E n'ho ben d'onde

English Libretto or Translation:

ENRICO
And with good reason. You know
that the star of my fortunes has waned -
while Edgardo - that mortal enemy
of my family, looks down haughtily
from his ruined retreat, and mocks me!
Only one hand can restore me
and my tottering power...Lucia
dares to reject that hand! Ah, she is
no sister of mine!

RAIMONDO
Unhappy girl, mourning at the fresh grave
of her dear mother, how can she
think of marriage? Let us respect a heart
which, grief-stricken, is averse to love.

NORMANNO
Averse to love? Lucia is aflame with love.

ENRICO
What are you saying?

RAIMONDO
(aside)
I fear his words!

NORMANNO
Hear me: she was wandering along the deserted
avenue in the park, where her mother
is buried...A raging bull
suddenly rushed at her...
when a shot rang out
in the echoing air, and the beast
suddenly sank to the ground.

ENRICO
And who fired the shot?

NORMANNO
A man who kept his name a secret.

ENRICO
And Lucia...?

NORMANNO
Fell in love with him.

ENRICO
So she saw him again?

NORMANNO
Every morning at dawn.

ENRICO
And where?

NORMANNO
In that avenue.

ENRICO
Rage chokes me! And you did not identify the seducer?

NORMANNO
I only have a suspicion.

ENRICO
Ah, tell me!

NORMANNO
He is your enemy.

RAIMONDO
(aside)
Oh heaven!

NORMANNO
You detest him.

ENRICO
Could it be - Edgardo?

RAIMONDO
(aside)
Ah!

NORMANNO
You are right.