Aida (complete libretto) - RADAMES QUARTERS Lyrics

RADAMES leads AIDA off as the set rises to reveal the ship's lower quarters.
Once in his quarters, RADAMES lifts his hand. AIDA covers her face.

AIDA
Don't.

RADAMES
You don't want me to remove your shackles?
(She holds up her hands for him and he unlocks her manacles.)
They'll only get in the way. Very impressive up there. I should enlist you
in my army. Make you my Lieutenant.

AIDA
Are you mocking me, Captain?

RADAMES
No. Admiring you.
(He removes his coat, dropping it to the floor almost as a dare.)
Do you know what's going to happen now? You're going to scrub the filth of
battle from my skin.
(RADAMES sits on a stool in front of her. AIDA sees the basin of water and
the sea sponge.)
It's been a long time since I've felt clean.
(AIDA begins to scrub his back with all her force.)
You're much better with a sword than you are with a sponge.

AIDA
I wish I had a sword now.

RADAMES
There's mine. Help yourself. Who taught you to use a weapon?

AIDA
My father.

RADAMES
Because he knows that Nubian men can't protect their women?
(She straightens, furious.)
You're not finished.

AIDA
Yes, I am.

RADAMES
On your knees!
(He stands to confront her.)
You enjoy living dangerous, don't you?

AIDA
About as much as I enjoy washing your filthy Egyptian skin

(AIDA throws the sponge to the ground. RADAMES raises his hand to strike her.)

RADAMES
You...