Henry Purcell - King Arthur: Act IV. "Two Daughters of This Aged Stream" | Текст песни

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• Henry Purcell
• King Arthur: Act IV. "Two Daughters of This Aged Stream"

ACT FOUR

FIRST SCENE
Osmond learns that Merlin has broken his spells but plans to cast new spells and seduce Arthur with visions of beauty.

SECOND SCENE
The Wood

Arthur, having first been warned by Merlin that everything he sees is illusion, is left alone in the wood under the watchful eye of Philidel, who can reveal any evil spirits with a wave of Merlin's wand. Arthur is amazed that instead of the horrors and dangers he had expected, he hears soft music and sees a golden bridge spanning a silver stream. Though suspecting a trap, he approaches the bridge. Two sirens naked to the waist, emerge, begging him to lay aside his sword and join them.

TWO SIRENS
Two daughters of this aged stream are we,
And both our sea-green locks have comb'd for ye.
Come bathe with us an hour or two;
Come naked in, for we are so.
What danger from a naked foe?
Come bathe with us, come bathe, and share
What pleasures in the floods appear.
We'll beat the waters till they bound
And circle round, and circle round.

Though sorely tempted, Arthur resists and presses on.As he is going forward, nymphs and sylvans come out from behind the trees. Dance with song, all with branches in their bands.