Il santo nome di Dio Signore

English Libretto or Translation:

Finale II

The great door of the church opens, revealing the high altar illuminated. The organ is playing. Two long files of monks proceed down the sides of the choir, carrying lighted tapers. After them comes the Father Superior, followed by Leonora in monk's habit. He leads her out of the church: the monks gather round them. Leonora kneels before him.

THE SUPERIOR
raising his hands solemnly above her head
Blessed be the holy name
of the Lord God.

MELITONE and MONKS
May it be blessed.

THE SUPERIOR
A soul has come to weep for its sin
and seeks sanctuary amid these mountains.
For this soul, we are opening the sacred cave.
You know the place?

MELITONE and MONKS
We know it.

THE SUPERIOR
Let no one approach
that holy, inviolate refuge.

MELITONE and MONKS
We will obey.

THE SUPERIOR
Nor shall the humble enclosure be crossed
that separates us from it.

MELITONE and MONKS
We will not cross it.

THE SUPERIOR
On him who would dare to break this ban
or try to learn the name or secret
of this soul, a curse shall fall!

THE SUPERIOR, MELITONE, MONKS
A curse! A curse!
Let heaven hurl its thunderbolts and consume
the impious mortal who would so dare.
Let all the elements be loosed upon him,
let his vile ashes be scattered to the winds.

THE SUPERIOR
to Leonora
Rise and depart. Henceforth you will see
no living soul. The bell of the cave
will warn us if danger threatens you,
or if your last hour has come.
Then we shall hasten to comfort your soul
before it returns to God.