Artaxerxes, Act I: Recitative: “Ye Gods, protectors of the Persian Empire”
Thomas Arne
SEMIRA:
Ye Gods, protectors of the Persian Empire
Preserve my Artaxerxes. Yet if he be blest
Semira's state is wretched: Xerxes dead
This Prince will mount the throne
Belov'd by me, and rais'd above my hopes
The hand which he entreated when a subject
When Sovereign of Persia he'll disdain