Entertainment Music “Com’è bello” Lyrics and Translation Lucretia’s Aria from Donizetti’s Opera, Lucrezia Borgia Share PINTEREST Email Print Giudecca Canal in Venice is the setting of the prologue in Donizetti’s opera, Lucrezia Borgia. Armaroli Stefano/Getty Images Music Classical Music Lyrics Basics Operas Rock Music Pop Music Alternative Music Country Music Folk Music Rap & Hip Hop Rhythm & Blues World Music Punk Music Heavy Metal Jazz Latin Music Oldies Learn More By Aaron Green Music Expert B.A., Classical Music and Opera, Westminster Choir College of Rider University Aaron M. Green is an expert on classical music and music history, with more than 10 years of both solo and ensemble performance experience. our editorial process Aaron Green Updated March 17, 2017 You’ll hear this beautiful aria sung in the prologue of Donizetti’s opera, Lucrezia Borgia, by the titular character when she crosses paths with her son, Gennaro, for the first time since he was a child. Read the full synopsis of Lucrezia Borgia. Prior to her arrival, Gennaro and his friends were sitting on a terrace near the river, but when he grew tired of their conversation he fell asleep on a nearby bench. When his friends went to a party and left him alone, Lucrezia finds him sleeping. She sings this aria as she cherishingly studies his face, hoping not to wake him. Listen to Dame Joan Sutherland in this YouTube video as she sings “Com’è bello.” Italian Lyrics Com'è bello! Quale incantoIn quel volto onesto e altero!No, giammai leggiadro tantoNon sel pinse il mio pensiero.L'alma mia di gioia è piena,Or che alfin lo può mirar ...Ma risparmia, o ciel, la penaCh'ei debba un dì sprezzar.Se il destassi? ... No: non oso,Nè scoprire il mio sembiante:Pure il ciglio lagrimosoTerger debbo un solo istante. Mentre geme il cor sommesso,Mentre piango a te d'appresso,Dormi e sogna, o dolce ogetto,Sol di gioia e di diletto,Ed un angiol tutelareNon ti desti che al piacer!Ah! triste notti e veglie amareDebbo sola sostenerGioie sogna, ed un angiolNon ti desti che al piacer! English Translation How beautiful! His enchantingFace is both honest and proud!No, never did my thoughtsPaint such a pretty picture.My soul is full of joy,At last I can look upon him…But save me heaven whenHe should one day scorn me.Should I wake him? … No, I do not dare,He will not discover my countenance:My eyelashes are wet with tearsThat I must wipe away.While my heart moans softly,While I cry over you,Sleep, and let sweet dreams come to you,With joy and delight,And an angel protecting youDo not awaken, enjoy the pleasure of your dreams!Ah! Sad nights and vigils of loveMust only sustain meJoys dreams, and an angelDo not awaken, enjoy the pleasure of your dreams! More Aria Lyrics and Translations Verdi’s “Caro Nome” Lyrics and TranslationStrauss’ "Es gibt ein Reich” Lyrics and TranslationMassenet’s "Je vous écris de ma petite chambre" Lyrics and Text Translation