24. O dearer than my life

From Belshazzar, HWV 61, Act I

English text
Nitocris
O dearer than my life, forbear!
Profane not, O my son,
With impious rites Jehovah’s Name.
Remember what His arm has done,
The earth contains not half his fame:
Remember, and his vengeance fear!
Belshazzar
O queen, this hateful theme forbear!
Join not against your son
With captive slaves, your country’s foes.
Remember what our gods have done
To those who durst their pow’r oppose.
Remember, and their vengeance fear.
Nitocris
Alas! Then must I see my son
Headlong to sure destruction run?
Belshazzar
Not to destruction but delight
I fly, and all once more invite
To reign with me this happy night.
Nitocris
O dearer than my life…
Opera Stanford

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