Ombra Mai Fu ....

Never was a shade more pleasant than this ….

“Ombra mai fu” is the opening aria from the opera Serse by George Frideric Handel.
But then Serse is torn by duality, tempted by the allure of the great light, attracted by wish to shine in the grand, or enjoy the small and complacency of the shade.

Frondi tenere e belle
del mio platano amato
per voi risplenda il fato.
Tuoni, lampi, e procelle
non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace,
né giunga a profanarvi austro rapace.

Ombra mai fu
di vegetabile,
cara ed amabile,
soave più.

Tender and beautiful fronds
of my beloved plane tree,
let Fate smile upon you.
May thunder, lightning, and storms
never bother your dear peace,
nor may you by blowing winds be profaned.

Never was a shade
of any plant
dearer and more lovely,
or more sweet.

I found some trolls willing to cooperate under a tree with late afternoon soft sunlight (left) and intriguing flash light (right), but I have not decided yet which of these 4 versions show the temptation of the light best (a slight preference I have, yes).

So please tell me your opinion !
Listen to the aria first, if you wish.