星空娱乐官网

Act One

Standing in his garden, King Serse thanks and praises his beloved plane tree for the peace and rest he is able to take because of it (鈥極mbra mai fu鈥�. While Serse contemplates the beauty of his tree, Serse鈥檚 brother Arsamene and Elviro, his servant, arrive, unseen by Serse (鈥楽iam giunti, Elviro鈥�). Arsamene is hoping to catch a glimpse of his beloved Romilda. Elviro is exhausted and leans against the famous plane tree for a moment, but Arsamene tells him not to go to sleep.

Romilda鈥檚 voice breaks through their argument, catching both Serse and Arsamene鈥檚 attention (鈥楽ento soave concento鈥�). Thinking that Romilda is about to sing about her love for someone, they are both desperate to hear her words. Romilda mocks Serse鈥檚 ridiculous love for his tree (鈥極 voi che penate鈥�).

While they are listening, Serse notices Arsamene in the garden, and asks him if he can hear the voice (鈥楢rsamene鈥�). Arsamene tells Serse that he does not know who it is, and attempts to conceal his jealousy.