Non temere, Signore!

English Libretto or Translation:

Scene IV
Eduig, who leads Rodelinda by the hand, and
Flavio

Eduig
Be not afraid, my lord –
Brother? – So dark and so obscure the dungeon,
there is no seeing any thing.

Rodelinda
Alas! He is struck dumb with terror,
as he, indeed, has reason.

Eduig
I will provide a light.
(Eduig goes out of the prison.)

Rodelinda
Oh my Bertarido! My heart’s best consort!
Still thou repliest not?
Perhaps, thy wearied eyes are clos ́d in sleep,
where are you, my dear lord – where are you
hid, in this sad darkness, from my longing eyes?
(Eduig returns with a light)


Eduig
Brother?

Rodelinda
Alas! I was too true a prophetess –
see here the spoils, the
garments of Bertarido!
And the floor round it swimming fresh with blood
See, it reeks still! What fee seek I more? – o wretched!
This blood yet warm, this well known mantle
here declare my dear dear lord is –
grief choaks me up, and I can say no more.

Eduig
And ah, what comfort can my grief afford thee,
what will condoling thee supply of ease?

Rodelinda
Eduig, thy brother’s dead,
the king, thy father, o thou young orphan, `s
dead, my spouse is dead – he’s dead, gone, lost
forever.

Eduig
O my too slow and sluggish pity came
when `twas too late,
and with defensive steel armed him in vain.