from Part I : The Vendetta, Scene 1 of the Italian opera I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata by Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto: Temistocle Solera

Role: Pagano, son of Folco, Lord of Rò, brother of Arvino

Voice Part: bass       Fach: lyric bass

Setting: the square of San Ambrogio

Synopsis: After returning from his exile for killing two of his brother Arvino's men, Pagano tells his squire Pirro that it was not his own evilness that led him to kill the two men. It was only his grief that Viclinda had chosen his brother instead of him that drove him to these crimes. He then proceeds to talk to Viclinda as if she were there, saying that it was all because his love for her was refused. Between the two parts of the aria, men who are going to set fire to Arvino's house come along. Pagano warns them of the dangers that lie in burning his brother's house, but the men respond firmly that they still desire to do it. Pagano then launches into his cabaletta which revels in the joy of the revenge that he will finally have.