THE JUDGEMENT HALL Lyrics

AMNERIS approaches RADAMES and AIDA as the GUARDS pull them apart to put
chains on them, AIDA is dragged to stage left, leaving RADAMES and AMNERIS
in the center.

RADAMES
Amneris. I never meant to hurt you.

(Suddenly drums sound, announcing PHARAOH'S arrival. MINISTERS and SOLDIERS
begin to file on upstage. AMNERIS is panicked.)

AMNERIS
Radames, if you deny everything there is a chance. My father might spare your
life. Listen to me, they want to bury you alive.

RADAMES
Yes. That's what we do to traitors.

AMNERIS
You must say that everyone is wrongs and -

RADAMES
No, I can't. Aida is everything I thought I was meant to be. But her courage
and her love for her people have put me to shame. Every act of my life has
been wrong, except for this.

AMNERIS
Did you ever love me at all?

RADAMES
Amneris.
(He touches her cheek gently.)
I've loved you all my life.

(The GUARD drags RADAMES away, pushing him to stage right. On stage left, a
GUARD forces AIDA to her knees. Angrily, AMNERIS calls to him.)

AMNERIS
Take your hands off her!
(AMNERIS crosses to AIDA.)
After all, she is a Princess.

(The GUARD backs away, leaving AIDA standing.)

AIDA
Amneris, there were so many times I wanted to tell you everything, but I
couldn't.

AMNERIS
No wonder you understood me so well.

AIDA
Amneris, you must believe me. I am to blame for what has happened. Not
Radames. Please, let him live. Amneris let him live.

AMNERIS
I can't.

AIDA
Yes, you can. You love him! Don't you love him?

PHARAOH
Amneris let us begin. Bring forth the prisoners.
(AIDA and RADAMES are pushed forward. To AMNERIS.)
Zoser has been apprehended, and we have uncovered his plot. Radames, I chose
you. I trusted your father. Now I will make things right while I still can.
(PHARAOH turns to the assembly.)
The criminals will receive their sentences!

AMNERIS
Father, I have a request.

PHARAOH
A request?

AMNERIS
I know the traitors must die for crimes against Egypt. This is the law. But I
would ask...that the prisoners be allowed to die together.

PHARAOH
But that would be mercy - after they disgraced you before the entire nation.

AMNERIS
I was wronged. It should be my decision.

PHARAOH
You don't know your own mind.
(A pronouncement.)
For their crimes, the traitors -

AMNERIS
Your Majesty, you have poison in your blood. We both know this. Soon I will
be completely alone, because everyone I love will be gone. So you must allow
me to exercise my will over Egypt. Because I am to be your successor. And
because I demand it.

(PHARAOH studies AMNERIS a long moment, then nods and waves her forward.)

AMNERIS
(To the PEOPLE.)
For their crimes, the traitors will be buried beneath the sands of Egypt, in
one tomb...together. The Daughter of Isis has spoken.

(AMNERIS turns and runs off, unable to watch. The music begins and AIDA and
RADAMES are isolated. Behind them, the Judgment Hall disappears.)