The Metropolitan Opera HD Live (2006–…): Season 6, Episode 5 - Handel: Rodelinda - full transcript
Bertarido escaped to Hungary after Grimoaldo's armies had attacked, even though he had once been an ally of Bertarido. Now he has returned in disguise to rescue his wife and son, whom he left behind. But Rodelinda believes him to be dead.
I have lost my beloved husband.
I am alone here with my misfortune.
And my suffering grows ever greater.
I have lost my husband.
I am alone with my misfortune.
My suffering grows greater and greater.
Grimoaldo, how can you call me queen
when you have imprisoned me...
...when you have robbed me
of kingdom and consort?
But I have come to restore
both kingdom and consort to you.
While your husband lived,
I hid my love from you, Rodelinda.
Now that his death allows me to hope,
my ardor need be concealed no longer.
What? It isn't enough to steal
both kingdom and husband from me?
Would you also destroy my honor?
No, Grimoaldo, I refuse your offer.
I will keep my honor,
and you may have the throne.
The pitiless cruelty of fate has devastated me...
...but you will not make a coward of me.
I am bereft, but I will not act dishonorably.
Cruel fate has devastated me...
...but you will not make a coward of me.
And you, cruel tyrant,
you will not subdue me...
...even though you imprison me.
You will not subdue me...
...though you imprison me.
The pitiless cruelty of fate has devastated me...
...but it will not make a coward of me.
I am bereft, but I will not act dishonorably.
Cruel fate has devastated me...
...but you will not make a coward of me.
Duke, how painful this is.
She causes you great suffering, my lord.
I fear provoking her.
Both Rodelinda and Eduige trouble my heart.
One troubles with her anger,
the other with love.
You could subdue either with decisive action.
If you reject Eduige's love...
...Rodelinda will fear and love you
in spite of herself.
I don't have the heart.
Force the queen, forget love.
Eduige dreams of the throne.
Her pride is your enemy.
My lord, you came and conquered.
And you were promised my hand.
You spoke to me of love, and I loved you.
But you refused me.
My brothers had died.
We were all grieving.
The customs of mourning
forbade my marrying so soon.
It is too late. Our time has passed.
But I am the true princess.
Do not betray your promise.
Do not marry her.
Let her son become king,
and we shall reign as regents.
Though Bertarido has been dead for mere months...
...I offer you the broken heart and
the hand for which you once begged.
I shall marry Rodelinda.
Whether with her or with you,
I will be the legitimate king.
I shall place on the throne
the one who pleases me most.
I once loved you, but you hesitated.
You refused to be my wife.
Again and again you said no.
I loved you once, but you hesitated.
You refused to marry me.
You rejected me again and again.
Now that I am to be king,
I will not share my throne...
...with you, who rejected me.
I once loved you, but you hesitated.
You refused to be my wife.
Again and again you said no.
I loved you once, but you hesitated.
You refused to marry me.
You rejected me again and again.
You claim to love me?
You have a heart and a sword...
...and yet you can bear to see me wronged?
My lady, I hasten to honor you...
...and take vengeance on the villain.
No, stop. Wait.
Let him kneel and beg my forgiveness,
never to receive it.
Can you really do this?
Will you be able?
I shall do it.
I shall say, "Cruel man..."
"...take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart elsewhere."
I shall say, "Cruel man..."
"...take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart and go."
Then, in his presence,
I'll turn and say to you...
..."You are my heart's desire."
I shall do it.
I shall say, "Cruel man, go!"
"Take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart elsewhere."
I shall say, "Cruel man..."
"...take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart and go."
Eduige, you deceive yourself.
It is the crown I desire.
And in wooing you,
I seek only a path to the throne.
I'll use love's wiles...
...to capture the throne.
Love can merely capture the heart.
I'll use love's wiles...
...to capture the throne.
Love can merely capture the heart.
I will stifle love with deceit.
Indulging in love would only hold me back.
Indulging in love would only hold me back.
I will stifle love with deceit.
I'll use love's wiles...
...to capture the throne.
Love itself merely captures the heart.
Love itself merely captures the heart.
Hollow celebrations of death.
With this pretense of grief,
you preserve my likeness and my name.
Yet you only flatter the pride
of the haughty conqueror.
You say that I am dead.
But my grief replies...
...it is not so.
"Bertarido was king.
Defeated by Grimoaldo, he fled."
"Far away he lies.
May his soul find rest, his ashes peace."
Peace for my ashes? O cruel stars!
Must I always wage war
against hardship and torment?
Where are you?
Where are you, my beloved?
Come and comfort my soul.
Come and comfort my soul.
I am overcome with grief.
My laments will not end until you are beside me.
Where are you, dear beloved?
Come and comfort my soul.
Come and comfort my soul.
Here is Unulfo, thank God!
Faithful friend, let me embrace you.
My lord, fate may have robbed you of your throne.
But it has not robbed me of respect for my king.
Having such a friend in adversity,
I can bless my misfortunes.
Tell me, where is Rodelinda?
And how is my son?
She has suffered...
...but the news of your death
caused her the greatest pain.
Have you not told her that I am alive?
Their grief will support our plan.
You must remain hidden.
What pain for us both!
But look. Here is my wife and son.
Let me embrace them.
My lord, do not let your love
destroy your only chance!
After such long exile,
let me embrace my wife, kiss my son.
To delight in them for a moment,
you'd risk losing them forever?
What torment!
Withdraw, my lord.
-Shall I die, then?
-You must hide now.
Spirits!
Flowers!
Desolate tombs!
You would be the delight of my heart.
Spirits, flowers, desolate tombs...
...you would be the delight of my heart.
If only I could find in you...
...the image and the ashes of my beloved.
Spirits!
Flowers and desolate tombs...
...you would be the delight of my heart.
Spirit of my beloved!
Perhaps you hover here near this monument.
See the faithful tears of your wife and son.
Restrain yourself.
Receive our kisses.
Observe and keep silent.
You waste your kisses on his tomb, Rodelinda!
Yet those kisses could buy back your kingdom.
Garibaldo, the villain!
You dare to speak to me of my misfortunes, traitor?
Grimoaldo requires your compliance, not resistance.
Either embrace your fate
by marrying him, or prepare....
For what? Death, perhaps?
I have nothing more to fear or to hope for.
Nothing more to fear?
Give me your son.
Let this danger make you
less proud and more sensible.
Grimoaldo has decided to place
your fate in your own hands.
Think, and decide.
The throne for your son...or death.
Traitor, I understand.
This is your idea.
Give me my son!
Go to your master.
Tell him I surrender.
And that I will marry him and take the throne.
What misery!
But you! Tremble with fear,
evil man, unworthy servant!
I shall be the judge of your crimes.
I shall reign, and you shall die.
Yes, you will die.
Your head will serve as a step to the throne.
Yes, you will die...
...and your head will serve as a step to the throne.
You will die, and your head will
serve as a step to the throne.
Unulfo! Dear God! Is this devotion?
Is this fidelity?
At his first threats,
his first strike, she submits?
We must tell her now that you are still alive.
No, her constancy would then be a necessity
rather than a virtue.
My lord, I too am beside myself.
But take heart.
And somehow, in my sadness...
...I will find comfort for your great sorrow.
For a strong, brave heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, yes, but they are not fatal.
They are not fatal.
For a strong heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, but not fatal.
But when love enters into it,
then the nobler the heart...
...the deadlier the wounds.
For a heart that is strong and brave,
the blows of fate...
...are harsh, yes, but not fatal.
They are not fatal.
For a strong heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, but not fatal.
For a strong, brave heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, yes, but they are not fatal.
Yes, let my faithless wife still believe me dead.
Let her offer a new husband
the faith she once pledged to me.
Then let her learn that I am alive,
and be shamed.
Let us all witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Let us all witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Let us all witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
With false sighs, she frets and grieves.
She mourns me while I live,
yet as I live, she will kill me.
Let us witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Let us witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Grimoaldo rejects me and
pretends to love Rodelinda.
If she doesn't guard her son's future,
should I myself ascend the throne?
Grimoaldo, beloved villain, treacherous lover!
Do not bring shame on the royal house.
What shall I do? Perhaps Garibaldo....
Give me hope, and I shall support
your claim to the throne.
And if I promise to be yours?
You know I will do what must be done.
He will die.
Oh, God! If he could see my heart!
I see. You still love the man
who betrayed you, ungrateful woman!
Will you betray Bertarido's faith?
Will you marry Grimoaldo?
My husband is dead,
and I must protect my son.
But can you trust Grimoaldo?
Can you trust the traitor and thief...
...who pledged his hand and his heart to me?
Grimoaldo has offended us,
but now he will be king.
I swear revenge upon his wicked head.
The thunder of my grief...
...will change his laurels into cypresses,
his throne into a tomb.
To avenge these wrongs,
my love will change to anger.
My love will change to anger.
To avenge these wrongs,
I will transform my love into anger.
I will strike him down with the fire in my eyes.
To avenge these wrongs,
I'll change my love to anger.
My love will change to anger.
To avenge these wrongs,
I will transform my love into anger.
My love will change to anger.
Rodelinda, is it true?
Yes, Grimoaldo. I surrender.
But there is one condition you must accept.
Then I shall be whatever you wish.
Your wife, or your servant.
She will condemn me.
You may ask anything but the death of....
Of Garibaldo?
I would not dignify so vile a man with my anger.
Then complete my happiness.
I swear to do as you wish.
I want you to prove your villainy and cruelty.
With your own hand, before my eyes...
...you must kill my son.
And may this one crime destroy you.
-This is your wish?
-Yes, this is my condition.
No, I am not deceiving you.
I cannot be mother to the true king
while I am wife to a tyrant.
I will not embrace both my son and his enemy.
Duke, is this how Rodelinda becomes mine?
On this condition, I offer you my hand.
You must understand,
if you become my husband, and I your consort...
...I marry vengeance, and you marry death.
Cruel men!
I swear to you.
I'll give my love to my son,
but to you only torment and suffering.
Cruel men, I swear...
...I swear, I'll give my love to my son...
...but to you, only torment.
You'll receive only torment and suffering.
I'll give my love to my son,
but to you, only torment and suffering.
My arms could never embrace that vicious man...
...who has caused my every misfortune.
Cruel men!
I swear to you.
I'll give my love to my son,
but to you only torment and suffering.
Cruel men, I swear...
...I swear, I'll give my love to my son...
...but to you, only torment.
I'll give my love to my son...
...but to you, only torment and suffering.
Unulfo, Garibaldo, the hope in my heart is fading.
Would that my feelings for her would also fade.
Summon your honor, my lord,
if you would defend your heart.
Her unwavering fidelity
makes me want her even more.
Then admire the beauty of her soul,
but do not pursue her.
What should I do?
Don't be taken in by her dissembling.
Accept her condition.
You'll see her retract it.
Would you stain yourself with
the royal blood of an innocent boy?
A lovesick heart neither hears nor heeds
the voice of virtue.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so agreeable are its shackles...
...that it does not wish to be free.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so pleasing are its chains...
...that it does not wish to be free.
My heart ails, sad and troubled.
But its struggle is so pleasing,
it does not crave relief.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so pleasing are its shackles...
...that it does not wish to be free.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so pleasing are its chains...
...that it does not wish to be free.
How can you offer such unprincipled advice
to a man who would be king?
He who seizes power must be ruthless.
Indeed?
Yes, the perjurer must betray his word.
The sinner must entrap the saint.
The absolute ruler, unjust and merciless, must....
Spill royal blood?
Or risk losing the throne he stole.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and with cruelty he will retain it.
He gained the kingdom through tyranny,
and will retain it with cruelty.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and with cruelty he will retain it.
Severity, not mercy, is the basis of power.
Power is founded on severity, not mercy.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and cruelty will enable him to retain it.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and with cruelty he will retain it.
Yes, scoundrel, I understand.
I am not deceived.
As you betrayed your true king,
you would also betray the usurper.
Meanwhile, to console Bertarido's loving heart...
...I will lead Rodelinda to him,
and he will see her unwavering constancy.
Through the terrible tempest that batters his heart...
...shines a portent of peace.
A guiding star appears.
Through the terrible tempest that batters his heart...
...shines a portent of peace.
And that star, which dispels every cloud of sorrow...
...is the faith of his beloved,
and it shines ever more brightly.
Through the storms that batter his heart...
...shines a portent of calm.
A guiding star has already appeared.
Through the storms that batter his heart...
...shines a portent of peace.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
And in sad, hollow tones...
...they echo...
...they echo my laments.
And the caverns...
...and mountains....
The caverns and mountains in sad, hollow tones...
...they echo...
...they echo my laments.
I hear the voice of my brother,
if my ears don't deceive me.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
No, the voice and face are his.
My brother is alive, and he stands before me!
Sister!
Does my life cost you a sigh?
Do not sigh. I am a changed man.
Bertarido used to have a throne,
subjects, friends...
...a family, a wife...
...along with the ideals of faithfulness and loyalty.
Now all that is left is a memory,
to add to my sorrow.
Misfortune can slacken
but not break the bonds...
...that nature formed between us.
You suffered greatly, but the throne
awaits you. Now you can reign.
The kingdom is not the object
of my desire or my disguise.
In feigning death, my only design
was to steal from the tyrant...
...much dearer prizes.
My wife and my son.
And take them far from here into exile.
But envious fate denies me even this happiness.
I return wretched, only to hear
that a faithless wife betrays me.
That is a lie! Rodelinda is faithful.
Sister, are you telling me the truth?
She loves only you.
She cedes to Grimoaldo
only to save her son, the true heir.
You must know everything now.
Let me tell you all.
Brother, I promise to restore to your heart...
...your peace, your throne, and your love.
Who restores to my mind this lost memory?
Who restores the daylight to my eyes?
The hope of my heart has returned, smiling.
That hope which fate had taken from me.
Bertarido is alive?
Yes, alive and eager to embrace you, my lady.
My heart can barely contain such joy.
And yet, Unulfo, I feel....
Fears and doubts are envious of your joy.
Do not keep such joy
from my sight and my heart.
Bring Bertarido to me.
I shall send him.
My heart leaps in my breast.
I can't tell if it is joy or fear.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
You will restore peace to my heart...
...and bring relief for every sorrow.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
My husband!
My dearest, my beloved!
First I must beg forgiveness...
...for my mistaken suspicions.
Pardon me, dearest,
that I may deserve your embrace.
It would take more than jealousy
to cool the ardor of our hearts.
If you are my love....
Do my eyes deceive me?
Is this the chaste....
This is the fidelity you swore
to your late husband, Rodelinda?
And when a royal lover offers you
heart, hand, and kingdom...
...you proudly spurn him?
Grimoaldo, you are wrong
to accuse her of impurity.
This kiss was honorable.
She embraced her husband.
I am Bertarido.
He is lying.
Bertarido is dead.
To save my honor, he is pretending.
For proof that I am not pretending...
...see how she prizes my life
more than her own honor.
Take him into custody.
Listen to me.
Be he lover or spouse,
I will allow you one more embrace.
Honorable or not, this embrace will be his last.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
And he shall die.
That fatal kiss, whether pure
or impure, sealed your fate.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
And he shall die.
Dear wife, even as I suffer,
I am happy today.
I can welcome even this final betrayal of fate.
I embrace you.
Stronger and harsher than death...
...is this farewell...
...that tears you from me.
I embrace you.
More bitter to my heart than death...
...is this farewell...
...this farewell that tears us apart.
I embrace you.
Stronger and harsher than death...
...is this farewell that tears you from me...
...that tears you from me.
My life!
My treasure!
If I do not die,
I will suffer a crueler anguish...
...one that is like death, yet does not kill.
My treasure, if I do not die....
If I do not die,
I will suffer a crueler anguish...
...one that is like death, yet does not kill.
I embrace you.
Stronger and harsher than death...
...is this farewell that tears you from me...
...that tears you from me.
Is the prisoner under your watch?
Grimoaldo allows me free access to the prison.
This key opens the door to
a secret tunnel to the royal garden.
You must help my brother find that passage.
I shall await you in the garden
with Rodelinda and her son...
...and at last they can escape.
What if they arrive before us to take him away?
I sent him a weapon for protection.
The day dawns on our plan.
Grief is vanquished.
A breeze has blown to soothe my soul...
...and bring it peace.
A soft breeze has soothed my soul...
...and given it peace.
A soothing breeze has brought peace to my soul.
If I can save my king,
my heart will want for nothing.
And I will be at peace.
If I save my king,
my heart will want for nothing more.
And I will be at peace.
A soft breeze has blown to soothe my soul...
...and brought it peace.
A soothing breeze has brought peace to my soul.
I must avenge our offended honor
and end all misunderstanding.
May Grimoaldo's heart reawaken
to peace and to my love!
Even as the tempest rages, I still feel hope.
Even as the tempest rages, I still feel hope.
It already gives me comfort...
...and tells me we will come through it all.
It already gives me comfort...
...and tells me we will come through it all.
Even as the tempest rages, I still feel hope.
Either this Bertarido is an impostor,
or our allies deceived us.
Whoever he is, he must die,
so your throne is safe.
My heart is troubled.
My mind is beset now by suspicion,
now by love, then hope, then fear...
...then by ambition and lust for power.
That must prevail over all other feelings.
Be he false or real,
your fears will die with Bertarido.
Be he false or real, if I kill him,
how can I make peace with Rodelinda?
But how can you win her
if he really is her husband?
You sigh? Don't you see
how they hate you?
Rodelinda and Eduige
unite in their anger to ruin you.
Either kill the villain or lose your kingdom.
Racked with suspicion, love, and fear...
...my heart is full of anxiety.
Racked with suspicion, love, and fear...
...my heart is full of anxiety.
First I surrender to love,
then I burn with rage.
Now I feel remorse,
now I fear deception.
Now I feel remorse,
now I fear deception.
Racked with suspicion, love, and fear...
...my heart is full of sorrow.
My heart is full of anxiety.
Which of you was more faithless,
blind love or cruel fate?
Which of you deceived me more?
First, pitiless fate forced me from the throne.
Then cruel love imprisoned me.
Which of you was more faithless,
blind love or cruel fate?
Which of you deceived me more?
But what is that, and who brought it?
In the darkness, I can barely see.
Surely this blade comes from a friendly hand.
This note says...
..."I am with you in every venture."
"Use me for your defense."
"From every deadly encounter I will rescue you."
"Let your friends tend to the rest."
Now I receive you, faithful weapon,
from a faithful friend.
The prison door is opening.
Here is the cruel messenger of death.
Righteous anger flares up in my heart.
Traitor!
Die!
Bertarido, my king.
What have I done? Unulfo!
Would you wound the hand that offers you help?
How horrible! Dear friend!
Enough!
These moments are too precious to waste in remorse.
Your life is more important than this wound.
With those clothes you can flee to safety.
Any delay could prove fatal.
We must go.
No, we must await him in the garden.
But we ourselves can save him from harm.
I have the key.
My lord? Brother?
I can see nothing. It is too dark.
I am afraid.
I will get a lamp.
Bertarido...my love?
No answer? Are you asleep?
Where are you?
As I feared.
His clothes, and fresh blood....
What else shall I find?
The blood must mean that they....
My tears stop me from saying more.
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
Who will pierce this heart of mine?
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
Who will pierce this heart of mine?
When a pain worse than death...
...strikes a grieving breast, it is a mercy.
It is not cruel, it is a mercy.
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
Who will pierce this heart of mine?
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
My heart has become a hell...
...full of tortures.
Three furies rule my heart.
Jealousy...rage...and love.
From my depths I hear...
...like a mad dog,
remorse howling to torment me.
It calls me faithless lover, traitor...
...usurper, villain, and tyrant.
But now, lull my weary eyes...
...to rest, calm breezes.
Yes, sleep, Grimoaldo.
And as you find peace in the open air...
...leave proud kingdoms and
uncertain thrones behind.
Peace of mind is more precious...
...than any throne.
The shepherd of a humble flock
can sleep peacefully...
...happy in the shade of a beech or a laurel.
The shepherd of a humble flock
can sleep peacefully...
...happy in the shade of a beech or a laurel.
I govern a great kingdom, but I find no rest.
I find no rest.
Under a canopy of velvet and gold,
there is no rest.
The shepherd of a humble flock
can sleep peacefully...
...resting in the shade of a beech or a laurel.
Kind fate favors my plan.
With his own sword, by the same hand
that raised him up, let him now die.
I am betrayed! Where is my sword?
Die, tyrant!
It is you who must die, traitor!
Soldiers, help me.
Who was it who saved me?
Bertarido?
Not Bertarido. He died by your hand.
Grimoaldo, here is your sword.
Can it be? Am I dreaming?
Look, stained with the blood of your friend.
He has fallen now, he who betrayed us both.
Avenge his blood with mine.
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Kill me now, ungrateful one.
Vent your anger!
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Now, ungrateful one, kill me.
Unleash your rage!
Kill me and vent your anger!
I wanted to save you only to show...
...that despite my misfortunes,
my heart is ruled by compassion.
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Kill me now, ungrateful one.
Vent your anger!
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Now, ungrateful one, kill me.
Unleash your rage!
Kill me and vent your anger!
Spare his life, Grimoaldo.
Yield, Grimoaldo.
Dedicate the life he spared to mercy.
If you are Bertarido's friend,
then you are mine as well.
For I owe him my life.
Eduige, I can never expiate
the wrong I have done you.
Even if I must mourn your lost love,
I remain always at your service.
Milan, here is your king.
Pay homage to your true sovereign.
No, Grimoaldo.
I want nothing from you.
Take your son, your wife...
...and your throne.
My love, we are out of danger.
Husband, I embrace you.
Embrace your son.
My darling, I have no more sorrow and anguish...
...no more anguish in my heart.
My beloved, sorrow and pain have fled.
They have fled from my heart.
Seeing you content, I know in my heart...
...that love will conquer all past sadness.
Seeing you at peace, I know love
will erase the sadness of the past.
My beloved, I have no more sorrow and anguish...
...no more anguish in my heart.
Eduige, forgive me.
My heart is yours.
Let us reign in Pavia and renounce all else.
Wife, son, sister, friends,
I clasp you to my heart.
How much my heart owes to you!
Now let us celebrate
in every corner of the kingdom.
On this happy day, may our joy
be as great as our past suffering.
After the dark night, brighter and clearer...
...happier and warmer is the sun that rises on us.
After the dark night, brighter and clearer...
...happier and warmer is the sun that rises on us.
Even cruel misfortune yields a rich harvest.
Happiness born of virtue endures the longest.
After the dark night, brighter and clearer...
...happier and warmer is the sun that rises on us.
I am alone here with my misfortune.
And my suffering grows ever greater.
I have lost my husband.
I am alone with my misfortune.
My suffering grows greater and greater.
Grimoaldo, how can you call me queen
when you have imprisoned me...
...when you have robbed me
of kingdom and consort?
But I have come to restore
both kingdom and consort to you.
While your husband lived,
I hid my love from you, Rodelinda.
Now that his death allows me to hope,
my ardor need be concealed no longer.
What? It isn't enough to steal
both kingdom and husband from me?
Would you also destroy my honor?
No, Grimoaldo, I refuse your offer.
I will keep my honor,
and you may have the throne.
The pitiless cruelty of fate has devastated me...
...but you will not make a coward of me.
I am bereft, but I will not act dishonorably.
Cruel fate has devastated me...
...but you will not make a coward of me.
And you, cruel tyrant,
you will not subdue me...
...even though you imprison me.
You will not subdue me...
...though you imprison me.
The pitiless cruelty of fate has devastated me...
...but it will not make a coward of me.
I am bereft, but I will not act dishonorably.
Cruel fate has devastated me...
...but you will not make a coward of me.
Duke, how painful this is.
She causes you great suffering, my lord.
I fear provoking her.
Both Rodelinda and Eduige trouble my heart.
One troubles with her anger,
the other with love.
You could subdue either with decisive action.
If you reject Eduige's love...
...Rodelinda will fear and love you
in spite of herself.
I don't have the heart.
Force the queen, forget love.
Eduige dreams of the throne.
Her pride is your enemy.
My lord, you came and conquered.
And you were promised my hand.
You spoke to me of love, and I loved you.
But you refused me.
My brothers had died.
We were all grieving.
The customs of mourning
forbade my marrying so soon.
It is too late. Our time has passed.
But I am the true princess.
Do not betray your promise.
Do not marry her.
Let her son become king,
and we shall reign as regents.
Though Bertarido has been dead for mere months...
...I offer you the broken heart and
the hand for which you once begged.
I shall marry Rodelinda.
Whether with her or with you,
I will be the legitimate king.
I shall place on the throne
the one who pleases me most.
I once loved you, but you hesitated.
You refused to be my wife.
Again and again you said no.
I loved you once, but you hesitated.
You refused to marry me.
You rejected me again and again.
Now that I am to be king,
I will not share my throne...
...with you, who rejected me.
I once loved you, but you hesitated.
You refused to be my wife.
Again and again you said no.
I loved you once, but you hesitated.
You refused to marry me.
You rejected me again and again.
You claim to love me?
You have a heart and a sword...
...and yet you can bear to see me wronged?
My lady, I hasten to honor you...
...and take vengeance on the villain.
No, stop. Wait.
Let him kneel and beg my forgiveness,
never to receive it.
Can you really do this?
Will you be able?
I shall do it.
I shall say, "Cruel man..."
"...take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart elsewhere."
I shall say, "Cruel man..."
"...take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart and go."
Then, in his presence,
I'll turn and say to you...
..."You are my heart's desire."
I shall do it.
I shall say, "Cruel man, go!"
"Take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart elsewhere."
I shall say, "Cruel man..."
"...take your ungrateful,
treacherous heart and go."
Eduige, you deceive yourself.
It is the crown I desire.
And in wooing you,
I seek only a path to the throne.
I'll use love's wiles...
...to capture the throne.
Love can merely capture the heart.
I'll use love's wiles...
...to capture the throne.
Love can merely capture the heart.
I will stifle love with deceit.
Indulging in love would only hold me back.
Indulging in love would only hold me back.
I will stifle love with deceit.
I'll use love's wiles...
...to capture the throne.
Love itself merely captures the heart.
Love itself merely captures the heart.
Hollow celebrations of death.
With this pretense of grief,
you preserve my likeness and my name.
Yet you only flatter the pride
of the haughty conqueror.
You say that I am dead.
But my grief replies...
...it is not so.
"Bertarido was king.
Defeated by Grimoaldo, he fled."
"Far away he lies.
May his soul find rest, his ashes peace."
Peace for my ashes? O cruel stars!
Must I always wage war
against hardship and torment?
Where are you?
Where are you, my beloved?
Come and comfort my soul.
Come and comfort my soul.
I am overcome with grief.
My laments will not end until you are beside me.
Where are you, dear beloved?
Come and comfort my soul.
Come and comfort my soul.
Here is Unulfo, thank God!
Faithful friend, let me embrace you.
My lord, fate may have robbed you of your throne.
But it has not robbed me of respect for my king.
Having such a friend in adversity,
I can bless my misfortunes.
Tell me, where is Rodelinda?
And how is my son?
She has suffered...
...but the news of your death
caused her the greatest pain.
Have you not told her that I am alive?
Their grief will support our plan.
You must remain hidden.
What pain for us both!
But look. Here is my wife and son.
Let me embrace them.
My lord, do not let your love
destroy your only chance!
After such long exile,
let me embrace my wife, kiss my son.
To delight in them for a moment,
you'd risk losing them forever?
What torment!
Withdraw, my lord.
-Shall I die, then?
-You must hide now.
Spirits!
Flowers!
Desolate tombs!
You would be the delight of my heart.
Spirits, flowers, desolate tombs...
...you would be the delight of my heart.
If only I could find in you...
...the image and the ashes of my beloved.
Spirits!
Flowers and desolate tombs...
...you would be the delight of my heart.
Spirit of my beloved!
Perhaps you hover here near this monument.
See the faithful tears of your wife and son.
Restrain yourself.
Receive our kisses.
Observe and keep silent.
You waste your kisses on his tomb, Rodelinda!
Yet those kisses could buy back your kingdom.
Garibaldo, the villain!
You dare to speak to me of my misfortunes, traitor?
Grimoaldo requires your compliance, not resistance.
Either embrace your fate
by marrying him, or prepare....
For what? Death, perhaps?
I have nothing more to fear or to hope for.
Nothing more to fear?
Give me your son.
Let this danger make you
less proud and more sensible.
Grimoaldo has decided to place
your fate in your own hands.
Think, and decide.
The throne for your son...or death.
Traitor, I understand.
This is your idea.
Give me my son!
Go to your master.
Tell him I surrender.
And that I will marry him and take the throne.
What misery!
But you! Tremble with fear,
evil man, unworthy servant!
I shall be the judge of your crimes.
I shall reign, and you shall die.
Yes, you will die.
Your head will serve as a step to the throne.
Yes, you will die...
...and your head will serve as a step to the throne.
You will die, and your head will
serve as a step to the throne.
Unulfo! Dear God! Is this devotion?
Is this fidelity?
At his first threats,
his first strike, she submits?
We must tell her now that you are still alive.
No, her constancy would then be a necessity
rather than a virtue.
My lord, I too am beside myself.
But take heart.
And somehow, in my sadness...
...I will find comfort for your great sorrow.
For a strong, brave heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, yes, but they are not fatal.
They are not fatal.
For a strong heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, but not fatal.
But when love enters into it,
then the nobler the heart...
...the deadlier the wounds.
For a heart that is strong and brave,
the blows of fate...
...are harsh, yes, but not fatal.
They are not fatal.
For a strong heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, but not fatal.
For a strong, brave heart, the blows of fate...
...are harsh, yes, but they are not fatal.
Yes, let my faithless wife still believe me dead.
Let her offer a new husband
the faith she once pledged to me.
Then let her learn that I am alive,
and be shamed.
Let us all witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Let us all witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Let us all witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
With false sighs, she frets and grieves.
She mourns me while I live,
yet as I live, she will kill me.
Let us witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Let us witness the shame
of this faithless wife...
...who mocks me even as she mourns me.
Grimoaldo rejects me and
pretends to love Rodelinda.
If she doesn't guard her son's future,
should I myself ascend the throne?
Grimoaldo, beloved villain, treacherous lover!
Do not bring shame on the royal house.
What shall I do? Perhaps Garibaldo....
Give me hope, and I shall support
your claim to the throne.
And if I promise to be yours?
You know I will do what must be done.
He will die.
Oh, God! If he could see my heart!
I see. You still love the man
who betrayed you, ungrateful woman!
Will you betray Bertarido's faith?
Will you marry Grimoaldo?
My husband is dead,
and I must protect my son.
But can you trust Grimoaldo?
Can you trust the traitor and thief...
...who pledged his hand and his heart to me?
Grimoaldo has offended us,
but now he will be king.
I swear revenge upon his wicked head.
The thunder of my grief...
...will change his laurels into cypresses,
his throne into a tomb.
To avenge these wrongs,
my love will change to anger.
My love will change to anger.
To avenge these wrongs,
I will transform my love into anger.
I will strike him down with the fire in my eyes.
To avenge these wrongs,
I'll change my love to anger.
My love will change to anger.
To avenge these wrongs,
I will transform my love into anger.
My love will change to anger.
Rodelinda, is it true?
Yes, Grimoaldo. I surrender.
But there is one condition you must accept.
Then I shall be whatever you wish.
Your wife, or your servant.
She will condemn me.
You may ask anything but the death of....
Of Garibaldo?
I would not dignify so vile a man with my anger.
Then complete my happiness.
I swear to do as you wish.
I want you to prove your villainy and cruelty.
With your own hand, before my eyes...
...you must kill my son.
And may this one crime destroy you.
-This is your wish?
-Yes, this is my condition.
No, I am not deceiving you.
I cannot be mother to the true king
while I am wife to a tyrant.
I will not embrace both my son and his enemy.
Duke, is this how Rodelinda becomes mine?
On this condition, I offer you my hand.
You must understand,
if you become my husband, and I your consort...
...I marry vengeance, and you marry death.
Cruel men!
I swear to you.
I'll give my love to my son,
but to you only torment and suffering.
Cruel men, I swear...
...I swear, I'll give my love to my son...
...but to you, only torment.
You'll receive only torment and suffering.
I'll give my love to my son,
but to you, only torment and suffering.
My arms could never embrace that vicious man...
...who has caused my every misfortune.
Cruel men!
I swear to you.
I'll give my love to my son,
but to you only torment and suffering.
Cruel men, I swear...
...I swear, I'll give my love to my son...
...but to you, only torment.
I'll give my love to my son...
...but to you, only torment and suffering.
Unulfo, Garibaldo, the hope in my heart is fading.
Would that my feelings for her would also fade.
Summon your honor, my lord,
if you would defend your heart.
Her unwavering fidelity
makes me want her even more.
Then admire the beauty of her soul,
but do not pursue her.
What should I do?
Don't be taken in by her dissembling.
Accept her condition.
You'll see her retract it.
Would you stain yourself with
the royal blood of an innocent boy?
A lovesick heart neither hears nor heeds
the voice of virtue.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so agreeable are its shackles...
...that it does not wish to be free.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so pleasing are its chains...
...that it does not wish to be free.
My heart ails, sad and troubled.
But its struggle is so pleasing,
it does not crave relief.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so pleasing are its shackles...
...that it does not wish to be free.
My heart is an anguished prisoner.
But so pleasing are its chains...
...that it does not wish to be free.
How can you offer such unprincipled advice
to a man who would be king?
He who seizes power must be ruthless.
Indeed?
Yes, the perjurer must betray his word.
The sinner must entrap the saint.
The absolute ruler, unjust and merciless, must....
Spill royal blood?
Or risk losing the throne he stole.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and with cruelty he will retain it.
He gained the kingdom through tyranny,
and will retain it with cruelty.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and with cruelty he will retain it.
Severity, not mercy, is the basis of power.
Power is founded on severity, not mercy.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and cruelty will enable him to retain it.
Tyranny gained him the kingdom,
and with cruelty he will retain it.
Yes, scoundrel, I understand.
I am not deceived.
As you betrayed your true king,
you would also betray the usurper.
Meanwhile, to console Bertarido's loving heart...
...I will lead Rodelinda to him,
and he will see her unwavering constancy.
Through the terrible tempest that batters his heart...
...shines a portent of peace.
A guiding star appears.
Through the terrible tempest that batters his heart...
...shines a portent of peace.
And that star, which dispels every cloud of sorrow...
...is the faith of his beloved,
and it shines ever more brightly.
Through the storms that batter his heart...
...shines a portent of calm.
A guiding star has already appeared.
Through the storms that batter his heart...
...shines a portent of peace.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
And in sad, hollow tones...
...they echo...
...they echo my laments.
And the caverns...
...and mountains....
The caverns and mountains in sad, hollow tones...
...they echo...
...they echo my laments.
I hear the voice of my brother,
if my ears don't deceive me.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
With gentle murmuring they weep at my tears...
...the brooks and fountains.
No, the voice and face are his.
My brother is alive, and he stands before me!
Sister!
Does my life cost you a sigh?
Do not sigh. I am a changed man.
Bertarido used to have a throne,
subjects, friends...
...a family, a wife...
...along with the ideals of faithfulness and loyalty.
Now all that is left is a memory,
to add to my sorrow.
Misfortune can slacken
but not break the bonds...
...that nature formed between us.
You suffered greatly, but the throne
awaits you. Now you can reign.
The kingdom is not the object
of my desire or my disguise.
In feigning death, my only design
was to steal from the tyrant...
...much dearer prizes.
My wife and my son.
And take them far from here into exile.
But envious fate denies me even this happiness.
I return wretched, only to hear
that a faithless wife betrays me.
That is a lie! Rodelinda is faithful.
Sister, are you telling me the truth?
She loves only you.
She cedes to Grimoaldo
only to save her son, the true heir.
You must know everything now.
Let me tell you all.
Brother, I promise to restore to your heart...
...your peace, your throne, and your love.
Who restores to my mind this lost memory?
Who restores the daylight to my eyes?
The hope of my heart has returned, smiling.
That hope which fate had taken from me.
Bertarido is alive?
Yes, alive and eager to embrace you, my lady.
My heart can barely contain such joy.
And yet, Unulfo, I feel....
Fears and doubts are envious of your joy.
Do not keep such joy
from my sight and my heart.
Bring Bertarido to me.
I shall send him.
My heart leaps in my breast.
I can't tell if it is joy or fear.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
You will restore peace to my heart...
...and bring relief for every sorrow.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
Return, my dearest treasure.
Bring comfort and hope to my heart.
My husband!
My dearest, my beloved!
First I must beg forgiveness...
...for my mistaken suspicions.
Pardon me, dearest,
that I may deserve your embrace.
It would take more than jealousy
to cool the ardor of our hearts.
If you are my love....
Do my eyes deceive me?
Is this the chaste....
This is the fidelity you swore
to your late husband, Rodelinda?
And when a royal lover offers you
heart, hand, and kingdom...
...you proudly spurn him?
Grimoaldo, you are wrong
to accuse her of impurity.
This kiss was honorable.
She embraced her husband.
I am Bertarido.
He is lying.
Bertarido is dead.
To save my honor, he is pretending.
For proof that I am not pretending...
...see how she prizes my life
more than her own honor.
Take him into custody.
Listen to me.
Be he lover or spouse,
I will allow you one more embrace.
Honorable or not, this embrace will be his last.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
And he shall die.
That fatal kiss, whether pure
or impure, sealed your fate.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
Your lover is my rival.
Your husband, my enemy.
And he shall die.
And he shall die.
Dear wife, even as I suffer,
I am happy today.
I can welcome even this final betrayal of fate.
I embrace you.
Stronger and harsher than death...
...is this farewell...
...that tears you from me.
I embrace you.
More bitter to my heart than death...
...is this farewell...
...this farewell that tears us apart.
I embrace you.
Stronger and harsher than death...
...is this farewell that tears you from me...
...that tears you from me.
My life!
My treasure!
If I do not die,
I will suffer a crueler anguish...
...one that is like death, yet does not kill.
My treasure, if I do not die....
If I do not die,
I will suffer a crueler anguish...
...one that is like death, yet does not kill.
I embrace you.
Stronger and harsher than death...
...is this farewell that tears you from me...
...that tears you from me.
Is the prisoner under your watch?
Grimoaldo allows me free access to the prison.
This key opens the door to
a secret tunnel to the royal garden.
You must help my brother find that passage.
I shall await you in the garden
with Rodelinda and her son...
...and at last they can escape.
What if they arrive before us to take him away?
I sent him a weapon for protection.
The day dawns on our plan.
Grief is vanquished.
A breeze has blown to soothe my soul...
...and bring it peace.
A soft breeze has soothed my soul...
...and given it peace.
A soothing breeze has brought peace to my soul.
If I can save my king,
my heart will want for nothing.
And I will be at peace.
If I save my king,
my heart will want for nothing more.
And I will be at peace.
A soft breeze has blown to soothe my soul...
...and brought it peace.
A soothing breeze has brought peace to my soul.
I must avenge our offended honor
and end all misunderstanding.
May Grimoaldo's heart reawaken
to peace and to my love!
Even as the tempest rages, I still feel hope.
Even as the tempest rages, I still feel hope.
It already gives me comfort...
...and tells me we will come through it all.
It already gives me comfort...
...and tells me we will come through it all.
Even as the tempest rages, I still feel hope.
Either this Bertarido is an impostor,
or our allies deceived us.
Whoever he is, he must die,
so your throne is safe.
My heart is troubled.
My mind is beset now by suspicion,
now by love, then hope, then fear...
...then by ambition and lust for power.
That must prevail over all other feelings.
Be he false or real,
your fears will die with Bertarido.
Be he false or real, if I kill him,
how can I make peace with Rodelinda?
But how can you win her
if he really is her husband?
You sigh? Don't you see
how they hate you?
Rodelinda and Eduige
unite in their anger to ruin you.
Either kill the villain or lose your kingdom.
Racked with suspicion, love, and fear...
...my heart is full of anxiety.
Racked with suspicion, love, and fear...
...my heart is full of anxiety.
First I surrender to love,
then I burn with rage.
Now I feel remorse,
now I fear deception.
Now I feel remorse,
now I fear deception.
Racked with suspicion, love, and fear...
...my heart is full of sorrow.
My heart is full of anxiety.
Which of you was more faithless,
blind love or cruel fate?
Which of you deceived me more?
First, pitiless fate forced me from the throne.
Then cruel love imprisoned me.
Which of you was more faithless,
blind love or cruel fate?
Which of you deceived me more?
But what is that, and who brought it?
In the darkness, I can barely see.
Surely this blade comes from a friendly hand.
This note says...
..."I am with you in every venture."
"Use me for your defense."
"From every deadly encounter I will rescue you."
"Let your friends tend to the rest."
Now I receive you, faithful weapon,
from a faithful friend.
The prison door is opening.
Here is the cruel messenger of death.
Righteous anger flares up in my heart.
Traitor!
Die!
Bertarido, my king.
What have I done? Unulfo!
Would you wound the hand that offers you help?
How horrible! Dear friend!
Enough!
These moments are too precious to waste in remorse.
Your life is more important than this wound.
With those clothes you can flee to safety.
Any delay could prove fatal.
We must go.
No, we must await him in the garden.
But we ourselves can save him from harm.
I have the key.
My lord? Brother?
I can see nothing. It is too dark.
I am afraid.
I will get a lamp.
Bertarido...my love?
No answer? Are you asleep?
Where are you?
As I feared.
His clothes, and fresh blood....
What else shall I find?
The blood must mean that they....
My tears stop me from saying more.
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
Who will pierce this heart of mine?
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
Who will pierce this heart of mine?
When a pain worse than death...
...strikes a grieving breast, it is a mercy.
It is not cruel, it is a mercy.
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
Who will pierce this heart of mine?
If my sorrow is not strong enough...
...who will end my life, O God?
My heart has become a hell...
...full of tortures.
Three furies rule my heart.
Jealousy...rage...and love.
From my depths I hear...
...like a mad dog,
remorse howling to torment me.
It calls me faithless lover, traitor...
...usurper, villain, and tyrant.
But now, lull my weary eyes...
...to rest, calm breezes.
Yes, sleep, Grimoaldo.
And as you find peace in the open air...
...leave proud kingdoms and
uncertain thrones behind.
Peace of mind is more precious...
...than any throne.
The shepherd of a humble flock
can sleep peacefully...
...happy in the shade of a beech or a laurel.
The shepherd of a humble flock
can sleep peacefully...
...happy in the shade of a beech or a laurel.
I govern a great kingdom, but I find no rest.
I find no rest.
Under a canopy of velvet and gold,
there is no rest.
The shepherd of a humble flock
can sleep peacefully...
...resting in the shade of a beech or a laurel.
Kind fate favors my plan.
With his own sword, by the same hand
that raised him up, let him now die.
I am betrayed! Where is my sword?
Die, tyrant!
It is you who must die, traitor!
Soldiers, help me.
Who was it who saved me?
Bertarido?
Not Bertarido. He died by your hand.
Grimoaldo, here is your sword.
Can it be? Am I dreaming?
Look, stained with the blood of your friend.
He has fallen now, he who betrayed us both.
Avenge his blood with mine.
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Kill me now, ungrateful one.
Vent your anger!
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Now, ungrateful one, kill me.
Unleash your rage!
Kill me and vent your anger!
I wanted to save you only to show...
...that despite my misfortunes,
my heart is ruled by compassion.
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Kill me now, ungrateful one.
Vent your anger!
You live, tyrant. I have saved you.
Now, ungrateful one, kill me.
Unleash your rage!
Kill me and vent your anger!
Spare his life, Grimoaldo.
Yield, Grimoaldo.
Dedicate the life he spared to mercy.
If you are Bertarido's friend,
then you are mine as well.
For I owe him my life.
Eduige, I can never expiate
the wrong I have done you.
Even if I must mourn your lost love,
I remain always at your service.
Milan, here is your king.
Pay homage to your true sovereign.
No, Grimoaldo.
I want nothing from you.
Take your son, your wife...
...and your throne.
My love, we are out of danger.
Husband, I embrace you.
Embrace your son.
My darling, I have no more sorrow and anguish...
...no more anguish in my heart.
My beloved, sorrow and pain have fled.
They have fled from my heart.
Seeing you content, I know in my heart...
...that love will conquer all past sadness.
Seeing you at peace, I know love
will erase the sadness of the past.
My beloved, I have no more sorrow and anguish...
...no more anguish in my heart.
Eduige, forgive me.
My heart is yours.
Let us reign in Pavia and renounce all else.
Wife, son, sister, friends,
I clasp you to my heart.
How much my heart owes to you!
Now let us celebrate
in every corner of the kingdom.
On this happy day, may our joy
be as great as our past suffering.
After the dark night, brighter and clearer...
...happier and warmer is the sun that rises on us.
After the dark night, brighter and clearer...
...happier and warmer is the sun that rises on us.
Even cruel misfortune yields a rich harvest.
Happiness born of virtue endures the longest.
After the dark night, brighter and clearer...
...happier and warmer is the sun that rises on us.