Act 1
Oratio tells his friend Flavio that he came to this villa because of his love for Isabella, Pantalone's wife, who loves him back. He reveals that they have been passionately involved, but he has never consummated their love. However, Isabella promised to satisfy him on the occasion of Flavio's visit to the villa. Flavio assures Oratio that he has nothing to worry about.
Pedrolino, wearing a straw hat and a beard, approaches Oratio and informs him that Pantalone is about to arrive with his wife. Flavio immediately goes to meet them. Pedrolino asks if Tofano, who owns the villa nearby, is Oratio's friend and if Pantalone knows him as such. Oratio confirms, and Pedrolino reveals his plan to use Tofano's house when the time comes. Just then they see Pantalone approaching; Oratio remains there.
Pantalone, Isabella, Flaminia, Flavio, and Gratiano enter. Pantalone holds Isabella's hand, while Flavio greets Flaminia and Oratio greets everyone warmly. They are pleased that Oratio has come to grace the villa with his presence. A long bench is prepared for them to sit, and they all take their seats, requesting that Doctor Gratiano share some news and stories. Before starting, they ask Gratiano to tell a story from Bocaccio's tale, but Pantalone deems it unfitting since women are present.
Pedrolino, in an agitated state, tells Oratio and Flavio that some noble Bergamaschi gentlemen are asking for them, and they should go and meet them immediately. The others stay behind and hear singing from inside.
Cavicchio, a villager, performs a song about a jealous old husband while playing the bagpipes, and then he sings a ballad about this martyr*. Everyone laughs, and they ask Cavicchio to tell some news. Cavicchio tells the story of the painter who used to paint the devil so beautifully, and everyone laughs at the amusing tale. Cavicchio invites them to go to a place he rents for amusement and pleasure, and they accept the invitation. Gratiano takes Flaminia by the hand, pretending to be playful, and they go ahead. Meanwhile, Pantalone remains with Isabella, to whom he constantly recommends preserving her honor and not getting angry at such words. Pantalone calms her down, embraces her, and follows the others who have already left.
Burattino, the gardener, scolds Olivetta, his daughter, because she doesn't know how to hoe or plant, despite being old enough to get married. He gives her some lessons on how to handle the hoe, at which time -
Pedrolino greets Burattino and his daughter, informing them that he wants to help him earn ten coins. Pedrolino orders them to take a plate of the finest peaches and bring them to Oratio, telling him that Tofano Braghettini sends them from his place and asks him to come over as he needs to talk to him about something important. Pedrolino gives Burrattino two coins as a down payment and instructs him to send Pasquella, his wife, away. Burattino and Olivetta go in, and Pedrolino stays behind.
Outside, Pedrolino, on Oratio's behalf, makes grand offers to Pasquella, praising Oratio's generosity. Pasquella acknowledges Oratio's courteous nature and promises to do whatever he desires. Pedrolino informs her that Oratio is in love with Pantalone's wife and that in order to be with her, he needs to hide in their house, specifically in one of the rooms, and when the opportunity arises for Isabella to urinate, Pasquella should lead her to that room and prevent anyone else from entering, except herself. Pasquella agrees, and Pedrolino gives her two coins. Pasquella goes inside, and Pedrolino remains there, confident in the success of their plan.
Oratio, Flaminia, Flavio, Isabella, Pantalone, and Flavio, holding Flaminia's hand, enter. Isabella leads Pantalone, followed by the others. They encounter Gratiano and Pedrolino, who ask if everything is ready for lunch. They confirm that everything is in order, and they will enjoy themselves.
Burattino, the gardener, enters with a beautiful plate of ripe peaches and presents it to Oratio on behalf of Tofano Braghettino, requesting that Oratio favor him by coming to his house after lunch. Oratio accepts the gift, thanks Burattino, and says he will go without delay. Pantalone orders water for hand washing.
Pedrolino and Gratiano, with a silver basin, with a silver goblet, and a towel for drying appear. Everyone washes their hands, and they all enter happily to have lunch. Act One ends.
*This is probably a known Italian song of the era, which I've been unable to identify. I suggest replacing it with The Old Man's Complaint or The Ingenious Braggadocia. --TF