A Greek Slave
Dialogue Following Song No. 15 — Act II

(Licinia, Curius, Silius, Flavia, Lollius, and Cornelia talk together, left, while Manlius stands apart)

Curius:
(To Lucinia) The Princess doesn't seem satisfied with her lover.
Lucinia :
No more would any of us be. I hear from her maid that he hasn't spoken a single word to her since he has been here.
Lollius:
Well, I don't understand this Eros. He comes to earth to make love to Antonia and then he doesn't do it.
Codnelia:
Perhaps he hasn't got into the ways of this world yet. What do you say, Manlius?
Manlius:
Say! I mind my own business and say nothing.
Flavia:
But you are so often with the Princess, you ought to know all about it. Tell us, what do you think of this Eros?
Manlius:
I don't believe he is what he seems to be. If the Princess means to marry, she might choose a man we all know something about.
Tullia:
(Laughing) Like Yourself, for instance?

(Others laugh and Manlius turns away impatiently and takes position near the princess)

Lucinia :
(To Curius) Well, when I marry, a mortal will be good enough for me — I don't want a sensational bridegroom.

(Enter Iris. Movement. Princess wakes up)

Antonia:
Are you there, Iris?
Iris:
Yes, Princess.
Antonia:
Then get rid of these people and send for Eros.
Iris:
(To crowd) The Princess would be alone. (Aside) At least not quite alone. (To Manlius) Fetch Eros.

[Note: The following verses are not found in the standard vocal score, but are obviously a restatement of the Act II Opening Chorus from "Life at a villa..." for the chorus exit. It's not clear whether this solo and chorus were presented at performance or cut.]

Circe:
Now your lady fair would pray
Your most gracious pardon,
If she asks you all to stray
Round the Palace garden -
Some may care at ball to play
Down the lime tree alley;
Some may like to sail the bay
In her gilded galley!
Chorus of guests:
Here in the villa, in the villa by the sea
Occupations pleasurable
Come in train immeasurable!
We shall not wary for an hour or so, maybe,
Here in the villa, in the villa by the sea

(Exeuent Guests and Slaves and Chorus[?], all but Antonia and Iris)

Antonia:
Well, has my bridegroom asked for me?
Iris:
No, Princess — I'm sorry to say that he hasn't. He remains in his apartment, still, silent and melancholy.
Antonia:
Silent and melancholy! I wonder, Iris, if bridegrooms are always silent and melancholy.
Iris:
Oh no, Princess, I know they are not — at least not at first. They sometimes grow so after they've been married a little while.

(Enter Diomed)

Iris:
I wonder if she'll make anything of him.

(Exit Iris)

Diomed:
You send for me, Lady?
Antonia:
Yes, Eros, my love. I want you. Come here to me, sit by my side, talk to me, love me and be happy.
Diomed:
I can't be happy, Lady!
Antonia:
Not Lady to you, my idol, Antonia to you — Antonia, your own bride who adores you.
Diomed:
Don't say so, Lady. You don't know even who I am.
Antonia:
Ah! Buy I know what you are, and I am proud that you have chosen me for your wife. Won't you take me in your arms?
Diomed:
I must not, Lady. I am wicked enough. Don't tempt me further.
Antonia:
Wicked! It is not wicked to embrace your own bride. (Petulantly) But it's cruel and unmanly to make her ask for a kiss. Still unresponsive?
Diomed:
My lips are sealed. I dare not answer you.
Antonia:
Dare not! And you a god! Perhaps, Eros, you over-rate the conventionalities of this world. You know we do make love down here sometimes.
Diomed:
Ah, Lady, I know all about that. But I can tell you nothing.
Antonia:
You are as cold as thought you were the marble we rescued you from yesterday. We sang you to life then. Shall I sing to you now?
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Page created 18 November 2001