THE WILLIAM R. PERKINS LIBRARY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY Rare Books LIBRARY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Duke University Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/amelianewenglishOOIamp A iW E Z, / ^ A New English O p E R A [Pria 5 One Shilling*} A M E L I A A New English O P E R j, As it is Perform'd at the New Theatre in the Hay-Market, After the ITALIAN Manner. Set to MUSICK By Mr. JOHN FREDERICK LAMPB. LONDON: Printed for J. Watts at the Printing-Office in Wild-Court near Lincoln's- Inn Fields. MDCC XXXII. (Price One Shilling,] ARGUMENT. GA S I M I R, Prince and General ef the Hungarian Army, Icing unfortunately defeated in a War between him and Ofmyn Grand Viper of the Turks, is taken Prifoner. Upon the Arrival of this unhappy News, Ame- lia, Cafimir's Wife, refohes to try all pojfi- hle Means to effeB his Redemption-, accord- ingly Jhe advifes Rodulpho a young Prince, and an intimate Friend of Cafimir, to drefs himfelf in a Turkifli Habit, 0nd prefent her to Ofmyn as a Captive taken by him, imagining that if Jhe could be brought into the Prefence of the Grand Vtfter, he would be fo deeply cap- tivated with her Beauty, that (he could eafily Induce him to grant any Favour, upon a feem- ing Condefcenpon to any thing he Jhould ask of her in return : With this View Jhe is car- ried to Ofmyn, upon whom Jhe had the In- fluence fiance fie promts d herfelf and compleated the Redemption of her Husband. Amelia having thus fuccefs fully obtained her defired Ends, foon after meeting with a good Opportunity, when Ofinyn was engaged in other Affairs, makes her Efcape with Rodulpho by Night, and dif- appoints the Grand Vifter of his Expe&ation. Augufta, Cafimir \r Sifter, all this while mif- fing Amelia, and Rodulpho her Lower > fuph pofes they are gone upon fome vicious Defign j and Cafimir himfelf not finding them at home at his Return, concurs with her in the fame Opinion, fo that upon her coming back they meet with a Reception 'much contrary to what they might naturally hope for after fo dange- rous an Adventure, being both infiantly put into Confinement: Amelia fo highly refents this undeferved Ufage, that fie advifes Rodul- pho not to give Cafimir any immediate Satis* faUion about their Undertakings-, hut Rodul- pho finding that fuch a Delay would be of dangerous Conference (a Day being already pxd for their Execution) refohes to conceal it no The ARGUMENT. no longer, hut in a Letter to Cafimir ghes a genuine Account of all their Proceedings, the Truth of which he is fo well convinced of, that he is injlantly reconciled to loth his De- liverers, and gives Augufta to Rodulpho in Marriage as a Gratuity for his extraordinary Friendjbip. Dramatis Dramatis Perfong. MEN. Ofmyn, Grand Vifier, Commander J *» m , . of the Turks. % Mr. Waltz. Cafimir, Prince and General of the? _ . __ „ tt • * r Mr. Kellyi Hungarian Army. 3 J Rodulpho, his Friend, in Love with ? _ _ _ , . A^ufia. i M '- Smder ' WOMEN. Amelia, Wife of Cafimir. Mifs Artie. Augufta, Sifter to Cafimir, in Love ? , , , , „ ^Rodulpho. £Mrs.M*>. Officers, Guards, and Attendants, &c. SCENE the Frontiers of Hungaria towards Turkey, AMELIA A New ENGLISH OPERA. ACTI. SCENE I. SCENE, A fpacious Country. Ofmyn at the Head of the Turkifli Army. ERE let the wearied Army reft awhile. That ere we farther march* We may have time fedately to confult The Meafures neceffary to be taken To make the 'Turks victorious j Then nought remains, but with undaunted Courage To profecute our Scheme. What Toil! what Danger ! and what Care! To Glory lead the IV ay : Commanded by the God of War^ 'The Brave with Joy obey, [Exeunt, B SCENE AMELIA. SCENE II. A Court before Cafimirt Palace. Cafimir, Amelia, Augufta, and Rodulpho. Amelia to Cafimir. O let me die, while yet I fee The Comfort of my Heart , For worfe than infant Death 'twill be From thee, my Love, to part. Cafim. Weep not, Amelia, My Country's Safety loudly calls me hence, And I muft now inevitably leave thee: How can thefe Eyes behold Hungaria ravag'd By bold invading Turks ? No, Heaven is Guardian of our righteous Caufe, And Cafimir its Inftrument of Vengeance. Farewel, my Dear, till Conqueft brings me back, To lay my Laurels at Amelias Feet. [To Rod.] Rodulpho! I intruft thee with a Charge Dearer to me than all terreftrial Bleflings, My Sifter, and my Wife : Atteft your Friendfhip by a faithful Care. Once more farewel, my Friend and Sifter; And oh my deareft Wife ! farewel. What Heart can help bleeding, my Charmer ! To leave onefo virtuous and fair ; Sure Heavn will let nothing alarm her, But make her, for my fake, its Care. [Exeunt Cafimir and Amelia different ways. AMELIA. SCENE III. Augufta and Rodulpho. Aug. Oh what a difmal Day is this, Rodulpho! Rod. Defpair not,Princefs, of your Brother's Safety; Am not I almoft equally concern'd ? To Cafimir my Friendfhip is fo great, rhat, but for your dear Sake, krm'd by his Side with Pleafure would I march ro fhield him, and to fhare with him the Danger. Aug. Are you already weary of your Charge? So, follow him, it is not yet too late, 1 need not your Protection. Leave me, leave me, Don't deceive me: Faithlefs Lover ! I difcover 'That another has your Heart. All your Smiling Is beguiling, All your Pajjion Affeftation, Go, I fee through all your Art. Rod. You wrong me, fair Augufta; Ian you condemn my real Friendship ro him, whom you fo dearly value ? Fou are the only one of all the Sex B 2 That That ever gain'd my Heart : Why would you then torment me thus, And wound me with fuch undeferv'd Reproaches ? Friendjhip, Glory, I difdain, Thee, my Charmer, to obtain : Who can other Beauties prize "That hasfeen thofe conquering Eyes ? Wrong not then my Flame Jincere, By Sujpicion toofevere y Since 'tis paji all Powr to move The Ardour of my conjlant Love. [Exeunt. S C E N E IV. A ProJpeSt of the Turkiih Camp, Ofmyn, Officers, Guards, and Attendants, Ofm. Be this the Day appointed To rufh with Fury on our Chriftian Foes. Now, now, my Muflulmen, exert your Courage ; Thofe, who in this Engagement fall, Will be abundantly rewarded With the eternal Joys of Paradife : The reft with Spoil and Conqueft will return. Infeparable Bleffings thus attend us. Whether we live or die, We're fure of Happinefs. Ill dejlroy the proud Foe in his Glory, From our Prefence he Jh all fly, For Til conquer or die, To dubious Fear I am a Stranger : Let Let all befo brave, that the Story May be noted by Fame, From the Ganges to Thame, And equal the Height of our Danger. [Exeunt. SCENE V. Rodulpho and Amelia. Rod. Oh Princefs! why this folemn Face of Mourning ? Provoke not Providence by your Diftruft; 'Tis time enough to grieve when there's Occafion. Amel I feel a fecret Boding in my Soul, A thoufand difmal Apprehenfions By turns torment, and rob me of my Reft. DifiraBing Fears, Tormenting Cares, Perplex my doubtful Mind-, Till his Return, For whom I mourn, No Pleafure can I find. Rod. [to Amel.] Stop this EfFufion of your Tears, my Princefs ! Your Hope for Cafimirs good Succefs Should over-weigh the Balance of your Grief. Enter Augufta, behind, Aug. Soclofe! fokind! 'Tis proper to obferve them, Amel. Amel Rodulpho! Well I know your heartv Wifhes, ' But ftill the Immenfenefs of my Paffion Extends to a far greater Pitch, Than you can think, or I exprefs. Aug. So very fond! confound her, O ye Gods! Rodulpho to Amelia. Oh let not Fears , Or anxious Cares, The fair Amelia difcontent; Forfoon we may Expetf the Day, Which Jhall our mutual Joy cement. [Exeunt Rod. and Amel SCENE VI. Augufta alone. A faithful Friend ! A chafte and virtuous Wife ! Is this the Lover has fo often vow'd Eternal Conftancy to me ? Is this the Wife fo generally fam'd For exemplary Goodnefs? How is my Brother and my felf abus'd ! But he {hall know, and I'll revenge their Infidelity, Vengeance I Vengeance! fwift overtake 'em, May they never more be blejl ! May the Gods as wretched make them, As they've render d me dijlrefs'd. Rife, AMELIA. 7 Rife, ye fierce infernal Legions, From the difmal Shades below I Bear 'em to your darkfome Regions, Plunge y em deep in endlefs Woe. [Exit. SCENE VII. A Pavilion. Ofmyn, with Attendants. Ofm. At length the Sultan's Arms Have prov'd triumphant, And Conqueft is the Premium of our Courage. Bring forth the once renowned Cafimir, Now Ofmyn s Captive, and the Sultan's Slave. [Calimir enters in Chains. Well, Cajimir! you fee the Fate of War Is now decided in our Favour ; Thefe Chains are not to be compar'd With the Severities I can inflift, Unlefs, upon the Terms I fhall propofe, You purchafe your Redemption. Cajim. Ofmyn ! I rather choofe to die, Than on inglorious Terms to purchafe Life, For Death is welcome after this Defeat. Ofm. Chriftian ! 'tis vain to hope immediate Death, For I'll confummate my Revenge By a Protraction of thy Mifery: Were we to live the Series of an Age, My Vengeance then would be the more compleat. The AMELIA. The Eagle with its Prey, Through Mther cuts his way, Retaining/aft his trembling Prize ; With a relentlefs Breaft, He bears him to his Nefl, And makes him there a Sacrifice. [Exeunt SCENE VIII. A Room. Amelia and Rodulpho. Enter Mejfenger with a Letter. Amel. [to Meff.] Let mfe not hear you fpeak, Your Looks at once declare That you're the Bearer of unwelcome News : Give me the Letter. [Reads, andfwoons, Rodulpho runs to her* Rod. Deareft Amelia ! Why this fudden Change ? Enter Augufta, afide. Aug. A very kind Embrace ! Amel. Give me the Letter, 'tis no doubt the 1 That I fhall from my deareft Lord receive. Coyne, fad Companion of eternal Orief! Let Floods of Tears to Sorrow give Relief Til read and hifs thee all the tedious Day> And o'er thee weep till Sight is wept away. [Exit Amt Roc 4 AMELIA. 9 Rod. Lovely Augujla, follow your fad Sifter, And try to comfort her in this Afflidion. Aug. No. I have too many Sorrows of my own, You beft can footh her Anguilh : Leave me to my felf. Rod. I cannot leave you thus. Aug. I will be left, this is no time For idle Compliments. [Exit Rodulpha, 'That all fuccee ding Times May Jhun fuch monflrous Grimes ; Ye Gods, exert your Power On all who thus offend, Let fiery wrath defcend In an unbounded Shower* The End of the firffc A£t. ACT A ME L 1 A. i A C T II. SCENE L SCENE Oimyris Pavilion. Cafimir, chair? d at the Entry. Enter Rodulpho in a Turkifh Habit \ with Ame- lia, like-wife difgnifed. Rodulpho. HUS far, dread Princefs! I have with due Fidelity attended, Nor is there any Danger in this World, Thro' which I would not venture for your fake, Yet ftill deliberate once more with Caution The Perils of this Undertaking. AmeL No more Obje&ions : I'm AMELIA. M I'm pofitlve to follow my Intentions, Or join with me, or leave me to my felf. Rod. 'Twas not on my Account, but yours, That I was firffc induc'd to offer The well-intended, ill-receiv'd Advice. Amel. Rodulpho ! Well you know my' fad Mis- fortunes, I'm juft diftraclied with a deep Defpair; Can you not then excufe the harfh Expreffion ? Rod. Behold yon Wretch that's grov'ling on the Ground. Amel. By all my Hopes of Happinefs, my Huf- band! [Amelia running towards Cafimir, Rodulpho withholding her. Rod. For Heaven's fake, be not precipitate, This is no Seafon for Difcovery. Amel. O Rodulpho ! how can I behold him I And be prohibited from fpeaking to him. Rod. Obferve you not a Party near approaching ? We're ruin'd if fufpedled. So the gentle Turtle-Dove Bemoans her haplefs Captive Love, When in the Fowler s Snare : Sheflrives to free him, but in vain, And hovers round \ and round again, Then drops, kill 'd by Dejpair. [Exeunt, C z SCENE it AMELIA. S C E N E II. ^ G*/% ? Augufta, with Attendatits. Aug. What, gone ! impoffible ! it cannot be ; To leave the Palace thus at Dead of Night : Oh falfe Rodulpho ! Traitor to Friendfhip, Gratitude, and Love ! But much more falfe Amelia ! The faithlefs Spoufe of a diftreffed Husband : This ConducSt will imprint a greater Wound 3 Than his Defeat and Lofs of Liberty. ¥0 fee fitch Woes dear Cafimir opprefs, And flighted by a faithlefs Wife, Fills all my Soul with exquifte Diflrefi, A?id makes me weary of this Life. But as an Inflame of the cordial hove I to my injufd Brother bear, Til by tti immortal Powrs that rule above, To Juflice bring the guilty Fair. [Exit, SCENE III. Ofmyn's Pavilion. Cafimir at the Entry, as before. Ofmyn, Rodulpho, and Amelia. Ofm. [to Rod.] Tell me, my Muflulman, By what happy Chance Thou AMELIA i 3 Thoudidft obtain this matchlefs Beauty? Rod. On an Efcort for Forage near the Cky, I feiz'd this lovely Christian, By whofe majeftick Looks infpir'd with Awe^ I made a folemn Vow to bring her fpotjefs To the victorious Ofmyn. Ofm. This pleafing Inftance of thy Loyajty Shall e'er be gracioufly remembred, And thou malt always be our chief Attendant. [To Amel.] Say, beauteous Chriftian, Why thus in Sorrow droops that lovely Head? Thou art not falPn into Barbarian Hands, Nor wilt thou find us hideous, as we're painted, Amel. The Youngling ravijti d from its Neft, Exposed to Danger Jlands, But Joyfoon warms its panting Brea/l 3 When fall' n in gentle Hands. Littky alas! did I believe My Life would be rejlord By your dread Pow'r, which mojl conceive Is not to be implord. [Exeunt Ofmyn, Amelia, and Rodulpho. SCENE IV. Cafimir alone. O for a deadly Inftrument, to end rhis moft accurfed Life! Since i 4 AMELIA Since what I now endure is paft Forbearance. No more; it is refolv'd, I'll fo provoke him, That he muft kill me, if he has yet remaining One Spark of Manhood or Refentment. The furious Tiger for a while kept under, Roufes at lafl, and burjls his Chains afunder- y Infpir'd with double Rage he fiies Upon his Foes, and f elf -avenging dies. SCENE V. Enter Ofmyn, Amelia, and Rodulpho. Ofm. Joy of my Heart ! the longer I converfe, The more I'm ravifh'd and delighted With thy incomparable Wifdom. Thou haft a Soul more beauteous than thy Form, Nor can I live without the bleft Enjoyment Of both thofe excellent Perfections. Lovely Creature ! while Tm gazing, Ev'ry Feature more amazing^ All my Soul with Raptures charm. If fuch Fleafures in beholding^ Oh the Tranfport of infolding So much Beauty in my Arms ! [Going on, Cafimir obftrudts 'em. Ofm. Dareft thou obflrm3: my Way? Difpatch him ftraight for his Preemption , Sever his Head from his detefted Body. [Guards go to kill Cafimir, Amelia interpofes. Amel AMELIA. ij Amel Make here your Way, for fuch a Sight Thefe Eyes can never bear, [To Ofm.J Is this your boafted Mildnefs? What from your Fury may not I expect By this Example of your Cruelty ? How can you vainly thus pretend To love, when yet you hate? For if IJhould but once offend \ I fee my infant Fate : Pity and Love to Heaven ally'd, Engrofs the Godlike Breaf, Where Pity's Entrance is denyd, There Love can never reft. Ofn. At your Requeft he lives, But we'll no longer flay To hear his Infults, And repent our Mercy. Amel. You fay you love me, let me be coh* vinced You plainly do, by condefcending To reinftate the Christian in his Liberty ; For I am fhock'd at this Barbarity, And while my Soul with Horrour overflows, [ cannot think of Love. Ofn. What is it for your fake [ would not grant ? 3ut he's my Enemy avow'd ; Xo give him Freedom is to make him able To 16 AMELIA. To war againft us yet a fecond time> Ask any other Proof of my Affedtion, And my Compliance waits on your Requeft. Amel Too well I am fatisfy'd with one Repulfq I (hall but ask again to be denied. [To Rod.] What (hall I do in this Perplexity ? Rod. Deny her not this Inftance of your Favour^ It will remove the Terrour of her Mind, If you releafe him. Ofm. Such is the Ardour of my Paffion, That I'll engage her at the dearefl Rate. [To her.] To let you fee, my Charmer! I give your Love the preference, Above all other Views whatsoever, At your immediate Interceflion, This Chriflian has his Liberty reftor'd; I only ask the Tribute of your Heart, As a Return of Gratitude. Amel. Who would not with Gladnefs furrenderi A Heart to a Lover fo tender, Whofe Actions his Pajjion declare ? AJJift me, bright Goddefs of Beauty / And Cupid ! injlruct me my Duty, To make all his Wijhes my Care. [Olm. to Caf.] Chriflian, At the Requeft of this celeftial Creature, You have your Life and Liberty. AMELIA. 17 Cafl Angel of Goodncfs ! That from the deep Abyfs of Defperation Has caird me forth to Life again, Once more to come to my Amelias Arms. Ofm. No more, we will not hear your tedious Thanks ; Your Prefence only aggravates my Wrath ; So fly while you have free Permiffion. Cafim. To the Arms of my Dear eft Tm flying, Who doubtlefs with Sorrow is dying % Defp airing to fee me again, Above all the World I adore her ; O how will my Prefence reftore her ! And eafe her difconfolate Pain ! [Exit Cafimir. SCENE VI. Ofmyn, Amelia. Ofm. Now, the delightful Objecft of my Soul ! Remains there any Favour yet unask'd, That you can wifli, or I confer ? Amel. Viftorious Ofmyn ! I need no other proof of your AfFedtion, Ofm. To one fo fair and kind, Amel. Tofuch a generous Mind, Botho Surpaffing all Treafure, Who would not with Pleafure D i8 AMELIA. A Heart fine ere rejign ! Ofm. / ne'er can leave thee 9 Amel. I'll neer deceive thee, Both. For ever I am thine. The End of the Second Ad. r *&L »SF3> ACT AMELIA. ACT III. SCENE L A Room in Cafimir 5 * Palace, Augufta alone, Augusta. Brother injured loft ! A Sifter falfe ! A Traitor doubly fo to Heaven and me! Why do I yet furvive ? Welcome Refolution ! Guide thou with friendly Force My trembling Hand, And with this Poignard Fathom all my Woes. [Offers to kill herfelf I D I SCENE SCENE II. Cafimir enters. Caf Why, with uplifted Arms and pointed Steel, Seek'ft thou, Augufla, to deftroy A Life that's not thy own ? Aug. Ye Gods, it is my dear, my injured Bro- ther ! O Cafimir, this is a difmal Meeting! Caf Is this my welcome ? What is the meaning of this odd Reception? Aug. Ask me not, Too foon, alas, you'll learn The woeful Reafon. Caf Diftradt me not, but tell me where's Ame- lia? Aug. Would flie were dead. Caf. Curs'd be the Tongue, that utters fuch a Thought ; Is there the Wretch can wifh Amelia dead ? And art thou fhe ? Leave this unnatural Sifter, Cafimir \ And feek thy Love, thy dear Amelia. Aug. [Afde.] Unhappy Man! I cannot undc ceive him, Le# that upon fo fhocking a Relation, Sorn>j direful Refolution (hould enfue. [Exit Cai Caf. My Charmer* s very Name Does all my Soul infame. And Jills my Heart with jfoy : May both our troubles ceafe, And everlajling Peace Our future Time employ. (Exit, SCENE III. A Room in Ofmyn's Pavilion. Rodulpho alone. The happy Time will foon approach, la which Augujla's Jealoufy {hall have A moft agreeable Determination j For when fhe knows, that this our quiet Depar- ture Was to effedt dear Ca/imir's Redemption, Her Love, now fmother'd by unjuft Sufpicions, Will reaflume a greater Blaze. Enter Amelia in a Fright. Amel. Save me, Rodulpho ! Ofmyn no longer will admit Denial, I muft, or die, or yield to his Embraces. Rod. Amufe him with Pretences of Compliance, Then when alone, unguarded and diflblved, He's wholly in your Power. This to his Heart. [Offers her a Dagger. Amel Amel. What would you have me murder him; Rodulpho t Rod. Call not that Murder, Princefs, which is Juftice. Amel. I will not purchafe Liberty fo dear, Sooner Til kill myfelf. Rod. I then fuppofe, you love this vile Barba- rian. Amel. 'Tis fHfe, I hate him to the laft degree, But yet, I'll not imbrue my Hands in Blood, And bafe Aflaffination. Rod. If you're afraid to profecute th' Attempt, I'll pierce him with the fatal Inftrument. Amel. Rodulpho, be not rafla in your Propofals i Who knows, but fome blefs'd Turn a When leaft expefted, May profer Liberty on eafier Terms ? Let not Mortals tempt their Fate± But for Heaven's Decifion wait. And by Refignation Jhow What to Providence they owe. That jujl Power, which weighs the Crimea Points the Punijhment and Time, Sure, tho 9 late will interpofe, Andfave the injur } d from their Foes. SCENE AMELIA. SCENE IV. Cafimir alone in an Apartment. Caf. She's falfe, infufferably falfe ! Then farewel Truth and Virtue j Ofmyn, reftore me to my Chains again •; For my Amelia's Ufage far exceeds AH the Barbarity you could invent. [Goes to kill him/elf. Enter Augufta. Aug. Why, Cafimir, with facrilegious Hands Doll thou attempt what late thou didft condemn ? Caf. O my dear Sifter, Sharer of my Grief! Can you forgive thofe paffionate Expreffions, Which lately came from my unwary Tongue ? Aug. It was the height of Love for loft Amelia, Which caus'd the inconfiderate Refentment, Caf. But now 1 find your Wifh was juft, The caufelefs Paffion makes me more uneafy. Aug. No more, my deareft Brother ! But let us now revenge the grofs Offence. Caf Augujla, your Advice I mall accept, A.nd put it in immediate Execution. Jujl Heav'ns in my Refentments join, The Caufe is yours as well as mine ; And *4 AMELIA. And Vengeance, doubtlefs, is our due : O let me, while I thus complain, See both the Adulterers once again, Ta vindicate myfelf and you. [Exeunt. SCENE V. Amelia and Rodulpho. Amel. Rodulpho, you have fhewn a Friendship, Which will admit of no Comparifon. O blefs'd, tho* mean Difguife 1 in which array 'd We have efcap'd without Difcovery. [Martial Mufick at a Dijlance. Rod, Madam, we're paft the Extremity of Danger ; Behold a Party of Hungarian Horfe This way advancing. Amel. Cafimirs own Troop condudted by him fclf, Support me Heaven in this Excefs of Joy! Rod. Now, now, Amelia, all our paft Afflic? tions Have here an ample Recompenfc. scenJ AMELIA 25 SCENE VI. Enter Officer. Officer. I feize you Prifoners to Prince Cafimir. AmeL Stand off, officious Slave ', I am his Wife. Officer. We know it, Madam, 'tis our Lord's Command, To bring you both to clofe Confinement. [Amel. to Rod. afde.] Since he is fo ram, Let us refolve him nothing ; But ftill let this unjuft Sufpicion plague him, Till a fit Time to prove our Innocence. Enter Cafimir. Caf [Difguis'd.] O vile lafcivious Pair ! Rod. O Cafimir ! Caf. You have framed, no doubt, Some well concerted Story ; But I'm deaf to every thing but Vengeance, Take from my Prefence fuch detefted Obje&s. Ah Traitrefs, wicked and impure ! How can I pofjibly endure To fee that odious Face ? Oh that my Heart had not been fet On one who could her Truth forget \ To fuffer fuch Difgrace. [Exeunt. E SCENE x