Serse

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 (‘Ombra mai fu’. While Serse contemplates the beauty of his tree, Serse’s brother Arsamene and Elviro, his servant, arrive, unseen by Serse (‘Siam giunti, Elviro’). 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’s voice breaks through their argument, catching both Serse and Arsamene’s attention (‘Sento soave concento’). Thinking that Romilda is about to sing about her love for someone, they are both desperate to hear her words. Romilda mocks Serse’s ridiculous love for his tree (‘O voi che penate’).

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