Scene I.—PiccardoandMartuccia.
Scene I.—PiccardoandMartuccia.
Mar.What, have you returned already?Pic.[With his master's cane.] Yes, I limp a little: but I was more frightened than hurt; it was not worth the money my master gave me to get cured.Mar.It seems misfortunes are sometimes profitable.Pic.[With an air of satisfaction.] Poor master! On my honour, this instance of his goodness affected me so much, I could hardly help shedding tears; if he had broken my leg, I should have forgiven him.Mar.What a heart he has! Pity he has so great a failing.Pic.But what man is there without defects?Mar.Go and look for him; you know he has not dined yet.Pic.Why not?Mar.My son, there are misfortunes, terrible misfortunes, in this house.Pic.I know all; I met your nephew, he told me all: this the reason I have returned so soon. Does my master know it?Mar.I think not.Pic.Ah, how it will distress him!Mar.Certainly—and poor Angelica.Pic.But Valerio?Mar.Valerio—Valerio is here now; he will not go away. He is still in the apartment of Signor Dalancourt: encourages the brother, takes care of the sister, consoles Madame;—one weeps, another sighs, the other is in despair; all is in confusion.Pic.Did you not promise to speak to my master?Mar.Yes, I should have spoken to him, but he is too angry just now.Pic.I am going to look for him, to carry him his cane.Mar.Go; and if you see the tempest a little calmed, tell him something concerning the unhappy state of his nephew.Pic.Yes, I'll speak to him, and I'll let you know what passes. [Opens the door softly, enters the room, and then shuts it.]Mar.Yes, dear friend, go softly.—This Piccardo is an excellent young man, amiable, polite, obliging; he is the only person in the house to my liking. I do not so easily become friends with everybody.EnterDorval.Dor.[In a low tone, and smiling.] Ah, Martuccia!Mar.Your servant, sir.Dor.Is Signor Geronte still angry?Mar.It would not be strange if the storm were over. You know him better than any one else.Dor.He is very angry with me.Mar.With you, sir? He angry with you!Dor.[Smiling.] There is no doubt of it; but it is nothing; I know him. I am sure as soon as we meet he will be the first to embrace me.Mar.Nothing is more likely. He loves you, esteems you, you are his only friend. It is singular—he, a man always in a passion, and you—I say it with respect—the most tranquil man in the world.Dor.It is exactly for this reason our friendship has continued so long.Mar.Go and look for him.Dor.No; it is too soon. I want first to see Angelica. Where is she?Mar.With her brother. You know the misfortunes of her brother?Dor.[With an expression of sorrow.] Ah, too well: everybody is talking of them.Mar.And what do they say?Dor.Don't ask me: the good pity him, the hard-hearted make a jest of him, and the ungrateful abandon him.Mar.Oh, Heaven! And the poor girl?Dor.Must I speak of her too?Mar.May I ask how she will fare in this confusion? I take so much interest in her, that you ought to tell me.Dor.[Smiling.] I have learned that one Valerio—Mar.Ah, ah! Valerio!Dor.Do you know him?Mar.Very well, sir; it is all my own work.Dor.So much the better; will you aid me?Mar.Most willingly.Dor.I must go and be certain if Angelica—Mar.And also if Valerio—Dor.Yes, I will go to him too.Mar.Go then into Dalancourt's apartment; you will there kill two birds with one stone.Dor.How?Mar.He is there.Dor.Valerio?Mar.Yes.Dor.I am glad of it; I will go at once.Mar.Stop; shall I not tell him you are coming?Dor.Good! such ceremony with my brother-in-law!Mar.Your brother-in-law?Dor.Yes.Mar.How?Dor.Do you not know?Mar.Nothing at all.Dor.Then you shall know another time. [Goes intoDalancourt'sapartment.]Mar.He is out of his senses.EnterGeronte.Ger.[Speaking while he is turning towards the door of his room.] Stop there, I will send the letter by some one else; stop there, it shall be so. [Turning toMartuccia.] Martuccia!Mar.Sir?Ger.Get a servant to take this letter directly to Dorval. [Turning towards the door of his apartment.] He is not well, he walks lame, and yet he would take it. [ToMartuccia.] Go.Mar.But, sir—Ger.Well, let us hear.Mar.But Dorval—Ger.[Impatiently.] Yes, to Dorval's house.Mar.He is here.Ger.Who?Mar.Dorval.Ger.Where?Mar.Here.Ger.Dorval here?Mar.Yes, sir.Ger.Where is he?Mar.In Signor Dalancourt's room.Ger.[Angrily.] In Dalancourt's room! Dorval in Dalancourt's room! Now I see how it is, I understand it all. Go and tell Dorval from me—but no—I do not want you to go into that cursed room; if you set your foot in it, I will discharge you. Call one of the servants of that fellow—no, I don't want any of them—go yourself—yes, yes, tell him to come directly—do you hear?Mar.Shall I go, or not go?Ger.Go! don't make me more impatient. [Martucciagoes intoDalancourt'sroom.]Geronte,alone.Ger.Yes, it must be so; Dorval has discovered into what a terrible abyss this wretched man has fallen; yes, he knew it before I did, and if Piccardo had not told me, I should be still in the dark. It is exactly so. Dorval fears a connection with a ruined man; that is it. But I must look further into it to be more certain. Yet why not tell me? I would have persuaded him—I would have convinced him.—But why did he not tell me? He will say, perhaps, that my violence did not give him an opportunity. This is no excuse: he should have waited, he should not have gone away; my resentment would have been over, and he might have spoken to me. Unworthy, treacherous, perfidious nephew! you have sacrificed your happiness and your honour. I love you, culpable as you are. Yes, I love you too much; but I will discard you from my heart and from my thoughts. Go hence—go and perish in some other place. But where can he go? No matter, I'll think of him no more;—your sister alone interests me; she only deserves my tenderness, my kindness. Dorval is my friend; Dorval shall marry her. I will give them all my estate—I will leave the guilty to their punishment, but will never abandon the innocent.Scene II.—EnterDalancourt.Dal.Ah, my uncle, hear me for pity's sake! [He throws himself in great agitation atGeronte'sfeet.]Ger.[SeesDalancourt,then draws back a little.] What do you want? Rise.Dal.[In the same posture.] My dear uncle, you see the most unhappy of men; have mercy! listen to me!Ger.[A little moved, but still in anger.] Rise, I say.Dal.[On his knees.] You, who have a heart so generous, so feeling, will you abandon me for a fault which is the fault of love only, and an honest, virtuous love? I have certainly done wrong in not profiting by your advice, in disregarding your paternal tenderness; but, my dear uncle, in the name of your brother, to whom I owe my life, of that blood which flows in the veins of us both, let me move you—let me soften your feelings.Ger.[By degrees relents, wipes his eyes, yet not lettingDalancourtsee, and says in a low tone] What! you have still the courage?Dal.It is not the loss of fortune that afflicts me; a sentiment more worthy of you oppresses me—my honour. Can you bear the disgrace of a nephew? I ask nothing of you; if I can preserve my reputation, I give you my word, for myself and my wife, that want shall have no terrors for us, if, in the midst of our misery, we can have the consolation of an unsullied character, our mutual love, and your affection and esteem.Ger.Wretched man! you deserve—but I am weak; this foolish regard for blood speaks in favour of this ingrate. Rise, sir; I will pay your debts, and perhaps place you in a situation to contract others.Dal.[Moved.] Ah, no, my uncle! I promise you, you shall see in my conduct hereafter—Ger.What conduct, inconsiderate man? That of an infatuated husband who suffers himself to be guided by the caprices of his wife, a vain, presumptuous, thoughtless woman—Dal.No, I swear to you, my wife is not in fault; you do not know her.Ger.[Still more excited.] You defend her? You maintain what is false in my presence? Take care! but a little more, and on account of your wife I will retract my promise; yes, yes, I will retract it—you shall have nothing of mine. Your wife!—I cannot bear her. I will not see her.Dal.Ah, my uncle, you tear my heart!EnterMadame Dalancourt.Mad.Ah, sir! you think me the cause of all the misfortunes of your nephew; it is right that I alone should bear the punishment. The ignorance in which I have lived till now, I see, is not a sufficient excuse in your eyes. Young, inexperienced, I have suffered myself to be guided by a husband who loved me. The world had attractions for me; evil examples seduced me. I was satisfied, and thought myself happy, but I am guilty in appearance, and that is enough. That my husband may be worthy of your kindness, I submit to your fatal decree. I will withdraw from your presence, yet I ask one favour of you: moderate your anger against me; pardon me—my youth—have compassion on my husband, whom too much love—Ger.Ah, Madame, perhaps you think to overcome me?Mad.Oh, Heaven! Is there no hope? Ah, my dear Dalancourt, I have then ruined you! I die. [Falls on a sofa.]Ger.[Disturbed, moved with tenderness.] Hallo! who's there? Martuccia!EnterMartuccia.Mar.Here, sir.Ger.Look there—quick—go—see to her; do something for her assistance.Mar.My lady! What's the matter?Ger.[Giving a phial toMartuccia.] Take it. Here's Cologne water. [ToDalancourt.] What is the matter?Dal.Ah, my uncle!Ger.[ToMadame D.,in a rough tone.] How are you?Mad.[Rising languidly, and in a weak voice.] You are too kind, sir, to interest yourself in me. Do not mind my weakness—feelings will show themselves. I shall recover my strength. I will go, my—I will resign myself to my misfortunes.Ger.[Affected, does not speak.]Dal.[Distressed.] Ah, my uncle! can you suffer—Ger.[With warmth toDalancourt.] Be silent!—[ToMadame D.,roughly.] Remain in this house with your husband.Mad.Ah, sir! ah!Dal.[With transport.] Ah, my dear uncle!Ger.[In a serious tone, but without anger, taking their hands.] Hear me: my savings are not on my own account; you would one day have known it. Make use of them now; the source is exhausted, and henceforth you must be prudent. If gratitude does not influence you, honour should at least keep you right.Mad.Your goodness—Dal.Your generosity—Ger.Enough! enough!Mar.Sir—Ger.Do you be silent, babbler!Mar.Now, sir, that you are in a humour for doing good, don't you mean to do something for Mademoiselle Angelica?Ger.Well thought of. Where is she?Mar.She is not far off.Ger.And where is her betrothed?Mar.Her betrothed?Ger.He is perhaps offended at what I said, and will not see me. Is he gone?Mar.Sir—her betrothed—he is still here.Ger.Let him come in.Mar.Angelica and her betrothed?Ger.Yes, Angelica and her betrothed.Mar.Admirable! Directly, sir, directly. [Going towards the door.] Come, come, my children; have no fear.EnterValerio, Dorval,andAngelica.Ger.[SeeingValerio.] What's this? What is this other man doing here?Mar.They are, sir, the betrothed and the witness.Ger.[ToAngelica.] Come here.Ang.[Trembling, speaking toMadame D.] Ah, sister! I ought indeed to ask your pardon.Mar.And I too, Madame.Ger.[ToDorval.] Come here, Signor Betrothed. What say you? Are you still angry? Will you not come?Dor.Do you speak to me?Ger.Yes, to you.Dor.Pardon me, I am only the witness.Ger.The witness!Dor.Yes. I will explain the mystery. If you had permitted me to speak—Ger.The mystery! [ToAngelica.] Is there any mystery?Dor.[Serious, and in a resolute tone.] Hear me, friends: you know Valerio; he was informed of the misfortune of the family, and had come to offer his fortune to Dalancourt, and his hand to Angelica. He loves her, and is ready to marry her with nothing, and to settle on her an annuity of twelve thousand livres. Your character is known to me, and that you delight in good actions. I have detained him here, and have undertaken to present him.Ger.You had no attachment, eh? You have deceived me. I will not consent that you shall have him. This is a contrivance on both your parts, and I will never submit to it.Ang.[Weeping.] My dear uncle!Val.[In a warm and suppliant manner.] Sir!Dor.You are so good!Mad.You are so generous!Mar.My dear master!Ger.Plague on my disposition! I cannot continue angry as long as I would. I could willingly beat myself. [All together repeat their entreaties, and surround him.] Be silent! let me alone! May the devil take you all! let him marry her.Mar.[Earnestly.] Let him marry her without a portion!Ger.What, without a portion! I marry my niece without a portion! Am I not in a situation to give her a portion? I know Valerio; the generous action he has just proposed deserves a reward. Yes, let him have her portion, and the hundred thousand livres I have promised Angelica.Val.What kindness!Ang.What goodness!Mad.What a heart!Dal.What an example!Mar.Bless my master!Dor.Bless my good friend![All surround him, overwhelm him with caresses,and repeat his praises.]Ger.[Trying to rid himself of them, shouts] Peace! peace! Piccardo!EnterPiccardo.Pic.Here, sir.Ger.We shall sup in my room; all are invited. Dorval, in the meantime we'll have a game of chess.2: In order to render the exact shade of meaning of the Italian title, it has been necessary to adopt the colloquial phrase.
2: In order to render the exact shade of meaning of the Italian title, it has been necessary to adopt the colloquial phrase.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆCount Rocca Marina.Baron del Cedro.Signor Evarist.Signora Geltrude,a widow.Candida,her niece.Coronato,an innkeeper.Moracchio,a peasant.Nina,his sister.Susanna,a small shopkeeper.Crispino,a shoemaker.Timoteo,an apothecary.Limonato,a waiter.Tognino,servant to the two ladies.Scavezzo,boots to the innkeeper.Scene of action, a little village near Milan.
Scene of action, a little village near Milan.
[An open space bounded at the back by a house bearing the inscriptionOsteria(Inn). Houses to right and left; on the left a gentleman's mansion with a low projecting terrace. The foremost house has the word Café upon a swinging shield; before its main door and windows stand small tables and chairs. It has also a back door which adjoins a little pharmacy. At the end of the right-hand side of houses, a small general store. The inn has a restaurant on the ground-floor, and on the left a small shoemaker's workshop. Right and left, between the inn and the side houses, runs the street.]Scene I.[Evaristand theBaronsit towards the front at a little table drinking coffee.Limonatoserves them.Crispinois cobbling in his booth, near to himCoronatositting beside his door, writing in a note-book. TheBootscleans the restaurant windows. In the middle of the stage sits theCountreading a book. He is dressed in a white summer costume, while theBaronandEvaristare in shooting dress, with their guns beside them.GeltrudeandCandidaon the terrace, knitting. To the rightTogninois sweeping the square,Ninais spinning before her house door, beside her standsMoracchioholding two hunting dogs by a cord. Every now and againTimoteoputs his head out of the pharmacy; in the backgroundSusanna, sewing before her shop. A pause after the rise of the curtain. All absorbed in their occupations.Crispinohammers energetically upon a shoe at which he is working.Timoteois pounding loudly in a mortar, therefore invisible.]Evarist.How do you like this coffee?Baron.It is good.Evarist.I find it excellent. Bravo, Limonato! to-day you have surpassed yourself.Limonato.I thank you for the praise, but I do beg of you not to call me by this name of Limonato.Evarist.I like that! Why, all know you by that name! You are famed by the name of Limonato. All the world says, "Let us go to the village and drink coffee at Limonato's." And that vexes you?Limonato.Sir, it is not my name.Baron.Eh, what! From to-day onwards I will call you Mr. Orange.Limonato.I will not be the butt of all the world.[Candidalaughs aloud.]Evarist.What think you, Signorina Candida? [He takes up a fan whichCandidahas put down on the parapet of the terrace and fans himself, replacing it.]Candida.What should I think? Why, it makes one laugh.Geltrude.Leave the poor creature in peace; he makes good coffee, and is under my patronage.Baron.Oh, if he is under the patronage of the Signora Geltrude, we must respect him. [Whispers toEvarist.] Do you hear? The good widow protects him.Evarist.[Softly to theBaron.] Do not speak evil of the Signora Geltrude. She is the wisest and most reputed lady in all the world.Baron.[As above.] As you like; but she has the same craze for patronizing as the Count over there, who is reading with the very mien of a judge.Evarist.Oh, as regards him, you are not wrong. He is a very caricature, but it would be unjust to compare him with the Signora Geltrude.Baron.For my part, I think them both ridiculous.Evarist.And what do you find ridiculous in the lady?Baron.Too much instruction, too much pride, too much self-sufficiency.Evarist.Excuse me, then you do not know her.Baron.I much prefer Signorina Candida.[After having carried on this talk in half tones,they both rise to pay. Each protests to theother, theBaronforestallsEvarist. Limonatoreturns to the shop with the cups andmoney. Timoteopounds yet louder.]Evarist.Yes, it is true. The niece is an excellent person. [Aside.] I would not have him as a rival.Count.Hi, Timoteo!Timoteo.Who called me?Count.When will you cease pounding?Timoteo.Excuse me. [Pounds on.]Count.I cannot read, you crack my skull.Timoteo.Excuse me, I shall have done directly. [Continues yet louder.]Crispino.[Laughs aloud as he works.] Hi, Coronato!Coronato.What would you, Master Crispino?Crispino.[Beating hard on a sole he has in hand.] The Count does not wish us to make a noise. [Beatsyetlouder on his shoe.]Count.What impudence! Will you never end this worry?Crispino.Does not the Count see what I am doing?Count.And what are you doing?Crispino.Mending your old shoes.Count.Quiet, impudent fellow! [Continues to read.]Crispino.[Beats on andTimoteoalso.] Host!Count.Now, I can bear it no longer. [He rises from his seat.]Scavezzo.Hi, Moracchio!Moracchio.What is it, Boots?Scavezzo.The Count.[Both laugh and mock at theCount.]Moracchio.Quiet, quiet! after all, he is a gentleman.Scavezzo.A strange one.Nina.Moracchio!Moracchio.What do you want?Nina.What did Scavezzo say?Moracchio.Nothing, nothing. Attend to your own affairs, and spin.Nina.[Turns away her chair with contempt, and goes on spinning.] My good brother is truly as amiable as ever. He always treats me thus. I can hardly await the hour when I shall marry.Susanna.What is the matter, Nina?Nina.Oh, if you knew! In all the world I don't think there is a greater boor than my brother.Moracchio.I am as I am, and as long as you are under me—Nina.[Pouts and spins.] Not much longer, I hope.Evarist.[ToMoracchio.] Now, what is it all about again? You are always teasing that poor child, and she does not deserve it, poor thing.Nina.He makes me wild with anger.Moracchio.She wants to know everything.Evarist.Come, come, it will do now.Baron.[ToCandida.] Signor Evarist is kind-hearted.Candida.[With disdain.] It seems so also to me.Geltrude.[ToCandida.] Look to yourself, child. We do nought but criticise the actions of others, and do not take care of our own.Baron.[Aside.] There, these are the sort of doctrines I can't abide to hear.Crispino.[Aside while he works.] Poor Nina! But once she is my wife, he won't tease her any more.Coronato.[Aside.] Yes, I will marry her, and if it were only to free her from the brother.Evarist.Well, Baron, shall we go?Baron.To tell you the truth, this morning I do not feel like going shooting. I am tired from yesterday.Evarist.Do as you like. You will excuse me if I go?Baron.Do not let me detain you. [Aside.] So much the better for me. I will try my luck with Signorina Candida.Evarist.Moracchio! we will go. Call the dogs and take your gun.Baron.[ToEvarist.] You come back to dinner?Evarist.Certainly. I have ordered it already.Baron.Then I will await you.Au revoir, ladies. [Aside.] I will go to my room, so as to rouse no suspicions.Scene II.The above.Moracchiocomes back.Moracchio.Here I am, sir, with the dogs and the gun.Evarist.If you allow, ladies, I will go shooting a while.Geltrude.Pray do as you please, and enjoy yourself.Candida.And good luck.Evarist.Accompanied by your good wishes, I must be lucky. [He busies himself with his gun.]Candida.[Aside.] Signor Evarist is really amiable.Geltrude.Yes, amiable and well-mannered. But, niece, distrust all strangers.Candida.Why should I mistrust him?Geltrude.For some time since I have had my reasons for this.Candida.I have always been reserved.Geltrude.Yes, I am content with you. Continue to be reserved towards him.Candida.[Aside.] This warning comes too late. I am deeply enamoured of him.Evarist.All is right. Come, Moracchio. Once more, ladies, your humble servant.[Geltrudebows. Candidathe same. In doingso her fan falls into the street.Evaristpicks it up.]Candida.Oh, never mind.Geltrude.Do not trouble.Evarist.The fan is broken. How sorry I am!Candida.What does it matter?—an old fan!Evarist.Well, if you allow. [Gives the fan toTognino,who takes it into the house.]Candida.There, aunt, you see how it vexes him that the fan is broken.Geltrude.Good manners demand this. [Aside.] Here love is in play.Scene III.The above.Togninoon the terrace. He hands the fan toCandida.Evarist.I am vexed that this fan broke on my account, but I will make it good. [ToSusanna.] I should like to speak to you, but inside the shop. [ToMoracchio.] Go on ahead, and wait for me at the edge of the wood. [WithSusannainto the shop.]Moracchio.[To himself.] I call this waste of time. Out upon these gentlemen sportsmen.[Exit.Nina.[To herself.] So much the better that my brother has at last gone. I can scarcely await the moment to be alone with Crispino. But this tiresome man, the host, is always around. He follows me perpetually, and I can't abide him.Count.[Reading.] Oh, beautiful, beautiful! [ToGeltrude.] Signora!Crispino.What have you read that is interesting, Count?Count.What does that matter to you? What do you understand about it?Crispino.[Hammering.] Who knows who knows most?Geltrude.You called me, Count?Count.You a lady of taste, oh, if you heard what I have just read! A masterpiece!Geltrude.Something historical?Count.Bah!Geltrude.A philosophical discussion?Count.Bah!Geltrude.A poem?Count.Bah!Geltrude.What then?Count.Something astonishing, unheard of, translated from the French! A fable.Crispino.A fable! Astonishing! Unheard of! [He hammers hard.]Count.Would you like to hear?Geltrude.Gladly.Crispino.Why, he reads fables like little children! [Hammers.]Count.Will you at last leave off your noise?Crispino.[Hammering on.] I am putting a patch on your shoe.[Timoteopestles.]Count.The devil's own noise! And you too?Timoteo.[Puts his head outside the pharmacy.] It is my business.Count.[Reads.] "There was once a lovely maiden"—[ToTimoteo.] Go to the devil with your mortar! It is not to be borne.Timoteo.I pay my rent, and have no better place in which to pound. [Goes on.]Count.If you will allow, signora, I will take the liberty of coming up to you. You will then hear the beautiful fable. [Goes into the house.]Geltrude.This chemist is too tiresome. Let us go and receive the Count.Candida.I don't care to hear his fables.Geltrude.But good manners demand it.Candida.Out upon this Count!Geltrude.Niece, honour that you may be honoured. Come. [She goes into the house.]Candida.[Rising to follow her.] To please you.Scene IV.The above without theCountandGeltrude. EvaristandSusannacome out of the shop.Candida.What! Signor Evarist still here? Not gone shooting? I should like to know the reason. [Watches him from the back of the terrace.]Susanna.Do not complain, sir, the fan is cheap.Evarist.[Aside.] Candida is no longer here. [Aloud.] I am sorry that the fan is not more beautiful.Susanna.That was the last of those of the first quality. Now my shop is emptied. [Smiling.] I suppose it is a present?Evarist.Certainly. I do not buy fans for myself.Susanna.For Signorina Candida, because hers broke?Evarist.[Impatiently.] No; for some one else.Susanna.All right, all right. I am not curious. [Reseats herself in front of the shop to work.]Candida.He has great secrets with the draper. I am curious to hear some details. [Approaches to the front.]Evarist.[ApproachingNina.] Nina!Nina.Your wishes, sir?Evarist.A favour. I know Signorina Candida loves you.Nina.Yes, she has pity on the poor orphan. But alas! I am subjected to my brother, who embitters my life.Evarist.Listen to me.Nina.[Spinning on.] Spinning does not make me deaf.Evarist.[To himself.] Her brother is full of whims, but neither does she seem free of them.[Susanna, Crispino,andCoronatostretch out their heads to observe the couple.]Candida.Business with the shopwoman; business with Nina. I do not understand. [Comes forward yet more.]Evarist.May I ask you a favour?Nina.Have I not already answered you? Have I not told you to command? I am not deaf. If my spindle disturbs you, I will throw it aside. [Does so.]Evarist.But how impetuous!Candida.What does her anger signify?Coronato.It seems to me they are getting hot. [Creeps to the front, his note-book in hand.]Crispino.She throws aside her spindle. [Does the same with his shoe and hammer.]Susanna.Would he give her a present were she less angry? [She too approaches from out the background.]Nina.I am at your orders.Evarist.You know that Signorina Candida broke her fan?Nina.Why, certainly.Evarist.I have bought a new one at the shop.Nina.As you please.Evarist.But Signora Geltrude must not know.Nina.There you do wisely.Evarist.And I wish that you should give her the fan secretly.Nina.I cannot serve you.Evarist.How unkind of you!Candida.[To herself.] He told me he was going shooting, and he is still here.Crispino.[Approaches, pretending to be at work.] If I could only hear something!Coronato.[Approaches also, pretending to do accounts.] I can scarcely contain myself for curiosity.Evarist.Why will you not do me this favour?Nina.Because I want to know nothing about this matter.Evarist.You take the matter too seriously. Candida loves you so much.Nina.True, but in such matters—Evarist.You told me you wanted to marry Crispino. [Turns and sees the two listeners.] What do you want here, you rogues?Crispino.[Seating himself hastily.] I am working, sir.Coronato.[Does the same.] Can I not reckon and walk around at the same time?Candida.They are discussing important secrets.Susanna.What is there about this Nina that all men are after her?Nina.If you want nothing else of me, I will go on spinning. [Does so.]Evarist.But listen, do! Candida has begged me to give you a dowry that you may wed your Crispino.Nina.[Suddenly grows friendly.] Really?Evarist.Yes; and I gave her my word that I would do all—Nina.Where is the fan?Evarist.Here.Nina.Quick, quick, give it to me, but so that no one sees.[Evaristgives her the fan.]Crispino.[Advancing his head, to himself.] Ho, ho, he gave her something!Susanna.[The same.] In very truth—he gives her the fan!Coronato.[Ditto.] What could he have given her?Candida.[Ditto.] Yes, he deceives me. The Count is right.Evarist.But, mind, quite secretly.Nina.Let me act, and do not fear.Evarist.Addio.Nina.My respects.Evarist.Then I rely on you?Nina.And I on you. [Seats herself and resumes her spinning.]Evarist.[About to go, seesCandidaon the terrace.] Ah, there she is again! I will tell her to be attentive. [Calls.] Signorina Candida![Candidaturns her back to him and goes away.]Evarist.What does this mean? Is it contempt? Does she despise me? Impossible! I know she loves me, and she knows my passion for her. And yet—no, now I understand! Her aunt will have seen and observed her, and she would not show before her. Yes, yes, it must be that, it cannot be anything else. But I must at last give up all this secrecy and talk with Signora Geltrude, and obtain from her the precious gift of her niece.Nina.In truth, I owe the Signorina thanks that she interests herself in me. Shall I not repay her? These are little services one exchanges without any base thoughts in the rear.Coronato.[Gets up and goes toNina.] Hm, great secrets, great consultations with Signor Evarist?Nina.What does not concern you, does not matter to you.Coronato.Were that the case I should not interfere.[Crispinoapproaches the couple quietly to listen.]Nina.I am not subservient to you, Master Host.Coronato.Not yet, but I hope soon.Nina.Indeed! and who says so?Coronato.He has said it and promised it and sworn it, and he can and may dispose of you.Nina.[Laughing.] Perchance my brother?Coronato.Yes, your brother; and I will tell him of all the secrets, the confidence, the presents—Crispino.[Comes between them.] Ho, ho! what right have you to this girl?Coronato.I owe you no answer.Crispino.And you, what have you to discuss with Signor Evarist?Nina.Leave me in peace, both of you.Crispino.I will know!Coronato.What, you will? Command where you may command. Nina is my betrothed, her brother has promised her to me.Crispino.And I have her word, and the word of the sister is worth a thousand times more than that of the brother.Coronato.She is as good as engaged to me.Crispino.We will speak of this again. Nina, what did Signor Evarist give you?Nina.Go to the devil with you!Coronato.No answer! But stop, I saw him come out of Susanna's shop. She will tell me. [Goes towardsSusanna.]Crispino.He bought her a present. [He too goes toSusanna.]Nina.[To herself.] I shall reveal nothing. But if Susanna—Coronato.Neighbour, I beg you, what did Signor Evarist buy of you?Susanna.[Laughing.] A fan.Crispino.Do you know what he gave the girl?Susanna.What could it be but the fan?Nina.That is not true.Susanna.Why, certainly it is!Coronato.[ToNina.] Produce the fan.Crispino.[Pushing him away.] Here I command! I must see the fan.Coronato.[Raises his fist towardsCrispino.] Wait a while.Crispino.[Ditto.] Yes, you wait too.Nina.[ToSusanna.] It is all your fault.Susanna.Mine?Nina.Chatterbox!Susanna.Oh ho! [Threatens her.]Susanna.I go. Peasant girl, consort with your likes. [Retires into her shop.]Crispino.But now I will see the fan.Nina.I have not got one.Coronato.What did the gentleman give you?Nina.Your curiosity is impertinent.Coronato.I will know.Crispino.[ToCoronato.] I tell you that does not concern you.Nina.This is not the way to treat a respectable girl. [Goes towards her house.]Crispino.[Approaching her.] Tell me, Nina.Nina.No.Coronato.I must know. [He pushesCrispinoaside.][Ninahurries into the house and shuts thedoor in both their faces.]Coronato.It's your fault.Crispino.Impudent fellow!Coronato.Do not excite yourself.Crispino.I do not fear you.Coronato.Nina will be mine!Crispino.We shall see about that. And should she be, I swear—Coronato.What, threats! Do you not know to whom you speak?Crispino.I am an honest man, as all know.Coronato.And what am I, pray?Crispino.I know nothing about it.Coronato.I am an honoured innkeeper.Crispino.Honoured?Coronato.What! you doubt it?Crispino.Oh, it is not I who doubt it.Coronato.Who, then, may I ask?Crispino.All the village.Coronato.My good man, it is not about me that all talk. I do not sell old leather for new.Crispino.Nor I water for wine; nor do I trap cats at night to sell them as lamb or hare.Coronato.I swear to Heaven—[Raises his hand.]Crispino.What! [Does the same.]Coronato.The devil take me! [Feels in his pocket.]Crispino.His hand in his pocket! [Runs to his booth to fetch an implement.]Coronato.I have no knife.[Crispinoseizes the apothecary's chair andthreatens to hurl it at his adversary.Coronatotakes up a bench and swingsit atCrispino.]Scene V.The above.Timoteo, Scavezzo, Limonato,theCount.[Timoteohurrying out of his shop, pestle in hand. Limonato,out of the café with a log of firewood. Scavezzo,out of the inn with a spit.]Count.[Coming out ofGeltrude'shouse.] Peace, peace! quiet there, I command!—I, you villains, the Count Rocca Marina! Ho there, peace, I say, you rogues!Crispino.[ToCoronato.] Well, to please the Count.Coronato.Yes, thank the Count, for but for him I would have broken all the bones in your body.Count.Quiet, quiet, it is enough! I would know the reason of the strife. Go away, you others. I am here, no one else is needed.Timoteo.Is no one hurt?[LimonatoandScavezzodepart.]Count.You wish that they had cracked their skulls, contorted their arms, disjointed their legs, is it not so, Apothecary, to show us a specimen of your talents and powers?Timoteo.I seek no one's ill; but if there were wounded to heal, cripples to succour, breakages to bind up, I would gladly help them. Above all, I would with all my heart serve your worship in such an eventuality.Count.Impertinent fellow! I will have you removed.Timoteo.Honest men are not removed so easily.Count.Yes, one removes ignorant, impudent impostors of apothecaries like you.Timoteo.I am astonished to hear you talk thus, Count—you who without my pills would be dead.Count.Insolent fellow!Timoteo.And those pills you have not yet paid for.[Exit.Coronato.[Aside.] Here the Count might be of use to me.Count.Well, now, my men, tell me what is the matter, what is the reason for your quarrels?Crispino.I will tell you, sir—I will tell it before all the world. I love Nina.Coronato.And Nina will be my wife.Count.[Laughing.] Ah ha! I understand: a love quarrel; two champions of Cupid, two worthy rivals, two pretenders to the lovely Venus of our village.Crispino.If you think to make fun of me—[Moves to go away.]Count.No, stay.Coronato.The matter is serious, I assure you.Count.Yes, I believe it. You are lovers, you are rivals. By Jupiter, what a combination! Why, the very theme of the fable I was reading to Signora Geltrude just now. [Points to his book.] "There was a maiden of rare beauty"—Crispino.I understand. With your permission—Count.Where are you going? Come here!Crispino.If you will allow me, I go to finish cobbling your shoes.Count.Yes, go, that they may be ready by to-morrow.Coronato.And be careful that they are not patched with old leather.Crispino.I shall come to you when I want a fresh skin.Coronato.Thank Heaven I am no cobbler nor shoemaker!Crispino.It does not matter, you will give me a horse's skin or a cat's.Coronato.[Aside.] I know I shall kill that man.Count.What did he say of cats? Do you give us cats to eat?Coronato.Sir, I am an honest man, and this person is a rogue who persecutes me unjustly.Count.The effect of love, of rivalry. So you are in love with Nina?Coronato.Yes, sir, and I was about to seek your protection.Count.My protection? [Gives himself an important air.] Well, we will see. Are you sure she loves you in return?Coronato.To tell the truth, I fancy she loves him better than me.Count.That is bad.Coronato.But I have her brother's word.Count.A thing not much to be relied on.Coronato.Moracchio has promised it to me most faithfully.Count.So far so good, but you cannot force a woman.Coronato.Her brother can dispose of her.Count.[Hotly.] It is not true. Her brother cannot dispose of her.Coronato.But your protection.Count.My protection is all well and good. My protection is valid, my protection is powerful. But a nobleman, such as I, does not arbitrate nor dispose of a woman's heart.Coronato.But, after all, she is a peasant.Count.What does that matter? A woman's ever a woman. I distinguish the grades, the conditions, but as a whole I respect the sex.Coronato.[Aside.] I understand. Your protection is worthless.Count.How are you off for wine? have you a good supply?Coronato.I have some that is quite perfect, good and exquisite.Count.I shall come and taste it. Mine has turned out ill this year.Coronato.[Aside.] It is two years that he has sold it.Count.If yours is good, I will take a supply.Coronato.[Aside.] I do not care for this patronage.Count.Do you hear?Coronato.Yes, I hear.Count.Tell me one thing: if I were to speak to the girl, and induced her by explanations—Coronato.Your words might do something in my favour.Count.After all, you deserve to be preferred.Coronato.It seems to me, too, that between me and Crispino—Count.Oh, there is no comparison!—a man like you, educated, well dressed, a respectable person.Coronato.You are too kind.Count.I respect women, it is true, but just because of that, treating them as I treat them, I assure you, they do for me what they would do for no one else.Coronato.It is that which I thought too, but you wanted to make me doubt.Count.I do like the lawyers, who start by making difficulties. Friend, you are a man who has a good inn, who can afford to maintain a wife decently. Have confidence in me, I will take up your cause.Coronato.I beg your protection.Count.I accord it. I promise it.Coronato.If you would put yourself out to come and taste my wine—Count.Most gladly, good man. [Puts his hand on his shoulder.]Coronato.[Aside.] Two or three barrels of wine will not be ill spent here.
[An open space bounded at the back by a house bearing the inscriptionOsteria(Inn). Houses to right and left; on the left a gentleman's mansion with a low projecting terrace. The foremost house has the word Café upon a swinging shield; before its main door and windows stand small tables and chairs. It has also a back door which adjoins a little pharmacy. At the end of the right-hand side of houses, a small general store. The inn has a restaurant on the ground-floor, and on the left a small shoemaker's workshop. Right and left, between the inn and the side houses, runs the street.]
[Evaristand theBaronsit towards the front at a little table drinking coffee.Limonatoserves them.Crispinois cobbling in his booth, near to himCoronatositting beside his door, writing in a note-book. TheBootscleans the restaurant windows. In the middle of the stage sits theCountreading a book. He is dressed in a white summer costume, while theBaronandEvaristare in shooting dress, with their guns beside them.GeltrudeandCandidaon the terrace, knitting. To the rightTogninois sweeping the square,Ninais spinning before her house door, beside her standsMoracchioholding two hunting dogs by a cord. Every now and againTimoteoputs his head out of the pharmacy; in the backgroundSusanna, sewing before her shop. A pause after the rise of the curtain. All absorbed in their occupations.Crispinohammers energetically upon a shoe at which he is working.Timoteois pounding loudly in a mortar, therefore invisible.]