Opera Serse (Xerxes, HWV 40) - Act I - Ombra mai fu (Never was a

Italian libretto:

Frondi tenere e belle
 del mio platano amato
 per voi risplenda il fato.
 Tuoni, lampi, e procelle
 non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace,
 nè giunga a profanarvi austro rapace.
 
Ombra mai fu
 di vegetabile,
 cara ed amabile,
 soave più.

Translation:

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.
 
shade there never was,
 of any plant,
 dearer and more lovely,
 or more sweet.