Act I begins:
Rome, A.D. 79. Vitellia, daughter of the deposed Emperor Vitellio, wants the current ruler, Tito (Titus Flavius Savinus Vespasianus), assassinated because he does not return her love and has chosen as consort Berenice, daughter of the King of Judea. She tries to overcome the scruples of her admirer Sesto about committing murder for her sake. Sesto’s friend Annio arrives to take him to an audience with the emperor, revealing that Berenice will no longer be consort. Vitellia’s ambitions revive, and she asks Sesto to delay his plan. Annio reminds Sesto of his own wish to marry Sesto’s sister, Servilia, and urges him to ask Tito for permission. The two men reaffirm their friendship.
Before the Capitol, the populace hails Tito, who declares he will help the survivors of the recent eruption of Vesuvius at Pompeii. Annio and Sesto learn that the emperor intends to marry Servilia. Diplomatically, Annio assures Tito he welcomes the union. The emperor replies that the real joy of power lies in helping others. Annio tells Servilia of Tito’s intention, but she reaffirms her love for Annio, and he admits he returns it.
In the imperial palace, Publio, a guard, shows Tito a list of those who have spoken disloyally. Tito is inclined to forgive them. Their discussion is interrupted by Servilia, who confesses her attachment to Annio. Tito generously releases her from any obligation and leaves, followed by Servilia. Vitellia, angry again, urges Sesto that this is the moment to strike. He declares that her wish is his command. When Vitellia learns Tito is looking for her, she calls after Sesto to stop him, but it is too late.
In front of the Capitol, Sesto — having set the building on fire — trembles with remorse. Annio, Servilia, Publio and Vitellia appear, voicing anxiety and confusion. Believing he has succeeded in killing the emperor, Sesto begins to confess, but Vitellia silences him.
Act II begins: In the palace, Annio tells Sesto the emperor has escaped harm. When Sesto confesses his attempted assassination, Annio advises that telling Tito the truth will earn forgiveness. Vitellia rushes in, imploring Sesto to flee for both their sakes, but Publio arrives and demands Sesto’s sword; the man Sesto struck in the burning Capitol was a fellow conspirator, Lentulo, who survived. Sesto is led away to a senate hearing... |
