(Pastore I)

In questo lieto e fortunato giorno
C’ha posto fine a gli amorosi affanni,
Del nostro Semideo cantiam Pastori
Con sì soavi accenti
Che sien degni d’ORFEO nostri concenti.

Oggi fatt’è pietosa
L’alma già sì sdegnosa
De la bella EURIDICE.
Oggi fatt’è felice
ORFEO nel sen di lei, per cui già tanto
Per queste selve ha sospirato, e pianto.

Dunque in sì lieto e fortunato giorno
C’ha posto fine a gli amorosi affanni etc.

(First Shepherd)

On this happy and auspicious day
which has put an end to the amorous torments
of our demi-god, let us sing, shepherds,
in such sweet accents
that our strains shall be worthy of Orpheus.

Today fair Eurydice’s heart,
formerly so disdainful,
has been touched with compassion.
Today Orpheus has been made happy
in the bosom of her, for whom he already
sighed and wept so much amongst these woods.

Therefore, on so happy and auspicious a day
which has put an end to the amorous torments etc.