Morir tremenda cosa!

English Libretto or Translation:

The surgeon and orderlies carry the wounded man into the bedroom.

Scena and Aria

CARLOS
To die! A terrible thing -
so fearless, so valiant,
yet he must die! A strange man, this!
He shuddered at the name
of Calatrava! Has he perhaps heard
of our dishonour? Heavens! A sudden thought!
What if he were the seducer?
And in my hands - alive!
But if I am wrong? This key will tell me!
In agitation he opens the case and takes out a sealed envelope.
Here are the papers!
about to open it
What am I doing?
stops
And the oath I swore? And my life
that I owe to his bravery? But I saved him, too!
And what if he were the cursed Indian ,
who soiled my blood?
determinedly
I will break the seal,
goes to do so
no one can see me here.
stops
No? But I can see myself.
He throws down the envelope and backs away in horror.

Away with you, fatal urn of my destiny;
you tempt me in vain.
I came here to redeem my honour, and in madness
will not stain it with this new shame.
An oath is sacred to a man of honour;
these papers shall keep their secret.
Perish the evil thought
that spurred me to the unworthy deed.

But if I could find some other proof?
Let's see.
He again rummages in the case, and finds a small locket.
Here is a portrait.
He examines it.
It has no seal. He said nothing about this.
I promised nothing. Let me open it then.
He does so.
Heavens! Leonora!
excitedly
The wounded man is Don Alvaro!
Now let him live, and then die by my hand!