Act 1
SCENE: A street ending in a bridge, through the arch of which a canal is seen. L., the Doctor's House, with a small projecting balcony. R., and directly opposite, an Inn with an Eagle signboard.
A Moonlight Night.
(At rise a peota is seen moored under the archway. It is lit by coloured lanterns, and in it are seated INSTRUMENTALISTS and the SINGING WOMAN. The INSTRUMENTALISTS play an opening symphony. FLORINDO and BRIGHELLA stand down stage in the shadows.)
(During the music BEATRICE and ROSAURA come out on to the balcony.)
FLOR.: Look, Brighella, there's my dear Rosaura coming out for the serenade with her sister Beatrice. Now's the moment for that song I wrote explaining my passion for her.
BRIG.: I never zeed a more stränge luve than yours. Your Worship's fair in luve with Miss Rosaura; you live a-studying in the same house with her father, and you've a mort of chances to speak to her, and you must needs have it zung to her in a zurrinäde and explained in a zong.
FLOR.: My dear Brighella, I've already told you that I haven't the courage. You know I love Rosaura, but I can't pluck up heart enough to tell her so. If I were to speak outright to her I know I should simply die of blushing.
BRIG.: Do 'ee mean carrying on like this wi'out a zingle spoken word?
FLOR.: Oh, go to the boat and tell them to sing my new song.
BRIG.: Now, look 'ee: I sarved your fäther in Bologna, I zeed your Worship born and wish 'ee well enough, God knows. Why, when I look at 'ee, I think I zee old Mäster 'isself standin' afore my very eyes. Ay, and though now I'm in sarvice out o' the family, ye know your Worship is main welcome to my späre time.
FLOR.: My dear fellow, if you really mean it, do as I ask you.
BRIG.: Have it your own wäy.
FLOR:. And I'll stay here out of sight.
BRIG.: Wauns! where's the sense in that?
FLOR.: So that no one will see me, of course.
BRIG. (aside): It fair beats me! 'Taint nätural. There beant much o' that about nowädays.
(Goes to the peota.)
FLOR.: Dear Rosaura, my soul, my only hope, couldst thou but guess this devouring flame!
(Withdraws still more into the shadow.)
(The INSTRUMENTALISTS play the introduction to song, is then sung from the boat by the SINGING WOMAN.)
SONG.
Dear idol of my heart,
I take this timid fashion
Quite safely to impart
My soul-devouring passion.
Dear Cupid, understand
My shyness makes me proffer
A love at second-hand,
And in a song my offer.
But when you are away,
My courage then is stout;
When you're not by to hear,
My love I simply shout.
O Cupid, be at hand
And cure my cursed evil,
And make her understand
My shyness is the devil.
(While the song is being sung, LELIO and ARLECCHINO come out from Inn and stand listening to the music. At the conclusion of the song, the boat moves slowly off, the MUSICIANS still playing.)
BRIG. (softly to FLORINDO): And does that pläze 'ee?
FLOR.: Very much.
BRIG.: Went with a swing like?
FLOR.: Couldn't have been better.
BRIG.: But she don't know whose it wäs.
FLOR.: Never mind; it is enough that she should have heard it.
BRIG.: Go 'ee in now, and let her zee this finery is your Worship's.
FLOR.: Heaven forbid! And it's just to prevent this that I shall now take a turn or two, and then go in by the back door. Come along.
BRIG.: Have it your own wäy!
(Exeunt.)
LELIO: Well, what do you think of it, Arlecchino ? Charming place, this Venice. Always something delightful to do. Now that it's really too hot to sleep, one can come out and enjoy these delicious serenades.
ARLE.: Why, as to that, I don't value 'em a groat.
LELIO: How's that?
ARLE.: The zort of zurrinädes I value 'as eatin' thrown in.
LELIO (with sudden interest): I say, Arlecchino, look at that couple of girls up there. I saw them from my window, and though 'twas pretty dark I thought they looked handsome enough.
ARLE.: Ay, they're äll fine women to you. Why, Mrs. Cleonice in Rome fair däzzled you, and now you've left her.
LELIO: And don't even remember her! On that balcony are two women whom I have every reason to suppose are of a not too retiring disposition. I'll try my luck.
ARLE.: Meanin' thereby you'll tell 'un ten lies to every four words.
LELIO: You presume.
ARLE.: Best get 'ee home to Master Pantalone's.
LELIO: He's out of town. When he gets back I'll go stay with him right enough.
ARLE. (pointing to Inn): And meanwhile you'll stop at the Eagle?
LELIO: Yes, and enjoy some liberty. Why, this is the season. All junketings and enjoyment. I've been away for twenty years. How exquisite those girls look by the light of the moon. All the same, I should like to know who they are before I speak to them. Go into the Inn and find out who they are, if they're presentable, and what their names are.
ARLE.: I wänt a month for all this stuff!
LELIO: Hurry up; I'll wait for you here.
ARLE.: You want me to go a-pryin', you do.
LELIO: I beat you when I'm angry.
ARLE.: Well, I hates to zee you put about, so here goes.
(Exit into Inn.)
LELIO: I think to-night I'm in the vein for a new adventure. (Begins to walk up and down.)
ROSAURA: You're right, sister, the serenade could not have been more magnificent.
BEAT.: I can't think of anyone else in the neighbourhood that's worth it, so I flatter myself 'twas meant for us.
ROSAURA: I wish we knew for which one of us, and who it was ordered it.
BEAT.: Some unknown admirer of your beauty. (Yawns.)
ROSAURA (sweetly): Or rather, dear, some secret admirer of your worth.
BEAT.: I can't think who it can be. There's Signor Ottavio, who seemed rather smitten with me, but if he'd ordered it he'd hardly be the one to hide himself.
ROSAURA: I can't think either. It wouldn't be Florindo. Several times lately I've gone out of my way to speak quite nicely to him, and he's never responded in the least.
BEAT.: Do you see a man strolling over there?
ROSAURA: Yes, and, as far as you can tell by this wretched moonlight, he seems rather well dressed.
LELIO (to himself as he strolls): Arlecchino's a damned long time. I don't know who they are or how to talk to them. Never mind, I'll keep on safe ground.
ROSAURA: Let's go in.
BEAT.: Oh, nonsense; what are you afraid of?
LELIO (speaking towards the balcony): Glorious serenity of the heavenly vault! What a quiet and yet resplendent night. And yet, what marvel is it that the heavens shine more than their wont, when to-night they are illumined by two such gracious stars?
ROSAURA (low to BEATRICE): He means us.
BEAT. (low): He's either mad or in love with us.
ROSAURA (low): He seems a good figure of a man, and speaks with vast taste.
LELIO: Did I not fear the stigma of boldness, I should venture to wish you ladies a very good evening.
ROSAURA: You honour us.
LELIO: You are enjoying the air?
BEAT.: We are enjoying a little liberty in our father's absence.
LELIO: Ah, your father's out of town?
BEAT.: Yes, sir.
ROSAURA: Do you know our father?
LELIO: He's a great friend of mine. May I be permitted to inquire where he's gone?
ROSAURA: To Padua, on a visit to a sick man.
LELIO (aside): Doctor's daughters. (Aloud.) I've always considered the doctor a great man, an ornament to our century.
ROSAURA: You're very kind. You seem to know all about us, but who are you?
LELIO: I am an adorer of your charms.
ROSAURA (coughs): Of mine?
LELIO: Of those of one of you, my ladies.
BEAT.: Won't you be more particular?
LELIO: Permit me still to keep my secret. In good time I hope to explain myself.
ROSAURA (aside to BEATRICE): He wants to marry one of us.
BEAT. (aside to ROSAURA): Heaven knows who'll be the lucky one.
(Enter ARLECCHINO from Inn.)
ARLE. (looking for LELIO): Where's he got to now?
LELIO (aside to ARLECCHINO): Well, found out their names?
ARLE.: The wäiter told me all about 'un.
LELIO: Quick!
ARLE.: They're the därters of --
LELIO (interrupting him): I don't want to know that. What are their names?
ARLE.: Steady now. Their father's a doctor.
LELIO: Oh, I know that. Tell me their names and be damned to you!
ARLE.: One's called Rosaura and t'other Beatrice.
LELIO: That's enough. (Returns to under the balcony.) Excuse me I had given my servant a commission to execute.
ROSAURA: Are you a Venetian or a stranger here?
LELIO: I am a Neapolitan nobleman.
ARLE. (aside): Nobleman and Neapolitan! Two lies at a go.
ROSAURA: How d'you know us?
LELIO: It is now a year since this city has sheltered my incognito.
ARLE. (aside): We coomed läst night.
LELIO: I'd hardly arrived before my eyes were enchanted by the beauties of Mesdames Rosaura and Beatrice. I was for a long while in doubt upon which to bestow my heart, as both seemed equally worthy of it, but finally my choice resolved itself upon --
ROSAURA (interrupting): Which one of us?
LELIO: Ah, I mustn't say that yet.
ARLE. (aside): He'll tell 'un both in turn.
LELIO: Besides, I fear the beauty I desire is already bespoke.
ROSAURA: I assure you I have no lovers.
BEAT.: Neither am I in any way engaged.
ARLE. (low to LELIO): Two empty pläces, just your luck!
LELIO: Still, serenades are sung beneath your windows.
ROSAURA: I swear I don't know whose it was.
BEAT.: I can't guess either.
LELIO: Now, would you really like to know?
ROSAURA: I'm dying of curiosity.
BEAT.: We are women, and that is enough.
LELIO: Well, well, I'll relieve you of your torments. The serenade that you enjoyed is a little testimonial of the affection I cherish for my fair one.
ARLE. (aside): Wauns! Thät's a mouthful!
ROSAURA: And you won't say for whom you meant it?
LELIO: No, certainly not. Did not you mark that canzonetta that I caused to be sung? Did it not speak of a timid and secret lover? That is precisely what I am.
ROSAURA: You've only yourself to blame, then, if neither of us thanks you.
LELIO: So slight a mark of esteem deserves no thanks. Have I the honour of secretly serving her whom I love, I will astound all Venice with the magnificence of my entertainment.
ARLE. (aside): He'll be pawning his clothes, if his fäther don't come bäck soon.
ROSAURA (low to BEATRICE): My dear, he must be a very rich man.
BEAT. (low to ROSAURA): He'll not be for me: I'm too unlucky.
ROSAURA: Sir, at least tell us your name.
LELIO: With pleasure: Don Asdrubale, Marquess of Castel d'Oro.
ARLE. (aside): No läck of titles wi' him.
BEAT. (low to ROSAURA): Let's go in; he mustn't think us low.
ROSAURA (low to BEATRICE): You're right. Prudence by all means. (Aloud to LELIO.) My lord Marquess, with your permission -- the air grows chilly.
LELIO: You're going in already?
BEAT.: Our old duenna is calling us; we must go to bed.
LELIO: Patience, Asdrubale! Your comfort leaves you.
ROSAURA: We shall meet again.
LELIO: If you'll allow me, I'll wait on you to-morrow.
ARLE. (aside): Yes, inside next time.
ROSAURA: That's all very well, sir timid lover, but it is not so easy to come in here.
LELIO: At least I'll see you at the window?
ROSAURA: We'll allow you that much.
BEAT. And when you've declared yourself, you'll be admitted a little further.
LELIO: When your father returns we will talk of it. Meanwhile --
ROSAURA: I wish your lordship a very good night.
(Goes into house through window.)
BEAT.: Don Astrubale, your servant!
(Follows ROSAURA.)
ARLE. (to LELIO, laughing): I kiss your Gräceship's händs!
LELIO: What do you think of that: That was not so bad?
ARLE.: The wäy you manage to tell the peck o' lies you do wi'out fair tänglin' yourself just gets me!
LELIO: Idiot! These are not lies, but witty inventions produced by the fertility of my ever-ready and prolific brain. If you would enjoy the world, use your wits, or you'll lose all your opportunities.
(Goes into the Inn.)
ARLE.: Won't the fät be in the fire when his fäther comes bäck: it don't need no Dänial to tell thät!
(COLOMBINA comes out on to balcony.)
COLOM.: Now that my ladies are gone to bed, I can take a breath of air.
ARLE.: Hullo! here's a girl on the bälcony -- it's not one of the others.
COLOM.: A man is strolling down there and looking at me. It's time I looked after myself a bit, too.
ARLE.: Let's try her with a bit o' the Mäster's flummery.
COLOM.: He's going to speak to me.
ARLE. (dropping dialect): I -- ah -- worship that beauty which gleams equally by night and though unseen strikes love into one's heart.
COLOM.: Sir, who are you?
ARLE.: Don Piccaro -- of Catalania, at your service.
COLOM. (aside): "Don" is a nobleman's title!
ARLE.: I am one that dies, agonises and becomes mad for love of you.
COLOM.: But I don't know you.
ARLE.: That's because I'm a timid and a shamefaced lover.
COLOM.: You can speak freely with me; I'm only a poor servant girl.
ARLE. (aside): A servant: that's my mark! (Aloud.) Tell me, my dear, did you hear that -- ah -- canzonetta sung?
COLOM.: Yes, sir, I heard it.
ARLE.: Do you know who sang it?
COLOM.: No, I don't.
ARLE.: I sang it.
COLOM.: It sounded like a woman's voice.
ARLE.: I'm one of those that can sing in all voices. My high notes run a good two octaves above the highest in the harpsichord.
COLOM.: It was really a beautiful song.
ARLE.: I wrote it.
COLOM.: So you're a poet as well?
ARLE.: I, too, have drunk Parn Asses' milk.*
COLOM.: But what made you take so much trouble?
ARLE.: Why, you of course, my dear.
COLOM.: I should grow vain if I thought you were speaking the truth.
ARLE.: You may believe me -- I swear it by all the patents of my nobility.
COLOM.: I thank you with all my heart.
ARLE.: What would I not do for the sake of your eyes!
COLOM. (towards house): Coming! coming! (To ARLECCHINO.) My lord, my ladies are calling me.
ARLE.: Ah, do not deprive me of the rubicund shades of your beauty.
COLOM.: I'm afraid I can't stop any longer.
ARLE.: I shall see you again?
COLOM.: Of course. Don Piccaro, I salute you.
(Goes into house.)
ARLE. (lapsing into dialect once more): None zo bäd. There's something in it: live wi' the wolf and learn to howl.
(Exit into Inn.)
END OF SCENE I.
Scene II. The Same. Next morning.
BRIG.: There 'ee go, zurrenädin' äll night, up wi' the lärk in the morning. You'm lovers has sim'ly no sleepin' time.
FLOR.: I could not sleep when I thought of the success of my serenade.
BRIG.: Success d'ye cäll it? Spend your money, lose your sleep, and the gal know nowt!
FLOR.: I ask no more than that she should have enjoyed it
BRIG.: Ye're content with main little.
FLOR.: Listen, Brighella, I heard my dear Rosaura say the other day that she desired some lengths of laces. Now that the fair's beginning, I should like to make her a present of some.
BRIG.: This'll speäk sommat to 'un.
FLOR.: Oh, they'll not come from me. Dear Brighella, if you love me, do what I'm going to ask you. Here's a purse of ten zecchins, go to the mercer's and buy with it forty yards of the most beautiful laces you can. Tell the merchant to have them sent to Rosaura with the particular instruction on no account to say from whom they come.
BRIG.: Ten zecchins in the gutter!
FLOR.: How's that?
BRIG.: Whoi, how be she to know wheer they be from? Ye cän't expect thänks like.
FLOR.: It doesn't matter, she'll know in time. Just now I wish to be a secret giver.
BRIG.: Wheer be the money from?
FLOR.: Some from my father's allowance and some from my client's fees.
BRIG.: Ye gäther 'un and ye scätter 'un.
FLOR.: Do go at once and do me this favour. To-day is the first day of the fair. I should like her to have the laces before dinner-time.
BRIG.: Häve it your own way.
FLOR.: See that the laces are beautiful.
BRIG.: Ay, ay!
FLOR.: I shall be eternally grateful.
BRIG. (aside): Ten zecchins -- why, a män might häve the world.
(Exit.)
FLOR.: And there is the dear little balcony where my love shows herself. D'you know, if she should now appear, I believe I could speak to her. I might say, for instance --
(OTTAVIO enters from R., and stands watching FLORINDO.)
Yes, I'd say to her: "Madam, I love you tenderly; I cannot live without you. You are my soul. Dear, take pity on me." (Turns and sees OTTAVIO.) Lud! I wish he had not seen me. (Aloud to OTTAVIO.) My friend, what do you think of the architecture of this little balcony ?
OTTAVIO: Beautiful! Tell me now, are you an architect or a portrait painter?
FLOR.: What do you mean?
OTTAVIO: Are you contemplating the balcony or the fair owner?
FLOR.: I don't understand you.
OTTAVIO: You've better opportunities indoors.
FLOR.: I am a doctor, not a painter.
OTTAVIO: My dear fellow, did you hear the serenade here last night?
FLOR.: I go to bed early; I know nothing of any serenade.
OTTAVIO: But someone saw you go by as it was being sung.
FLOR.: I may have passed by. I know nothing. I have no mistresses.
OTTAVIO (aside): He's growing confused. I believe that serenade was his.
FLOR.: Sir, your servant. (Attempts to leave.)
OTTAVIO (stopping him): One moment, please. We're friends, you know -- don't hide the truth from me. I love Beatrice, and find no difficulty in telling you so. If you love Rosaura, perhaps I can help you; if you love Beatrice, I'm quite ready to give her up to you if she prefers you.
FLOR.: I tell you once more I've nothing to do with love. I devote myself to surgery and medicine, and pay no attention to women.
OTTAVIO: Well, I don't believe you. I often hear you sighing, and no one sighs for medicine.
FLOR.: Well, don't believe me if you don't want to. I tell you once more I love no one, and if I was gazing at that window it was because I was attracted by the gracefulness of its design.
(Looks at the window and exits.)
OTTAVIO: There's no doubt about it, he's in love; and, as he won't tell me anything, I'm afraid it's Beatrice. If I had not spent the night at the Inn and lost it miserably in play, I should have seen Florindo, and doubtless things would have been a bit clearer. But I'll keep my eyes open anyway.
(Enter LELIO from Inn.)
LELIO: Why, whom have we here? My dear friend Ottavio!
OTTAVIO: My dearest Lelio!
LELIO: So you're here?
OTTAVIO: So you've returned to your ancestral home?
LELIO: Yes, I arrived yesterday.
OTTAVIO: How did you tear yourself from the amorous beams of Naples ?
LELIO: Ah, truly it was sad work leaving so many beauties behind. But barely arrived in Venice, the gallant adventures that here befell me have made me forget all the Neapolitan beauties.
OTTAVIO: Glad to hear it -- always lucky in love.
LELIO: Fortune is sometimes just, and Love not always blind.
OTTAVIO: I know; and 'tis your merit that enriches you with these local loves.
LELIO: Tell me, do you know this city?
OTTAVIO: Slightly. I've lived here a year.
LELIO: Do you know two sisters that live in that house?
OTTAVIO (aside): H'm! I must see how the land lies. (Aloud.) No, I don't know them.
LELIO: My friend, they are two lovely girls. One is called Rosaura and the other Beatrice; they are daughters of a medico, and are both of them in love with me.
OTTAVIO: What, both of them?
LELIO: Both of them. What's strange in that?
OTTAVIO: How d'ye manage it so quickly?
LELIO: They'd hardly seen me when they first nodded to me and then invited me to speak to them.
OTTAVIO (aside): Can this possibly be true?
LELIO: Very few words from me sufficed to enchant them, and they both declared themselves my admirers.
OTTAVIO: Not both of them?
LELIO: Both of them!
OTTAVIO (aside): I tremble with jealousy!
LELIO: They invited me to enter --
OTTAVIO (aside): Still more!
LELIO: But as the evening approached, I took it into my head to provide them with a magnificent entertainment, and so took my leave.
OTTAVIO: Perhaps you had a serenade played for them?
LELIO: Exactly! How did you know?
OTTAVIO: I heard of it. (Aside.) Now I've discovered who is responsible for the serenade. Florindo was right, after all.
LELIO: But the serenade did not conclude last night's entertainment.
OTTAVIO (ironically): Bravo, Sir Lelio. What fine thing did you do then?
LELIO: I descended from the boat, and caused a magnificent supper to be unloaded by my servants, and, being admitted by the two courteous sisters, the night was finished amid plates and bottles.
OTTAVIO: My friend, I do not wish to doubt your honesty, and I can only suppose you are trying to amuse yourself at my expense, but you can't expect me to believe all this.
LELIO: Does it seem extraordinary to you? Where's your difficulty in believing this?
OTTAVIO: It is surely not so common a thing that two honest and civil girls should take advantage of their father's absence to open their doors to a stranger and turn their house into a brothel!
(Enter ARLECCHINO.)
LELIO: Here is my servant. Ask him if I speak the truth.
OTTAVIO (aside): It is incredible that they should have committed such a weakness!
LELIO: Tell me, Arlecchino, where were we last night?
ARLE.: Just a-gettin' a mouthful of air like.
LELIO: Did I not talk from under this balcony to two ladies?
ARLE.: Ay, that's so.
LELIO: Did I not order a serenade ?
ARLE.: In course, and I säng the canzonetta.
LELIO: And we supped afterwards?
ARLE. Sooped?
LELIO: Yes, a great supper in the house of the ladies Beatrice and Rosaura. (Signs to him to say yes.)
ARLE.: Yes, sir, with the lädies.
LELIO: Wasn't it a magnificent supper?
ARLE.: Ay, a räre blow-out, so it were.
LELIO (to OTTAVIO): You see, he confirms every detail.
OTTAVIO: I don't know what to say; you're a very lucky man!
LELIO: I don't like to boast, but luck is hardly the chief factor in my successes.
OTTAVIO: To what do you attribute them, then?
LELIO: Be it said with all due modesty, to some slight merit my own.
OTTAVIO: Yes, I grant you you're a lad of spirit and of parts. I had occasion in Naples to admire your wit. But to bring two sisters to your feet at once -- really this seems too much.
LELIO: Ah, my friend, you shall see more than that.
OTTAVIO: Some other time we will amuse ourselves. At present, if you will permit me, I must go to my lodging to fetch money to pay my losses of last night. (Going towards Inn.)
LELIO: Where do you lodge?
OTTAVIO: In this Inn.
LELIO (aside): The devil! (Aloud.) I'm staying there, too; but I neither saw you yesterday nor during the night.
OTTAVIO: I went out to dine and played the night through.
LELIO: You've lived here some time and don't know these ladies ?
OTTAVIO: I know them by sight, but have not the honour of their acquaintance. (Aside.) I must not disclose myself.
LELIO: Listen! If ever you should meet these ladies, do not, I warn you, betray to them the confidence I have made you. These are things one does in secret. I should never have confided in any but a bosom friend.
OTTAVIO: Till our next meeting.
LELIO: Your servant.
OTTAVIO (aside): I cannot believe them capable of such lightness!
(Exit.)
ARLE.: Märk me, mäster, you'll get bit!
LELIO: You fool, back me up and don't think of other things!
ARLE.: See here, mäster, let's fix on a sign; when you be going to tell a lie like --
LELIO (interrupting): Dolted ass! When I want to utter some witty invention --
ÁRLE.: Well, when you be a-goin' to say some witty invention, tip us the wink so I can bäck 'ee up like.
LELIO: Your stupidity incommodes me vastly.
ARLE.: Well, this ways, when you be a-wantin' me to bäck you up, clear 'ee throat like.
LELIO: Is it so difficult to follow me ?
ARLE.: I do get that mäzed, so I do; when to speak and when to keep mum.
(Enter ROSAURA and COLOMBINA from the house, both masked.)
LELIO: I say, look at those two masks, Arlecchino.
ARLE.: Carnival seemingly.
LELIO: Here on the first day of the fair they always wear masks in the morning.
ARLE.: Who can they be?
LELIO: Oh, those two girls I spoke to last night.
ARLE.: I dön't like these covered mugs.
LELIO: Ladies, 'tis useless to veil your faces to conceal your beauty while the transcendent beams from your eyes suffice to betray you.
ROSAURA (indicating COLOMBINA): Do you mean her, too?
LELIO: I am pledged for the moment not to distinguish between one sister and another.
ROSAURA: But this is my maid.
ARLE.: My bit o' goods, mäster.
LELIO: Is it a great matter that I should mistake a mask?
ROSAURA (dryly): But I noticed that the beams from Colombina's eyes created the same impression as those from mine.
LELIO: Madam, now that I can speak freely to you, I will tell you that you only are the one who inspires all my admiration, that you entirely occupy my heart, and that if I spoke in equal terms of her whom I believed to be your sister, I did so without admiring her.
ROSAURA: And so you can distinguish me from my sister though I am masked ?
LELIO: Of course. I should love you little indeed if I could not tell you apart.
ROSAURA: And how do you know me ?
LELIO: By your voice, your figure, your noble and majestic air, the spirit in your eyes, and by my heart which is ignorant of the art of lying.
ROSAURA: For pity's sake, tell me who am I?
LELIO: You are my idol.
ROSAURA: Yes, I know. But what is my name?
LELIO (aside): Here's for it. (Aloud.) Rosaura.
ROSAURA (unmasking): Bravo!
LELIO (aside to ARLECCHINO): Now I see you really know me. Luck was with me that time. Look, Arlecchino, what an amiable countenance !
ARLE. (to himself): Wauns! I'd gie summat for a peep at t'other!
ROSAURA: Then you really love me?
LELIO: I, Asdrubale, cannot lie. I love you, I adore you. When you are from me I can do nothing but repeat your name. (To ARLECCHINO.) Isn't that true?
ARLE. (to himself): One peep ahind that mask!
LELIO (coughing): Answer me; isn't it true ?
ARLE. (carelessly): Ay, right, mäster.
ROSAURA: Then why haven't you declared yourself before this?
LELIO: I will tell you, my dear. My father wished to marry me in Naples to a Palerman lady, and I, who abhorred instead of loving her, left the city rather than be forced into so hateful a match. Subsequently, I informed my father of the flame with which your beauty had inspired me, and only yesterday received his letter of consent.
ROSAURA: I find it difficult to believe that your father should consent to your marriage with a doctor's daughter.
LELIO (coughing): It is nevertheless true.
ARLE.: Ay, mäm, ye may täke it as gospel; I read the letter.
ROSAURA: But I'm afraid the dowry my father can give me is hardly suited to one of your position.
LELIO: The House of Castel d'Oro needs no dowry. For twenty years my father has been collecting jewels, gold and silver against my wedding-day. You will be a wealthy bride.
ROSAURA: You astonish me, and the grandeur which flaunt before my eyes makes me fear that you are making game of me.
LELIO: Heaven forbid that I should speak falsely. I am incapable of altering the truth in the slightest degree. From my youth upwards there is not a person who can reproach me with even the most trivial taradiddle. (ARLECCHINO laughs.) Ask my servant. (Coughs.)
ARLE.: Mäster's truthfulness itself.
ROSAURA: When may I hope for some proof of the truth of what you tell me?
LELIO: As soon as ever your father returns to Venice.
ROSAURA: I shall then see if you really love me with a loyal heart.
LELIO: Ah! you'll find no sincerer man than I.
(Enter a DRAPER'S ASSISTANT with a box of laces.)
ASSIST.: This should be the doctor's house. (Prepares to knock.)
ROSAURA (to Assistant): Who do you want?
ASSIST.: If you please, Madame Mask, is this the house of Doctor Balanzoni ?
ROSAURA: Yes. Who are you looking for?
ASSIST.: I have goods to deliver to Madame Rosaura, his daughter.
ROSAURA: I am she. What goods? Who from ?
ASSIST.: There are forty yards of Blonde lace. My master bade me bring them to you, but neither he nor I know the person who bought them.
ROSAURA: If that's the case, you may take them back again. I don't receive things without knowing from whom they come.
ASSIST.: I have strict orders to leave them here in any case. If you do not choose to receive them in the street, I'll knock and take them inside.
ROSAURA: And I tell you I absolutely will not have them!
ASSIST.: They're paid for; they cost ten zecchins.
ROSAURA: Who sends them?
ASSIST.: I don't know -- some good gentleman.
ROSAURA: Then I won't have them.
LELIO: Mistress Rosaura, I admire your delicacy. Take the laces without an afterthought; and, as you refuse to take them without knowing whence they come, you force me to tell you that they are a slight token of my esteem.
ASSIST.: You see? This gentleman bought them.
(ARLECCHINO is lost in admiration.)
ROSAURA (to LELIO): A present from you ?
LELIO: Yes, madam, and I wished to give it you anonymously so as to have no cause to blush in offering you so trivial a thing.
ASSIST.: Sir, you'll not find better goods anywhere.
LELIO: Well, I'm a man of taste and spend my money to advantage.
ARLE. (aside): Ananias!
ROSAURA: I accept your gracious gift. Believe me, these laces are excessively dear to me. As it happened, I meant to buy some, but of course not such fine ones as these. Take them, Colombina; to-morrow you shall begin to arrange them on a dress.
(COLOMBINA takes the box from the Assistant.)
ASSIST.: Anything else, Sir?
LELIO: No. Go.
ASSIST. Sir, to drink your honour's health.
LELIO: Go. I'll see you later.
ASSIST. (to ROSAURA): Madam, I served you punctually.
ROSAURA: Wait, I'll give you --
LELIO (interrupting haughtily): Madam, you astonish me. This is my affair!
ASSIST. (to LELIO): Many, many thanks.
LELIO: Go. I'll see you later.
ASSIST. (aside, as he goes out): I understand. Never see him again.
(Exit.)
ROSAURA: With your permission, I'll go in now.
LELIO: So I'm not to have the honour of squiring you to-day?
ROSAURA: Not just yet. I only came out masked like this to see you and to speak to you, to hear from your own lips that it was really I who was favoured by your choice. Now that I am quite satisfied, I must go in again.
LELIO: You take my heart with you.
ROSAURA: And what am I to say to my sister?
LELIO: For the moment nothing at all.
ROSAURA: I'll be silent because you bid me.
LELIO: Little wife, love me with all your heart.
ROSAURA: Wife? I still rather doubt that.
LELIO: My word is a contract.
ROSAURA: Time will judge.
(Exit unto house.)
COLOM. (aside): That little blackamoor looks like the man who spoke to me last night, but those clothes don't belong to a gentleman. This wants looking into.
(Exit into house.)
ARLE.: Damnation! She's off and I haven't seen her fäce!
LELIO: What do you think of Rosaura's beauty? Isn't it a masterpiece?
ARLE.: Ay! änd your honour's a mästerpiece of witty inventions.
LELIO: I suspect she has an unknown lover who is too bashful to bid openly for her favours.
ARLE.: I'll get a chance to come up wi' 'un.
LELIO: It would be madness not to profit by so excellent an opportunity.
(Enter COLOMBINA from house without her mask or domino.)
ARLE.: Hey, but here she cooms agäin!
LELIO: Make what use you can of her. Get her to help me with her mistress.
ARLE.: 'Ee maun teäch me some lies.
LELIO: Nature teaches them to everyone.
ARLE.: Mäm, if I don't mistake 'ee, 'ee be the young person of läst night!
COLOM.: I am the young person of last night, of yesterday, and of twenty years ago.
ARLE.: That's good! (Chuckles.) I'm the läd that mäde those fine speeches to 'ee last night.
COLOM.: Don Piccaro ?
ARLE.: Your sarvent.
COLOM.: You will excuse me, but I cannot believe it. You don't look it.
ARLE.: But I be. I'm a gentleman, fine and great -- and rich. If ye dön't believe me -- äsk him, my friend here. (Coughs.)
COLOM.: God bless you!
ARLE. Thänk 'ee. (Reproachfully to LELIO.) Mäster, I coughed.
LELIO (aside to ARLECCHINO): Hurry up and come along.
ARLE. (aside to LELIO): Bean't you a-goin' to bäck up my witty inventions, too?
COLOM. (to ARLECCHINO): Where d'you come from?
ARLE.: From the greät town of Rome. I'm first cousin to all th' nobility and I've sarvents in all ends o' the globe. (Coughing loudly.)
COLOM.: God bless you.
ARLE.: It's the bäcca, läss. (Aside to LELIO.) Bean't you a-goin' to help me?
LELIO (aside to ARLECCHINO): You lay it on too thick, you do.
ARLE. (aside to LELIO): Your'n bean't too easy to swallow!
COLOM.: My lord Marquis, who loves my lady, has made her a fine present. If you value me you'll do the same.
ARLE.: At your sarvice. Go 'ee to the fair an' choose what ye list -- I'll pay. Anything up to hälf a million.
COLOM.: Really, this is too much!
(Exit angrily into house.)
LELIO: Didn't I tell you? You're a fool!
ARLE.: If ye mäun tell lies, tell 'un big.
LELIO: Hurry up, I want to go into the inn. I'm all impatience to tell Ottavio my new adventure.
ARLE.: Shouldn't tell 'un too much if I was you.
LELIO: The greatest pleasure of a lover lies in being able to recount the favours of his fair one with pride.
ARLE.: Wi' shäme, too.
LELIO: The telling of amorous adventures lacks flavour without a spice of romance.
(Goes into Inn.)
ARLE.: Here goes for more witty inventions!
(Follows LELIO into the Inn.)
(A gondola draws up at the foot of the street, from which disembark PANTALONE and the DOCTOR.)
DOCTOR: If you saw him, you wouldn't recognise him?
PANTA.: Naturally, he went awäy a boy; but they do säy he be a fine gentleman now, truly.
DOCTOR: I'm glad to hear it. And my girl will be even more pleased.
PANTA.: Wonder to me is ye häven't märried 'un off afore now.
DOCTOR: Well, the fact of the matter is, I have a pupil staying with me, a certain Florindo -- good family, excellent manners. always meant her for him, but I'm resolved to dispose of her elsewhere as I find him so opposed to matrimony and a confirmed woman-hater. Fortunately, I came to you, and in four words we concluded the best bargain in the world.
PANTA.: And don't 'ee mean to märry t'other 'un, too?
DOCTOR: Now that I'm settling Rosaura, I should like to get the other off my hands.
PANTA.: Ay, right! Gals in a house an' no mother, be no good.
DOCTOR: Well, there's Don Ottavio of Padua would take her, but I've always refused him as I did not want the elder left behind. Now perhaps I'll give her to him.
PANTA.: Ay, I know 'un, and his fäther and all the fam'ly. Ye'll get a good bargain.
DOCTOR: You confirm my resolution to give her to him. Many thanks for having brought me so far in your gondola. I'll in now and begin to put the matter to my daughters, especially to Rosaura, in whom, if I am not mistaken, I discern a great leaning towards matrimony.
(Opens the house door and goes in.)
PANTA.: Ay, few of 'un wi'out that. Some fur a better house, some fur more liberty, and some fur two-a-bed.
(Enter LELIO from Inn, followed by a Coachman.)
COACH.: Look here, sir. I wonder you're not ashamed to give me such a beggarly tip for driving you from Naples to Venice.
LELIO: A tip is a courtesy and not obligatory; I'm sure I meant well with what I gave you.
COACH.: Tips are our wages. I expected at least three pounds for the distance.
PANTA. (aside): This gem'man be from Naples way -- maybe he knows my boy.
LELIO: Well, if you don't like your tip, give it me back and I'll give you a dozen strokes of my cane in exchange.
COACH.: If we weren't in Venice, I'd soon show you what Neapolitan coachmen are.
LELIO: Oh, go away; don't make a noise!
COACH.: That's what you get for driving these would-be gentlemen!
(Exit.)
LELIO: Insolent! I'll break your head! (Aside.) I'd better let him go though.
PANTA. (aside): Suppose it's my boy!
LELIO: Coachmen! They're never satisfied. They'd like to fleece us poor strangers.
PANTA. (aside): I'll go slöw and larn what I can. (Aloud.) Axin' your pardon, sir, you be come from Naples?
LELIO: Yes, sir.
PANTA.: I've a sight o' customers an' friends there. I write there to several o' the quality. If so be your honour's one of 'em, I should be happy to be of sarvice to 'ee.
LELIO: I'm the Count of Ancona, at your service.
PANTA. (aside): Jiminy! Not my boy. (Aloud.) Has your honour met a certain Lelio Bisagnosi in Naples ?
LELIO: I knew him very well, a great friend of mine, a most excellent fellow, full of wit, loved, adored by all. All the women run after him, and he is the idol of Naples. And, what is still more remarkable, he has an honest and a sincere heart and is incapable of uttering anything but the truth.
PANTA. (aside): Heaven be praised! (Aloud.) It's a fair comfort to hear it. I believe I could cry with happiness!
(Enter OTTAVIO from the Inn.)
OTTAVIO (to PANTALONE): Sir, congratulations to you on your good news.
PANTA.: What good news, Mäster Ottavio ?
OTTAVIO: Your son's arrival.
PANTA. Be he come? Where is he?
OTTAVIO: But why, doesn't he stand before you ?
LELIO (aside): My father? Now, I've done it!
PANTA.: How now, Sir Count ?
LELIO (laughing): Ha, ha, ha! Dear father, pray forgive this little jest of mine. I knew you at once, and was just watching you. Pray forgive me; I am at your feet.
PANTA.: Coom, my dear lad, coom. I've awaited 'ee these long years. Gie us a kiss, lad. But don't 'ee tell lies even in joke like!
LELIO: Believe me, this is the first untruth I've ever uttered since I reached man's estate.
PANTA.: Good, lad, see it's the läst. Ah, it is a gränd sight to see 'ee so fine a gem'man. Had 'ee a good journey? Why didn't 'ee coom straight höme?
LELIO: I knew you were in the country. I would have gone out to find you at Mira if we had not met to-day.
PANTA.: Coom 'ee and tälk. I've greät news for 'ee. Mäster Ottavio, ye'll forgive us?
OTTAVIO: Your servant.
PANTA. (aside as he goes): Blessings on him! There's a fine lad, a fine lad! I'm fair mäzed wi' it all! (Gets into gondola.)
LELIO: Friend, this morning I treated the two sisters to the fair. They came masked to seek me, and I escorted them to the market. I confide in you; be silent.
(Follows PANTALONE into the gondola, which rows off.)
OTTAVIO: I am more than ever amazed at the frailty of these two girls. Here's a new light on them with a vengeance. They take advantage of their father's absence; but I should never have thought them capable of this.
DOCTOR (re-entering from house): Your servant, dear Don Ottavio.
OTTAVIO (aside): Poor old fellow! Much honour his daughters do him!
DOCTOR (aside): He's standing on his dignity. He's offended because I've refused him Beatrice up till now.
OTTAVIO (aside): At least, by refusing me Beatrice, he's saved me from a bad wife.
DOCTOR (aside): Now, I'll smooth things over. (Aloud.) Don Ottavio, I have news for you; I am marrying off Rosaura.
OTTAVIO: I am delighted to hear it. (Aside.) Accommodating bridegroom!
DOCTOR: That leaves Beatrice.
OTTAVIO: You should have no trouble in finding a husband for her.
DOCTOR: I know of more than one that aspires to be my son-in-law, because I've no other children than these two girls who'll be my sole heirs at my death. But as Don Ottavio has more than once shown a partiality for Beatrice, and as we're talking of marriages, I should prefer to give her to him rather than to any other.
OTTAVIO: My best thanks, but I am no longer in a position to accept your courtesy.
DOCTOR: Hah, what d'ye mean? D'ye want to revenge yourself for my previous refusal? It was not possible to marry her then; now it's different.
OTTAVIO (disdainfully): Give her to whom you will. I am not in a position to receive her.
DOCTOR (angrily): Why do you speak so disdainfully? Perhaps she's out of the gutter?
OTTAVIO: She's the daughter of an honest gentleman. But, degenerate from her father, she is no ornament to her surroundings.
DOCTOR: What do you mean, sir?
OTTAVIO: I'm not speaking without good reason. I should be silent, but the passion I entertained for Beatrice, and which at present I am unable to tear from my bosom, coupled with the friendship I bear you, obliges me to act as I do and enlighten you if you are blind.
DOCTOR: You deprive me of my senses; what on earth has happened?
OTTAVIO: Whatever happens, I'll not be silent. Your two daughters, last night, after enjoying a serenade, admitted a stranger into your house and finished the night in his company with supper and other delights.
DOCTOR: Impossible!
OTTAVIO: I am ready to maintain what I tell you.
DOCTOR: As you're a gentleman, you shall prove this; if it turns out to be some fable of yours, I shall find means to make you pay.
OTTAVIO: The very man who arrived only yesterday from Naples and was admitted to their favours, shall be obliged to prove it to you.
DOCTOR: My daughters are incapable of such behaviour.
OTTAVIO: We shall see. If you take this rightly, I am a friend who warns you; if you take it badly, I am one who in any case can prove his words.
(Exit.)
DOCTOR: Oh, unlucky man that I am! My poor house! My poor reputation! This is an evil that neither Hippocrates nor Galen teaches us how to heal. But I shall find a moral medicine that will root it out. All depends on acting quickly, in preventing the evil spreading. Principiis obsta sero medecina paratur.
(Exit into house.)
CURTAIN.
END OF ACT I.