But his real motive is passion he and Asteria are deeply in love.
When Tamerlano tells Asteria of his intentions, she assumes that Andronico has betrayed her.
Andronico vows to kill both Tamerlano and himself, but Asteria says it's too late.
Asteria won't do this, and asks Bajazet to forgive her but he refuses.
But Andronico has had enough, and admits that he and Asteria have been in love all along.
At that, Tamerlano has Asteria and Bajazet thrown back into prison, and threatens them both with death.
Andronico is also concerned for Bajazet's life, and he knows he can never reveal his love for Asteria.
Tamerlano hands the poisoned cup to Asteria, and orders her to serve it to either Bajazet or Andronico.
Asteria tells him that it's his own fault: It was his betrayal that drove her to the marriage.
Both Asteria and Andronico say that death is now their only choice, as well, and prepare for suicide.
Tamerlano says that he might marry Irene but only if Asteria proves to be an unworthy bride.
Bajazet's love for Asteria is the only thing that keeps him from committing suicide, rather than submit to captivity.
Tamerlano says that can't happen unless Irene herself forces Asteria to step down.
When Andronico hears this, he's furious with Asteria for agreeing to the marriage.
And when Andronico visits Asteria and her father, to press Tamerlano's case, they both reject the idea out of hand.
At that, Tamerlano orders that Asteria be thrown to his slaves for their enjoyment, with her father and Andronico looking on.
Before the day is out, he says, there will be a double wedding: Tamerlano and Asteria, along with Andronico and Irene.
Tamerlano says that Andronico is welcome to stay but he also reveals that he himself is in love with Asteria.
When Asteria confirms their love, Tamerlano angrily orders Bajazet to be executed, and says Asteria will be married to a slave.
As it turns out, Asteria's defiance of Tamerlano has made him love her all the more, and he confesses this to Andronico.
He wants Andronico to seek Bajazet's consent for Tamerlano to marry Asteria.
He orders Asteria and Bajazet to wait on him at his table, and he demands that Asteria kneel down to serve his drink.
He decrees that he and Irene will be married, and that Andronico is free to marry Asteria and return to the throne of Greece.
The opera's setting is the conquered Turkish city of Prusa, and as Act One opens, Tamerlano is holding Bajazet captive, along with Bajazet's daughter Asteria.
Bajazet produces a vial of poison, and divides it with Asteria.
When Bajazet denounces her, Tamerlano orders that Bajazet be thrown to the floor, so Asteria will have to step on him as she ascends the throne.
应用推荐