MESSAGGIERA In in fiorito prato Con l'altre sue compagne Giva cogliendo fiori Per farne una ghirlanda a le sue chiome, Quand'angue insidioso, Ch'era fra l'erbe ascoso, Le punse un piè con velenoso dente. Ed ecco immantinente Scolorirsi il bel viso e nei suoi lumi Sparir que' lampi, ond'ella al sol fea scorno. Allor noi tutte sbigottite e meste Le fummo intorno, richiamar tentando Gli spirti in lei smarriti Con l'onda fresca e con possenti carmi, Ma nulla valse, ahi lassa, Ch'ella i languidi lumi alquanto aprendo, E te chiamando, Orfeo, Dopo un grave sospiro, Spirò fra queste braccia; ed io rimasi Piena il cor di pietade e di spavento.
PASTORE I Ahi caso acerbo, ahi fat'einpio e crudele. Ahi stelle ingiuriose, ahi ciel avaro.
PASTORE II All'amara novella Rassembra l'infelice un muto sasso, Che per troppo dolor non può dolersi.
PASTORE I Ahi, ben avrebbe un cor di tigre o d'orsa Chi non sentisse del tuo mal pietade, Privo d'ogni tuo ben, misero amante.
English Libretto or Translation:
MESSENGER In a flowery meadow, with her other companions, she was wandering, gathering flowers to make of them a garland for her tresses, when a treacherous snake that was lurking in the grass bit her in the foot with its venomous fangs. And lo, immediately her fair face lost its colour, and in her eyes that lustre with which she put the sun to shame grew dim. Then we all, horrified and dismayed, were around her, seeking to revive her ebbing spirits with cold water and powerful spells; but alas! all was in vain, for opening her drooping eyes a little and calling for you, Orpheus, after a deep sigh she expired in my arms; and I was left with my heart full of pity and fear.
SECOND SHEPHERD At the bitter news the unhappy man seems dumb as a stone, for through excess of grief he cannot grieve.
FIRST SHEPHERD Ah, he who did not feel pity for your adversity, wretched lover, bereft of all your happiness, would surely have the heart of a tiger or bear.