page_title: Les martyrs
section_title: Act 2
hierarchical_section_title: Les martyrs / Synopsis / Act 2
caption_attribution_description: English: French opera singer Prosper Dérivis (1808-1880)
context_page_description: Les martyrs is a four-act grand opera by Gaetano Donizetti set to a French libretto by Eugène Scribe. The libretto was based on one written by Salvadore Cammarano for an original Italian version known as Poliuto, which was not performed until after the composer's death. Pierre Corneille's play Polyeucte written in 1641–42, the story of which reflected the life of the early Christian martyr Saint Polyeuctus, is the original source for both versions.
  When Poliuto was banned by the King of Naples just before it was due to be performed in 1838, Donizetti became angry at this decision and, with a commission from the Paris Opéra due, he paid the penalty to the San Carlo for not producing an original work as a substitute, and left Naples for Paris arriving on 21 October.
  As his first of two commissions for the Opéra, he proposed to revise Poliuto and, between 1839 and 1840, a French text was prepared by the noted French librettist and dramatist, Eugène Scribe, which conformed to the conventions of French grand opera but which incorporated 80% of the music from Poliuto.
context_section_description: Felix has prepared edicts which condemn the Christians; he proclaims his allegiance to the Roman gods.  Aria: Dieux des Romains, dieux [de nos pères] / "Gods of the Romans, [of our fathers], I will serve your wrath".  Pauline enters in a rather dream-like state. Her father tells her that he believes that she shares his hatred of the Christians and asks her to read the edict which he has prepared.  As she stares at it and, at his insistence hesitatingly reads the edict aloud, she is privately horrified at its strictures. In reinforcing his beliefs, Félix affirms his convictions. (Cabaletta): Mort à ces infâmes, Et livrez aux flammes / "Death to those vile men! And to the flames send, / Their children and their wives,/ Their gold and their goods."
  As the edict is proclaimed to the people, Félix is concerned about his daughter's state of mind: "What is the reason for this gloomy sadness, my child?". She appears to be distraught, and he assumes that it may be because of her memories of her unhappy love. As she confesses to some sorrow in losing Sévère, she also insists on her love for her husband: "And whom I love! Yes, my heart belongs to him forever" and she continues (in an aside to herself) "since the dangers he faces have redoubled my love". Then, as martial music is heard from afar, the High Priest Callisthėnes arrives accompanied by other priests and magistrates. He announces the arrival of the Roman proconsul whose standard can be seen in the distance.  When asked who it is, Callisthėnes learns that it is the warrior whom all thought to be dead: Sévère. All except Pauline leave to welcome the Roman's arrival.
  Alone, she is unable to repress a moment of joy at the news of Sévère's survival. Aria: Sévère existe! Un dieu sauveur / "Sévère is alive! A saviour God [sends him back]".  But she quickly represses all emotion: "Be silent!...Be silent my heart!"
  Scene 2: The Great Square of Mytilene
  A jubilant crowd hails the arrival of Sévère: Gloire à vous, Mars et Bellone! Gloire à toi, jeune héro! / "Glory to you, Mars and Bellona! Glory to you, young hero!". He addresses the people, and without specifying that he is describing the Christians, he tells them that he will sweep away the "this ungodly sect" and then, to himself, expresses his desire to once again see his love. Aria: Amour de mon jeune âge, toi dont la douce image, au sein de l'esclavage, soutint ma vie et mon espoir! / "Love of my youth, You whose sweet image, while in slavery, sustained my life and hope!")
  Sévère then sees Félix, greets him while privately wondering where Pauline is. Both men move to a location where they may view the entertainment and dancers appear.  A ballet is presented. At its conclusion, Félix assumes that the Emperor will have sent decrees with Sévère, but the pro-consul puts him off, concentrating instead on seeking out Pauline while expressing his continued love for her.  Just then, Pauline appears with a group of women – as well as with Polyeucte. Behind them all is Néarque and a group of Christians.  The Roman anxiously reaches out to Pauline: "I see Pauline again in this place". "And her husband" Pauline proudly replies, indicating Polyeucte. Sévère expresses his shock and surprise. Cabaletta: Je te perds, toi que j'adore, je te perds et sans retour / "I am losing you, you whom I adore, I am losing you and forever, and still I must conceal My fury and my love!"
  During a confrontation between Polyeucte and Sévère in which the former proposes that there may be a higher power than Caesar and the latter expresses surprise and skepticism, Pauline tries to keep the peace.  However, the High Priest announces that a new convert has been baptised the previous night, and, in an ensemble finale involving all, Sévère encourages the search for the culprit while at the same time laments the loss of Pauline. Néarque and the Christians express their beliefs and Félix and the High Priest condemn the Christians.  The Roman and Armenian officials leave.
caption: Prosper Dérivis sang the role of Felix in 1840
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