Overture

CARLOTTA:

This trophy from our saviours, from our saviours!
From the enslaving force of Rome!

GIRL'S CHORUS:

With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, we greet
the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!

MEN'S CHORUS:

The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark
to our step on the ground!

ALL:

Hear the drums -- Hannibal comes!

PIANGI:

Sad to return to find the land
we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp,

REYER:

Signor . . . if you please: "Rome".
We say "Rome' not "Roma"

PIANGI:

Si, si, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me.

LEFEVRE:

This way, gentlemen, this way.
Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of
Chalumeau's "Hannibal".
Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met M.
Andre and M. Firmin ...

REYER:

I'm sorry, M. Lefevre, we are rehearsing.
If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment?

LEFEVRE:

My apologies, M. Reyer. Proceed, proceed ...

REYER:

Thank you, monsieur.
"Sad to return..." Signor ...

LEFEVRE:

M. Reyer, our chief repetiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid.

PIANGI:

Sad to return to find the land we love
threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp.
Tomorrow, we shall break the chains of Rome.
Tonight, rejoice - your army has come home.

By Nehemoth