Act 1
In the first act, a peasant dressed so clumsily as a person from Cava that he seemed to be the ambassador caused much laughter. […] after the prologue was delivered, [Pantalone] sang a sweet madrigal in five parts. In the meantime, Massimo, who had been playing the peasant, changed from rustic attire into a crimson velvet outfit with wide golden cuffs, adorned from head to toe. He wore a black velvet cape lined with beautiful sable fur and [as Polidoro] went on stage with his servant, praising his fortunate and glorious life in the realm of love. Suddenly, the French servant of his brother Fabritio arrived from the villa, carrying a letter full of terrible news. Polidoro read the letter aloud, and with a deep sigh, he called for Camilla. After revealing the force of his departure, he bid her farewell with a kiss and left. On the other side of the stage, Messer Orlando, dressed as the Magnificent character, appeared wearing a crimson satin doublet, Venetian scarlet stockings, and a long black robe that reached the ground. He wore a mask that forced people to laugh upon seeing it. With a lute in his hands, he played and sang, "Who passes through this street and does not sigh, may he be blessed." After playing the lute twice, he lamented about love, saying, "Oh poor Pantalone, who cannot pass through this street without sending sighs to the air and tears to the ground." […] Pantalone made a long delay alone with his Camilla, [then] the zanni entered. The zanni, who hadn't seen his Pantalone for many years and didn't recognize him, walked carelessly and gave Pantalone a great bump. They argued with each other until they finally recognized each other. Overwhelmed with joy, the zanni lifted his master onto his shoulders and twirled around like a windmill for as long as the heavens allowed. Similarly, Pantalone did the same to the zanni. In the end, both of them fell to the ground. Then, they got up and engaged in some conversation. The zanni asked about his old mistress, the wife of Pantalone, and the zanni received the news that she had already passed away. They both started howling like wolves and shedding tears, thinking of the macaroni and ravioli they had shared in the past. After their crying fit, they returned to their joyous state. Pantalone asked the zanni to bring some chickens to his beloved Camilla, and the zanni promised to speak on his behalf but did the opposite. Pantalone exited the stage, and the fearful zanni went to Camilla's house. Camilla fell in love with the zanni (which is not surprising since women often leave the good and cling to the worst), and she let him inside her house. And here, a music performance with five violas da gamba and as many voices took place.