Consolation

For those seeking consolation in these times comes this morsel from Handel’s Oratorio Theodora…

First a quick background note: The story of Theodora takes place during the fourth century reign of Diocletian. Faced with certain death if they do not sacrifice to the Roman gods, a group of Christians including Theodora and her friend Irene are advised to flee. Irene eloquently protests this advice in the following recitative and aria:

Ah! Whither should we fly, or fly from whom?
The Lord is still the same, today, for ever,
And his protection here, and everywhere.
Though gath'ring round our destin'd heads
The storm now thickens, and looks big with fate,
Still shall thy servants wait on Thee, O Lord,
And in thy saving mercy put their trust.

As with rosy steps the morn,
Advancing, drives the shades of night,
So from virtuous toil well-borne,
Raise Thou our hopes of endless light.
Triumphant saviour, Lord of day,
Thou art the life, the light, the way!
(da capo)

Words fail.

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