from Act II, Scene 1 of the French opera
Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas
Libretto: Jules Barbier
Role: Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, Hamlet's mother
Voice Part: mezzo-soprano Fach: dramatic mezzo
Setting: Elsinore Castle, Denmark, 16th century
Synopsis: The Queen finds Ophélie crying because Hamlet is avoiding her. Ophélie pleads with her to let her go away from the palace. But the Queen entreats her to stay for Hamlet's love for her is the only thing that can help him return to normal.