The Story of Giulio Cesare

Act 1

Julius Caesar arrives in Egypt after his victory over Pompey. Achilla, general of Tolomeo, presents Caesar with Pompey’s head as a gesture of alliance, hoping it will earn Caesar’s favor. However, Caesar is horrified at Tolomeo’s barbarism. Cornelia, Pompey’s widow, laments her loss and her son, Sesto, swears to avenge his father’s death. In the palace, Achilla relays Caesar’s disgust at Tolomeo’s actions. He offers to kill Ceasar in exchange for Cornelia. Cleopatra, recognizing an opportunity to use Caesar to strengthen her position, disguises herself as a servant named “Lydia” to gain his favor. She charms him with her beauty and intelligence, planting the seeds of mutual attraction. Cornelia and Sesto reaffirm their plans for vengeance. Cleopatra, overhearing, tells them that she, Lydia, will assist them in their plot along with her servant Nireno. Cesar arrives at the palace and greets Tolomeo, though neither are sincere. Achilla presents Cornelia and Sesto to Tolomeo, who notices her beauty and imprisons them. Achilla offers them their freedom if Cornelia agrees to marry him. She rejects him and the two are taken away.

Act 2

Cleopatra continues her seduction of Caesar. She performs a beautiful aria for him and Caesar is captivated, beginning to fall in love with her. Nireno assures him that “Lydia” is deeply attracted and will wait for him later that night in her apartment. Meanwhile, Achilla again advances Cornelia, and after she rejects him, Tolomeo also attempts to gain her favor, only to be rejected. Cornelia attempts to jump to her death but is stopped by Sesto and Nireno. Tolomeo has commanded Cornelia to become one of his concubines. He will help to smuggle Sextus into the harem as well, where, unguarded, the king will be at his most vulnerable.
Caesar arrives in “Lydia’s” chambers, but when Curio warns him of a plot to kill him, Cleopatra implores him to flee realizing that she has fallen in love. In her pleas Cleopatra accidentally reveals her true identity to him.
While Tolomeo tries to seduce Cornelia, Sesto tries to avenge his father’s murder but is thwarted by Achilla. Achilla reports that Cleopatra has fled into the woods and in the attempt on Caesar’s life, he leapt from the balcony into the sea and has died. He reminds Tolomeo of his promise to give Cornelia to him, but Tolomeo, wanting her for himself, dismisses his promise.

Act 3

Achilla, having been thwarted by Tolomeo, vows his allegiance to Cleopatra. During the battle between the soldiers of Cleopatra and of Tolomeo, the latter are victorious. Tolomeo’s forces capture Cleopatra and imprison her. Her brother promises to take a terrible revenge, but she faces death with courage. Caesar, presumed dead after the skirmish, returns in disguise. Sesto and Nireno discover a mortally wounded Achilla. Achilla reveals that in a nearby cave a hundred warriors are ready to follow him into the palace. He gives them his seal and dies. Ceasar reveals himself from his hiding place and take the seal, vowing to rescue Cleopatra and Cornelia.
Tolomeo attempts to force himself on Cornelia, but he is interrupted by Sesto who kills Tolomeo. Caesar restores Cleopatra to the throne, securing her rule in Egypt. They declare their love for each other.