[Mereb:]
I grew up in your hometown
At least began to grow
I hadn't got to my first shave
Before the body blow
Egyptians in the courtyard
My family in chains
You witnessed our abduction
Which possibly explains
How I know you
How I know you
(MEREB takes AIDA upstage)
Before that fateful morning
My family enjoyed
A privileged existence
For my father was employed
As advisor to the King no less
Which surely rings a bell
For as your are his daughter
You probably can tell
How I know you
Yes I know you
[Aida:]
You know too much and what you say
Is better left unknown
And now I'm just a slave like you
Our lives are not our own
[Mereb:]
I never have abandoned
And nor I think could you
That spark of hope for freedom
No terror can subdue
[Aida:]
My only hope is silence
You've never seen my face
[Mereb:]
No you remain a princess
In any time or place
[Aida:]
You don't know me
[Mereb:]
Yes, I know you
[Aida:]
You don't know me
[Mereb:]
How I know you
How I know you
Princess…
[Aida:]
Mereb, you must treat me like any other slave. If the Egyptians knew I was the daughter of the Nubian King…
[Mereb:]
They would kill you. But our people will keep your secret.
[Aida:]
No. You must not tell anyone who I am. From now on, I am nothing but a gift from an Egyptian captain to his Princess.
[Mereb:]
Just so you know, Amneris is more than that to Radames. She's his betrothed.
[Aida:]
He's to be married? When?
[Mereb:]
The day his ship sinks and the royal builders refuse to make him another.
Come; let's get you to the Princess.