There lived in Venice an old merchant named Pantalone de Bisognosi, who had a beautiful young woman as his wife, Isabella. The merchant was ardently in love with her. A handsome and rich young man of honorable character named Oratio Cortesi from Venice, fell deeply in love with her. In order to avoid the watchful eyes of her husband, the jealous old merchant, he decided to take her to his villa, located near Venice. The woman was pursued by her lover and they enjoyed passionate moments together. The old merchant, after reasoning with himself one day, was narrated in a facetious manner everything that had happened with his wife. Upon hearing this story, the old man realized his impotence and foolish mistake of living in jealousy. He then gave his wife to the young man in a most generous manner.
From a scenario by Flaminio Scala, published 1611
Translated by ChatGPT with oversight and corrections from Talia Felix in 2023
Characters of the Comedy:
Pantalone - Old merchant
Isabella - His wife
Pedrolino - Servant
Gratiano - Friend of the family
Capitano Spavento - Captain of the Hunters
Company of Hunters
Oratio, and
Flavio - Friends
Burattino - Gardener
Pasquella - Wife
Olivetta - Daughter
Cavicchio - Villager, pig butcher
Flaminia - Widow, sister of Isabella
[Three Wandering Musicians]
Villa on the Paduan countryside.