from Act II, Scene 2 of the Italian opera
Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini
Libretto: Gaetano Rossi
Role: Semiramide, the Queen of Babylon, mother of Arsace
Voice Part: soprano Fach: dramatic coloratura
Setting: the tomb of King Nino, ancient Babylon
Synopsis: After finding out that Arsace is her son, Semiramide worries that he will be killed by Assur, who helped her kill Arsace's father, the King. Arsace and Semiramide have made peace with each other, but Assur and Arsace are bitter enemies. She prays for Arsace's safety.