Act 1
SCENE I
A room in the house of Pantalone.
Pantalone, the Doctor, Clarice, Silvio, Brighella, Smeraldina.
Sil. [offering his hand to Clar.]. Here is my hand, and with it I give you my whole heart.
Pant. [to Clar.]. Come, come, not so shy, give him your hand too. Then you will be betrothed, and very soon you shall be married.
Clar. Dear Silvio, here is my hand. I promise to be your wife.
Sil. And I promise to be your husband. [They take hands.]
Doc. Well said. Now that is settled, and there's no going back on it.
Smer. [aside]. There's luck for you! And me just bursting to get married!
Pant. [to Brig. and Smer.]. You two shall be witnesses of this betrothal of my daughter Clarice to Signor Silvio, the worthy son of our good Doctor Lombardi!
Brig. [to Pant.]. We will, sir, and I thank you for the honour.
Pant. Look you, I was a witness at your wedding, and now you are a witness to my daughter's. I have asked no great company of friends and relations, for the Doctor too is a man of my sort. We will have dinner together; we will enjoy ourselves and nobody shall disturb us. [To Clar. and Sil.] What say you, children, does that suit you?
Sil. I desire nothing better than to be near my beloved bride.
Smer. [aside]. Yes, that's the best of all foods.
Doc. My son is no lover of vanities. He is an honest lad; he loves your daughter and thinks of nothing else.
Pant. Truly we may say that this marriage was made in Heaven, for had it not been for the death of Federigo Rasponi, my correspondent at Turin, you know, I had promised my daughter to him, and [to Sil.] I could not then have given her to my dear son-in-law.
Sil. I can call myself fortunate indeed, sir; I know not if Signora Clarice will say the same.
Clar. You wrong me, dear Silvio. You should know if I love you. I should have married Signor Rasponi in obedience to my father; but my heart has always been yours.
Doc. 'Tis true indeed, the will of Heaven is wrought in unexpected ways. [To Pant.] Pray, sir, how did Federigo Rasponi come to die?
Pant. Poor wretch, I hardly know. He was killed one night on account of some affair about his sister. Someone ran a sword through him and that was the end of him.
Brig. Did that happen at Turin, sir?
Pant. At Turin.
Brig. Alas, poor gentleman! I am indeed sorry to hear it.
Pant. [to Brig.]. Did you know Signor Federigo Rasponi?
Brig. Indeed and I did, sir. I was three years at Turin. I knew his sister too—a fine high-spirited young woman—dressed like a man and rode a-horseback; and he loved her more than anyone in the world. Lord! who'ld ha' thought it?
Pant. Well, misfortune waits for all of us. But come, let us talk no more of sad things. Do you know what I have in mind, good master Brighella? I know you love to show your skill in the kitchen. Now, I would have you make us a few dishes of your best.
Brig. 'Tis a pleasure to serve you, sir. Though I say it that shouldn't, customers are always well contented at my house. They say there's no place where they eat as they do there. You shall taste something fine, sir.
Pant. Good, good. Let's have something with plenty of gravy that we can sop the bread in. [A knock at the door.] Oh! someone is knocking. Smeraldina, see who it is.
Smer. Yes, sir. [Goes to door
Clar. [wishing to retire]. Sir, may I beg your leave?
Pant. Wait; we are all coming. Let us hear who is there.
Smer. [coming back]. Sir, there is a gentleman's servant below who desires to give you a message. He would tell me nothing. He says he would speak to the master.
Pant. Tell him to come up. We'll hear what he has to say.
Smer. I'll fetch him, sir. [Exit
Clar. May I not go, sir?
Pant. Whither then, madam?
Clar. I know not—to my own room—
Pant. No, madam, no; you stay here. [Aside to Doc.] These love-birds can't be left alone just yet for a while.
Doc. [aside to Pant.]. Prudence above all things!
[Smeraldina brings in Truffaldino
Truff. My most humble duty to the ladies and gentlemen. And a very fine company too, to be sure! Ve-ry fine, indeed!
Pant. Who are you, my good friend? and what is your business?
Truff. [to Pant., pointing to Clar.]. Who is this fair gentlewoman?
Pant. That is my daughter.
Truff. Delighted to hear it.
Smer. [to Truff.]. What's more, she is going to be married.
Truff. I'm sorry to hear it. And who are you?
Smer. I am her maid, sir.
Truff. I congratulate her.
Pant. Come, sir, have done with ceremony. What do you want with me? who are you? who sends you hither?
Truff. Patience, patience, my good sir, take it easy. Three questions at once is too much for a poor man.
Pant. [aside to Doc.]. I think the man's a fool.
Doc. [aside to Pant.]. I think he's playing the fool.
Truff. [to Smer.]. Is it you that are going to be married?
Smer. [sighs]. No, sir.
Pant. Will you tell me who you are, or will you go about your business?
Truff. If you only want to know who I am, I'll tell you in two words. I am the servant of my master. [Turns to Smer.] To go back to what I was saying—
Pant. But who is your master?
Truff. [to Pant.]. He is a gentleman who desires the honour of paying his respects to you. [To Smer.] We must have a talk about this marriage.
Pant. Who is this gentleman, I say? What is his name?
Truff. Oh, that's a long story. Si'or Federigo Rasponi of Turin, that's my master, and he sends his compliments, and he has come to see you, and he's down below, and he sends me to say that he would like to come up and he's waiting for an answer. Anything else, or will that do? [All look surprised.] [To Smer., as before.] Let's begin again.
Pant. Come here and talk to me. What the devil do you mean?
Truff. And if you want to know who I am, I am Truffaldin' Battocchio from Bergamo.
Pant. I don't care who you are. Tell me again, who is this master of yours? I fear I did not hear you rightly.
Truff. Poor old gentleman! he must be deaf. My master is Si'or Federigo Rasponi of Turin.
Pant. Away! You must be mad. Signor Federigo Rasponi of Turin is dead.
Truff. Dead?
Pant. To be sure he's dead, worse luck for him.
Truff. [aside]. The devil! my Master dead? why, I left him alive downstairs! [To Pant.] You really mean he is dead?
Pant. I tell you for an absolute certainty, he is dead.
Doc. 'Tis the honest truth; he is dead; we can have no doubt about it.
Truff. [aside]. Alas my poor master! He must have met with an accident. [To Pant. as if retiring.] Your very humble servant, sir.
Pant. Can I do nothing more for you?
Truff. If he's dead, there's nothing more to do. [Aside.] But I'm going to see if it's true or not.
[Exit.]
Pant. What are we to make of this fellow? Is he knave or fool?
Doc. I really don't know. Probably a little of both.
Brig. I should say he was just a zany. He comes from Bergamo; I can't think he is a knave.
Smer. He's not such a fool, neither. [Aside.] I like that little dark fellow.
Pant. But what is this nightmare about Signor Federigo?
Clar. If 'tis true indeed that he is here, it would be the worst of news for me.
Pant. What nonsense! did not you see the letters yourself?
Sil. If he is alive and here after all, he has come too late.
[Re-enter Truffaldino.]
Truff. Gentlemen, I am surprised at you. Is that the way to treat a poor man? Is that the way you deceive strangers? Is that the behaviour of a gentleman? I shall insist upon satisfaction.
Pant. [to Doc.]. We must be careful, the man's mad. [To Truff.] What's the matter? what have they done to you?
Truff. To go and tell me that Si'or Federigo Rasponi was dead!
Pant. Well, what then?
Truff. What then? well, he's here, safe and sound, in good health and spirits, and he desires to pay his respects to you with your kind permission.
Pant. Signor Federigo?
Truff. Si'or Federigo.
Pant. Rasponi?
Truff. Rasponi.
Pant. Of Turin?
Truff. Of Turin.
Pant. Be off to Bedlam, my lad; that's the place for you.
Truff. The Devil take you there, sir! you'll make me swear like a Turk. I tell you he's here, in the house, in the next room, bad luck to you.
Pant. If you say any more I'll break your head.
Doc. No, no, Signor Pantalone; I tell you what to do. Tell him to bring in this person whom he thinks to be Federigo Rasponi.
Pant. Well, bring in this man that is risen from the dead.
Truff. He may have been dead and risen from the dead, for all I know. That's no affair of mine. But he's alive now, sure enough, and you shall see him with your own eyes. I'll go and tell him to come. [Angrily to Pant.] And 'tis time you learned how to behave properly to strangers, to gentlemen of my position, to honourable citizens of Bergamo. [To Smer.] Young woman, we will have some talk together when you will.
[Exit.]
Clar. Silvio, I am all of a tremble.
Sil. Have no fear; whatever happens you shall be mine.
Doc. Now we shall discover the truth.
Pant. Some rogue, I dare say, come to tell me a string of lies.
Brig. Sir, as I told you just now, I knew Signor Federigo; we shall see if it be he.
Smer. [aside]. That little dark fellow doesn't look like a liar. I wonder, now, if—[curtsey to Pant.]. By you good leave, sir.
[Exit.]
Enter Beatrice, dressed as a man.
Beat. Signor Pantalone, that courtesy which I have so much admired in your correspondence is but ill matched in the treatment which I have received from you in person. I send my servant to pay you my respects, and you keep me standing in the street for half an hour before you condescend to allow me to enter.
Pant. [nervously]. I ask your pardon. But, sir, who are you?
Beat. Your obedient servant, sir, Federigo Rasponi of Turin. [All look bewildered.]
Pant. Extraordinary!
Brig. [aside]. What does this mean? This is not Federigo, this is his sister Beatrice.
Pant. I rejoice to see you, sir, alive and in health, after the bad news which we had received. [Aside to Doc.] I tell you, I am not convinced yet.
Beat. I know; 'twas reported that I was killed in a duel. Heaven be praised, I was but wounded; and no sooner was I restored to health, than I set out for Venice, according to our previous arrangement.
Pant. I don't know what to say. You have the appearance of an honest man, sir; but I have sure and certain evidence that Signor Federigo is dead, and you will understand—that if you cannot give us proof of the contrary—
Beat. Your doubt is most natural; I recognise that I must give you proof of my identity. Here are four letters from correspondents of yours whom you know personally; one of them is from the manager of our Bank. You will recognise the signatures and you will satisfy yourself as to who I am. [Gives four letters to Pant. who reads them to himself.]
Clar. Ah, Silvio, we are lost.
Sil. I will lose my life before I lose you.
Beat. [noticing Brig., aside]. Heavens! Brighella! How the devil does he come to be here? If he betrays me—[Aloud to Brig.] Friend, I think I know you.
Brig. Indeed yes, sir; do you not remember Brighella Cavicchio at Turin?
Beat. Ah yes, now I recognise you. [Goes up to him.] And what are you doing in Venice, my good fellow? [Aside to Brig.] For the love of heaven do not betray me.
Brig. [aside to Beat.]. Trust me. [Aloud] I keep an inn, sir, at your service.
Beat. The very thing for me; as I have the pleasure of your acquaintance, I shall come to lodge at your inn.
Brig. You do me honour, sir. [Aside] Running contraband, I'll be bound.
Pant. I have read the letters. Certainly they present Signor Federigo Rasponi to me, and if you present them, I am bound to believe that you are—the person named therein.
Beat. If you are still in doubt, here is master Brighella; he knows me, he can assure you as to who I am.
Brig. Of course, sir, I am happy to assure you.
Pant. Well, if that be so, and my good friend Brighella confirms the testimony of the letters, then, dear Signor Federigo, I am delighted to see you and I ask your pardon for having doubted your word.
Clar. Then, sir, this gentleman is indeed Signor Federigo Rasponi?
Pant. But of course he is.
Clar. [aside to Sil.]. Oh misery, what will happen to us?
Sil. [aside to Clar.]. Don't be frightened; you are mine and I will protect you.
Pant. [aside to Doc.]. What do you say to it, Doctor? he has come just in the nick of time.
Doc. Accidit in puncto, quod non contingit in anno.
Beat. [pointing to Clar.]. Signor Pantalone, who is that young lady?
Pant. That is my daughter Clarice.
Beat. The one who was promised in marriage to me?
Pant. Precisely, sir; that is she. [Aside] Now I am in a pretty mess.
Beat. [to Clar.]. Madam, permit me to have the honour.
Clar. [stiffly]. Your most humble servant, sir.
Beat. [to Pant.]. She receives me somewhat coldly.
Pant. You must forgive her, she is shy by nature.
Beat. [to Pant., pointing at Sil.]. And this gentleman is a relative of yours?
Pant. Yes, sir; he is a nephew of mine.
Sil. [to Beat.]. No, sir, I am not his nephew at all; I am the promised husband of Signora Clarice.
Doc. [aside to Sil.]. Well said, my boy! Don't lose your chance! Stand up for your rights, but do nothing rash.
Beat. What? You the promised husband of Signora Clarice? Was she not promised to me?
Pant. There, there, I'll explain the whole matter. My dear Signor Federigo, I fully believed that the story of your accident was true, that you were dead, in fact, and so I had promised my daughter to Signor Silvio; but there is not the least harm done. You have arrived at last, just in time. Clarice is yours, if you will have her, and I am here to keep my word. Signor Silvio, I don't know what to say; you can see the position yourself. You remember what I said to you; and you will have no cause to bear me ill-will.
Sil. But Signor Federigo will never consent to take a bride who has given her hand to another.
Beat. Oh, I am not so fastidious. I will take her in spite of that. [Aside] I mean to have some fun out of this.
Doc. There's a fine fashionable husband! I like him.
Beat. I hope Signora Clarice will not refuse me her hand.
Sil. Come, sir, you have arrived too late. Signora Clarice is to be my wife, and you need have no hope that I will yield her to you. If Signor Pantalone does me wrong, I will be avenged upon him; and whoever presumes to desire Clarice will have to fight for her against this sword.
Doc. [aside]. That's a fine boy, by the Lord!
Beat. [aside]. Thank you, but I don't mean to die just yet.
Doc. Sir, I must beg to inform you that you are too late. Signora Clarice is to marry my son. The law, the law, sir, is clear on the point. Prior in tempore, potior in jure.
[Exeunt Doc. and Sil.
Beat. [to Clar.]. And you, madam bride, do you say nothing?
Clar. I say—I say—I'd sooner marry the hangman. [Exit.]
Pant. What, you minx! what did you say? [Starts to run after her.]
Beat. Stay, Signor Pantalone; I am sorry for her. It is not the moment for severity. In course of time I hope I may deserve her favour. Meanwhile let us go into our accounts together, for, as you know, that is one of the two reasons that have brought me to Venice.
Pant. Everything is in order for our inspection. You shall see the books; your money is ready for you, and we will make up the account whenever you like.
Beat. I will call on you at some more convenient time. Now, if you will allow me, I will go with Brighella to settle some little business which I have to do.
Pant. You shall do as you please, and if you have need of anything, I am at your service.
Beat. Well, if you could give me a little money, I should be greatly obliged; I did not bring any with me, for fear of being robbed on the way.
Pant. I am delighted to serve you; but the cashier is not here just now. The moment he comes I will send the money to your lodgings. Are you not staying at my friend Brighella's?
Beat. Yes, I lie there. But I will send my servant; he is entirely honest. You can trust him with anything.
Pant. Very well. I will carry out your wishes, and if you may be pleased to take pot luck with me, I am yours to command.
Beat. For to-day I thank you. Another day I shall be happy to wait upon you.
Pant. Then I shall expect you.
Enter Smeraldina.
Smer. [to Pant.]. Sir, you are asked for.
Pant. Who is it?
Smer. I couldn't say, Sir.
Pant. I will come directly. Sir, I beg you to excuse me. Brighella, you are at home here; be good enough to attend Signor Federigo.
Beat. Pray do not put yourself about for me, sir.
Pant. I must go. Farewell, sir. [Aside] I don't want to have trouble in my house.
[Exit with Smer.]
Brig. May I ask, Signora Beatrice—?
Beat. Hush, for the love of Heaven, don't betray me. My poor brother is dead. 'Twas thought Florindo Aretusi killed him in a duel. You remember, Florindo loved me, and my brother would not have it. They fought, Federigo fell, and Florindo fled from justice. I heard he was making for Venice, so I put on my brother's clothes and followed him. Thanks to the letters of credit, which are my brother's, and thanks still more to you, Signor Pantalone takes me for Federigo. We are to make up our accounts; I shall draw the money, and then I shall be able to help Florindo too, if he has need of it. Be my friend, dear Brighella, help me, please! You shall be generously rewarded.
Brig. That's all very well, but I don't want to be responsible for Signor Pantalone paying you out money in good faith and then finding himself made a fool of.
Beat. Made a fool of? If my brother is dead, am I not his heir?
Brig. Very true. Then why not say so?
Beat. If I do that, I can do nothing. Pantalone will begin by treating me as if he were my guardian; then they will all worry me and say my conduct is unbecoming and all that sort of thing. I want my liberty. Help me to it. 'Twill not last long.
Brig. Well, well, you were always one for having your own way. Trust me, and I'll do my best for you.
Beat. Thank you. And now let us go to your inn.
Brig. Where is your servant?
Beat. I told him to wait for me in the street.
Brig. Wherever did you get hold of that idiot? He cannot even speak plain.
Beat. I picked him up on the journey. He seems a fool at times; but he isn't really a fool and I can rely on his loyalty.
Brig. Yes, loyalty's a fine thing. Well, I am at your service. To think what love will make people do!
Beat. Oh, this is nothing. Love makes people do far worse things than this.
Brig. Well, here's a good beginning. If you go on that way, Lord knows what may come of it.
[Exeunt Beat. and Brig.]
END OF SCENE I
SCENE II
A street with Brighella's Inn.
Truffaldino solus.
Truff. I'm sick of waiting; I can hold out no longer. With this master of mine there's not enough to eat, and the less there is the more I want it. The town clock struck twelve half an hour ago, and my belly struck two hours ago at least. If I only knew where we were going to lodge! With my other masters the first thing they did, as soon as they came to a town, was to go to a tavern. This gentleman—Lord no! he leaves his trunks in the boat at the landing-stage, goes off to pay visits and forgets all about his poor servant. When they say we ought to serve our masters with love, they ought to tell the masters to have a little charity towards their servants. Here's an inn. I've half a mind to go in and see if I could find something to tickle my teeth; but what if my master comes to look for me? His own fault; he ought to know better. I'll go in—but now I come to think of it, there's another little difficulty that I hadn't remembered; I haven't a penny. Oh poor Truffaldin'! Rather than be a servant, devil take me, I'd—what indeed? By the grace of Heaven there's nothing I can do.
[Enter Florindo in travelling dress with a Porter carrying a trunk on his shoulder.]
Port. I tell you, sir, I can go no farther; the weight's enough to kill me.
Flor. Here is the sign of an inn. Can't you carry it these few steps?
Port. Help! the trunk is falling.
Flor. I told you you could not carry it; you're too weak; you have no strength at all. [Flor. re-arranges the trunk on the Porter's shoulder.]
Truff. Here's a chance for sixpence. [To Flor.] Sir, can I do anything for you?
Flor. My good man, be so good as to carry this trunk into the inn there.
Truff. Yes, sir, let me take it, sir. See how I do it. [To the Port.] You be off! [Truff. puts his shoulder under the trunk and takes it by himself, knocking the Port. down at the same time.]
Flor. Well done!
Truff. It weighs nothing. A mere trifle. [Goes into the inn with the trunk.]
Flor. [To Port.] There! You see how it's done.
Port. I can do no more. I work as a porter for my misfortune, but I am the son of a respectable person.
Flor. What did your father do?
Port. My father? He skinned lambs in the town.
Flor. The fellow's mad. [To Port.] That will do. [Going towards the inn.]
Port. Please your honour—
Flor. What do you want?
Port. The money for the porterage.
Flor. How much am I to give you for ten yards? There's the landing-stage! [Pointing off.]
Port. I didn't count them. I want my pay. [Holds out his hand.]
Flor. There's twopence. [Gives money.]
Port. I want my pay. [Still holding out his hand.]
Flor. Lord, what obstinacy! here's twopence more. [Gives money.]
Port. I want my pay.
Flor. [kicks him]. Go and be hanged!
Port. Thank you, sir, that's enough. [Exit
Flor. There's a humorous fellow! He was positively waiting for me to kick him. Well, let us go and see what the inn is like—
[Re-enter Truffaldino.]
Truff. Sir, everything is ready for you.
Flor. What lodging is there here?
Truff. 'Tis a very good place, sir. Good beds, fine looking-glasses, and a grand kitchen with a smell to it that is very comforting. I have talked with the waiter. You will be served like a king.
Flor. What's your trade?
Truff. Servant.
Flor. Are you a Venetian?
Truff. Not from Venice, but of the State. I'm from Bergamo, at your service.
Flor. Have you a master now?
Truff. At the moment—to tell the truth, I have not.
Flor. You are without a master?
Truff. You see me, sir. I am without a master. [Aside] My master is not here, so I tell no lies.
Flor. Will you come and be my servant?
Truff. Why not? [Aside] If his terms are better.
Flor. At any rate, for as long as I stay in Venice.
Truff. Very good, sir. How much will you give me?
Flor. How much do you want?
Truff. I'll tell you: another master I had, who is here no more, he gave me a shilling a day and all found.
Flor. Good, I will give you as much.
Truff. You must give me a little more than that.
Flor. How much more do you want?
Truff. A halfpenny a day for snuff.
Flor. Oh, I'll give you that and welcome.
Truff. If that's so, I'm your man, sir.
Flor. But I should like to know a little more about you.
Truff. If you want to know all about me, you go to Bergamo; anyone there will tell you who I am.
Flor. Have you nobody in Venice who knows you?
Truff. I only arrived this morning, sir.
Flor. Well, well, I take you for an honest man. I will give you a trial.
Truff. You give me a trial and you shall see.
Flor. First of all, I am anxious to know if there are letters at the Post for me. Here is half a crown; go to the Turin Post and ask if there are letters for Florindo Aretusi; if there are, take them and bring them at once. I shall wait for you.
Truff. Meanwhile you will order dinner, sir?
Flor. Yes, well said! I will order it. [Aside] He is a wag, I like him. I'll give him a trial.
[Flor. goes into the inn.]
Truff. A halfpenny more a day, that's fifteen pence a month. 'Tis not true that the other gentleman gave me a shilling; he gives me six pennies. Maybe six pennies make a shilling, but I'm not quite sure. And this gentleman from Turin is nowhere to be seen. He's mad. He's a young fellow without a beard and without any sense neither. He may go about his business; I shall go to the Post for my new gentleman.
[As he is going, Beat. enters with Brig. and meets him.]
Beat. That's a nice way to behave! is that the way you wait for me?
Truff. Here I am, sir. I am still waiting for you.
Beat. And how do you come to be waiting for me here, and not in the street where I told you? 'Tis a mere accident that I have found you.
Truff. I went for a bit of a walk to take away my appetite.
Beat. Well, go at once to the landing-stage; fetch my trunk and take it to the inn of Master Brighella.
Brig. There's my inn, you cannot mistake it.
Beat. Very well then, make haste, and I will wait for you.
Truff. The devil! In that inn?
Beat. Here, you will go at the same time to the Turin Post and ask if there are any letters for me. You may ask if there are letters for Federigo Rasponi and also for Beatrice Rasponi. That's my sister. Some friend of hers might perhaps write to her; so be sure to see if there are letters either for her or for me.
Truff. [aside]. What am I to do? Here's a pretty kettle of fish!
Brig. [to Beat.]. Why do you expect letters in your real name if you left home secretly?
Beat. I told the steward to write to me; and I don't know which name he may use. I'll tell you more later. [To Truff.] Make haste, be off with you to the Post and the landing-stage. Fetch the letters and have the trunk brought to the inn; I shall be there.
[Exit Beat. into the inn.]
Truff. Are you the landlord?
Brig. Yes, I am. You behave properly and you need have no fear, I will do you well.
[Exit Brig. into the inn.]
Truff. There's luck! There are many that look in vain for a master, and I have found two. What the devil am I to do? I cannot wait upon them both. No? Why not? Wouldn't it be a fine thing to wait upon both of them, earn two men's wages and eat and drink for two? 'Twould be a fine thing indeed, if neither of them found it out. And if they did? what then? No matter! If one sends me away, I stay with the other. I swear I'll try it. If it last but a day, I'll try it. Whatever happens I shall have done a fine thing. Here goes. Let's go to the Post for both of 'em.
Enter Silvio and meets Truffaldino.
Sil. [aside]. That is the servant of Federigo Rasponi. [To Truff.] My good man.
Truff. Sir?
Sil. Where is your master?
Truff. My master? he's in that inn there.
Sil. Go at once and tell your master that I wish to speak to him; if he be a man of honour let him come down; I wait for him.
Truff. My dear sir—
Sil. [angrily]. Go at once.
Truff. But I must tell you, my master—
Sil. Don't answer me; or, by Heaven, I'll—
Truff. But which do you want?
Sil. At once, I say, or I'll beat you.
Truff. [aside]. Well, I don't know—I'll send the first I can find.
[Exit Truff. into the inn.]
Sil. No, I will never suffer the presence of a rival. Federigo may have got off once with his life, but he shall not always have the same fortune. Either he shall renounce all claims to Clarice, or he shall give me the satisfaction of a gentleman. Here are some more people coming out of the inn. I don't want to be disturbed. [Retires to the opposite side.]
[Enter Truffaldino with Florindo.]
Truff. [points out Sil. to Flor.]. There's the fire-eating gentleman, sir.
Flor. I do not know him. What does he want with me?
Truff. I don't know. I go to fetch the letters, with your good leave, sir. [Aside] I don't want any more trouble.
[Exit.]
Sil. [aside]. Federigo does not come?
Flor. [aside]. I must find out what the truth is. [To Sil.] Sir, are you the gentleman who inquired for me?
Sil. I, sir? I have not even the honour of your acquaintance.
Flor. But that servant who has just gone told me that with a loud and threatening voice you made bold to challenge me.
Sil. He misunderstood. I said I wished to speak to his master.
Flor. Very well, I am his master.
Sil. You his master?
Flor. Certainly. He is in my service.
Sil. Then I ask your pardon. Either your servant is exactly like another whom I saw this morning, or he waits on another person.
Flor. You may set your mind at rest; he waits on me.
Sil. If that be so, I ask your pardon again.
Flor. No harm done. Mistakes often occur.
Sil. Are you a stranger here, sir?
Flor. From Turin, sir, at your service.
Sil. The man whom I would have provoked was from Turin.
Flor. Then perhaps I may know him; if he has given you offence, I shall gladly assist you to obtain just satisfaction.
Sil. Do you know one Federigo Rasponi?
Flor. Ah! I knew him only too well.
Sil. He makes claim, on the strength of her father's word, to the lady who this morning swore to be my wife.
Flor. My good friend, Federigo Rasponi cannot take your wife away from you. He is dead.
Sil. Yes, we all believed that he was dead; but this morning to my disgust he arrived in Venice safe and sound.
Flor. Sir, you petrify me.
Sil. No wonder! I was petrified myself.
Flor. I assure you Federigo Rasponi is dead.
Sil. I assure you that Federigo Rasponi is alive.
Flor. Take care you are not deceived.
Sil. Signor Pantalone dei Bisognosi, the young lady's father, has made all possible inquiries to assure himself and is in possession of incontestable proofs that he is here in person.
Flor. [aside]. Then he was not killed in the duel, as everybody believed!
Sil. Either he or I must renounce claim to the love of Clarice or to life.
Flor. [aside]. Federigo here?
Sil. I am surprised that you have not seen him. He was to lodge at this very inn.
Flor. I have not seen him. They told me that there was no one else at all staying there.
Sil. He must have changed his mind. Forgive me, sir, if I have troubled you. If you see him, tell him, that for his own welfare he must abandon the idea of this marriage. Silvio Lombardi is my name; I am your most obedient servant, sir.
Flor. I shall be greatly pleased to have the honour of your friendship. [Aside] I am confounded.
Sil. May I beg to know your name, sir?
Flor. [aside]. I must not discover myself. [To Sil.] Your servant, sir, Orazio Ardenti.
Sil. Signor Orazio, I am yours to command. [Exit Sil.]
Flor. I was told he died on the spot. Yet I fled so hurriedly when accused of the crime that I had no chance of finding out the truth. Then, since he is not dead, it will be better for me to go back to Turin and console my beloved Beatrice, who is perhaps in suffering and sorrow for my absence.
[Enter Truffaldino, with another Porter who carries Beatrice's trunk. Truffaldino comes forward a few steps, sees Florindo and fearing to be seen himself, makes the Porter retire.]
Truff. Come along. This way—The devil! There's my other master. Go back, friend, and wait for me at that corner.
[Exit Port.]
Flor. [continuing to himself]. Yes, without delay. I will go back to Turin.
Truff. Here I am, sir.
Flor. Truffaldino, will you come to Turin with me?
Truff. When?
Flor. Now; at once.
Truff. Before dinner?
Flor. No, we will have dinner, and then we will go.
Truff. Very good, sir. I'll think it over at dinner.
Flor. Have you been to the Post?
Truff. Yes, sir.
Flor. Have you found my letters?
Truff. I have, sir.
Flor. Where are they?
Truff. I will give you them. [Takes three letters out of his pocket. Aside] The devil! I have mixed up one master's letters with the other's. How shall I find out which are his? I cannot read.
Flor. Come, give me my letters.
Truff. Directly, sir. [Aside] Here's a muddle. [To Flor.] I must tell you, sir; these three letters are not all for your honour. I met another servant, who knows me; we were in service together at Bergamo; I told him I was going to the Post, and he asked me to see whether there was anything for his master. I think there was one letter, but I don't know which of them it was.
Flor. Let me see; I will take mine and give you the other back.
Truff. There, sir; I only wanted to do my friend a good turn.
Flor. [aside]. What is this? A letter addressed to Beatrice Rasponi? to Beatrice Rasponi at Venice?
Truff. Did you find the one that belongs to my mate?
Flor. Who is this mate of yours who asked you to do this for him?
Truff. He is a servant—his name is Pasqual'—
Flor. Whom does he wait upon?
Truff. I do not know, sir.
Flor. But if he told you to fetch his master's letters, he must have told you his name.
Truff. Of course he did. [Aside] The muddle's getting thicker.
Flor. Well, what name did he tell you?
Truff. I don't remember.
Flor. What?
Truff. He wrote it down on a bit of paper.
Flor. And where is the paper?
Truff. I left it at the Post.
Flor. [aside]. Confusion! What does this mean?
Truff. [aside]. I am learning my part as I go along.
Flor. Where does this fellow Pasquale live?
Truff. Indeed, sir, I haven't the slightest idea.
Flor. How will you be able to give him the letter?
Truff. He said he would meet me in the Piazza.
Flor. [aside]. I don't know what to make of it.
Truff. [aside]. If I get through this business clean 'twill be a miracle. [To Flor.] Pray give me the letter, sir, and I shall find him somewhere.
Flor. No; I mean to open this letter.
Truff. Oh, sir, do not do that, sir. Besides, you know how wrong it is to open letters.
Flor. I care not; this letter interests me too much. It is addressed to a person on whom I have a certain claim. I can open it without scruple. [Opens letter.]
Truff. As you will, sir. [Aside] He has opened it!
Flor. [reads]. Madam, your departure from this city has given rise to much talk, and all understand that you have gone to join Signor Florindo. The Court of Justice has discovered that you have fled in man's dress and intends to have you arrested. I have not sent this letter by the courier from Turin to Venice, so as not to reveal the place whither you were bound, but I have sent it to a friend at Genoa to be forwarded to Venice. If I have any more news to tell you, I will not fail to send it by the same means. Your most humble servant, Antonio.
Truff. That's a nice way to behave! Reading other people's letters!
Flor. [aside]. What is all this? Beatrice has left home? in man's dress? to join me? Indeed she loves me. Heaven grant I may find her in Venice. [To Truff.] Here, my good Truffaldino, go and do all you can to find Pasquale; find out from him who his master is, and if he be man or woman. Find out where he lodges, and if you can, bring him here to me, and both he and you shall be handsomely rewarded.
Truff. Give me the letter; I will try to find him.
Flor. There it is. I count upon you. This matter is of infinite importance to me.
Truff. But am I to give him the letter open like this?
Flor. Tell him it was a mistake, an accident. Don't make difficulties.
Truff. And are you going to Turin now?
Flor. No, not for the present. Lose no time. Go and find Pasquale. [Aside] Beatrice in Venice, Federigo in Venice! If her brother finds her, unhappy woman! I will do all I can to discover her first.
[Exit towards the town.]
Truff. Upon my word, I hope he is not going away. I want to see how my two jobs will work out. I'm on my mettle. This letter, now, which I have to take to my other master—I do not like to have to give it to him opened. I must try to fold it again. [Tries various awkward folds.] And now it must be sealed. If I only knew how to do it! I have seen my grandmother sometimes seal letters with chewed bread. I'll try it. [Takes a piece of bread out of his pocket.] It's a pity to waste this little piece of bread, but still something must be done. [Chews a little bread to seal the letter and accidentally swallows it.] The devil! it has gone down. I must chew another bit. [Same business.] No good; nature rebels. I'll try once more. [Chews again; would like to swallow the bread, but restrains himself and with great difficulty removes the bread from his mouth.] Ah, here it is; I'll seal the letter. [Seals the letter with the bread.] I think that looks quite well. I'm always a great man for doing things cleanly. Lord! I had forgotten the porter. [Calls off] Friend, come hither; take the trunk on your shoulder.
[Re-enter Porter.]
Port. Here I am; where am I to carry it?
Truff. Take it into that inn; I am coming directly.
[Beatrice comes out of the inn.]
Beat. Is this my trunk?
Truff. Yes, sir.
Beat. [to Port.] Carry it into my room.
Port. Which is your room?
Beat. Ask the waiter.
Port. There's one and threepence to pay.
Beat. Go on, I will pay you.
Port. Please be quick about it.
Beat. Don't bother me.
Port. I've half a mind to throw the trunk down in the middle of the street. [Goes into the inn.]
Truff. Great folk for politeness, these porters!
Beat. Have you been to the Post?
Truff. Yes, sir.
Beat. Any letters for me?
Truff. One for your sister.
Beat. Good; where is it?
Truff. Here. [Gives letter.]
Beat. This letter has been opened.
Truff. Opened? No! Impossible!
Beat. Yes, opened, and then sealed with bread.
Truff. I can't think how that can have happened.
Beat. You cannot think, eh? Rascal, who has opened this letter? I must know.
Truff. Sir, I'll tell you, I'll confess the truth. We are all liable to make mistakes. At the Post there was a letter for me; I can't read very much, and by mistake, instead of opening my letter, I opened yours. I ask your pardon—
Beat. If that was all, there's no great harm done.
Truff. 'Tis true, on the word of a poor man.
Beat. Have you read this letter? Do you know what is in it?
Truff. Not a word. I can't read the handwriting.
Beat. Has anyone else seen it?
Truff. [with an air of great indignation]. Oh!
Beat. Take care now—
Truff. [same business]. Sir!
Beat. [aside]. I hope he is not deceiving me. [Reads to herself.]
Truff. That's all put straight.
Beat. [aside]. Antonio is a faithful servant and I am obliged to him. [To Truff.] Listen; I have some business to do close by. You go into the inn, open the trunk—here are my keys—and unpack my things. When I come back, we will have dinner. [Aside] I have seen nothing of Signor Pantalone, and I am anxious to have my money.
[Exit.]
Truff. Come, that all went well; it couldn't have gone better. I'm a great fellow; I think a deal more of myself than I did before.
[Enter Pantalone.]
Pant. Tell me, my good man, is your master in the house?
Truff. No, sir, he is not there.
Pant. Do you know where he may be?
Truff. Not that neither.
Pant. Is he coming home to dinner?
Truff. Yes, I should think so.
Pant. Here, as soon as he comes home give him this purse with these hundred guineas. I cannot stay, I have business. Good day to you.
[Exit Pantalone
Truff. And a good day to you, sir! He never even told me to which of my masters I was to give it.
Enter Florindo.
Flor. Well, did you find Pasquale?
Truff. No, sir, I did not find Pasqual', but I found a gentleman who gave me a purse with a hundred guineas in it.
Flor. A hundred guineas? what for?
Truff. Tell me truly, sir, were you expecting money from anyone?
Flor. Yes; I had presented a letter of credit to a merchant.
Truff. Then this money will be for you.
Flor. What did he say when he gave it to you?
Truff. He told me to give it to my master.
Flor. Then of course it is mine. Am I not your master? What doubt could you have?
Truff. [aside]. Yes, but what about t'other one?
Flor. And you do not know who gave you the money?
Truff. No, sir; I think I have seen his face somewhere, but I don't remember exactly.
Flor. It will have been the merchant to whom I had a letter.
Truff. Yes, of course, sir.
Flor. You won't forget Pasquale.
Truff. I'll find him after dinner.
Flor. Then let us go and order our meal. [Goes into the inn.]
Truff. We will. Lucky I made no mistake this time. I've given the purse to the right one. [Goes into the inn.]
END OF SCENE II
SCENE III
A Room in the House of Pantalone.
Pantalone and Clarice.
Pant. That's the long and short of it; Signor Federigo is to be your husband. I have given my word and I am not to be cozened.
Clar. You have my obedience, sir; but I beseech you, this is tyranny.
Pant. When Signor Federigo first asked for your hand, I told you; you never replied that you did not wish to marry him. You should have spoken then; now it is too late.
Clar. My fear of you, sir, and my respect, made me dumb.
Pant. Then your fear and respect should do the same now.
Clar. Indeed I cannot marry him, sir.
Pant. No? and why not?
Clar. Nothing shall induce me to marry Federigo.
Pant. You dislike him so much?
Clar. He is odious in my eyes.
Pant. And supposing I were to show you how you might begin to like him a little?
Clar. What do you mean, sir?
Pant. Put Signor Silvio out of your mind, and you will soon like Federigo well enough.
Clar. Silvio is too firmly stamped upon my heart; and your own approval, sir, has rooted him there the more securely.
Pant. [aside]. In some ways I am sorry for her. [To Clar.] You have got to make a virtue of necessity.
Clar. My heart is not capable of so great an effort.
Pant. Come, come; you shall!
[Enter Smeraldina.]
Smer. Sir, Signor Federigo is here and desires to speak with you.
Pant. Tell him to come in; I am at his service.
Clar. [weeping]. Alas! what torture!
Smer. What is it, madam? you are weeping? Truly you do wrong. Have you not noticed how handsome Signor Federigo is? If I had such luck, I would not cry; no, I would laugh with the whole of my mouth.
[Exit Smer.]
Pant. There, there, my child; you must not be seen crying.
Clar. But if I feel my heart bursting!
[Enter Beatrice in man's dress.]
Beat. My respects to Signor Pantalone.
Pant. Your servant, sir. Did you receive a purse with a hundred guineas in it?
Beat. No.
Pant. But I gave it to your servant just now. You told me he was a trustworthy man.
Beat. Yes, indeed; there is no danger. I did not see him. He will give me the money when I come home again. [Aside to Pant.] What ails Signora Clarice that she is weeping?
Pant. [aside to Beat.]. Dear Signor Federigo, you must have pity on her. The news of your death was the cause of this trouble. I hope it will pass away in time.
Beat. [to Pant.]. Do me a kindness, Signor Pantalone, and leave me alone with her a moment, to see if I cannot obtain a kind word from her.
Pant. With pleasure, sir. I will go, and come back again. [To Clar.] My child, stay here, I will be back directly. You must entertain your promised husband awhile. [Softly to Clar.] Now, be careful.
[Exit Pant.]
Beat. Signora Clarice, I beg you—
Clar. Stand away, and do not dare to importune me.
Beat. So severe with him who is your destined husband?
Clar. They may drag me by force to the altar, but you will have only my hand, never my heart.
Beat. You disdain me, but I hope to appease you.
Clar. I shall abhor you to all eternity.
Beat. If you knew me, you would not say so.
Clar. I know you well enough as the destroyer of my happiness.
Beat. But I have the means of comforting you.
Clar. You deceive yourself; there is no one but Silvio who can comfort me.
Beat. 'Tis true, I cannot give you the same comfort as your Silvio might, but I can at least contribute to your happiness.
Clar. I think it is already enough, sir, that though I speak to you as harshly as possible, you should continue to torture me.
Beat. [aside]. Poor girl! I can't bear to see her suffer.
Clar. [aside]. I'm so angry, I don't care how rude I am.
Beat. Signora Clarice, I have a secret to tell you.
Clar. I make no promise to keep it; you had better not tell it me.
Beat. Your austerity deprives me of the means to make you happy.
Clar. You can never make me anything but miserable.
Beat. You are wrong, and to convince you I will speak plainly. You have no desire for me, I have no use for you. You have promised your hand to another, I to another have pledged my heart.
Clar. Oh! Now you begin to please me.
Beat. Did I not tell you that I knew how to comfort you?
Clar. Ah, I fear you would deceive me.
Beat. Nay, madam, I speak in all sincerity and if you promise me that discretion which you refused me just now, I will confide to you a secret, which will ensure your peace of mind.
Clar. I vow I will observe the strictest silence.
Beat. I am not Federigo Rasponi, but his sister Beatrice.
Clar. What! I am amazed. You a woman?
Beat. I am indeed. Imagine my feelings when I claimed you as my bride!
Clar. And what news have you of your brother?
Beat. He died indeed by the sword. A lover of mine was thought to have killed him, and 'tis he whom I am seeking now in these clothes. I beseech you by all the holy laws of friendship and of love not to betray me.
Clar. Won't you let me tell Silvio?
Beat. No; on the contrary I forbid you absolutely.
Clar. Well, I will say nothing.
Beat. Remember I count upon you.
Clar. You have my promise. I will be silent.
Beat. Now, I hope, you will treat me more kindly.
Clar. I will be your friend indeed; and if I can be of service to you, dispose of me.
Beat. I too swear eternal friendship to you. Give me your hand.
Clar. I don't quite like to—
Beat. Are you afraid I am not a woman after all? I will give you proof positive.
Clar. It all seems just like a dream.
Beat. Yes. 'Tis a strange business.
Clar. 'Tis indeed fantastic.
Beat. Come, I must be going. Let us embrace in sign of honest friendship and loyalty.
Clar. There! I doubt you no longer.
[Enter Pantalone.]
Pant. Well done, well done; I congratulate you. [To Clar.] My child, you have been very quick in adapting yourself.
Beat. Did I not tell you, Signor Pantalone, that I should win her round?
Pant. Magnificent! You have done more in four minutes than I should have done in four years.
Clar. [aside]. Now I am in a worse tangle than ever.
Pant. [to Clar.]. Then we will have the wedding at once.
Clar. Pray do not be in too much haste, sir.
Pant. What? Holding hands on the sly and kissing and then in no haste about it? No, no, I don't want you to get yourself into trouble. You shall be married to-morrow.
Beat. Signor Pantalone, 'twill be necessary first of all to arrange the settlement and to go into our accounts.
Pant. We will do all that. These things can be done in two hours.
Clar. Sir, I beseech you—
Pant. Madam, I am going straight away to say a word to Signor Silvio.
Clar. For the love of heaven do not anger him.
Pant. What, what? do you want two husbands?
Clar. Not exactly—but—
Pant. But me no buts. 'Tis all settled. Your servant, sir. [Going.]
Beat. [to Pant.]. Listen, sir—
Pant. You are husband and wife. [Going.]
Clar. You had better—
Pant. We will talk about it this evening. [Exit.]
Clar. Oh, Signora Beatrice, 'tis worse than it was before!
END OF ACT I