Dolce pensiero di quell istante

Semiramide is an opera in two acts by Gioacchino Rossini. The libretto was written by Gaetano Rossini, based on Voltaire's tragedy Semiramis, which in turn was based on the legend of Semiramis of Babylon[1] [2]. The opera was first performed in Teatro La Fenice, Venice on February 3, 1823.
Semiramide is Rossini's last opera seria. It was also his last opera for another 2 years as well as his last performed in Italy. The extremely florid vocal style is often a vehicle for spectacular vocal display rather than an intrinsic part of the score. The ensemble-scenes (particularly the duos between Arsace and Semiramide) and choruses are also of a high order, as is the orchestral writing, which makes full use of a large pit.
Rossini wrote the title role for his wife, Isabella Colbran. The work starts with a well-known overture, and throughout it calls for outstanding singers in the leading soprano and contralto roles. Semiramide is occasionally performed but is not part of the standard operatic repertoire.

Bel raggio lusinghier
Di speme e di piacer
Alfin per me brillò:
Arsace ritornò, - Sì, a me verrà.
Quest'alma che sinor
Gemé, tremò, languì...
Oh! come respirò! -
Ogni mio duol sparì,
Dal cor, dal mio pensier
Si dileguò il terror...
Bel raggio lusinghier
Di speme, di piacer
Alfin per me brillò:
Arsace ritornò, - Qui a me verrà. -

Dolce pensiero
Di quell'istante,
A te sorride L'amante cor.
Come più caro,
Dopo il tormento,
È il bel momento
Di pace e amor!