Le Tribut de Zamora

Synopsis

Spain in the ninth century, at the time of the Caliphate of Córdoba, fifteen years after the Battle of Zamora.

Act one

The city of Oviedo. Preparations are underway for the wedding of the soldier Manoël and the beautiful Xaïma. But Ben-Saïd, whom the Caliph has sent to announce his intention to raise an additional tribute of twenty virgins under the Treaty of Zamora, falls in love with the girl, who scorns his advances. When she is chosen by lot, all hope of marriage is lost. She is taken along with other women, despite the fierce protests of the Spaniards.

Act two

Córdoba, where the captives are to be sold. Songs of rejoicing are interrupted by the arrival of Hermosa, a madwoman to whom Ben-Saïd gave his protection some time ago, obeying the words of the Prophet: ‘Consider the mad as holy.’ She intends to buy Xaïma to make her suffer as she herself has suffered, but a strange disturbance takes hold of her. Manoël, who has disguised himself as a Berber in order to enter the city and try to buy Xaïma, is recognised by the Muslim soldier whose life he once saved, Hadjar. The latter places his fortune at Manoël’s disposal but Ben-Saïd raises the bids so high that he wins.

Act three

The palace of Ben-Saïd, who vainly attempts to seduce Xaïma with a festival featuring beauties from every country. Hadjar, who is in fact Ben-Saïd’s brother, seeks to intercede on behalf of Manoël, who accompanies him. Ben-Saïd again mocks his claims, defeats him in a duel but spares his life. As she conjures up the memory of the capture of Zamora, Xaïma recognises Hermosa as her mother, and the old woman regains her wits.

Act four

Ben-Saïd’s garden, which Manoël has managed to enter in order to die with Xaïma. Hermosa wrenches his dagger from him. Enter Ben-Saïd, who has Manoël led off by his guards; he first tries to seduce the young woman, then threatens her and, in response to Hermosa’s supplications in the name of maternal love, he declares that he would rather die than lose Xaïma. Hermosa therefore stabs him – with impunity, since she is believed to be mad. The dying Ben-Saïd begs Xaïma for forgiveness, and the work ends with a chorus of thanksgiving.