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