Act 3

ACT THREE: Pantalone’s house

SCENE ONE: Mezzetino, alone*

Desperate to change Pantalone’s mind and knowing the old man’s fear of ghosts, Mezzetino, covered in sheets and white powder, breaks into Pantalone’s house to frighten him into allowing the marriage.

SCENE TWO: Mezzetino, Pantalone

Pantalone enters and is frightened to see what he thinks is a ghost. Mezzetino begins telling Pantalone that the ghosts of Flavio’s home have taken a liking to Lavinia and will move into Pantalone’s home unless she comes to live with Flavio. Mezzetino does not get very far into the story before Pantalone is frightened to death. Mezzetino quickly leaves.

ON TO ACT FOUR

*Those who have a mind to may, alternately, use Arlecchino in the third act, bullied by Mezzetino into accompanying and assisting with the plan. While this probably expands the comic opportunities as the actors play off each other, Arlecchino's lack of involvement in the final act may seem strange after having such a large role.