Aida (complete libretto) - ANOTHER PYRAMID Lyrics

ZOSER
While you've been away cavorting
Matters here have moved apace
Now I need you home supporting
All the plans I've put in place

First of all this means your wedding
You'll recall your future bride
For the way that Pharaoh's heading
Time's no longer on our side

According to the hawk god, Horus
Our most regal invalid
Is not that much longer for us
Build another pyramid!

RADAMES
You mean Pharaoh has fallen ill? Is it serious?

ZOSER
I'm afraid so.

RADAMES
I must go to him.

ZOSER
Yes. That will bring him some comfort. I'll see you tonight at the banquet,
Captain.

There are many who'll be tearful
As our leader fades away
But our architects are cheerful
And each dog must have its day

If our country is to flourish
Then my son must take the lead
Be our inspiration, nourish
All our hopes our dreams our creed

Soon our monarch will have filled a
Tomb just like his fathers did
Summon Egypt's greatest builders
Re: another pyramid

MINISTERS
Build it, build it
Another pyramid

There will be a time for mourning
But for now put plans on hold

MINISTERS
Hold

For I give the nation warning
That before the corpse is cold

MINISTERS
Cold

ZOSER
We'll extend fair Egypt's power
Egypt's glory strength and style
We shall have our finest hour
Far beyond the mighty Nile

He must have a vault that's grand by
Any standards, floor to lid
Put five thousand slaves on stand by
Build another pyramid!

MINISTERS
Build it, build it
Build it, build it
Build it, build it
Build it-

(DANCE BREAK)

ZOSER
Someone has been telling Pharaoh about our private meetings.

MINISTERS
Shhhhhhhh

ZOSER
(To the ACCUSED MINISTER)
Traitor! He's become a liability.

(The other MINISTERS instantly surround the ACCUSED MINISTER. ASSASSIN
MINISTER crosses to MINISTER, pulls out a knife, and kills him. The Dance
goes into high gear.)

MINISTERS
Build it, build it
Build it-

(DANCE BREAK)

ZOSER
He must have a vault that's grand by
Any standards, floor to lid
Put five thousand slaves on stand by
Build another pyramid!

ZOSER
(To one MINISTER)
You extracted more arsenic?
(MINISTER hands ZOSER a vile of arsenic)
Who would have thought the copper mines would yield such an abundant supply?
Put some in Pharaoh's wine tonight at the banquet. Again, only a few drops.
We don't want him dying...just yet.

ACT ONE
Scene Four
HALLWAY IN THE PHARAOH'S PALACE

AIDA appears in a uniform of a Palace Slave.

MEREB
Well now you look like a handmaiden. But at least the Captain saw that you
are special.

AIDA
What that man sees and understands could be etched on a grain of sand.

MEREB
That may be, but Radames did save you and the other women from the copper
mines.

AIDA
That was surprising and decent of him.

MEREB
When I was ten, Radames saved me from being beaten to death by a palace
guard. He promised he'd look after me from then on. He has kept his promise.
(AIDA turns away.)
Look, I know what you are thinking...that I've become one of them. But I am
still Nubian. I will always be Nubian.

AIDA
Of course