The Comedies of Carlo Goldoni / edited with an introduction by Helen Zimmern

by Carlo Goldoni

ACT II.

Scene I.

Susanna alone, comes out of her house and arranges her wares.

Susanna. Bad times, little business to be done in thisvillage. I have as yet sold but one fan, and that I havegiven for a price—really just to get rid of it. Thepeople who can spend take their supplies in the city.From the poor there is little to earn. I am a fool tolose my time here in the midst of these peasants,without manners, without respect, who do not knowthe difference between a shopwoman of education andthose who sell milk, salad, and eggs. My town educationstands me no stead in the country. All equal, allcompanions, Susanna, Nina, Margherita, Lucia; theshopkeeper, the goatherd, the peasant, all one. Thetwo ladies yonder are a little more considered, butlittle, very little. As for that impertinent Nina,because she is a little favoured by the gentry, shethinks she is something great. They have given hera fan. What will a peasant girl do with such a fan?Cut a dash, eh! the minx must fan herself, thus.Much good may it do you! Why, it's ridiculous, andyet these things at times make me rage. I, who havebeen well educated, I can't tolerate such absurdities.[Seats herself and works.]
Scene II.
Candida, who comes out of the mansion.
Candida. I shan't be at peace till I have cleared itup. I saw Evarist coming out of the shop and go toNina, and certainly he gave her something. I mustsee if Susanna can tell me something. Yes, aunt isright, "Mistrust all strangers." Poor me! If he proveunfaithful! It is my first love. I have loved none buthim. [Advances towards Susanna.]
Susanna. [Rises.] Ah, Signorina Candida, yourhumble servant.
Candida. Good day, Susanna. What are you workingat so busily?
Susanna. I am making a cap.
Candida. To sell?
Susanna. To sell, but Heaven knows when.
Candida. It might be that I need a nightcap.
Susanna. I have some in stock. Will you see them?
Candida. No, no, there is no hurry. Another time.
Susanna. Will you take a seat? [Offers her chair.]
Candida. And you?
Susanna. Oh, I will fetch another chair. [She goesinto the shop and brings out a second chair.] Pray sithere, you will be more comfortable.
Candida. You sit down also and go on working.
Susanna. [Does so.] What an honour you afford me!One sees at once you are well-born. He who is well-borndespises no one. The peasants here are proud,and Nina especially.
Candida. Speaking of Nina, did you notice her whenSignor Evarist spoke to her?
Susanna. Whether I noticed? I should think so.
Candida. He had a long confab with her.
Susanna. Do you know what happened after? Sucha fight as there was!
Candida. I heard a noise, an angry discussion. Theytold me Crispino and Coronato were at loggerheads.
Susanna. Precisely, and all because of this beauty,this treasure.
Candida. But why?
Susanna. Jealousy between themselves, jealousybecause of Signor Evarist.
Candida. Do you think Signor Evarist has anyfriendship for Nina?
Susanna. I know nothing. I do not concern myselfabout others' affairs, and think ill of no one; but if thehost and the shoemaker are jealous of him, they musthave their reasons.
Candida. [Aside.] Alas! the argument is but too true,to my prejudice.
Susanna. Excuse me, I should not like to make amistake.
Candida. In what?
Susanna. I hope that you take no interest in SignorEvarist?
Candida. I? Oh, none whatever! I know himbecause he sometimes comes to the house, and is afriend of my aunt's.
Susanna. Then I will tell you the truth. [Aside.]I do not think this can offend her. I almost thoughtthat between you and Signor Evarist there was someunderstanding,—of course permissible and respectable,—butsince he was with me this morning, I am of anotheropinion.
Candida. He was with you this morning?
Susanna. Yes. He came to buy a fan.
Candida. [Eagerly.] He bought a fan?
Susanna. Precisely; and as I had seen that you hadbroken yours, so to speak, on his account, I at oncesaid to myself, He buys it to give it to the SignorinaCandida.
Candida. So he bought it for me?
Susanna. Oh no, Signorina. I will confess to youI took the liberty of asking him if he were buying itfor you. He replied in a manner as if I had offendedhim, "That is not my business; what is there betweenme and the Signorina Candida? I have destined itelsewhere."
Candida. And what did he do with this fan?
Susanna. What did he do with it? He gave it toNina.
Candida. [Aside.] Oh, I am lost! I am miserable!
Susanna. [Observing her agitation.] Signorina Candida!
Candida. [Aside.] Ungrateful, unfaithful, and forwhom?—for a peasant girl!
Susanna. [With insistence.] Signorina Candida!
Candida. [Aside.] The offence is insupportable.
Susanna. [Aside.] Poor me! What have I done?—SignorinaCandida, calm yourself, it may not be thus.
Candida. Do you believe he gave the fan to Nina?
Susanna. Oh, as to that, I saw it with my owneyes.
Candida. And then you say it may not be thus?
Susanna. I do not know—I do not wish that by myfault—
Scene III.
The above. Geltrude at the door of the villa.
Susanna. See, there is your aunt.
Candida. For Heaven's sake, say nothing!
Susanna. Do not fear.—[Aside.] And she would haveme believe she does not love him! It's her own fault.Why did she not tell me the truth?
Geltrude. What are you doing here, niece?
[Candida and Susanna rise.]
Susanna. She is condescending to accord me hercompany.
Candida. I came to see if she sold nightcaps.
Susanna. Yes, it is true, she asked me about some.Oh, do not fear that your niece is not safe with me. Iam no chatterbox, and my house is most respectable.
Geltrude. Do not justify yourself without beingaccused.
Susanna. I am very sensitive, Signora.
Geltrude. Why did you not tell me you needed anightcap?
Candida. You were in your writing-room, and I didnot wish to disturb you.
Susanna. Would you like to see it? I will go andget it. I pray, sit down. [Gives her chair to Geltrude,and goes into the shop.]
Geltrude. [Seating herself, to Candida.] Have you heardnothing of this encounter between the shoemaker andthe host?
Candida. They say it is a matter of love and jealousy.They say Nina is the cause.
Geltrude. I am sorry, for she is a good girl.
Candida. Oh, aunt, excuse me; I have heard thingsabout her of a nature that would make it better weshould no longer let her come to the house.
Geltrude. Why? What have they told you?
Candida. I will tell you after. Do as I do, aunt;don't receive her any more, and you will do well.
Geltrude. Since she came more often to see you thanto see me, I leave you free to treat her as you please.
Candida. [Aside.] The minx! she will not have theimpudence to appear before me.
Susanna. [Returning.] Here are the caps, ladies; see,choose, and content yourselves. [All three occupied withthe caps, and speaking softly among themselves.]
Scene IV.
The above. The Count and the Baron come out of the inn.
Count. I am glad you have confided in me. Leavethe rest to me, and do not fear.
Baron. I know you are Signora Geltrude's friend.
Count. Oh, friend!—well, I will tell you. She is alady who has some talents; I like literature, I conversewith her more willingly than with any other. Forthe rest, she is a poor city dame. Her husband lefther this wretched house and some acres of ground,and, in order to be respected in this village, she needsmy protection.
Baron. Long live the Count who protects widowsand fair ladies!
Count. What would you have? In this world onemust be good for something.
Baron. Then you will do me the favour—
Count. Do not fear, I will speak to her; I will askher niece's hand for a cavalier, who is my friend, andwhen I have asked her I am sure she will not have thecourage to say no.
Baron. Tell her who I am.
Count. To what purpose, when it is I who ask?
Baron. But you ask for me.
Count. For you.
Baron. You know precisely who I am.
Count. How should I not know your titles, yourfaculties, your honours! Oh, we members of thearistocracy all know each other.
Baron. [Aside.] How I should laugh at him if I hadnot need of him!
Count. My dear colleague!
Baron. What is it?
Count. Behold Signora Geltrude and her niece.
Baron. They are busy; I do not think they haveseen us.
Count. Certainly not. If Signora Geltrude had seenme, she would have moved instantly.
Baron. When will you speak to her?
Count. At once if you like.
Baron. It is not well I should be there. Speak to her.I will wait at the apothecary's. I am in your hands.
Count. Good-bye, dear colleague and friend.
Baron. Good-bye, beloved colleague. [Embraces him.][Aside.] He is the maddest March hare in the world.
Count. [Calling aloud.] Signora Geltrude!
Geltrude. [Rising.] Oh, Count, excuse me! I did notsee you.
Count. I beg, give me a word.
Susanna. Pray approach. My shop is at your service.
Count. No, no; I have something private to say.Excuse the trouble, but I beg you come here.
Geltrude. In a moment. Allow me to pay for a capI have bought, and then I am at your disposal. [Pullsout a purse to pay Susanna, and to prolong the moment.]
Count. What! you would pay at once! I never hadthat vice.
Scene V.
Coronato comes out of the inn with Scavezzo, who carriesa barrel of wine on his shoulders.
Coronato. Honoured sir, this is the barrel of winefor you.
Count. And the second?
Coronato. After this I will bring the second. Whereshall we take it?
Count. To my palace.
Coronato. To whom shall I consign it?
Count. To my steward, if he is there.
Coronato. I am afraid he is not there.
Count. Give it to any one you find.
Coronato. All right. Let us go.
Scavezzo. The Count will give me some drink money.
Count. Take care not to drink my wine, and don'tput water to it.—[To Coronato.] Don't let him go alone.
Coronato. Never fear, never fear! I go too.
Scavezzo. [Aside.] No, no, don't fear; between themaster and me we have prepared it by now.	[Exit.
Geltrude. [Who has paid, advances towards the Count.Susanna is seated, and works. Candida remains seated.They whisper together.] Here I am, Count, and what is ityou wish?
Count. In a few words, will you give me your niece?
Geltrude. Give? What do you mean by give?
Count. What? don't you understand? In marriage.
Geltrude. To you?
Count. Not to me, but to a person I know andpropose.
Geltrude. I will tell you, Count: you know my niecehas lost her parents, and, being the daughter of my onlybrother, I have undertaken to fill for her a mother's place.
Count. All these, excuse me, are useless discourses.
Geltrude. Excuse me. Let me come to my point.
Count. Well, what then?
Geltrude. Candida has not inherited enough from herfather to suffice to marry her in her own rank.
Count. It does not matter; it is no question of thathere.
Geltrude. Let me finish. My husband left me anample provision.
Count. I know.
Geltrude. I have no children.
Count. And you will give her a dowry?
Geltrude. Yes, when the match shall meet her favour.
Count. Oh yes, that is the needful point. But I amproposing this match, and when I propose, it must meether favour.
Geltrude. I am certain that the Count is incapable ofproposing other than an acceptable person, but I hopehe will do me the honour to tell me who this person is.
Count. A colleague of mine.
Geltrude. What! a colleague! What does that mean?
Count. A nobleman, like yourself.
Geltrude. Signore—
Count. Do not raise objections.
Geltrude. Pray let me speak. If you will not let me,I shall go.
Count. Come, come, be gracious! Speak, I listen. Iam amiable, complaisant with ladies. I listen to you.
Geltrude. I will tell you what I feel in a few words.A title makes the honour of a house, but not of a person.I do not think my niece is ambitious, nor am I inclinedto sacrifice her to the idol of vanity.
Count. [Laughing.] Ah, one sees that you read fables.
Geltrude. Such feelings are not learnt from fables nornovels. Nature inspires them and education cultivatesthem.
Count. Nature, education, all you will. He whom Ipropose is the Baron del Cedro.
Geltrude. The Baron is in love with my niece?
Count. Oui, Madame.
Geltrude. I know him and respect him.
Count. You see what a good match I propose to you.
Geltrude. He is a gentleman of merit.
Count. And my colleague.
Geltrude. He is perhaps a trifle free of speech, butwithout harm.
Count. Well, now, your answer, I beg?
Geltrude. Adagio, adagio, Count. Such matters arenot decided all in a moment. I should like the Baronto have the goodness to speak to me.
Count. Excuse me, if I say a thing, there can be nodoubt about it. I woo on his behalf, and he has beggedmy intercession, implored me—And I speak to you, begyou—that is to say, I do not beg you, I demand ofyou—
Geltrude. Let us admit that the Baron is in earnest.
Count. By Jupiter, what is this we are to admit? thething is certain when I say so.
Geltrude. Admitted, then, that the thing is certain.The Baron desires her, you demand her. It is alwaysneedful I should ask Candida if she assents.
Count. She cannot know about it unless you tell her.
Geltrude. [Ironically.] Have the goodness to believethat I shall tell her.
Count. Here she comes. Speak to her about it.
Geltrude. I will speak to her.
Count. Go, then, and I will wait you here.
Geltrude. [Bowing.] Excuse me.—[Aside.] If theBaron is in earnest, it would indeed be a piece of goodluck for my niece, but I doubt. [Goes towards Susanna.]
Count. Ha, ha! with my good manners I attain frompeople all I want. [Takes a book from his pocket, seatshimself, and reads.]
Geltrude. Candida, I have to speak to you. Let ustake a turn.
Susanna. Will you go into my little garden? Youwill be quite free there.
Geltrude. Yes, let us go there, because I must comeback here at once.
Candida. [Aside.] What can she want to tell me? Iam too miserable to expect any good news. [Both intothe shop.]
Count. She is capable of keeping me waiting here foran hour. It is well that I have this book to entertainme. What a beautiful thing is literature! A man witha good book to hand is never alone. [Reads.]
Scene VI.
Count. Nina comes out of her house.
Nina. Well, one good thing, the dinner is ready, sowhen that fellow Moracchio comes he can't scold me.No one is looking. I had better go now and take thefan to Signorina Candida. If I can give it her withouther aunt seeing, I will; if not, I'll wait anotherchance.
Count. Why, Nina, Nina. Ho, here, my girl! [Goestowards the villa.]
Nina. Signore. [Turns to look at him.]
Count. A word.
Nina. [Aside.] I did not need this impediment.
Count. [Aside.] I must not neglect Coronato. I havepromised him my protection, and he merits it. [Gets upand puts aside his book.]
Nina. Here I am. What would you, sir?
Count. Where were you going?
Nina. To do my own business, sir.
Count. What! You reply like that to me, with suchaudacity, such impertinence?
Nina. How would you have me speak? I speak asI know how; I am not used to converse. I speaklike that with every one, and no one has told me I amimpertinent.
Count. You must distinguish the people with whomyou speak.
Nina. I don't know how to distinguish. If you wantsomething, say it! If you want to amuse yourself, Ihave no time to lose with your worship.
Count. Come hither.
Nina. I am here.
Count. Would you like to marry?
Nina. Yes, sir.
Count. That is well; you please me now.
Nina. Oh, what I have in my heart, I have in mymouth.
Count. Would you like me to find you a husband?
Nina. No, sir.
Count. How no?
Nina. How no? Because it's no, because to marryI have no need of you.
Count. Do you not need my protection?
Nina. No, indeed, not a bit of it.
Count. Do you understand all I can do in thisvillage?
Nina. You may be able to do all in the village, butyou can do nothing in my marriage.
Count. I can do nothing?
Nina. [Smiling gently.] Nothing, in truth, nothing,nothing.
Count. You are in love with Crispino.
Nina. He is to my taste.
Count. And you prefer him to that worthy man, tothat rich man, that admirable man, Coronato?
Nina. I would prefer him to others far better thanCoronato.
Count. You would prefer him to any other?
Nina. [Laughing, and making him understand that sherefers to him.] Oh, and if you knew to whom, forinstance!
Count. And to whom would you prefer him, then?
Nina. To what end? Do not make me chatter.
Count. No, because you would be capable of sayingsome impertinence.
Nina. Do you want anything else of me?
Count. Simply this: I protect your brother, yourbrother has given his word for you to Coronato, and youmust marry Coronato.
Nina. [With affectation.] Your worship protects mybrother?
Count. Just so.
Nina. And my brother has given his word toCoronato?
Count. Just so.
Nina. Well, if things be so—
Count. Well?
Nina. Let my brother marry the host.
Count. I swear that you shall never marry Crispino.
Nina. No? And why?
Count. I shall send him away from this village.
Nina. I shall go and seek for him wherever he is.
Count. I shall have him beaten.
Nina. Oh, as for that, he will think about it.
Count. What would you do if he were dead?
Nina. I do not know.
Count. Would you take another?
Nina. It might be.
Count. Imagine that he is dead.
Nina. Sir, I can neither read, nor write, nor reckon.
Count. Saucy girl!
Nina. Do you want anything else?
Count. Go to the devil!
Nina. Show me the road!
Count. I swear, were you not a woman—
Nina. What would you do?
Count. Go hence, I say!
Nina. I obey at once, for I am well bred.
Count. Well bred? and goes off and does not salute!
Nina. Oh, pardon me. I am till death your worship'sobedient servant. [Laughs and runs towards thevilla.]
Count. [With scorn.] Rustica progenies nescit haberemodum. I do not know what to do. If she does notwant Coronato, I can't force her. It is not my fault.What on earth does he want a wife for, who does notwant him? Are women scarce? I will find him onebetter than this. He shall see what my protection isworth.
Scene VII.
The above, and Geltrude and Candida outside the shop.
Count. Well, Signora Geltrude?
Geltrude. Count, my niece is a prudent girl.
Count. Well, then, briefly?
Geltrude. Count, permit me.
Count. Pardon me, but if you knew what I haveendured with a woman—it is true, another woman—[Aside.]But all women are alike.—Well, then, whatdoes niece Candida say?
Geltrude. If the Baron really—
Count. Really! out upon your suspicions!
Geltrude. Admitting the condition and the circumstances,my niece is content to marry the Baron.
Count. Bravo! [Aside.] This time at least I havehad a success.
Candida. [Aside.] All to revenge myself on thatfalse Evarist!
Geltrude. [Aside.] I certainly did not think shewould consent. I fancied another affection held her,but I see I erred.
Scene VIII.
Nina on the terrace. The above.
Nina. She is not here, and I can find her nowhere.Oh, there she is!
Count. Consequently the Signorina Candida marriesthe Baron del Cedro.
Nina. [Aside.] What do I hear? What will sheanswer?
Geltrude. She will do it as soon as the conditions—
Count. [To Candida.] What conditions do you put?
Candida. None, sir; I marry him in any case.
Count. Excellent Signorina Candida! I like you thus.[Aside.] Ah, when I have to do with matters, all goesswimmingly.
Nina. [Aside.] But this is a terrible business! PoorSignor Evarist! It is useless for me to give the fan toSignorina Candida.	[Exit.
Geltrude. [Aside.] I deceived myself. She loves theBaron, and I thought her attracted to Signor Evarist.
Count. If you will allow me, I will go and give thisgood news to the Baron, to my dear friend, my dearcolleague.
Geltrude. And where is the Baron?
Count. He expects me at the apothecary's. Do as Ibeg. Go to the house, and I will conduct him to you atonce.
Geltrude. What do you say, niece?
Candida. Yes, he can speak with you.
Count. And with you?
Candida. I will do whatever my aunt wishes.—[Aside.]I shall die, but I shall die avenged.
Count. I go at once. Expect us, we will come to you.As the hour is so advanced, it would not be amiss if youinvited him to dinner.
Geltrude. What! the first time!
Count. Oh, these are exaggerated considerations. Hewill gladly accept, I answer for him, and to induce him,I will stay too.	[Exit.
Geltrude. Let us go, then, and await them.
Candida. Yes, let us go.
Geltrude. What is the matter with you? Do you doit willingly?
Candida. Yes, willingly.—[Aside.] I have given myword, it is irremediable.
Geltrude. [Aside.] Poor child, I pity her. In thesecases, notwithstanding one's love, one feels confused.[Goes towards the villa.]
Scene IX.
Nina on the terrace, and the above.
Nina. Oh, Signorina Candida!
Candida. [Angrily.] What are you doing here?
Nina. I came to look for you.
Candida. Go away, and do not presume to set foot inour house again!
Nina. What! this affront to me?
Candida. What affront? You are an unworthycreature, and I cannot and will not tolerate youlonger. [Enters the villa.]
Geltrude. [Aside.] This is a little too severe.
Nina. I am amazed, Signora Geltrude.
Geltrude. I am indeed sorry for the mortification youhave had, but my niece is a person of good judgment,and if she has treated you ill, she must have herreasons.
Nina. What reasons can she have? I am astonishedat her.
Geltrude. Come, come, do not forget your respect; donot raise your voice.
Nina. I will go and seek justification.
Geltrude. No, no, stay here. It is no good now, do itafter.
Nina. And I tell you, I will go now!
Geltrude. Do not presume to pass this door. [Placesherself on the threshold.]
Scene X.
The above. Count and Baron going from the apothecary'sto the villa.
Count. Come, come, let us go.
Baron. I must go.
Geltrude. [To Nina.] Impudent lass! [Goes in andthrows to the door at the moment that the Count andBaron are about to enter. She does not see them.]
[Nina goes away angered. Count remains speechless, looking at the closed door.]
Baron. What, they shut the door in our faces!
Count. In our faces? No, it is impossible!
Baron. Impossible, you say! But it is a fact.
Nina. This insult to me! [Walks up and downtrembling.]
Count. Let us go and knock.
Nina. [Aside.] If they go in, I will get in too.
Baron. No, stay; I want to know no more. I do notwish to expose myself to fresh insults. You haveserved me but ill. They have laughed at you, and madefun of me on your account.
Count. [Hotly.] What way of speaking is this?
Baron. And I demand satisfaction!
Count. From whom?
Baron. From you.
Count. In what manner?
Baron. Sword in hand!
Count. With the sword! But it's twenty years thatI am in this village, and that I no longer use a sword.
Baron. With pistols, then. [Draws two pistols fromhis pocket.]
Nina. [Running towards the house.] Pistols! hi, folks,here! pistols! They are murdering each other.
Scene XI.
The above. Geltrude on the terrace.
Geltrude. But, gentlemen, what is this?
Count. Why did you bolt the door in our faces?
Geltrude. I? Excuse me, I am incapable of such avile action with whomsoever it should be; how little,then, with you and the Baron, who deigns to condescendto my niece!
Count. [To the Baron.] You hear!
Baron. But, Madame, at the very moment we wantedto come to you, the door was closed in our faces.
Geltrude. I assure you I did not see you. I closedthe door to hinder that saucy girl Nina from entering.
Nina. [Puts her head, out of her own door.] What?saucy! saucy yourself!
Count. Quiet the impudent lass!
Geltrude. Will you enter, pray? I will give ordersthat the door be opened.
Count. [To the Baron.] You hear?
Baron. I have nothing more to say.
Count. What will you do with these pistols?
Baron. Excuse my acute sense of honour. [Puts awaythe pistols.]
Count. And you mean to present yourself to two ladieswith two pistols in your pocket?
Baron. I always carry them in the country for self-defence.
Count. But if they knew you had these pistols,—youknow what women are,—they would not come nearyou.
Baron. You are right. Thank you for warning me,and, as a sign of good friendship, allow me to presentyou with them. [Draws one from his pocket and presentsit.]
Count. [Nervously.] A present to me?
Baron. Yes; surely you will not refuse it?
Count. I accept it because it comes from your hands.But they are not loaded?
Baron. What a question! Do you expect me to carryempty pistols?
Count. Wait! Ho there, café!
Limonato. [From out his shop.] What would you, sir?
Count. Take these pistols and keep them till I askyou for them.
Limonato. At your service. [Takes the pistols fromthe Baron.]
Count. Take care, they are loaded!
Limonato. [Laughing.] Oh, I know how to managethem.
Count. Take care, no follies!
Limonato. [Aside.] The Count is courageous, truly.
Count. I thank you, and shall value them.—[Aside.]To-morrow I will sell them.
Tognino. [From the villa.] Gentlemen, my mistressexpects you.
Count. Let us go.
Baron. Yes, let us go.
Count. Well, what do you say? Am I a man of myword? Ah, dear colleague, we noblemen—our protectionis worth something.
[Nina comes out of her house softly, and goes behind them to enter. Tognino has let the Count and Baron pass, and remains on the threshold. Nina wants to enter. Tognino stops her.]
Tognino. You have nothing to do here.
Nina. Yes, but I have.
Tognino. My orders are not to let you pass. [Goes inand shuts the door.]
Nina. I am furious!—I feel choking with rage! Thisinsult to me—to a girl of my kind! [Stamps with rage.]
Scene XII.
Evarist from the street, his gun, on his shoulder, andMoracchio with a gun in his hand and bag with game,and the dogs tied by a cord. The above.
Evarist. Here, take my gun, and keep those partridgestill I dispose of them. [Seats himself before the café.]
Moracchio. Never fear, I will take care of them.—[ToNina.] Is dinner ready?
Nina. Quite ready.
Moracchio. What on earth is the matter? You arealways angry with all the world, and then complainof me.
Nina. Oh, it's true, we are relations, there is no gainsayingit.
Moracchio. Come, let us go in and dine. It is time.
Nina. Yes, yes, go. I will come after.—[Aside.] Iwant to speak to Signor Evarist.
Moracchio. Yes, come; if not, I shall eat all. [Goes intothe house.]
Nina. If I ate now, I should eat poison.
Evarist. [Aside.] No one on the terrace! Doubtlessthey are at dinner. It is better I go to the inn, theBaron expects me. [Rises.] Well, Nina, nothing newto tell me?
Nina. Oh yes, sir, I have something to tell you.
Evarist. Have you given my fan?
Nina. Here it is, your accursed fan!
Evarist. What does this mean? Could you notgive it?
Nina. I have received a thousand insults, a thousandimpertinences, and have been chased from the houselike a good-for-nothing.
Evarist. Then Signora Geltrude noticed it?
Nina. Oh, not only Signora Geltrude. The greatestinsults came from Signorina Candida.
Evarist. But why? What did you do to her?
Nina. I did nothing to her, sir.
Evarist. You told her you had a fan for her?
Nina. How could I tell her when she never gave metime, but sent me off like a thief?
Evarist. But there must be some reason.
Nina. For my part, I know I have done nothing toher. But all this ill-treatment, I am sure, I am certain,has been done to me because of you.
Evarist. Because of me? The Signorina Candida,who loves me so much!
Nina. Does the Signorina Candida love you so much?
Evarist. There is no doubt about it. I am sure of it.
Nina. Oh yes, I too can assure you that she loves youmuch, much, much.
Evarist. You put me into a terrible agitation.
Nina. [Ironically.] Go, go and seek your lady-love,your dear one.
Evarist. And why should I not go?
Nina. Because the place is taken!
Evarist. [Anxiously.] By whom?
Nina. By Baron del Cedro.
Evarist. The Baron is in the house?
Nina. Why should he not be in the house, seeing heis to marry the Signorina Candida?
Evarist. Nina, you dream—you are raving! you donothing but talk absurdities!
Nina. You don't believe me? Well, go and see, andyou will know if I speak the truth.
Evarist. In Signora Geltrude's house?
Nina. And in Signorina Candida's.
Evarist. The Baron!
Nina. Del Cedro.
Evarist. Marries Signorina Candida!
Nina. I have seen it with these eyes, and heard itwith these ears.
Evarist. It cannot be! It is impossible! You talknonsense.
Nina. Go, see for yourself. Listen, and you will soonlearn if I talk nonsense.
Evarist. I will see at once! [Runs to the villa andknocks.]
Nina. Poor fool, he trusts in the love of a city girl.The city girls are not as we are.
[Evarist goes on knocking. Tognino opens and looks out of the door.]
Evarist. Well, what is it?
Tognino. Excuse me, I can let no one pass.
Evarist. Have you told them it is I?
Tognino. I have.
Evarist. To Signorina Candida?
Tognino. To Signorina Candida.
Evarist. And Signora Geltrude does not wish that Ishould come in?
Tognino. Yes, Signora Geltrude had said you mightpass, but Signorina Candida did not wish it.
Evarist. Did not wish it? I swear to Heaven Iwill come in! [Tries to push aside Tognino, who boltsthe door.]
Nina. Well, and what did I tell you?
Evarist. I am beside myself! I do not know in whatworld I am. To shut the door in my face!
Nina. Oh, do not be amazed! They treated me inthe same beautiful way.
Evarist. How is it possible Candida could thusdeceive me?
Nina. What is a fact cannot be doubted.
Evarist. I still do not believe it—I cannot believeit—I will never believe it!
Nina. You do not believe it?
Evarist. No; there must be some mistake, some mystery.I know Candida's heart. She is incapable of this!
Nina. All right. Console yourself that way, andenjoy your consolation. Much good may it do you!
Evarist. I absolutely must speak to Candida.
Nina. But since she won't receive you?
Evarist. It does not matter. There must be someother reason! I will go into the café. It will beenough for me to see her, to hear a word from her. Asign alone from her will suffice to assure me of life orto give me my death-blow.
Nina. Well, take it.
Scene XIII.
Coronato and Scavezzo return. Scavezzo goes straightto the inn. Coronato remains aside to listen. Theabove.
Evarist. What do you want to give me?
Nina. Why, your fan!
Evarist. Keep it. Don't torment me.
Nina. You give me this fan?
Evarist. Yes, yes, keep it, I give it you.—[Aside.] Iam beside myself!
Nina. If it is so, I thank you.
Coronato. [Aside.] Ho, ho! now I know what the presentwas! A fan. [Goes to the inn without being seen.]
Evarist. But if Candida won't let me see her—if bychance she does not look out of the window—if seeingme she refuses to listen to me—if her aunt forbids her!I am in a sea of confusion, of agitation.
[Crispino, with a sack full of leather and shoes on his shoulder, goes towards his booth. Seeing the two, he stops to listen.]
Nina. Dear Signor Evarist, you make me sad; I amdeeply grieved for you.
Evarist. Yes, my good girl, I deserve your pity.
Nina. So good, amiable, and polite a gentleman.
Evarist. You know my heart, you bear testimony tomy love.
Crispino. [Aside.] Nice things these! I see I came intime.
Nina. Indeed, if I knew how to comfort you—
Crispino. [Aside.] Better and better!
Evarist. Well, at all costs I will try my luck. I willnot have to reproach myself that I neglected to clearup the matter. I go to the café, Nina; I go and tremble.Retain to me your friendship and good-will. [He takesher hand, and goes into the café.]
Nina. On the one hand he makes me laugh, on theother I am sorry for him.
[Crispino puts down his sack, pulls out some shoes, puts them on the bench, and goes into his shop without speaking.]
Nina. Why, here is Crispino! Welcome back!Where have you been till now?
Crispino. Don't you see, to buy leather and to takeshoes for mending.
Nina. But you do nothing but mend old shoes. Iwould not have people say—you know they are so ill-naturedhere—
Crispino. The evil tongues will find more to sayabout you than about me.
Nina. About me! What can they say?
Crispino. What do I care what they say—that I ammore of a cobbler than a shoemaker? It is enough for meto be an honest man, and to earn my bread righteously.[He sits down and works.]
Nina. But I don't want to be called the cobbleress.
Crispino. When?
Nina. When I shall be your wife.
Crispino. Eh?
Nina. Eh! What does this eh! mean? what doesthis eh! mean?
Crispino. It means that Signorina Nina will beneither cobbleress nor shoemakeress; she has aims mostvast and grand.
Nina. Are you mad, or have you drunk this morning?
Crispino. I am not mad, I have not drunk, but I amneither blind nor deaf.
Nina. Then what the devil do you mean? Explainyourself if you would have me understand you.
Crispino. I am to explain myself! You would haveme explain myself? Do you think I have not heardyour fine words with Signor Evarist?
Nina. With Signor Evarist?
Crispino. [Imitating Evarist.] Yes, my good girl, youknow my heart; you bear testimony to my love.
Nina. [Laughing.] You silly fellow!
Crispino. [Imitating Nina.] Indeed, if I knew how tocomfort you—
Nina. [Laughing.] Silly fellow, I say!
Crispino. [Imitating Evarist.] Nina, retain to meyour friendship and good-will.
Nina. [Laughing yet more.] Sillier than ever!
Crispino. I?
Nina. Yes, absurd; madly absurd!
Crispino. But, by Jove, did I not see, did I not hearyour beautiful conversation with Signor Evarist?
Nina. Silly boy, I tell you!
Crispino. And what you replied.
Nina. Silly boy!
Crispino. Nina, have done with this "silly," or I shallgo silly in very deed. [Threatens her.]
Nina. Eh! eh! [Becomes serious, and changes hertune.] But do you really think Signor Evarist lovesme?
Crispino. I know nothing about it.
Nina. Come here. Listen. [Speaks rapidly.] SignorEvarist loves Signorina Candida; and SignorinaCandida has planted him, and wants to marry theBaron. And Signor Evarist is desperate, and came topour out his heart to me; and I pretended to besympathetic to make fun of him, and he let himself becomforted that way. Do you understand now?
Crispino. Not a word.
Nina. Are you persuaded of my innocence?
Crispino. Not entirely.
Nina. Then, if things are thus, go to the devil withyou! Coronato desires me, seeks me; my brother haspromised me to him. The Count, who respects me,implores—I shall marry Coronato.
Crispino. Come, come, don't be so angry instantly.Can you assure me you speak the truth—that there isnothing between you and Signor Evarist?
Nina. And you do not wish me to call you silly!But, my own good Crispino, whom I love so much, mydear betrothed! [She caresses him.]
Crispino. [Gently.] And what did Signor Evarist giveyou?
Nina. Nothing.
Crispino. Nothing? nothing? nothing?
Nina. When I tell you nothing, nothing—[Aside.]I do not want him to know about the fan, or he willsuspect me again.
Crispino. Can I be sure?
Nina. Come, come, you tease me.
Crispino. You love me?
Nina. Yes, I love you.
Crispino. Well, then, let us make peace. [He takes herhand.]
Nina. [Laughing.] Silly fellow.
Crispino. [Laughing.] But why silly?
Nina. Because you are.
Scene XIV.
Coronato, who comes out of the inn. The above.
Coronato. At last I know what present SignorinaNina has had.
Nina. What business is that of yours?
Crispino. [To Coronato.] From whom has she had apresent?
Coronato. From Signor Evarist.
Nina. It is not true.
Crispino. It is not true?
Coronato. But it is, and I know, too, what it is.
Nina. Well, be it what it be, it does not concern you.I love Crispino, and shall be the wife of my Crispino.
Crispino. [To Coronato.] Well, what is the present?
Coronato. A fan.
Crispino. [Angrily to Nina.] A fan?
Nina. [Aside.] Confound that fellow!
Crispino. [To Nina.] Did you receive a fan?
Nina. It is not true.
Coronato. It is so true, that you have it in your pocket.
Crispino. I wish to see that fan.
Nina. No, no!
Coronato. I will find the means to make her show it.
Nina. You are an interfering fellow.
Scene XV.
Moracchio from out the house, a table napkin in his hand,eating.
Moracchio. What's all this noise about?
Coronato. Your sister has had a fan given her, it is inher pocket, and she denies it.
Moracchio. [Sternly.] Give me that fan.
Nina. Leave me alone.
Moracchio. Give me that fan, or, I swear by Heaven—[Threatens her.]
Nina. Confound you all! Here it is.
Crispino. [Wants to take it.] I want it.
Coronato. No; I.
Nina. Leave me alone, I say!
Moracchio. Quick, give it here. I want it.
Nina. No; rather than to you or Coronato, I will giveit to Crispino.
Moracchio. Give it to me, I say!
Nina. To Crispino! [Gives the fan to Crispino, andruns into the house.]
Coronato. Give it here.
Moracchio. Give it here.
Crispino. You shall not have it.
[Both fall on Crispino to yet it from him. He escapes from the scene, they follow him.]
Scene XVI.
The Count on the terrace. Timoteo outside his shop.
Count. Hi! Signor Timoteo!
Timoteo. What do you command?
Count. Quick, quick, bring spirits and cordials!Signorina Candida has fainted!
Timoteo. Instantly. [Returns into the shop.]
Count. What was she looking at? One would thinksome poisonous plants grew in the garden of the café.	[Exit.
[Crispino crosses the stage, running. Coronato and Moracchio run after him, and all three disappear.]
Baron. [From the villa to the apothecary.] Quick,quick, Signor Timoteo!
Timoteo. [Advancing with various phials and cups.]Here I am.
Baron. Quick, quick!
Timoteo. All right, all right. [Goes up to the door.]
[Crispino, Coronato, Moracchio, from outside the scene, run furiously across the stage, knock against Timoteo, throw him down, breaking all his bottles. Crispino falls over him and loses hold of the fan. Coronato snatches it up and runs off. Timoteo gets up and returns to his shop.]
Coronato. [To Moracchio.] Here it is, here it is! Ihave got it!	[Exit.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

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