Mia madre aveva una povera ancella (Willow Song)

English Libretto or Translation:

DESDEMONA
I am so sad, so sad.
(seating herself mechanically before the mirror)
My mother had a poor maidservant,
she was in love and pretty;
her name was Barbara;
she loved a man who then abandoned her.
She used to sing a song,
the song of “The Willow”.
(to Emilia)
Unbind my hair.
This evening
my memory is haunted
by that old refrain.
“She wept as she sang on the lonely heath,
the poor girl wept,
O Willow, Willow, Willow!
She sat with her head upon her breast,
Willow, Willow, Willow!
Come sing! Come sing!
The green willow shall be my garland.”

(to Emilia)
Make haste; Othello will soon be here.
“The fresh streams ran between the flowery
banks, she moaned in her grief,
in bitter tears which through her eyelids sprang
her poor heart sought relief.
Willow! Willow! Willow!
Come sing! Come sing!
The green willow shall be my garland.
Down from dark branches flew the birds
towards the singing sweet.
Sufficient were the tears that she did weep
that stones her sorrow shared.”
(to Emilia, taking a ring from her finger)
Lay this ring by.
(rising)
Poor Barbara!
The story used to end
with this simple phrase:
“He was born for glory,
I to love...”
(to Emilia)
Hark! I heard a moan.
(Emilia takes a step or two.)
Hush... Who knocks upon that door?

EMILIA
‘Tis the wind.

DESDEMONA“I to love him and to die.Come sing! Come sing!Willow! Willow! Willow!”Emilia, farewell.How mine eyes do itch!That bodes weeping.Good night.(Emilia turns to leave.)Ah! Emilia, Emilia, farewell!Emilia, farewell!(Emilia returns and Desdemona embracesher. Emilia leaves.)