Alcione Acte I Scène 3: "Écoutez nos serments arbitres des humains"
Cyril Auvity Lyrics


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ALCIONE et CEIX
Ecoutez nos serments, arbitres des humains.
Vous qui, pour punir le parjure,
Tenez la foudre dans vos mains,
Vous qu’en tremblant adore la nature,
Maître des Dieux…




Overall Meaning

In the lyrics of Cyril Auvity’s “Alcione Acte I Scène 3,” the two characters, Alcione and Ceix, invoke a powerful cosmic authority. The phrase “Écoutez nos serments, arbitres des humains” translates to "Listen to our oaths, arbiters of humans," where oaths symbolize promises made and the weight of commitments between individuals, particularly in love and relationships. This plea to a higher power suggests a yearning for validation and recognition of their vows amidst the complexities of human emotions. The invocation of "arbiters" signifies that these vows are not merely personal; they seek endorsement from forces that govern the moral and ethical realms of existence. Their relationship’s sanctity is placed in the hands of this cosmic authority, emphasizing the extent to which human lives and decisions are intertwined with larger, preordained destinies.


The subsequent line, “Vous qui, pour punir le parjure,” highlights the gravity attributed to betrayal and disloyalty. The "parjure," or the act of breaking one's promise, is portrayed as a serious transgression that demands punishment. This introduces a theme of justice, reinforcing the fear and reverence towards divine forces that enforce moral structure in life. The mention of these celestial powers, holding “la foudre dans vos mains” or "thunder in your hands," evokes imagery of wrath and judgment, depicting the divine as both protector and punisher. Thunder, often symbolic of divine authority, speaks to the dread that accompanies the thought of displeasing these forces, showing that the consequences of one's actions may span beyond the personal sphere and into the realm of the cosmic order.


As they continue their supplication, "Vous qu’en tremblant adore la nature," the characters recognize their connection to the natural world. By describing nature as trembling in reverence, the lyrics convey a sense of awe and fear in the presence of these powerful entities. Nature’s worship encapsulates a universal truth—that the forces of the cosmos wield tremendous influence over human fate and relationships. This reverence serves to remind the audience of the interconnectedness of life. It posits that even the natural world is subject to the same laws governing human affairs, reinforcing the urgency and sincerity of Alcione and Ceix's appeal to the divine for affirmation, stability, and support in their union.


Lastly, the phrase “Maître des Dieux” translates to "Master of the Gods," positioning this cosmic force as the ultimate authority, exercising control over not just humanity but also the pantheon of deities themselves. This elevates the stakes of the narrative, suggesting that Alcione and Ceix are not just appealing to a distant force but are recognizing a hierarchy amongst divine entities, where their own lives are subject to higher rulings. This acknowledgment of a higher power commands respect and emphasizes the fragility of human promises in the face of divine oversight. It encapsulates the theme of human vulnerability and the quest for affirmation in love while laying bare the inherent struggles of navigating personal desires within the bounds of divine expectation and the overarching natural order. The imagery and language in this passage craft a narrative rich in the contrast between human emotion and the formidable forces that govern existence, showcasing a poignant struggle for legitimacy and support in love against the backdrop of cosmic judgment.


Line by Line Meaning

Écoutez nos serments, arbitres des humains.
Heed our vows, O judges of mankind's fate.


Vous qui, pour punir le parjure,
You who wield the power to chastise betrayal,


Tenez la foudre dans vos mains,
Clutch the lightning in your grasp,


Vous qu’en tremblant adore la nature,
You whom nature worships in quaking reverence,


Maître des Dieux…
Master of the divine…




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Marin Marais

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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