La vestale (Mercadante)

[1] A sacred wood Emilia, who believes that her lover, the warrior Decio, is dead, has joined the Vestal Virgins.

When Decio arrives, he is aghast to discover that, of all the vestal virgins, it is Emilia who presents him with the laurel wreath.

His friend Publio tries to keep him on the right side of the law, but eventually agrees that he will help Decio to see Emilia in secret in the Temple.

Scene 2: In the sacred wood outside the Temple The Senate gathers, and Licinio (Decio's father) condemns Emilia to death.

Outside Emilia's tomb Publio attempts to change Licinio's mind, pointing out that Decio is contemplating suicide.