Ah! per sempre o mio bell'angiol

English Libretto or Translation:

Don Alvaro, booted and spurred but without a cloak, in a wide-sleeved jerkin with a smart jacket over it, enters from the balcony and throws himself into Leonora's arms.

ALVARO
Ah! now, my beautiful angel,
heaven has united us forever!
In this embrace I see
the whole universe rejoicing.

LEONORA
Don Alvaro!

ALVARO
Heavens! Why are you agitated?

LEONORA
It is almost daybreak.

ALVARO
A thousand obstacles
have long prevented me
from entering your house;
but nothing can resist the spell
of a love so pure and holy,
and God himself has transformed
our anxiety into joy.
to Curra
Throw those clothes
down from the balcony.

LEONORA
to Curra
Stop!

ALVARO
to Curra
No, no -
to Leonora
Follow me.
Leave your prison, now.

LEONORA
Oh heaven! I cannot bring myself to it.

ALVARO
Swift steeds are ready for us below;
a priest awaits us at the altar.
Come, shelter in the bosom of a love
that God will bless from heaven!
And when the sun, god of the Indies,
lord of my royal race,
bathes the earth in his splendour,
he will find us married, beloved.

LEONORA
The hour is late.

ALVARO
to Curra
Come along, hurry!

LEONORA
to Curra
Wait a moment -

ALVARO
Eleonora!

LEONORA
Tomorrow -

ALVARO
What are you saying?

LEONORA
I beg you, wait.

ALVARO
much worried
Tomorrow!