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Mithridates VI Eupator (c132–63bc), Mithridates the Great, was Rome’s most
dangerous opponent in Anatolia. He was King of Pontus, a kingdom bordering
the southern shore of the Black Sea (now part of Turkey). He gathered support
against the oppressive Roman rule, liberating many Greek cities and Asian
territories. By 88bc he had taken over vast areas of Greece and Asia Minor,
becoming King of Armenia Major. But in three wars, Roman armies thwarted
Mithridates’ ambitions to dominate the East.

The opera takes place at the end of Mitridate’s (Mithridates’) life (63bc) in
and around the Crimean port of Nymphaeum. Mitridate has suffered his third
crushing defeat by the Romans and has fled, leaving his betrothed, Aspasia,
in the protection of his two sons, Farnace and Sifare.

Act I
Scene 1
Arbate, the city governor, welcomes Sifare. Sifare is jealous of his brother Farnace.
Farnace and Sifare have heard that their father, Mitridate, has been killed in battle against
the Romans. Farnace and Sifare have opposing political sympathies: Farnace has ties with
Rome, Sifare with the Greeks. But the real reason for their rivalry is that they both love
Aspasia. Arbate assures Sifare of his loyalty.
Aspasia appeals to Sifare to protect her from Farnace’s forceful advances (Al destin, che
la minaccia). Her plea gives Sifare hope, and, as Aspasia leaves, he expresses his feelings
for her (Soffre il mio cor con pace).

Scene 2
Farnace urges Aspasia to marry him and become Queen of Pontus. She refuses, and when
Farnace threatens force, Sifare protects her. Arbate arrives with the news that Mitridate
is alive and arriving in the city. He urges Farnace and Sifare to curb their hostility and to
greet their father (L’odio nel cor frenate). Aspasia says goodbye to Sifare and reflects on her
fateful situation (Nel sen mi palpita dolente il core).
Farnace and Sifare agree to conceal from Mitridate their love for Aspasia. Sifare is
anxious to be a worthy son and brother. Farnace, realizing his plans to gain Aspasia are
thwarted, conspires with Marzio, the Roman tribune, against Mitridate. He will not
yield to his father (Venga pur, minacci e frema).

Scene 3
Mitridate and Ismene, daughter of his ally the King of Parthia, arrive on the shore.
Although Mitridate has suffered defeat by the Romans, he still feels proud (Se di lauri il crine adorno). He tells Farnace that at long last Farnace is to be married to Ismene, his
promised bride. Ismene loves Farnace but she is apprehensive about the future (In faccia
²¹±ô±ô’o²µ²µ±ð³Ù³Ù´Ç).
Mitridate discloses that he himself gave out the news that he was dead, in order to test
his sons. Arbate tells him of Farnace’s pursuit of Aspasia, but reassures him that Sifare
is loyal. The jealous Mitridate resolves to discover the truth from Aspasia and swears
vengeance on Farnace (Quel ribelle e quell’ingrato).

Interval

Act II
Scene 1
Farnace no longer loves Ismene. Scorned, she threatens to go to Mitridate. Farnace warns
her not to: she will have to live with the consequences (Va, l’error mio palesa). Mitridate
promises Ismene that Farnace will pay for his behaviour. He suggests that Ismene should
marry Sifare, a more worthy son. When Mitridate tells Aspasia that he wants to marry
her straight away, he construes her hesitation as proof of her infidelity with Farnace.
Mitridate summons Sifare to avenge him. Alone with Sifare, Aspasia confesses that
she loves him. But for the sake of their honour, they agree to part. If Sifare leaves, Aspasia
will again be able to find peace (Lungi da te, mio bene); she is overcome by the conflict she
feels between duty and her love (Nel grave tormento).

Scene 2
Mitridate reveals to Ismene that he suspects Farnace of plotting with the Romans against
him. When Farnace opposes Mitridate’s plan to attack the Romans and proposes a peace
treaty, Mitridate is sure he now has proof of Farnace’s treachery. Marzio arrives to offer peace.
Farnace is arrested. Mitridate threatens revenge but Ismene begs him not to be
consumed by his contempt for Farnace (So quanto a te dispiace). Farnace admits his
treachery and then denounces Sifare for robbing Mitridate of Aspasia’s love (Son reo,
l’error confesso). Mitridate orders Sifare to hide while he plays out his scene with Aspasia.
He presses her to marry one of his sons, saying he is too old for her. At first she protests,
but finally she admits to her love for Sifare and his for her. She realizes she has been
tricked. Mitridate swears revenge on her and his sons (Già di pietà mi spoglio). Aspasia
and Sifare, in despair, wish to die together (Se viver non degg’io).

Act III
Scene 1
Ismene pleads with Mitridate to forgive Aspasia. Even though Ismene has been rejected
by Farnace, she still loves him (Tu sai per chi m’accese). Aspasia asks after Sifare’s fate.
Arbate arrives to announce that the Romans have landed. Mitridate, before leaving
for the battle, reminds Aspasia that she will nevertheless die before him (Vado incontro
al fato estremo).
Aspasia contemplates the peace she would find in death (Pallid’ombre, che scorgete). As
she is about to drink poison, Sifare arrives, freed by Ismene. He too wishes to find solace
in death, but now at his father’s side (Se il rigor d’ingrata sorte).

Scene 2
Marzio releases Farnace and promises him the throne of Nymphaeum (Se di regnar sei
vago). But Farnace determines on an honourable course of action: he will help his father
fight the Romans (Già dagli occhi il velo è tolto).

Scene 3
Realizing he is about to be defeated, Mitridate resolves to kill himself. He acknowledges
Sifare’s loyalty, forgives Aspasia and gives the couple his blessing. Ismene tells Mitridate
that Farnace has set fire to the Roman fleet, forcing a retreat; Mitridate forgives Farnace,
who now accepts Ismene. Supported by his two sons, Mitridate dies reconciled.
The four lovers and Arbate resolve to free the world from Rome’s tyrannical power
(Non si ceda al Campidoglio).