Near the altar is a golden image of the Goddess. Priests are in their solemnities, as after a sacrifice newly offer'd; flames arise from the altar, and the statue of Juno is seen to bow. Cadmus, King of Thebes, his daughters Semele and Ino, and Prince Athamas of Boeotia have assembled with priests: the marriage of Semele and Athamas is to be solemnized and the approbation of Juno, goddess of marriage, is noted and celebrated (Lucky omens). But all is not well. Cadmus and Athamas are both constrained to plead with Semele, whose unwillingness to proceed with the ceremony is plain. Semele begs help from Jupiter (Oh Jove! in pity), either, she says, 'to incline me to comply, or help me to refuse'. Athamas construes her behaviour as actuated by her love for him and calls on Hymen to assist his pleas (Hymen, haste). It is now Semele's sister Ino who delays the ceremony by expressing her sorrow: she herself is in love with Athamas and loath to lose him to Semele. None of the others comprehends, however, and they express only puzzlement and sympathy at her distress (Why dost thou thus untimely grieve).
Thunder is heard in the distance and the fire on the altar wanes. The priests note the bad omens (Avert these omens, all ye pow'rs! ) and the fire rekindles. But again it fades. Athamas pleads to Juno, and Semele to Jupiter. A loud clap of thunder is heard and the altar sinks. Fearing Jupiter's wrath, all except Ino and Athamas flee (Cease your vows). Athamas mistakes Ino's emotion for mere sympathy and upbraiding (You've undone me - With my life I would atone).
Cadmus, in mournful mood, returns with his attendants. He tells of the astonishing events that have just taken place: how Semele, surrounded by flames, was seized by a mighty eagle and snatched heavenward, leaving a diffusion of 'Celestial odour and ambrosial dew'. Priests and Augurs enter, but the doom Cadmus expects is not forthcoming; rather, they sing of mirth and triumph and tell him to cease his mourning (Hail, Cadmus, hail!). From a distance Semele's voice is heard (Endless pleasure, endless love); her song is taken up by the priests and the people. |
- 1744 - Opera seria