Le mage

At dawn in the camp of the Persian general Zarastra Zarastra has just defeated the Turanians. Amrou, Persian high priest to the Daevas (the supposed gods of pre-Zoroastrian Persia), enters with his daughter, Varedha, priestess of Djahi, goddess of love. Varedha declares her love for Zarastra. He however loves the captive Turanian queen, Anahita; she is in love with him but rejects him rather than betray her countrymen. Scene 1: In a subterranean chamber in the Djahi temple Amrou enters looking for Varedha, and promises vengeance on Zarastra for spurning his daughter. Scene 2: In the square of Balzhdi Zarastra, hailed by the courtiers and priests, presents before the Persian king the treasures and captives he has taken. As the prize of his victory he requests to take as wife Anahita. Amrou objects to the union – Zarastra promised to marry Varedha. Although the general denies this, Amrou convinces everyone that he has broken his word, and Zarastra is banished. On a holy mountain – sacred to the god of fire Zarastra is worshiped now as a magus, and prays. His meditation is broken by Varedha who has pursued him to the mountain and swears her love for him. She finally says that Anahita is about to marry the king. The temple of Djahi There are dances in preparation for the wedding. But Anahita refuses to marry the king, who nonetheless tries to proceed with the ceremony. Anahita threatens an uprising, and Touranian soldiers burst in and overrun the city. The ruins of Balzdhi Zarast…

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