Act 1
Scene 1: Gerontes, Harlequin.
Gerontes wishes to marry Isabella, but Harlequin questions his wisdom in pursuing a woman who is so much younger than himself. Gerontes insists he is a suitable match, and Harlequin agrees to assist him. Gerontes presents Harlequin with some jewels he intends as a gift for Isabella, and gives some additional money to bribe Isabella's servants to deliver them to her.
Scene 2: Harlequin.
Alone, Harlequin doubts the success of a marriage between a young woman and an old man; but he turns his thoughts to his own love life. He is courting Colombine, who happens to be Isabella's maid.
Scene 3: Harlequin, Colombine.
Colombine arrives, and Harlequin is overjoyed to see her. He shows her the money he has, and says she'll have to work to earn it. Colombine interprets him to be calling her a whore and becomes enraged. Harlequin is able to calm her down and explain himself. She agrees to help deliver the jewels. Harlequin then suggests they should spend some of the money on a fancy dinner for the two of them; Colombine agrees to make the arrangements. The couple bid lengthy and cutesy farewells to each other before parting ways.
Scene 4: Colombine.
Colombine expresses her approval of a match between Gerontes and Isabella, since all of her lady's other suitors are ridiculous fops, and Isabella is in need of money -- which Gerontes has in abundance.
Scene 5: Colombine, Isabella.
Isabella finds Colombine and scolds her for neglecting her duties, as they will be hosting a card game in the evening. Colombine reminds Isabella that she cannot continue to rely on gambling as her only source of income. Isabella complains that she doesn't want to marry because her suitors are all unfit. Colombine suggests Gerontes as a good match, though Isabella is unimpressed; so Colombine presents the jewels from Gerontes. Isabella becomes willing to at least consider the match; however, she insists that it would be inappropriate to keep the jewels unless her mind is made up, and so she tells Colombine to return them while she considers the proposition.
Scene 6: Colombine.
Colombine expresses disappointment in Isabella's reaction and fears having to return the money she received. She resolves to ask Harlequin for advice at their planned dinner.Â
Scene 7: Colombine, Florio, Octavio.
Octavio and his valet Florio enter, and try to speak with Colombine. Octavio professes his love for Isabella, but Colombine is unsympathetic. She leaves.
Scene 8: Octavio, Florio.
Octavio speaks of his love and passion for Isabella, but Florio criticizes him for his avarice and warns he'll never win her if he persists in being a miser.