La vestale

About the show

After returning victorious to Rome, Licinius finds that Julia has become a Vestal Virgin. He tells her he intends to reclaim her. At the temple, they reunite and the sacred flame goes out; Julia refuses to identify Licinius and is sentenced to death. As she is about to be buried alive, a thunderstorm begins and lightning reignites the flame. The high priest interprets this as divine approval, releases Julia, and she marries Licinius.