from Act II of the English opera
A Midsummer Night's Dream by Benjamin Britten
Libretto: Benjamin Britten
Role: Helena, in love with Demetrius
Voice Part: soprano Fach: lyric soprano
Setting: the wood at twilight, near Athens, Greece
Synopsis: Both Demetrius and Lysander have been interested in Hermia instead of Helena. Suddenly, however, they both fall in love with Helena because of the magic flower that Oberon uses upon them. Suspicious of this sudden change of heart, Helena believes that Hermia is behind some plot to embarrass her. Angrily, Helena asks Hermia if the friendship between them that has lasted since childhood is now forgotten.