Rodelinda, e pur ver?

English Libretto or Translation:

Scene III
Rodelinda and Flavio, Grimoaldo, Unulfo,
Garibaldo and guards

Grimoaldo
And is, m
y Rodelinda, is this true?

Rodelinda
Most certain, Grimoaldo,
I yield, surrender, trust myself to you.

Unulfo
(aside)
(Avert it heavens!)

Rodelinda
But swear you will religiously observe
one compact first – and then – as you shall
please – name me your spouse, or but your
humble hand maid.

Garibaldo
Ay ther`s her aim – now `tis my head she wants.

Grimoaldo
Ask what you wilt, ask anything,
aught but the death of - -

Rodelinda
Of Garibaldo?

Grimoaldo
Right, ask anything but that.

Rodelinda
`Tis vanity in souls so vile as his
to fear my noble rage would stoop so low.
 

Grimoaldo
Say then, dear charmer, and complete my wishes
say but thy will – I’m sworn – and will fulfil it.

Rodelinda
Then take the style of bloody and inhumane,
names that will suit thee well,
with thy own hand, before my very eyes,
take this my son, and murder him. – Fulfil it,
so may thy glory, all, all,
in that one crime lie buried.
Unulfo
(What is`t I hear!)

Grimoaldo
Are these –

Rodelinda
Yes, these, these are my last firm sentiments.

Grimoaldo
Sure, you are far from earnest, or you dream?

Rodelinda
No, I don’t dream, nor do I now deceive you,
I cannot be, at once, a tyrant’s wife
and mother of a young and lawful king
I cannot to this chas
te and modest bosom,
clasp, at one time, my son and foe together.

Grimoaldo
Say duke, was this the way,
that Rodelinda would become my wife?

Rodelinda
Yes, upon this condition,
I offer you my hand. Think well, and know,
if you my spouse, and I your consort be,
I wed revenge, and you wed death in me.

Unulfo
(How artful she works his passion up,
and what a faithful pattern to her sex.)

Garibaldo
How are my vast designs all cross`d at once!