Orpheus returns to his woods and fields (“Ecco pur ch’a voi ritorno”). While the shepherds accompany him with cheerful songs (“In questo prato adorno”), Orpheus basks in his own happiness (“Vi ricorda, o boschi ombrosi”). But suddenly, cries of grief are heard from the Messenger Silvia (“Ahi caso acerbo”), announcing a dreadful accident: Eurydice was bitten by a snake while picking flowers, and died in the arms of her companions. Beside himself, Orpheus expresses his intention to descend into Hades to recover his wife (“Tu se’ morta, mia vita, ed io respiro?”). The chorus bemoans their sad fate (“Ahi, caso acerbo, ahi fato empio e crudele!”).