Act 3

SCENE I

A Room in Brighella's Inn.

Truffaldino solus.

Truff. I don't care that for my beating! I have eaten well, I've dined well and this evening I shall sup still better; and as long as I can serve two masters, there's this at least, that I draw double wages. And now what's to be done? Master number one is out of doors, master number two is fast asleep; why, it's just the moment to give those clothes an airing—take them out of the trunks and see if there's anything wants doing. Here are the keys. This room will do nicely. I'll get the trunks out and make a proper job of it. I must have some one to help me though. [Calls] Waiter!

[Enter Waiters.]

1st Wait. What do you want?

Truff. I want you to lend a hand to bring some trunks out of those rooms, to give the clothes an airing.

1st Wait. [to 2nd Wait.]. Go and help him.

Truff. [to 2nd Wait.]. Come along, and I'll give you a good handful of what my masters gave me.

[Truff. and the 2nd Wait. go into Beat.'s room]

1st Wait. He looks like a rare good servant—quick, ready and most attentive; but I'll warrant he has his faults somewhere. I've been a servant myself and I know the ropes. Nobody does anything just for love. Whatever they do, either they are robbing their master or they are throwing dust in his eyes.

[Truffaldino comes out of the room with the Second Waiter carrying a trunk.]

Truff. Gently! let's put it down here [they put the trunk in the middle of the room]. Now let's fetch the other. But quietly, for my master is in there asleep.

[Truff. and 2nd Wait. go into Flor.'s room]

1st Wait. Either he's a real first-rate fellow, or he's a real knave; I never saw anybody wait on two gentlemen at once like that. I shall just keep my eyes open; maybe, under the pretence of waiting on two gentlemen at once, he means to rob them both.

[Truffaldino and Second Waiter re-enter with the other trunk.]

Truff. And we'll put this one here. [They put it down a little way off from the other.] [To 2nd Wait.] There! You can run along now, if you like, I don't want anything more.

1st Wait. [to 2nd Wait.]. Go on; off with you to the kitchen. [Exit 2nd Wait.] [To Truff.] Can I help you?

Truff. No, thank you; I can do my work myself.

1st Wait. I must say, you are a giant for work; it's a marvel to me how you get through it all.

[Exit 1st Wait.]

Truff. Now I'm going to do my work properly, in peace and quiet with no one to worry me. [Takes a key out of his pocket.] Now which key is this, I wonder? which trunk does it fit? Let's try. [Opens one trunk.] I guessed right at once. I'm the cleverest man on earth. And this other will open t'other trunk. [Takes out second key and opens second trunk.] Now they are both open. Let's take everything out. [He takes all the clothes out of both trunks and puts them on the table. In each trunk there must be a black suit, books and papers, and anything else ad lib.] I'll just see if there is anything in the pockets. You never know, sometimes they leave biscuits or sweets in them. [Searches the pockets of Beatrice's suit and finds a portrait.] My word, what a pretty picture? There's a handsome man! Who can it be? A queer thing, I seem to know him, but yet I can't remember. He is just the least little bit like my other master; but no, he never wears clothes like that, nor that wig neither.

[Florindo calls from his room.]

Flor. Truffaldino!

Truff. Oh plague take him! he has woken up. If the devil tempts him to come out and he sees this other trunk, he'll want to know—quick, quick—I'll lock it up and say I don't know whose it is. [Begins putting clothes in again.]

Flor. [calling]. Truffaldino!

Truff. Coming, sir! [Aside] I must put these things away first. But I can't remember which trunk this coat came from, nor these papers neither.

Flor. [calling]. Come here, I say; or must I fetch a stick to you?

Truff. In a minute, sir. [Aside] Quick, before he comes! I'll put all straight when he goes out. [Stuffs the things into the trunks anyhow and locks them.]

[Florindo comes out in a dressing-gown.]

Flor. What the devil are you doing?

Truff. Pray, sir, didn't you tell me to give your clothes an airing? I was just about to do it here.

Flor. And this other trunk, whose is that?

Truff. I couldn't say, sir; 'twill belong to some other gentleman.

Flor. Give me my black coat.

Truff. Very good, sir. [Opens Flor.'s trunk and gives him the black suit. Flor. takes off his dressing-gown with Truff.'s help and puts on the black coat; then puts his hand into the pockets and finds the portrait.]

Flor. [much surprised]. What is this?

Truff. [aside]. Oh Lord, I've made a mistake. I ought to have put it into the other gentleman's pocket. 'Tis the colour made me go wrong.

Flor. [aside]. Heavens! There can be no mistake. This is my own portrait; the one I gave to my beloved Beatrice. [To Truff.] Tell me, how ever did this portrait come to be in the pocket of my coat? it wasn't there before.

Truff. [aside]. Now what's the answer to that? I don't know. Let me think—

Flor. Come on, out with it, answer me. How did this portrait come to be in my pocket?

Truff. Sir, be kind and forgive me for taking a liberty. The portrait belongs to me, and I hid it there for safety, for fear I might lose it.

Flor. How did you come by this portrait?

Truff. My master left it to me.

Flor. Left it to you?

Truff. Yes, sir; I had a master who died, and he left me a few trifles which I sold, all except this portrait, sir.

Flor. Great heavens! and how long is it since this master of yours died?

Truff. 'Twill be just about a week ago, sir. [Aside] I say the first thing that comes into my head.

Flor. What was your master's name?

Truff. I do not know, sir; he lived incognito.

Flor. Incognito? How long were you in his service?

Truff. Only a short time, sir; ten or twelve days.

Flor. [aside]. Heavens! More and more do I fear that it was Beatrice. She escaped in man's dress; she concealed her name—Oh wretched me, if it be true!

Truff. [aside]. As he believes it all, I may as well go on with the fairy-tale.

Flor. [despairingly]. Tell me, was your master young?

Truff. Yes, sir, quite a young gentleman.

Flor. Clean shaven?

Truff. Clean shaven, sir.

Flor. [aside, with a sigh]. 'Twas she, doubtless.

Truff. [aside]. I hope I'm not in for another thrashing.

Flor. At least, you know where your late master came from?

Truff. I did know, sir, but I can't now call it to mind.

Flor. Was he from Turin?

Truff. Turin it was, sir.

Flor. [aside]. Every word he speaks is a sword-thrust in my heart. [To Truff.] Tell me again; this young gentleman from Turin, is he really dead?

Truff. He is dead indeed, sir.

Flor. Of what did he die?

Truff. He met with an accident, and that was the end of him. [Aside] That seems to be the best way out.

Flor. Where was he buried?

Truff. [aside]. I wasn't ready for that one. [To Flor.] He wasn't buried, sir.

Flor. What!

Truff. No, sir, another servant from the same place got permission to have him put into a coffin and sent home, sir.

Flor. And was it, by any chance, the same servant who got you to fetch his letters for him from the Post this morning?

Truff. Exactly so, sir; it was Pasqual'.

Flor. [aside]. Then all hope is lost. Beatrice is dead. Unhappy Beatrice! the discomforts of the journey and the tortures of her heart must have killed her. Oh! I can no longer endure the agony of my grief!

[Exit into his room

Truff. That portrait has touched him in the guts. He must have known the gentleman. Well, I had better take the trunks back to the rooms again, or I shall be in for more trouble of the same sort. Oh! dear! here comes my other master.

[Enter Beatrice and Pantalone.]

Beat. I assure you, Signor Pantalone, the last consignment of mirrors and wax candles has been put down twice over.

Pant. Maybe my young men have made a mistake. We will go through the books again, and then we shall find out exactly how things stand.

Beat. I too have a list copied from my own books. We will compare them. Perhaps that may decide the point either in your favour or mine. Truffaldino!

Truff. Here, sir.

Beat. Have you the key of my trunk?

Truff. Yes, sir; here it is.

Beat. Why have you brought my trunk in here?

Truff. To air your clothes, sir.

Beat. Have you aired them?

Truff. I have, sir.

Beat. Open the trunk and give me—whose is that other trunk?

Truff. It belongs to another gentleman who has just come.

Beat. Give me the memorandum book which you will find there.

Truff. Yes, sir. [Aside] The Lord help me this time! [Opens trunk and looks for the book.]

Pant. As I say, they may have made a mistake; of course, if there is a mistake, you will not have to pay.

Beat. We may find that all is in order; we shall see.

Truff. Is this the book, sir? [holding out a book to Beat.].

Beat. I expect so. [Takes the book without looking carefully and opens it.] No, this is not it—Whose is this book?

Truff. [aside]. I've done it now!

Beat. [aside]. These are two letters which I wrote to Florindo. Alas! These notes, these accounts belong to him. I tremble, I am in a cold sweat, I know not where I am.

Pant. What ails you, Signor Federigo? are you unwell?

Beat. 'Tis nothing. [Aside to Truff.] Truffaldino, how did this book come to be in my trunk? it is not mine.

Truff. I hardly know, sir—

Beat. Come, out with it—tell me the truth.

Truff. I ask your pardon for the liberty I took, sir, putting the book into your trunk. It belongs to me, and I put it there for safety. [Aside] That was a good enough story for the other gentleman, I hope 'twill do for this one too.

Beat. The book is your own, you say, and yet you gave it to me instead of mine, without noticing?

Truff. [aside]. He's much too clever. [To Beat.] I'll tell you, sir; I have only had the book a very short time, so I did not recognise it at once.

Beat. And how came you by this book?

Truff. I was in service with a gentleman at Venice, and he died and left the book to me.

Beat. How long ago?

Truff. I don't remember exactly—ten or twelve days.

Beat. How can that be, when I met you at Verona?

Truff. I had just come away from Venice on account of my poor master's death.

Beat. [aside]. Alas for me! [To Truff.] Your master—was his name—Florindo?

Truff. Yes, sir; Florindo.

Beat. And his family name Aretusi?

Truff. That was it, sir; Aretusi.

Beat. And you are sure he is dead?

Truff. As sure as I stand here.

Beat. Of what did he die? where was he buried?

Truff. He tumbled into the canal and was drowned and never seen again.

Beat. Oh wretched that I am! Florindo is dead, my beloved is dead; my one and only hope is dead. All is lost. Love's stratagems are fruitless! I leave my home, I leave my relatives, I dress as a man, I confront danger, I hazard my very life, all for Florindo—and Florindo is dead. Unhappy Beatrice! Was the loss of my brother so little to me, that Fate must make me lose my lover as well? Oh! Grief overwhelms me, I can no longer bear the light of day. My adored one, my beloved, I will follow you to the tomb.

[Exit into her room, raving.]

Pant. [who has listened to her speech with astonishment]. Truffaldino!

Truff. Si'or Pantalon'?

Pant. A woman!

Truff. A female!

Pant. Most extraordinary!

Truff. Who'd have thought it?

Pant. I'm struck all of a heap.

Truff. You might knock me down with a feather.

Pant. I shall go straight home and tell my daughter. [Exit]

Truff. It seems I am not the servant of two masters but of a master and a mistress.

[Exit]

END OF SCENE I

SCENE II

A Street.

Enter Doctor Lombardi meeting Pantalone.

Doc. [aside]. This doddering old villain Pantalone sticks in my gizzard. The more I think about him, the more I abominate him.

Pant. [cheerfully]. Good day, my dear Doctor, your servant.

Doc. I am surprised that you have the effrontery to address me.

Pant. I have news for you. Do you know—

Doc. You are going to tell me that the marriage has already been performed? I care not a fig if it has.

Pant. The whole story is untrue. Let me speak, plague take you.

Doc. Speak on then, pox on you.

Pant. [aside]. I should like to give him a good doctoring with my fists. [To Doc.] My daughter shall marry your son whenever you please.

Doc. I am vastly obliged to you. Pray do not put yourself to inconvenience. My son is not prepared to stomach that, sir. You may give her to the Turin gentleman.

Pant. If you knew who the Turin gentleman is, you would say differently.

Doc. He may be who he will. Your daughter has been seen with him, et hoc sufficit.

Pant. But 'tis not true that he is—

Doc. I will not hear another word.

Pant. If you won't hear me, 'twill be the worse for you.

Doc. We shall see for whom it will be the worse.

Pant. My daughter is a girl of unblemished reputation, and—

Doc. The devil take you.

Pant. The devil take you, sir.

Doc. You disreputable old villain! [Exit Doc.]

Pant. Damn you! He is more like a beast than a man. Why, how could I ever tell him that the man was a woman? Not a bit of it, he wouldn't let me speak. But here comes that young lout of a son of his; now I shall be in for more impertinence.

[Enter Silvio.]

Sil. [aside]. There is Pantalone. I should like to run a sword through his paunch.

Pant. Signor Silvio, if you will give me leave, I should like to give you a piece of good news, if you will condescend to allow me to speak, and not behave like that windmill of a father of yours.

Sil. What have you to say to me? pray speak, sir.

Pant. You must know, sir, that the marriage of my daughter to Signor Federigo has come to nothing.

Sil. Indeed? Do not deceive me.

Pant. 'Tis true indeed, and if you are still of your former mind, my daughter is ready to give you her hand.

Sil. Oh heavens! You bring me back from death to life.

Pant. [aside]. Well, well, he is not quite such a bear as his father.

Sil. But heavens! how can I clasp to my bosom her who has for so long been the bride of another?

Pant. To cut a long story short, Federigo Rasponi has turned into Beatrice his sister.

Sil. What? I do not understand you.

Pant. Then you are very thick-headed. The person whom we thought to be Federigo has been discovered to be Beatrice.

Sil. Dressed as a man?

Pant. Dressed as a man.

Sil. At last I understand.

Pant. About time you did.

Sil. How did it happen? Tell me.

Pant. Let us go to my house. My daughter knows nothing of it. I need only tell the story once to satisfy you both.

Sil. I will come, sir; and I most humbly beg your forgiveness, for having allowed myself to be transported by passion—

Pant. 'Twas a mere nothing; I appreciate your feelings. I know what love is. Now, my dear boy, come along with me. [Going.]

Sil. [aside]. Who is happier than I am? what heart could be more contented?

[Exit with Pant.]

END OF SCENE II

SCENE III

A Room in Brighella's Inn.

Beatrice and Florindo come out of their rooms simultaneously; each holds a sword or dagger and is on the point of committing suicide. Brighella is restraining Beatrice and the First Waiter restraining Florindo. They all come forward in such a way that Beatrice and Florindo are unaware of each other's presence.

Brig. [seizing Beat.'s hand]. Stop, stop!

Beat. [trying to break loose]. For pity's sake, let me go.

1st Wait. [holding Flor.]. This is madness.

Flor. [breaks away from Wait.]. Go to the devil.

Beat. [breaking away from Brig.]. You shall not hinder me.

[Both come forward, determined to kill themselves, they see each other, recognise each other and stand dazed.]

Flor. What do I see?

Beat. Florindo!

Flor. Beatrice!

Beat. Are you alive?

Flor. Are you too living?

Beat. Oh destiny!

Flor. Oh my adored one!

[They drop their weapons and embrace.]

Brig. [jokingly to the Waiter]. You had better mop up the blood; we don't want a mess here.

[Exit Brig.]

1st Wait. [aside]. Any way I'll pick up the weapons and I shan't give them back again.

[Picks up the daggers and Exit.]

Flor. What brought you to attempt such an act of madness?

Beat. The false news of your death.

Flor. Who told you that I was dead?

Beat. My servant.

Flor. And mine gave me to believe that you were dead; and I too, carried away by the same agony of grief, intended to take my life.

Beat. It was this book caused me to believe the story.

Flor. That book was in my trunk. How came it into your hands? Ah, now I know. By the same means doubtless as the portrait I found in my coat pocket. Here it is. The one I gave you at Turin.

Beat. Those rascally servants of ours—Heaven only knows what they have been up to.

Flor. Where are they, I wonder?

Beat. Nowhere to be seen.

Flor. Let us find them and confront them. [Calling] Ho there! is nobody there?

[Enter Brighella.]

Brig. Did you call, sir?

Flor. Where are our servants?

Brig. I don't know, sir. Shall I send to look for them?

Flor. Find them at once if you can and send them to us here.

Brig. For myself I only know one of them; I will ask the waiters, they will know them both. I congratulate you, sir, and madam, on having made such a pleasant end of yourselves; if you want to get yourselves buried, you must try some other establishment; there is no room here. Your servant, madam and sir.

[Exit Brig.]

Flor. Then you too are lodged in this inn?

Beat. I arrived this morning.

Flor. I too this morning. And yet we never saw each other.

Beat. Fate has been pleased to torture us a little.

Flor. Tell me: your brother Federigo—is he dead?

Beat. Have you any doubt? He died on the spot.

Flor. I was told he was alive and here in Venice.

Beat. It was I who travelled in his name and in these clothes to follow—

Flor. To follow me—I know, my dearest; I read it in a letter from your servant at Turin.

Beat. How came it into your hands?

Flor. My servant gave it me by mistake and seeing it was addressed to you, I could not help opening it.

Beat. I suppose a lover's curiosity is always legitimate.

Flor. But where are these servants of ours? Ah! [sees Truff. approaching]. Here is one.

Beat. He looks like the worse knave of the two.

Flor. I think you are not far wrong.

[Enter Truffaldino brought in by force by Brighella and the First Waiter.]

Flor. Come here, come here, don't be frightened.

Beat. We shall do you no harm.

Truff. [aside]. H'm, I still remember the thrashing.

Brig. We have found this one; if we can find the other, we will bring him.

Flor. Yes, we must have them both here together.

Brig. [aside to Wait.]. Do you know the other?

1st Wait. [to Brig.]. Not I.

Brig. We'll ask in the kitchen. Someone there will know him.

1st Wait. If he had been there, I should have known him too.

[Exeunt 1st Wait. and Brig.]

Flor. [to Truff.]. Come now, tell us what happened about that changing of the portrait and the book, and why you and that other rascal conspired to drive us distracted.

Truff. [signs to both with his finger to keep silence]. Hush! [To Flor.] Pray, sir, a word with you in private. [To Beat., just as he turns to speak to Flor.] I will tell you everything directly. [To Flor.] You must know, sir, I am not to blame for any thing that has happened; it's all Pasqual's fault, the servant of that lady there [cautiously pointing at Beat.]. It was he mixed up the things, and put into one trunk what belonged to the other, without my knowledge. The poor man begged and prayed me to take the blame, for fear his master should send him away, and as I am a kind-hearted fellow that would let himself be drawn and quartered for his friends, I made up all these stories to see if I could help him. I never dreamt it was a portrait of you or that you would be so much upset at hearing of the death of the owner. Now I have told you the whole truth, sir, as an honest man and a faithful servant.

Beat. [aside]. 'Tis a very long story he is telling. I am curious to know what the mystery is about.

Flor. [aside to Truff.]. Then the man who got you to fetch that letter from the Post was the servant of Signora Beatrice?

Truff. [aside to Flor.]. Yes, sir, that was Pasqual'.

Flor. Then why conceal from me a fact I so urgently desired to know?

Truff. He begged me not to tell anyone, sir.

Flor. Who?

Truff. Pasqual'.

Flor. Why didn't you obey your master?

Truff. For the love of Pasqual'.

Flor. You and Pasquale deserve a sound thrashing together.

Truff. [aside to himself]. In that case I should get both.

Beat. Have you not yet finished this long cross-examination?

Flor. This fellow has been telling me—

Truff. [aside to Flor.]. For the love of heaven, your honour, do not say it was Pasqual'. I'd rather you told the lady it was me. You can give me a beating if you like, but don't, don't let any trouble come to Pasqual'.

Flor. [aside to Truff.]. Are you so devoted a friend to Pasquale?

Truff. I love him as if he were my own brother. Now I am going to the lady, and I am going to tell her that it was all my fault; she may scold me as she pleases and do what she will to me, but I will protect Pasqual'. [Truff. moves towards Beat.]

Flor. Well, [aside] He's certainly a very loyal and affectionate character.

Truff. [to Beat.]. Here I am, madam.

Beat. [aside to Truff.]. What is all this long story you've been telling Signor Florindo?

Truff. [aside to Beat.]. You must know, madam, that that gentleman has a servant called Pasqual'; he is the most arrant noddy in the world; it was he made all that mess of things; but because the poor man was afraid his master would send him away, I made up all that story about the book and the master who was dead and drowned, and all the rest of it. And just now I've been telling Si'or Florindo that I was the cause of it all.

Beat. But why accuse yourself of faults which you have never committed?

Truff. Madam, 'tis all for the love I bear Pasqual'.

Flor. [aside]. This seems a very long business.

Truff. [to Beat. as before]. Dear madam, I beg of you, don't get him into trouble.

Beat. Whom?

Truff. Pasqual'.

Beat. Pasquale and you are a pretty pair of rascals.

Truff. [aside to himself]. I fear I'm the only one.

Flor. Come. That's enough. Signora Beatrice, our servants certainly deserve to be punished; but in consideration of our own great happiness, we surely may forgive what is past.

Beat. True; but your servant—

Truff. [aside to Beat.]. For the love of Heaven don't mention Pasqual'.

Beat. [to Flor.]. Well, I must go and call upon Signor Pantalone dei Bisognosi; will you accompany me?

Flor. I would do so with pleasure, but I have to wait here and see my banker. I will come later, if you are in haste.

Beat. I am, I must go at once. I shall expect you at Signor Pantalone's; and shall stay there till you come.

Flor. I don't know where he lives.

Truff. I know, sir, I'll show you the way.

Beat. Very well, and now I must go to my room and tidy myself up.

Truff. [aside to Beat.]. Very good, madam; I am at your service directly.

Beat. Dear Florindo! what torments have I not endured for love of you! [Beat. goes into her room.]

Flor. Mine have been no less.

Truff. Sir, Pasqual' is not here, and Si'ora Beatrice has no one to help her to dress; will you give me leave to wait upon her instead of Pasqual'?

Flor. Yes, by all means. Wait upon her with diligence; I am delighted.

Truff. [aside]. For invention, for promptness and for intrigue I will challenge the Attorney-General.

[Truff. goes into Beat.'s room]

Flor. What strange things have happened in the course of this one day! Tears, lamentations and anguish, and then at last consolation and happiness. From tears to laughter is a happy step, which makes us forget our agonies, but when we pass from pleasure to pain the change is even yet more acutely perceptible.

[Re-enter Beatrice followed by Truffaldino.]

Beat. Here I am, have I not been quick?

Flor. When will you change that dress?

Beat. Do I not look well in it?

Flor. I long to see you in a woman's dress. Your beauties ought not to be so completely disguised.

Beat. Well, I shall expect you at Signor Pantalone's; make Truffaldino show you the way.

Flor. I must wait for the banker; if he does not come soon another time will do.

Beat. Show me your love in your anxiety to attend me. [About to go.]

Truff. [aside to Beat.]. Do you wish me to stay and wait upon this gentleman?

Beat. Yes, you will show him the way to Signor Pantalone's.

Truff. Yes, madam, certainly, as Pasqual' is not here.

Beat. Wait upon him, I shall be pleased indeed. [Aside to herself] I love him more than my very self.

[Exit Beat.]

Truff. The fellow's nowhere to be seen. His master wants to dress, and he goes out on his own and is nowhere to be found.

Flor. Of whom are you speaking?

Truff. Of Pasqual'. I love him, he is a good friend of mine, but he's a lazy dog. Now I am a servant worth two.

Flor. Come and dress my wig. The banker will be here directly.

Truff. Please your honour, I hear your honour has to go to Si'or Pantalon's.

Flor. Yes, what then?

Truff. I want to ask a favour of you.

Flor. Well, you deserve it after all you have done.

Truff. If there has been any trouble, you know, sir, 'tis all the fault of Pasqual'.

Flor. But where on earth is this cursed Pasquale? can't one see him?

Truff. He'll come, the knave. And so, sir, I want to ask you this favour.

Flor. What do you want?

Truff. You see, sir, I'm in love too.

Flor. In love?

Truff. Yes, sir, and my young woman is maidservant to Si'or Pantalon'; and it would be very kind if your honour—

Flor. How do I come into it?

Truff. I won't say, sir, that you come into it; but I being your servant, you might say a word for me to Si'or Pantalon'.

Flor. We must see first whether the girl wants you.

Truff. The girl wants me, no mistake. All I want is a word to Si'or Pantalon'; I beg you, sir, of your charity.

Flor. Certainly I will speak for you, but how can you keep a wife?

Truff. I shall do what I can. I shall ask for help from Pasqual'.

Flor. You had better ask help from someone with more sense.

[Flor. goes into his room]

Truff. Well if I don't show sense this time, I shall never show it again.

[Truff. follows Flor. into his room]

END OF SCENE III

SCENE IV

A Room in the House of Pantalone.

Pantalone, the Doctor, Clarice, Silvio and Smeraldina.

Pant. Come, Clarice, pull yourself together. You see that Signor Silvio has repented and asks your forgiveness. If he acted foolishly, it was all for love of you; I have forgiven him his extravagances, you ought to forgive him too.

Sil. Measure my agony by your own, Signora Clarice, and rest assured that I most truly love you, since 'twas the fear of losing you that rendered me distracted. Heaven desires our happiness; do not be ungrateful for the blessings of Providence. Do not let the idea of revenge spoil the most beautiful day of your life.

Doc. I join my prayers to those of my son; Signora Clarice, my dear daughter-in-law, have pity on the poor young man; he nearly went out of his mind.

Smer. Come, dear madam, what would you? Men are all cruel to us, some more, some less. They demand the most absolute fidelity, and on the least shadow of suspicion they bully and ill-treat and are like to murder us. Well, you have got to marry one or another of them some day, so I say to you as one says to sick people—since you have got to take your nasty medicine, take it.

Pant. There, do you hear that? Smeraldina calls matrimony medicine. You must not think it is poison. [Aside to Doc.] We must try to cheer her up.

Doc. Certainly 'tis not poison, nor even nasty medicine. Matrimony is a lollipop, a jujube, a lozenge!

Sil. But dear Clarice, won't you say a word? I know I deserve to be punished by you, but of your mercy, punish me with hard words rather than with silence. Behold me at your feet; have pity upon me.

Clar. [to Sil. with a sigh]. Cruel!

Pant. [aside to Doc.]. You heard that little sigh? A good sign.

Doc. [aside to Sil.]. Strike while the iron is hot.

Smer. [aside]. A sigh is like lightning; it promises rainfall.

Sil. If I could think that you desired my blood to avenge my supposed cruelty, I give it you with all my heart. But, oh God! instead of the blood of my veins, accept, I beg you, that which gushes from my eyes. [Weeps.]

Pant. Bravo! Bravo! Well said!

Doc. Capital! Capital!

Clar. [sighing as before, but more tenderly]. Cruel!

Doc. [aside to Pant.]. She's done to a turn.

Pant. Here, come, up with you [he raises Sil., takes him by the hand]. Stand over there. [Takes Clar.'s hand] And you come here too madam. Now, join your hands together again; and make peace. So no more tears, be happy, no more nonsense and Heaven bless you both.

Doc. There; 'tis done.

Smer. 'Tis done, 'tis done.

Sil. [holding Clar.'s hand]. Oh, Signora Clarice, for pity's sake—

Clar. Ungrateful!

Sil. Dearest!

Clar. Inhuman!

Sil. Beloved!

Clar. Monster!

Sil. Angel!

Clar. [sighs]. Ah!

Pant. [aside]. Going, going—

Sil. Forgive me for the love of Heaven.

Clar. [sighs]. I forgive you.

Pant. [aside]. Gone!

Doc. Come, Silvio, she has forgiven you.

Smer. The patient is ready; give her her medicine.

[Enter Brighella.]

Brig. By your leave, may I come in?

Pant. Pray come in, good friend Brighella. 'Twas you, was it not, that told me all these pretty stories, who assured me that that party was Signor Federigo—eh?

Brig. My dear sir, who would not have been deceived? They were twin brother and sister, as like as two peas. In those clothes I would have wagered my head that it was he.

Pant. Enough. That's all done with. What is the news?

Brig. Signora Beatrice is here, and desires to pay her respects.

Pant. Let her come in; she is most welcome.

Clar. Poor Signora Beatrice, I am happy to think that her troubles are over.

Sil. You are sorry for her?

Clar. I am indeed.

Sil. And for me?

Clar. Oh, cruel!

Pant. [aside to Doc.]. You hear those loving words?

Doc. [aside to Pant.]. Ah, my son has a way with him.

Pant. My daughter, poor dear child, has a very good heart.

Smer. Yes, they will both of them do their duty by each other.

[Enter Beatrice.]

Beat. Ladies and gentlemen, I come to ask your pardon and forgiveness, that you should on my account have been put to inconvenience—

Clar. No, no, my dear; come to me. [Embraces her.]

Sil. [annoyed at the embrace]. How now?

Beat. [to Sil.]. What! may she not even embrace a woman?

Sil. [aside]. 'Tis those clothes again.

Pant. Well, well, Signora Beatrice, I must say, for a young woman of your age you have a wonderful courage.

Doc. [to Beat.]. Too much spirit, madam.

Beat. Love makes one do great things.

Pant. And you have found your young gentleman at last? so I hear.

Beat. Yes, Heaven has made us happy.

Doc. A nice reputation you have made yourself!

Beat. Sir, you have no business with my affairs.

Sil. [to Doc.]. Sir, I beg you, let everyone do as they will; do not be so put out about it. Now that I am happy, I want all the world to be happy too. Is any one else going to be married? let them all get married.

Smer. [to Sil.]. What about me, sir?

Sil. Whom are you going to marry?

Smer. The first man that comes along, sir.

Sil. Find him then; I am here.

Clar. [to Sil.]. You? what for?

Sil. To give her a wedding present.

Clar. That is no affair of yours.

Smer. [aside]. She's afraid everybody will eat him. She likes the taste of him, I see.

[Enter Truffaldino.]

Truff. My respects to the company.

Beat. [to Truff.]. Where is Signor Florindo?

Truff. He is here, and would like to come in, by your leave.

Beat. Signor Pantalone, will you give Signor Florindo leave?

Pant. Is that your young gentleman?

Beat. He is going to marry me.

Pant. I shall be pleased to meet him.

Beat. [to Truff.]. Show him in.

Truff. [aside to Smer.]. Young woman, my respects to you.

Smer. [aside to Truff.]. Pleased to see you, my little darkie.

Truff. We will have a talk.

Smer. What about?

Truff. [makes as though giving her a wedding-ring]. Are you willing?

Smer. Why not?

Truff. We'll have a talk. [Exit Truff.]

Smer. [to Clar.]. Madam, with the company's leave, I want a favour of you.

Clar. [going aside to listen to Smer.]. What is it?

Smer. [to Clar.]. I too am a poor young girl that would like to settle myself; there's the servant of Signora Beatrice who wants to marry me; now if you would say a kind word to his mistress, and get her to allow him to take me to wife, I should be the happiest girl in the world.

Clar. Dear Smeraldina, I will gladly do it; as soon as I can speak freely to Beatrice, I will certainly do so.

Pant. [to Clar.]. What is all this whispering about?

Clar. Nothing, sir. She had something to say to me.

Sil. [to Clar.]. May I not know?

Clar. How inquisitive they all are! And then they talk about us women!

[Enter Florindo shown in by Truffaldino.]

Flor. Your most humble servant, ladies and gentleman. [All bow and curtsey] [To Pant.] Are you the master of the house, sir?

Pant. Yours to command, sir.

Flor. Allow me, sir, to have the honour of waiting upon you this evening; I present myself by command of the Signora Beatrice, whose fortunes will be known to you, and mine too.

Pant. I am happy to know you, sir, and to see you here; I congratulate you most heartily on your good fortune.

Flor. Signora Beatrice is to be my wife, and if you will not disdain to do us the honour, I hope you will give away the bride.

Pant. Whatever has to be done, let it be done at once. Give her your hand.

Flor. Signora Beatrice, I am willing.

Beat. Here is my hand, Signor Florindo.

Smer. [aside]. They don't want pressing.

Pant. Afterwards we will settle up our accounts. You will put yours in order; then we will settle ours.

Clar. [to Beat.]. Dear friend, I congratulate you.

Beat. [to Clar.]. And I you with all my heart.

Sil. [to Flor.]. Sir, do you know me again?

Flor. [to Sil.]. Indeed I do, sir; you would have provoked me to a duel.

Sil. 'Twas to my own disaster. Here is the adversary [pointing to Beat.] who disarmed me and very nearly killed me.

Beat. And gave you your life too, you might say.

Sil. 'Tis true.

Clar. At my entreaty.

Sil. That is very true.

Pant. Everything is in order, everything is settled.

Truff. The best is yet to come, ladies and gentlemen.

Pant. What is yet to come?

Truff. [to Flor., taking him apart]. With your good leave, sir, one word.

Flor. What do you want?

Truff. You remember what you promised me, sir?

Flor. What did I promise? I do not recollect.

Truff. To ask Si'or Pantalon' for Smeraldina as my wife.

Flor. Of course, now I remember; I will do so at once.

Truff. [aside]. I too, poor man, want to put myself right with the world.

Flor. Signor Pantalone, although this is the first occasion on which I have had the honour of knowing you, I make bold to desire a favour of you.

Pant. You may command me, sir; I will serve you to the best of my powers.

Flor. My manservant desires to marry your maid; have you any objection to giving your consent?

Smer. [aside]. Wonderful! Here's another who wants to marry me! Who the devil can he be? I wish I knew him.

Pant. For my part I am agreed. [To Smer.] What say you, girl?

Smer. If I thought he would make a good husband—

Pant. Is he a good honest man, this servant of yours?

Flor. For the short time he has been with me he has certainly proved himself trusty, and he seems to be intelligent.

Clar. Signor Florindo, you have anticipated me in something that I ought to have done. I was to propose the marriage of my maid with the manservant of Signora Beatrice. You have asked for her for your servant, I can say no more.

Flor. No, no; since you so earnestly desire this, I withdraw altogether and leave you completely free.

Clar. Indeed, sir, I could never permit myself to have my own wishes preferred to yours. Besides, I must admit that I am not fully authorised. Pray continue in your proposal.

Flor. You say so out of courtesy, madam. Signor Pantalone, I withdraw all that I have said. I will not say another word on behalf of my servant; on the contrary, I am absolutely opposed to his marrying her.

Clar. If your man is not to marry her, no more shall the other man. We must be fair on both sides.

Truff. [aside]. Here's a state of things! They pay each other compliments, and meanwhile I am left without a wife at all.

Smer. [aside]. It looks as if I should have neither one nor the other.

Pant. Come, we must settle it somehow; this poor girl wants to get married, let us give her either to the one or the other.

Flor. Not to my man. Nothing shall induce me to do Signora Clarice an injustice.

Clar. Nor will I ever tolerate an injustice to Signor Florindo.

Truff. Sir, madam, I can settle the matter myself. (With his usual air of great ingenuity) Si'or Florindo, did you not ask the hand of Smeraldina for your servant?

Flor. I did; did you not hear me?

Truff. And you, Si'ora Clarice, did you not intend Smeraldina to marry the servant of Si'ora Beatrice?

Clar. Most certainly I was to do so.

Truff. Good; then if that is so, give me your hand, Smeraldina.

Pant. And pray what right have you to ask for her hand?

Truff. Because I am the servant of Si'or Florindo and of Si'ora Beatrice too.

Flor. What?

Beat. What do you say?

Truff. Pray be calm. Si'or Florindo, who asked you to ask Si'or Pantalon' for Smeraldina?

Flor. You did.

Truff. And you, Si'ora Clarice, whom had you in mind as the intended husband of Smeraldina?

Clar. Yourself.

Truff. Ergo, Smeraldina is mine.

Flor. Signora Beatrice, where is your servant?

Beat. Why, here! Truffaldino, of course.

Flor. Truffaldino? he is my servant!

Beat. Is not yours called Pasquale?

Flor. Pasquale? I thought Pasquale was yours!

Beat. [to Truff.]. How do you explain this?

Truff. [makes silent gestures asking for forgiveness].

Flor. You rascal!

Beat. You knave!

Flor. So you waited on two masters at once?

Truff. Yes, sir, I did, that was the very trick. I took on the job without thinking; just to see what I could do. It did not last long, 'tis true; but at any rate I can boast that nobody would ever have found me out, if I had not given myself away for love of this girl here. I have done a hard day's work, and I dare say I had my short-comings, but I hope that in consideration of the fun of the thing, all these ladies and gentlemen will forgive me.

THE END