E sgombro il loco

English Libretto or Translation:

(Anna leaves with her ladies, Henry with all the followers of the hunt.
Rochefort takes Percy with him in another direction.)

Scene 9
A room in the castle which leads into the rooms of Anna

SMEATON:
(alone)

All is deserted…Intent on their duties
the maids are in other rooms…
and if any should see me here she knows
that in these innermost rooms,
once Anna invited me
to sing to her privately.
This which I took

(he reveals a portrait in his breast)

her beloved image, I must return
before my boldness is discovered,
one more kiss, a kiss,
beloved countenance…Farewell beauty
which rested on my heart,
and which seemed to beat with my heart
Ah! it seems as if by magic
it had responded to your sufferings:
every tear drop of mine
was aroused by one of your sighs.
To such a sight, a bold heart
full of hope and desire
unveiled its hungry ardour
which I dare not reveal any other way.

(goes to re-enter the apartments)

I hear a sound…someone
is approaching this room…I delayed too long.

(he hides behind a curtain)