from Act II of the Italian opera
Serse by George Frideric Handel
Libretto: Nicola Minato
Role: Serse, the King of Persia, brother of Arsamene
Voice Part: countertenor Fach: countertenor
Setting: a square in the city, Persia
Synopsis: An intercepted love letter from Arsamene to Romilda has made its way into Serse's hands. He tells Romilda that the letter is actually going to Atalanta instead of her in hopes that she will give up her love for Arsamene and love him instead. She still stands up for her love with some vehemance, however, and Serse attempts to shake off her strong emotions and not be affected by them.