RADAMES
To sail away the half discovered places
see the secrets so few eyes have seen
To see moments of enchantment on our faces
The moments when we smile and those in between
Are you talking about Nubia now?
RADAMES
Yes, in a way.
AIDAIf I could leave this place then I'd be sailing
To corners of my land where there would be
Sweet southern winds of liberty prevailing
The beauty so majestic and so free
RADAMES
I will take you sailing. South, you can be my guide.
Would you let me steer?
RADAMES
Would you run us aground?
Oh yes.
Wherever there are no people.
I'd jump out of the boat, kick off my sandals and run.
And there'd be no one there to scold me and tell me to behave like a good... to behave.
RADAMES
There'd be no ties of time and space to bind me
And no horizon I could not pursue
RADAMES
I'd leave the world's misfortunes far behind me
I'd put my faith and trust in something new
RADAMES & AIDA
But why should I tell you this
A stranger I just met
RADAMES
A woman whom I hardly know at all and should forget
RADAMES & AIDA
A journey we can only dream of Enchantment passing through
And how is it I say these things
So easily to you
RADAMES
This is meaningless! I'll never take you sailing.
I'm never going to leave Egypt again. Instead, I'll sit on the throne and send other men off on their expeditions.
You talk as though you've been enslaved.
RADAMES
Not with chains, maybe, but with a marriage promise.
(AIDA begins dabbing her eyes with her dress.)
What is that for?
To dry my weeping eyes. Forced to marry a princess?
Oh, what hardships. I know - you want to go to lands where people have been living for centuries and say that you discovered them.
But instead, you're being thrust onto the Pharaoh's throne.
It is a great tragedy.
RADAMES
You go too far.
No! You go too far. If you don't like your fate, change it. You are your own master.
There are no shackles on you. So don't expect any pity or understanding from this humble palace slave.
RADAMES
Stop! I command you to stop!
RADAMES
But why did I tell her this? A stranger I've just met
A woman who I hardly know at all and will forget
Anonymous and gone tomorrow
Enchantment passing through
And all I've done is tell her things she already knew
She knew ...She knew.