SYNOPSIS

Act One

A public square surrounded by palaces, temples and monuments. The Triumphal Arch. A view of the Campidoglio. On the right, the vestibule of Murena's house.

The Roman populace hail general Publio, who has returned triumphant from Sarmatia. Publio is betrothed to Argelia, the daughter of the senator Murena; the crowd calls forth the senator, who appears outside his house. However, in a lengthy aside (“Per lui… nel mentre… avea…”), Murena admits that he cannot join the rejoicing. Some time before, for personal gain, he helped condemn to exile the innocent Settimio, who loved and was loved by Argelia. The crowd is perplexed by Murena’s evident agitation, but then renews its celebration of Publio (“Lauro d’eterna gloria”). Publio speaks from his chariot (“Se della patria”). He anxiously questions Murena about Argelia’s continuing affection; the senator reassures him and they prepare to go in triumph to the Campidoglio (“A quel Dio”). Before he and Publio depart, Murena again betrays his forebodings about the future, feelings that resonate with Publio and make him anxious. They and the crowd disperse to an orchestral reprise of the victory chorus.

Settimio appears, wrapped in a cloak. He has returned secretly to Rome to see Argelia (“Aure di Roma!...”) and now expresses his enduring love (“Tacqui allor…”). Argelia appears, dismisses her attendants and privately admits her continuing love for Settimio. At this moment Settimio emerges, and the two lovers embrace (“Fia ver?... Oh Ciel!”). Settimio insists that he was wrongly accused and punished but will not tell Argelia who was responsible; they renew their vows to each other (“Se a me fido”).

Lucio appears with a group of soldiers: Settimio has been recognised and is led off under guard. Publio then appears and confronts Argelia with his suspicions. She admits that she loves Settimio, and Publio generously offers to help him clear his name. As they depart, Murena appears, followed by Fulvio. Fulvio tells Murena that Settimio is in Rome and awaiting judgement by the Senate; Murena is again struck by terror. They depart for the Senate.

The interior of Murena’s house. At the back, between columns, can be seen the street and some gardens.

Argelia is anxiously awaiting news from the Senate. She is joined by Settimio, who has come to bid her farewell. He reveals written evidence that he was the victim of a conspiracy and that he knows the identity of his accuser. Murena’s followers appear, solemnly announcing that Settimio has been condemned to death by the Senate (“Nel suol dove vagì”).

Argelia begs Settimio to show her the evidence, and reluctantly he does so, thus proving to her that him that he is to be taken to his place of execution. He announces that he dies willingly (“Si scenda alla tomba”).

Murena was the false accuser (“Murena, il genitor…”). Murena then appears and the act ends with a prolonged Terzetto (“Ei stesso… La mia vittima…”). Settimio reveals his proof to Murena, who offers to help him escape with Argelia. But Settimio refuses, preferring to meet his death in Rome.

Another square, this one bisected by the Tiber, over which is a magnificent bridge.

Act Two

The interior of Murena’s house.

The act opens with a chorus of Murena’s followers, lamenting their leader’s distracted state (“Non v’è… di qua partì…”). Murena staggers on, driven mad by remorse at the thought of Settimio being thrown to wild beasts (“Entra del Circo!”). Publio and Argelia are then seen in conversation, the former still hoping to intercede on behalf of Settimio. Leontina emerges, graphically describing Murena’s mental collapse. Murena, returning, continues his ravings (“Vagiva Emilia ancora”). He asks Argelia for the letter that incriminates him, wanting to use it for his own destruction; but she rips it to pieces before his eyes and proudly asserts her filial devotion (“Quando il mio core”).

A dark underground place

Settimio is in prison, awaiting execution (“Nudo terren”). He sings of his love for Argelia (“S’io finor, bell’idol mio”) but is interrupted by jailors, who tell

Lucio and Publio discuss the forthcoming spectacle before the chorus describes a doleful funeral procession (“A un pianto!”). Settimio is seen crossing the bridge. Argelia begs for her own death (“Morte! Ah pria che l’una”), but the scene is then invaded by a group proclaiming that Settimio has been saved. He appears with Murena, announcing that the lion to whom he was thrown remembered him from a past encounter in which he had saved the beast’s life. Argelia sings a final aria of rejoicing (“Ogni tormento, qual nebbia al vento”).