Chapter Two
Alcina knows there is a witch in the forest by the name of Baba.
She wanders solitary through the trees calling her name. After some time, Baba appears.
“You called my name, Alcina?” she says serenely.
“Yes, dear lady, I want to be human.”
“Do you realize for what you ask?”
“Yes, I want to have the prince love me.”
“What if, after I give you a human body, he spurns your love? You can never return to your former life. And the price you will pay for this transfiguration is to be devoid of passion. Is this really what you desire?”
“I want the prince’s love. Make me mortal, Baba,” cries Alcina.
“By the heavens above, I shall. Come to my dwelling and I’ll make a potion, and you’ll get your wish.”
Alcina is transformed into a beautiful human maiden. She runs from Baba’s dwelling to wait for the prince on her rock. When he sees her, he is overwhelmed by her dedication and on bended knee, implores her to take his hand in marriage. They ride off to the castle on his steed.
Chapter Three
The castle is beyond what Alcina could have imagined, never having experienced life away from the lake. From her opulent bedchamber, to the extravagant dining hall, to the elegant music room, she flits around the castle in a state of wonder. And she, herself, causes a great stir. The servants, courtiers, everyone wants a glimpse of her ethereal beauty.
At nine o’clock they retire to the music room where a small pipe organ sits against a wall adorned with rich tapestries. From the open windows can be seen a large pool. Alcina drifts towards it, pulled magnetically to its reflective surface. As she peers down, the melodious voices of her sisters are raised in anguish, lamenting her departure.
“Alcina, why have you abandoned us, you have betrayed our ancient trust!”
She is momentarily disoriented, the plaintive voices reverberating through her. If not for the prince’s grasp, she would have swooned and slipped to the ground.
“What’s the matter, dear loved one?”
“I know not, I’m suddenly faint,” she replies weakly.
Resting her upon a chaise, the prince leaves Alcina for the organ. “I shall soothe you, my love, with some melodies.” Flexing his fingers, he sits upon the bench and begins to play. The prince is a consummate organist and the room is soon filled with soaring notes. Alcina is drawn towards him and raises her voice in song.
At the end of their musical interlude, the prince bids Alcina goodnight. He brings her hand to his lips and kisses her palm, but rather than her usual ardent response, Alcina withdraws her hand cooly and turns into her bedchamber alone.
Into the warm sun of the morning, the young couple ride to Alcina’s lake. As they sit on the bank, Alcina hears her father’s voice.
“Alcina, what have you done? Why have you forsaken our secret trust? Your sisters weep for you every day.”
