Ex. 14-1: Aria: Farewell, ye limpid springs

From Handel's oratorio Jephtha (HWV 70, 1751), his last oratorio. While composing this work, Handel was going blind. In the autograph score, at the end of the chorus "How dark, O Lord, are Thy decrees," he wrote: "Reached here on 13 February 1751, unable to go on owing to weakening of the sight of my left eye."

The aria "Farewell, ye limpid springs and floods" is sung by Iphis, Jephtha's daughter, as she accepts her fate to be sacrificed. An angel intervenes at the last moment to spare her life.

The premiere took place at Covent Garden on 26 February 1752, with the composer conducting despite his failing eyesight.