from Act III, Scene 1 of the French opera Jérusalem by Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto: Alphonse Royer

Role: Hélène, the Count's daughter

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic coloratura

Setting: the gardens at the Emir's harem in Ramla, Palestine, 1099

Synopsis: The Christian Crusade led by the Count of Toulouse has reached the Ramlan walls. Hélène has been captured by the Ramlans, though, as well as her love Gaston who was exiled from France for apparently attempting Hélène's father's life. He has broken free of his guards though and comes to Hélène right as her father, whose army has broken through the walls of Ramla, also approaches. After her father condemns her for consorting with his "assassin", she replies furiously of her love for Gaston and of his innocence.