Fernand

Livret pour les cantates du prix de Rome 1839.

July 1492. Beneath the ramparts of Grenada besieged by the Spaniards, Don Fernand waits for dawn on the day that will see the fall of the city and make him master of Zelmire, a Muslim girl to whom he has promised his protection. Under cover of night, Zelmire and her lover Alamir are preparing to flee the city. The young man protests; he does not want to desert. Fernand comes upon them while making his round. Zelmire confesses her love for Alamir and asks Fernand to have mercy on him. The Moor wants to fight the Spaniard, who warns him that the sound of a duel would immediately alert his men. Protecting fugitives is punished by death. But moved by Zelmire’s trust in him, Fernand finally urges the lovers to flee. He anticipates the king’s verdict by taking his own life.