Pridie Nuptiarum It is night. Tomorrow the marriage of Polla and Sparsus will be celebrated.

Polla wanders through the garden of her father. She believes she is alone; she does not know that Helivius has arrived. Who, having entered the garden secretly, hears Polla crying; he stands motionless between the trees.

Polla: What will I do? Helvidius is absent for three days already, nor do I know to where he has gone, whether he has been killed. Meanwhile I see our whole house being prepared for my hateful marriage. Oh Helvidius, rescue me from these bad things! Helvidius: (Suddenly having advanced) I will gladly do that. No one will prevent me. P: (Having been moved by joy and fear) Helvidius! How have you come here? If you are captured here, you will be killed. Flee, before my father notices you! H: I will indeed flee, but not without you. Flee with me, my Polla! I will rescue you from these bad things, like just now you were praying. P: How are we able to flee? You know I am always guarded. There is no opportunity of escaping for me. There is no way I am able to avoid tomorrow's marriage. My parents, the emperor, the laws order and compel me to marry Sparsus. H: No, my Polla! I promise I will die before that old man marries you. We must flee far from this city, where your parents can never find us. P: I am torn apart and tortured. Love drags me this way, duty drags me that way. H: Do not fear, my Polla! I will never desert you, I will always protect you. F: (Inside the home) Polla! Polla, where are you? P: Alas! I am called by mother. We must speak very briefly. Helvidius, I love you, I will

always love you. However, I am not able to flee with you. Tomorrow Sparsus will marry me. H: (Having been burned by anger and love) Look [at] these loyalties! You pretend to love me, in truth you love Sparsus. Obviously you have been corrupted by the riches of Sparsus; You do not give a hoot about my love. F: (Inside) Polla! Where are you, Polla? P: (Having been nearly overcome by grief) Listen, my Helvidius! These are the final words I say to you; for I do not think you will ever see me again. Tomorrow I will marry Sparsus. [There] is no hope of escape for me. But although Sparsus will marry me, my Helvidius, I swear I love you alone, I swear I... (she tries to hold back the tears in vain.) will always love you... Lo (her voice fails.) H: (Snatching the right hand of Polla) Polla, stop torturing me and you! I call to witness the gods Sparsus will never marry you. Trust me, my Polla! (Having passionately embraced Polla, Helvidius leaves.) P: (Watching the going away Helvidius, she is uncertain whether she should hope or should fear) The goddess of Fortune, protect him!