Act 3

Scene 1: Gerontes, Colombine.

Colombine tells Gerontes that Harlequin has stolen his jewels. Gerontes is outraged, but he calms himself because Isabella is approaching.

Scene 2: Gerontes, Colombine, Isabella.

Gerontes and Isabella begin to talk: Isabella expresses interest in marrying him, but wants him to promise that he won't be a jealous or domineering husband. Gerontes isn't sure how to answer and seems reluctant to make the promise. Colombine tries to intercede in his favor, and Isabella is moved to give the matter further consideration.

Scene 3: Harlequin Jr., Gerontes.

Gerontes sees who he thinks is Harlequin, and sneaks up on him to try to reclaim his jewels. He scolds Harlequin Jr. for treating his master in such a way, but Harlequin Jr. comes to think Gerontes is a drunk or a thief. Harlequin Jr. beats Gerontes and escapes, while Gerontes calls for a commissary (the 17th century version of a policeman.)

Scene 4: Harlequin.

Harlequin enters, having been drinking away his sorrows over his breakup with Colombine. He sees Gerontes coming toward him, and frets over how to tell him the news about the missing jewels.

Scene 5: Harlequin, Gerontes.

Gerontes announces he has just reported Harlequin to the commissary for robbing and beating him. Harlequin is shocked, and insists on his faithfulness and loyalty to his master. Gerontes insists Harlequin has the jewels and Harlequin assures him he doesn't.

Scene 6: Harlequin, Gerontes, Commissary, 3 Archers.

The Commissary arrives with 3 Archers. They detain Harlequin and begin to search him for the jewels, which they are eager to find since they will receive a reward for finding them. They can find nothing on Harlequin, and tell Gerontes that he will have to front them some money if he wants them to investigate any further.

Scene 7: Harlequin, Gerontes, Commissary, 3 Archers, Pierrot.

Pierrot comes out of the tavern and (mistaking Harlequin for Harlequin Jr.) sees his friend being ambushed. He runs to his aid, and the two zanni are able to fight off Gerontes, the Commissary and the Archers.

Scene 8: Pierrot, Harlequin.

Harlequin thanks Pierrot for his help, and asks who he is. Pierrot is insulted that Harlequin doesn't remember him, and Harlequin is confused as to why Pierrot expects him to know him. They go off together when they see Gerontes returning again.

Scene 9: Gerontes, Colombine.

Gerontes has brought Colombine to testify to the Commissary against Harlequin, but she is reluctant to do so as she knows he'll be hanged for his crime: "Was he only to run the hazard of a whipping, I should give him a lifting hand; but as the punishment which such perfidy deserves is hanging for a quarter hour, or so, I must beg your pardon." She asks if Gerontes will drop the case against Harlequin if she can promise that Isabella will marry him even without the jewels. Gerontes agrees.

Scene 10: Gerontes, Colombine, Isabella.

Isabella comes to give her answer to Gerontes' marriage proposal. Gerontes makes a final plea, and Colombine argues in his favor. Isabella at last agrees to marry Gerontes.

Scene 11: Gerontes, Colombine, Isabella, Octavio.

Octavio appears out of the woodwork and objects to Isabella marrying Gerontes. Isabella tells him her decision is final: "Indeed, this may make you angry, but the more you urge me, the more averse I shall be. I think I had better be cruel to you than so to myself. When we marry, ‘tis forever; and I shall not be guilty of so great a folly as to marry one who never knew the way to gain an heart; and if you could not please when a lover, ‘tis unlikely you should when an husband. You express your love and tenderness only by fine words; but believe me, that man loves but little that values his money more than his mistress." Octavio sulks off.

Scene 12: Gerontes, Colombine, Isabella.

The trio express happiness at the upcoming marriage and begin looking forward to the future, though they express concern at the loss of the jewels. 

Scene 13: Gerontes, Colombine, Isabella, Harlequin, Harlequin Jr.

Harlequin and Harlequin Jr. enter at the same time, from opposite sides of the stage, so that everyone sees them. Colombine tries to determine who is the real Harlequin, but both Harlequins give the same answers to her questions. She declares that they look like twins, and suddenly the two Harlequins realize what is going on. The brothers are happy to be reunited, and Harlequin Jr. realizes he was misinformed about his brother's death. They hug comically. Colombine insists on receiving the jewels, and Harlequin Jr. gives them back. Harlequin demands an apology for all the accusations against him and his brother, and Isabella offers to make peace by letting him marry Colombine, and letting Harlequin Jr. marry Marinetta. Both Harlequins are happy with the arrangement. The group begin looking forward to the upcoming weddings.

End.