The son of Hercules, whose arms depriv'd her Of country, father, liberty? Impossible! Hyllus I own the truths that blast my springing hopes; Yet, oh permit me, chairming maid, to gaze On those dear beauties that enchant my soul And view, at Ieast, that heav'n I must despair to gain. Iole Is this, is this the son of Hercules, For labours fam'd and hardy deeds of arms? O prince, exert the virtues of thy race, And call forth all thy father in thy soul.	(38/Iole_shown-Christie) 38-Christie
39	Iole Banish love from thy breast, 'Tis a womanish guest, Fit only mean thoughts to inspire. Bright glory invites thee, Fair honour excites thee, To tread in the steps of thy sire. Banish love. . . da capo	(39-Christie) 39-Christie (39/Bright-Christie) 39/Bright-Christie (39/Banish-Christie) 39/Banish-Christie (39/riternello-Christie)
40	Hyllus Forgive a passion, which resistless sways Ev'n breasts immortal.	40-Christie
41	Hyllus >From celestial seats descending, Joys divine a while suspending, Gods have left their Heav'n above To taste the sweeter heav'n of love. Cease my passion then to blame, Cease to scorn a godlike flame. >From celestial seats. . . da capo	(41-Christie) 41-Christie (41/Cease-Christie) 41/Cease-Christie (41/From-Christie) 41/From-Christie (41/riternello-Christie)
42	Chorus Wanton god of am'rous fires, Wishes, sighs and soft desires, All nature's sons thy laws maintain. O'er liquid air, firm land and swelling main Extend thy uncontroll'd and boundless reign.	(42-Christie) 42-Christie 42/Oer-Christie 42/Wanton-Christie
Act Two, Scene 5
Another apartment. Hercules and Dejanira.
43	Dejanira Yes, I congratulate your titles, swell'd With proud Oechalia's fall; but oh, I grieve To see the victor to the vanquish'd yield. How lost, alas, how fall'n from what you were, Your fame eclips'd, and all your laurels blasted! Hercules Unjust reproach! No, Dejanira, no, While glorious deeds demand a just applause!	43-Christie
44	Hercules Alcides' name in latest story Shall with brightest lustre shine, And future heroes rise to glory By actions emulating mine. Alcides' name. . . da capo	(44-Christie) 44-Christie (44/And-Christie) 44/And-Christie (44/Alcides-Christie) 44/Alcides-Christie (44/riternello-Christie)
45	Dejanira O glorious pattern of heroic deeds! The mighty warrior, whom not Juno's hate, Nor a Iong series of incessant labours Could e'er subdue, a captive maid has conquer'd. O shame to manhood! O disgrace of arms!	45-Christie
46	Dejanira Resign thy club and lion's spoils, And fly from war to female toils! For the glitt'ring sword and shield The spindle and the distaff wield! Thund'ring Mars no more shall arm thee, Glory's call no more shall warm thee, Venus and her whining boy Shall all thy wanton hours employ. Resign thy club. . . da capo	(46-Christie) 46-Christie (46/Thund'ring-Christie) 46/Thund'ring-Christie 46/Venus-Christie 46/Resign-Christie (46/riternello-Christie)
47	Hercules You are deceiv'd! Some villain has bely'd My ever-faithful love and constancy. Dejanira Would it were so, and that the babbler fame Had not through all the Grecian cities spread The shameful tale! Hercules The priests of Jupiter Prepare with solemn rites to thank the god For the success of my victorious arms. The ready sacrifice expects my presence. I go. Meantime let these suspicions sleep Nor causeless jealousy alarm your breast! Exit.	47-Christie
Act Two, Scene 6
47- continued	Dejanira Dissembling, false, perfidious Hercules! Did he not swear, when first he woo'd my Iove, The sun should cease to dawn, the silver moon Be blotted from her orb, ere he prov'd false?	47/cont.-Christie
48	Air Dejanira Cease, ruler of the day, to rise, Nor, Cynthia, gild the evening skies! To your bright beams he made appeal, With endless night his falsehood seal!	(48-Christie) 48-Christie 48/To-Christie (48/Cease-Christie) 48/Cease-Christie (48/riternello-Christie)
49	Dejanira Some kinder pow'r inspire me to regain His alienated love, and bring the wand'rer back! Ah, lucky thought! I have a garment Dipped in Nessus' blood, when•from the wound he drew The barbed shaft, sent by Alcides' hand. It boasts a wondrous virtue, to revive Th'expiring flame of love. So Nessus told me, When dying to my hand he trusted it. I will prevail with Hercules to wear it And prove its magic force. — And see, the herald, Fit instrument to execute my purpose.	49-Christie
Act Two, Scene 7
To her Lichas.
49- continued	Dejanira Lichas, thy hands shall to the temple bear A rich embroider'd robe, and beg thy lord Will instant o'er his manly shoulders throw His consort's gift, the pledge of love's renewal. Lichas O pleasing task, O happy Hercules!	49/cont.-Christie
50	Air Lichas Constant lovers, never roving, Never jealous torments proving, Calm, imperfect pleasures taste. But the bliss to rapture growing, Bliss from reconcilement flowing, This is love's sublime repast.
51	Dejanira But see, the princess Iole. Retire! Exit Lichas. Dejanira Be still, my jealous fears, and let my tongue Disguise the torture of my bleeding heart.	51-Christie
Act Two, Scene 8
Enter Iole.
51- continued	Dejanira Forgive me, princess, if my jealous frenzy Too roughly greeted you! I see and blame The error that misled me to insult That innocence and beauty. Iole Thank the gods That have inspir'd your mind with calmer thoughts. And from your breast remov'd the vulture, jealousy. Live, and be happy in Alcides' love. While wretched lole... (weeping) Dejanira Princess, no more! But lift those beauteous eyes To the fair prospect of returning happiness. At my request Alcides shall restore you To liberty, and your paternal throne.	51/cont.-Christie
52	Duet Dejanira Joys of freedom, joys of pow'r, Wait upon the coming hour And court thee to be blest. Iole What heav'nly-pleasing sounds I hear, How sweet they steal upon my ear And charm my soul to rest! Exit Iole.	(52-Christie) 52-Christie (52/What-Christie) 52/What-Christie (52/riternello-Christie)
53	Dejanira Father of Hercules, great Jove, oh help This last expedient of despairing love!	53-Christie
54	Chorus Love and Hymen, hand in hand, Come, restore the nuptial band! And sincere delights prepare To crown the hero and the fair. Love and Hymen. . . da capo	(54-Christie) 54-Christie (54/And-Christie) 54/And-Christie (54/Love-Christie) 54/Love-Christie (54/riternello-Christie)
ACT THREE
Lichas recounts how Hercules receives Dejanira's gift at the Temple and how the cloak is impregnated with a deadly poison. As his son watches on, the hero, undefeated until now, dies in appalling suffering and cursing Dejanira's vengeance. The last wishes expressed by the father to his son - that he be carried to the summit of Mount Oeta and set upon a funeral pyre - throw a belated light on the meaning of the oracle of the first act. Dejanira is informed of the glorious reception given to Hercules on Olympus. Discovering that she has been the instrument of his death, Dejanira sinks into madness. Such misfortune arouses the pity of Iole. Jove ordains the marriage between Hyllus and Iole, a decree that is received with joy by Hyllus and ... obedience by Iole.
55	Sinfonia	55-Christie
Act Three, Scene 1
Lichas and Trachinians.
56	Lichas Ye sons of Trachin, mourn your valiant chief, Return'd from foes and dangers threat'ning death To fall, inglorious, by a woman's hand. First Trachinian Oh, doleful tindings! Lichas As the hero stood Prepar'd for sacrifice, and festal pomp Adorn'd the temple, these unlucky hands Presented him, in Dejanira's name, A costly robe, the pledge of love's renewal. With smiles that testified his rising joy, Alcides o'er his manly shoulders threw The treach'rous gift. But when the altar's flame Began to shed its warmth upon his limbs, The clinging robe, by cursed art envenom'd, Through all his joints dispers'd a subtle poison. Frantic with agonizing pain, he flings His tortur'd body on the sacred floor, Then strives to rip the deadly garment off, But with it tears the bleeding, mangled flesh; His dreadful cries the vaulted roof returns!	(56-Christie) 56-Christie
57	Air Lichas O scene of unexampl'd woe, O sun of glory sunk so low! What language can our sorrow tell? Gallant, unhappy chief, farewell!	57-Christie (57/riternello-Christie)
57.5	First Trachinian Oh, fatal jealousy! Oh, cruel recompense of virtue in severest labour tried.	57.5-Christie
58	Chorus of Trachinians Tyrants now no more shall dread On necks of vanquish'd slaves to tread. Horrid forms of monstrous birth Again shall vex the groaning earth. Fear of punishment is o'er, The world's avenger is no more!	(58-Christie) 58-Christie 58/Horrid-Christie 58/Avenger-Christie (58/riternello-Christie)
Act Three, Scene 2
The Temple of Jupiter. Hercules, Priests and Attendants.
59	59. Accompagnato Hercules O Jove, what land is this, what clime accurst, By raging Phoebus scorch'd? I burn, I burn, Tormenting fire consumes me. Oh, I die, Some ease, ye pitying powers! — I rage, I rage, With more than Stygian pains. Along my feverish veins, Like liquid fire the subtle poison hastes. Boreas, bring thy northern blast, And through my bosom roar! Or, Neptune, kindly pour Ocean's collected flood Into my breast and cool my boiling blood!	59-Christie 59/Hyllus_enters-Christie (59/riternello-Christie)
60	Hyllus Great Jove, relieve his pains! Hercules Was it for this unnumber'd toils I bore? O Juno and Eurystheus, I absolve ye! Your keenest malice yield to Dejanira's, Mistaken, cruel, treach'rous Dejanira! Oh, this curst robe! It clings to my torn sides And drinks my vital blood. Hyllus Alas, my father! Hercules My son, observe thy dying sire's request! While yet I live, bear me to Œta's top; There, on the summit of that cloud-capped hill, The tow'ring oak and lofty cypress fell, And raise a funeral pile: upon it lay me. Then fire the kindling heap, that I may mount On wings of flame, to mingle with the gods! Hyllus O glorious thought! Worthy the son of Jove! Hercules My pains redouble — Oh, be quick, my son. And bear me to the scene of glorious death! Hyllus How is the hero fall'n!	60-Christie
61	Hyllus Let not fame the tidings spread To proud Oechalia's conquer'd wall! The baffled foe will lift his head, And triumph in his victor's fall. Let not fame. . . da capo Exeunt. Hercules borne off.	(61-Christie) 61-Christie (61/The_baffled-Christie) 61/The_baffled-Christie (61/Let-Christie) 61/Let-Christie (61/riternello-Christie)
Act Three, Scene 3
The Palace. Dejanira alone.
62	Accompagnato Dejanira Where shall I fly? Where hide this guilty head? O fatal error of misguided love! O cruel Nessus, how art thou reveng'd! Wretched I am! By me Alcides dies! These impious hands have sent my injur'd lord Untimely to the shades! Let me be mad! Chain me, ye Furies, to your iron beds, And lash my guilty ghost with whips of scorpions! See, see, they come! Alecto with her snakes, Megaera fell, and black Tisiphone! See the dreadful sisters rise, Their baneful presence taints the skies! See the snaky whips they bear! What yellings rend my tortur'd ear! Hide me from their hated sight, Friendly shades of blackest night! Alas, no rest the guilty find From the pursuing furies of the mind!	62-Christie 62/These_impious_hands-Christie 62/Let_me_be_mad-Christie 62/See!_See!-Christie 62/See_the_dreadful_sisters_rise-Christie 62/Hide_me-Christie 62/See_the_dreadful_sisters_rise-Christie 62/Alas-Christie 62/See_the_dreadful-sisters_rise-Christie (62/riternello-Christie)
Act Three, Scene 4
Dejanira; to her Iole.
63	Dejanira Lo, the fair fatal cause of all this ruin! Fly from my sight, detested sorceress, fly, Lest my ungovern'd fury rush upon thee, And scatter thee to all the winds of Heav'n! Alas, I rave! The lovely maid is innocent, And I alone the guilty cause of all! Iole Though torn from every joy, a father's love, My native land and dear-priz'd liberty. By Hercules' arms, still must I pity The countless woes of this unhappy house.	63-Christie
64	Iole My breast with tender pity swells At sight of human woe; And sympathetic anguish feels Where'er Heav'n strikes the blow. My breast. . . da capo	(64-Christie) 64-Christie (64/And-Christie) 64/And-Christie (64/My-Christie) 64/My-Christie (64/riternello-Christie)
Act Three, Scene 5
To them the Priest of Jupiter, Hyllus, Lichas and Trachinians.
65	Priest of Jupiter Princess, rejoice, whose Heav'n-directed hand Has rais'd Alcides to the court of Jove's! Dejanira Speak, priest, what means this dark, mysterious greeting? That he is dead, and by this fatal hand, Too sure, alas, my bleeding heart divines. Priest Borne, by his own command, to Oeta's top, Stretched on a funeral pile, the hero lay. The crackling flames surround his manly limbs, When lo, an eagle, stooping from the clouds, Swift to the burning pile his flight directs! There lights a moment, then, with speedy wing, Regains the sky. Astonish'd, we consult The sacred grove, where sounds oracular From vocal oaks disclose the will of Jove. Here the great sire his offspring's fate declar'd: « His mortal part by eating fires consum'd, His part immortal to Olympus borne, There with assembl'd deities to dwell! »	65-Christie
66	Lichas He, who for Atlas propp'd the sky, Now sees the sphere beneath him lie, In bright abodes Of kindred gods, A new-admitted guest, With purple lips Brisk nectar sips, And shares th'ambrosial feast.
67	Dejanira Words are too faint to speak the warring passions That combat in my breast: grief, wonder, joy By turns deject and elevate my soul. Priest (to Iole) Nor less thy destiny, illustrious maid, Is Jove's peculiar care, who thus decrees: « Hymen with purest joys of love shall crown Oechalia's princess and the son of Hercules. » Hyllus How blest is Hyllus, if the lovely lole, Consenting, ratifies the gift of Heav'n! Iole What Jove ordains, can lole resist?	67-Christie
68	68. Duet Iole O prince, whose virtues all admire, Since Jove has every bar remov'd, I feel my vanquish'd heart conspire To crown a flame by Heav'n approv'd. Hyllus O princess, whose exalted charms Above ambition fire my breast, How great my joy to fill those arms, At once with love and empire blest! Iole I grieve no more, since now I see All happiness restor'd in thee. Hyllus I ask no more, since now I find All earthly good in thee combin'd.	(68-Christie) 68/Iole-Christie 68/Hyllus-Christie 68/both/O-Christie 68/both/I-Christie (68/riternello-Christie)
69	Priest Ye sons of freedom, now, in every clime, With joyful accents sing the deathless chief, By virtue to the starry mansions rais'd.	69-Christie
70	70. Chorus of Trachinians To him your grateful notes of praise belong, The theme of liberty's immortal song! Aw'd by his name, oppression shuns the light, And slavery hides her head in depths of night, While happy climes to his example owe The blessings that from peace and freedom flow. To him. . . da capo	(70-Christie) 70-Christie
Final material		End_of_performance-Christie Curtain_call-Christie