Attila, the ‘scourge of God’, has invaded Italy and, on his way to besiege Rome, has destroyed the city of Aquileia.
PROLOGUE
Scene 1
The devastated city of Aquileia
Attila’s victorious army is celebrating the destruction of Aquileia. Against Attila’s orders, Uldino has saved a group of Italian women who took part in the fighting. Odabella, their leader, so impresses Attila that he offers to grant her a favour: when she asks for a sword, he gives her his own. Odabella vows to use it to avenge the death of her father.
The women leave and Attila sends for the envoy from Rome. It is Ezio, a Roman whom he has known in battle but whom he respects. Ezio asks for a private audience, and reveals that he is alienated by the current decadence of the Roman Empire. The Emperor of the East he says is old and frail and the ruler of the Western Empire is a mere boy. He proposes a bargain. ‘You will have the universe, leave Italy to me’. Attila contemptuously rejects the offer and accuses Ezio of treachery. Attila will march on Rome and destroy it.
Scene 2
Mudflats on the Adriatic lagoon
As calm returns after a night of raging storms, the hermits thank the Lord. They see a fleet of boats approaching the lagoon, carrying refugees from Aquileia. They are led by Foresto, who is mourning the loss of Odabella, his betrothed. He urges the people to establish an encampment where they have landed and to build a fine city which ‘will rise like a phoenix from the lagoon’ – a city which is to become Venice.
ACT 1
Scene 1
Near Attila’s camp outside Rome
Odabella laments her father’s death in the fighting at Aquileia. Foresto arrives. He has disguised himself as a Hun and accuses her of betraying him and his country by associating with her father’s murderer. Odabella, in despair, reminds him of the biblical story of Judith, who saved Israel by decapitating Holofernes on their wedding night. Foresto is astonished at her plans for revenge and forgives her.
Scene 2
Attila’s tent
Attila is terrified by a nightmare in which a figure in white barred his entry to Rome, saying ‘To be the scourge of mankind is your only task; turn back! The road is closed. This city belongs to God’. Attila fights his superstitious fear of the dream by rallying his men to advance on Rome.
Before the gates of the city a distant hymn is heard. Christian children and women are approaching, led by Pope Leo, who utters the words Attila heard in his dream. Attila collapses in terror and prostrates himself before Leo.
ACT 2
Scene 1
Outside the city of Rome
Ezio reads a despatch from the Emperor Valentinian: a truce has been declared with the Huns and Ezio is ordered to return to Rome. He reflects bitterly on Rome’s decline from glory. A group of Attila’s men arrive and invite Ezio and his captains to a banquet. One of them stays behind. It is Foresto. He tells Ezio to put his troops on alert and to attack the Huns when he sees the signal of a flaming beacon. Ezio is ready to die for Rome.
Scene 2
Attila’s camp
The Huns are feasting in honour of Attila and the truce when their Roman guests enter. Druids tell Attila to beware of the Roman. He ignores them, ordering priestesses tossing and dance. Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind blows out the torches. It is taken by the superstitious Huns as a doom-laden omen. In the confusion, Foresto tells Odabella that Attila’s wine is poisoned, and Ezio renews his offer of a pact with Attila. The sky clears and festivities resume. As Attila proposes a toast, Odabella dashes the chalice from his lips and saves his life. Foresto admits it was he who poisoned the wine. Odabella asks Attila to spare Foresto in return for her having warned Attila of the danger. He agrees and declares that the following day he will make Odabella his bride. She urges Foresto to flee. He swears vengeance for what he sees as her treachery. Attila and Ezio renew their hostility.
ACT 3
Outside Attila’s camp
Foresto, waiting to hear when Odabella’s wedding will take place, contemplates her unbelievable behaviour. He is tormented at the thought of her betrayal. Ezio impatiently demands the signal for the Roman army to attack the Huns.
Odabella rushes in, distraught, fleeing from the bridal room. Seeing Foresto, she pleads for forgiveness: she has always loved him. Attila follows and accuses Odabella, Foresto and Ezio of treachery. The sound of the attacking army inspires Odabella to seize the opportunity to kill Attila.