Act 1
ACT ONE PROLOGUE:
Zanni tells how Magnifico is a great nobleman, full of pride and very self-centered, who adores tales of great heroes and strong knights. Magnifico often visits a favorite tavern in his county where he keeps a reserved table. One day the penniless Capitano entered this tavern, and identified Magnifico as a man with money. In order to acquire free drinks, he began talking to Magnifico and telling him exaggerated stories of his successes in war and alleged his own noble background. Magnifico was so amazed by the stories that he came to insist that Capitano should marry his daughter, Aurelia. Capitano has tried to back out, having no interest in marriage, but Magnifico insists he should at least meet Aurelia before refusing.
ACT ONE: Magnifico’s palace
Scene One: Aurelia, Magnifico, Capitano
Magnifico introduces Capitano to Aurelia and announces that they will be married. He leaves them alone to become acquainted.
Scene Two: Aurelia, Capitano
Capitano and Aurelia are both embarrassed and awkward with each other. Capitano finally admits he has lied about his background and that he is uninterested in marrying Aurelia, who is very relieved and who returns the sentiment. Capitano decides to sneak out the window to avoid any further attention from Magnifico.
Scene Three: Aurelia, Capitano, Aurelio
Capitano opens the window and discovers Aurelio climbing up the wall. Aurelia explains that Aurelio is her true love, but Magnifico won’t allow them to marry because he thinks Aurelio – though wealthy and from a noble background – is too ridiculous to have for a son in law*, and so he visits her in secret. Aurelio enters through the window and is so joyous at the sight of Aurelia that he doesn’t even notice Capitano in the room. The lovers exchange vows of devotion and passion, and Aurelio proves himself every bit as ridiculous as Magnifico says he is (though Aurelia doesn’t seem to mind.) The lovers wish they could run away together, and Aurelia realizes that if someone will help guide her out the window with Aurelio, they can run away together and elope. Capitano agrees to help the lovers in this scheme. He and Aurelio begin to guide Aurelia out the window.
*Whether the source of ridicule is clumsiness, foppishness, a silly walk, or something else, can be left to the talent and creativity of the actor playing Aurelio.
Scene Four: Magnifico, Aurelia, Aurelio, Capitano
Magnifico enters and sees the two men struggling over Aurelia. He assumes that Aurelio has broken into the palace to kidnap Aurelia, and that Capitano is rescuing her. Magnifico pushes Aurelio out the window, then assures Aurelia she’ll never need to fear Aurelio again once she’s married to the brave Capitano. He then announces that he has made the wedding arrangements for Capitano and Aurelia. Capitano acts enthusiastic about the marriage plans, much to Aurelia’s horror, and Magnifico leaves.
Scene Five: Aurelia, Capitano
Capitano reassures Aurelia that he still has no interest in marrying her, and is only playing along for her benefit. He explains a plan: they will attend the wedding, where in front of Magnifico and the guests, Aurelio will appear, challenge Capitano to a duel and pretend to murder Capitano, thus seeming to prove himself the stronger, braver man. Since Magnifico appears to only be obsessed with Capitano for his bravery and strength, they assume this will appease him and he’ll finally allow the marriage between Aurelia and Aurelio.