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

by Carlo Goldoni

ACT II.

Scene I.—Geronte and Dorval.

Ger. Let us go on with our game, and talk no more of it.

Dor. But it concerns your nephew.

Ger. A blockhead! A helpless creature, who is the slave of his wife, and the victim of his vanity.

Dor. More gentleness, my friend, more gentleness.

Ger. And you, with your calmness, you will drive me mad.

Dor. What I say is right.

Ger. Take a chair. [Sits down.]

Dor. [In a compassionate tone, while he is going to the chair.] Poor young man!

Ger. Let us see the game of yesterday.

Dor. [In the same tone.] You will lose—

Ger. Perhaps not; let us see—

Dor. I say you will lose—

Ger. No, I am sure not.

Dor. Unless you assist him, you will certainly lose him.

Ger. Lose whom?

Dor. Your nephew.

Ger. [With impatience.] Eh! I was speaking of the game. Sit down.

Dor. I will play willingly, but first listen to me—

Ger. You are always talking to me of Dalancourt.

Dor. Well, if it be so?

Ger. I will not listen to you.

Dor. Then you hate him—

Ger. No, sir, I hate nobody.

Dor. But if you do not wish—

Ger. No more—play. Let us go on with the game, or I shall go away.

Dor. One single word, and I have done.

Ger. Very well.

Dor. You have some property?

Ger. Yes, thank Heaven!

Dor. More than you want?

Ger. Yes, some over with which I can serve my friends.

Dor. And you will give nothing to your nephew?

Ger. Not a farthing.

Dor. It follows—

Ger. It follows?

Dor. That you hate him.

Ger. It follows that you do not know what you say. I hate, I detest his manner of thinking, his abominable conduct; to give him money would be only to nourish his vanity, his prodigality, his folly. Let him change his system, and I will change when he does. I wish repentance to deserve favours, not favours to prevent repentance.

Dor. [After a moment's silence, he seems convinced, and says, with much gentleness] Let us play.

Ger. Let us play.

Dor. I am distressed at it.	}	[Playing.]
Ger. Check to the king.
Dor. And this poor girl!

Ger. Who?
Dor. Angelica.
Ger. [Leaving the game.] Ah, as to her, it is anotheraffair. Speak to me of her.
Dor. She must suffer, too.
Ger. I have thought of it, and have foreseen it. Ishall marry her.
Dor. Excellent! she deserves it.
Ger. Is she not a most engaging young lady?
Dor. Yes, truly.
Ger. Happy is the man who shall possess her.[Reflects a moment, and then calls] Dorval!
Dor. My friend?
Ger. Hear me.
Dor. [Rising.] What would you say?
Ger. If you wish her, I will give her to you.
Dor. Who?
Ger. My niece.
Dor. What?
Ger. What! what! are you deaf? Do you notunderstand me? [Animated.] I speak clearly—if youwish to have her, I give her to you.
Dor. Ah! ah!
Ger. And if you marry her, besides her fortune, Iwill give her of my own a hundred thousand francs.Eh! what say you to it?
Dor. My friend, you do me much honour.
Ger. I know who you are; I am certain by this stepto secure the happiness of my niece.
Dor. But—
Ger. But what?
Dor. Her brother?
Ger. Her brother! Her brother has nothing to dowith it; it is for me to dispose of her; the law, thewill of my brother—I am master here. Come, makehaste, decide upon the spot.
Dor. Your proposal is not to be decided on in amoment. You are too impetuous.
Ger. I see no obstacle; if you love her, if you esteemher, if she suits you, it is all done.
Dor. But—
Ger. But—but—Let us hear your but.
Dor. Does the disproportion between sixteen andforty-five years appear to you a trifle?
Ger. Nothing at all. You are still a young man;and I know Angelica, she has no foolish notions.
Dor. She may have a liking for some other person?
Ger. She has none.
Dor. Are you sure of it?
Ger. Most certain; quick—let us conclude it. I willgo to my notary's; he shall draw up the contract: sheis yours.
Dor. Softly, my friend, softly.
Ger. [With heat.] What now? Do you wish still tovex me—to annoy me with your slowness—with yourcold blood?
Dor. Then you wish—
Ger. Yes, to give you a sensible, honest, virtuousgirl, with a hundred thousand crowns for her fortune,and a hundred thousand livres at her marriage. PerhapsI affront you?
Dor. By no means; you do me an honour I do notdeserve.
Ger. [With warmth.] Your modesty on this occasionis most inopportune.
Dor. Do not get angry; do you wish me to take her?
Ger. Yes.
Dor. Then I take her—
Ger. [With joy.] Indeed!
Dor. But on condition—
Ger. Of what?
Dor. That Angelica consents to it.
Ger. Do you make no other obstacle?
Dor. No other.
Ger. I am delighted. I answer for her.
Dor. So much the better if you are sure.
Ger. Most sure—most certain. Embrace me, mydear nephew.
Dor. Let us embrace, my dear uncle.
[Dalancourt enters by the middle door; sees his uncle; listens as he passes; goes towards his own apartment, but stops at his own door to listen.]
Ger. This is the happiest day of my life.
Dor. My dear friend, how very kind you are!
Ger. I am going to the notary's. This very day itshall all be concluded. [Calls.] Piccardo!
Enter Piccardo.
Ger. My cane and hat.
[Exit Piccardo.
Dor. I will now go home.
[Piccardo returns, and gives his master his cane and hat, and withdraws. Dalancourt is still at his door.]
Ger. No, no, you must wait here for me; I will soonreturn. You must dine with me.
Dor. I have to write; I must send for my agent,who is a league from Paris.
Ger. Go into my room and write; send your letterby Piccardo. Yes, Piccardo will carry it himself;Piccardo is an excellent young man—sensible—faithful.Sometimes I scold him, but I am very fond of him.
Dor. Well, since you are determined, it shall be so;I will write in your room.
Ger. Now it is all concluded.
Dor. Yes, we agree.
Ger. [Taking his hand.] Your word of honour?
Dor. [Giving his hand.] My word of honour.
Ger. My dear nephew!
[Exit at the last words, showing joy.
Scene II.—Dalancourt and Dorval.
Dor. In truth, all this seems to me a dream. Imarry!—I, who have never thought of such a thing!
Dal. Ah, my dear friend, I know not how to expressmy gratitude to you.
Dor. For what?
Dal. Did I not hear what my uncle said? He lovesme, he feels for me; he has gone to his notary; he hasgiven you his word of honour. I see plainly what youhave done for me; I am the most fortunate man in theworld.
Dor. Do not flatter yourself so much, my dear friend,for the good fortune you imagine has not the leastfoundation in truth.
Dal. How then?
Dor. I hope, in time, to be able to do you a servicewith him; and hereafter I may have some title tointerest myself in your behalf; but till then—
Dal. [With warmth.] For what, then, did he give youhis word of honour?
Dor. I will tell you at once; he did me the honourto propose your sister to me as a wife.
Dal. [With joy.] My sister! Do you accept?
Dor. Yes, if you approve it.
Dal. You overwhelm me with joy; you surprise me.As regards her fortune, you know my situation.
Dor. About that we will say nothing.
Dal. My dear brother, let me, with all my heart,embrace you.
Dor. I flatter myself that your uncle on thisoccasion—
Dal. Here is a connection to which I shall owe myhappiness. I am in great need of it. I have been tomy lawyer's, and did not find him.
Enter Madame Dalancourt.
Dal. [Seeing his wife.] Ah, Madame!
Mad. [To Dalancourt.] I have been waiting for youwith impatience. I heard your voice.
Dal. My wife, here is Signor Dorval; I present himto you as my brother-in-law, as the husband of Angelica.
Mad. [With joy.] Indeed!
Dor. I shall be highly pleased, Madame, if my happinessmeets with your approbation.
Mad. I am rejoiced at it, sir; I congratulate youwith all my heart. [Aside.] What did he mean byspeaking of the embarrassments of my husband?
Dal. [To Dorval.] Is my sister informed of it?
Dor. I think not.
Mad. [Aside.] Then it was not Dalancourt who madethe match.
Dal. Do you wish me to bring her here?
Dor. No, do not bring her; there may still be adifficulty.
Dal. What is it?
Dor. Her consent.
Dal. Fear nothing; I know Angelica, and yourcircumstances and merit. Leave it to me; I will speakto my sister.
Dor. No, my dear friend, do not, I beg you, do notlet us spoil the affair; leave it to Signor Geronte.
Dal. As you please.
Mad. [Aside.] I comprehend nothing of all this.
Dor. I am going into your uncle's room to write; hehas given me permission, and he has told me expresslyto wait for him there, so excuse me; we shall soon seeeach other again.
[Exit into Geronte's apartment.
Scene III.—Dalancourt and Madame Dalancourt.
Mad. From what I hear, it appears you are not theperson who marries your sister?
Dal. [Embarrassed.] My uncle marries her.
Mad. Has your uncle mentioned it to you? Has heasked your consent?
Dal. [With a little warmth.] My consent! Did younot see Dorval? Did he not tell me of it? Do you notcall this asking my consent?
Mad. [A little warmly.] Yes. It is an act of civilityon the part of Dorval, but your uncle has said nothingto you.
Dal. [Embarrassed.] What do you mean by that?
Mad. I mean, he thinks us of no account.
Dal. [Warmly.] You take the worst view of everything.This is terrible! You are insupportable.
Mad. [Mortified.] I insupportable! you find me insupportable![With much tenderness.] Ah, my husband!this is the first time such an expression has everescaped from your lips. You must be in a state ofgreat uneasiness so to forget your affection for me.
Dal. [Aside.] Ah! too true.—My dear wife, I askyour pardon with all my heart. But you know myuncle; do you desire to offend him still more? Do youwish me to hinder my sister? The match is a goodone; nothing can be said against it. My uncle haschosen it; so much the better. Here is one embarrassmentthe less for you and me. [With joy.]
Mad. Come, come, I am glad you take it in goodpart; I praise and admire your conduct. But permitme to make one suggestion: Who is to attend to thenecessary preparations for a young lady going to bemarried? Is your uncle to have this trouble? Will itbe proper? will it be correct?
Dal. You are right; but there is time, we will talkof it.
Mad. Hear me: you know I love Angelica. Theungrateful girl does not deserve I should care for her;but she is your sister.
Dal. How! you call my sister ungrateful! Why so?
Mad. Do not let us speak of it now; some other time,when we are alone, I will explain to you. And then—
Dal. No; I wish to hear it now.
Mad. Have patience, my dear husband.
Dal. No, I tell you; I wish to know at once.
Mad. Well, as you wish it, I must satisfy you.
Dal. [Aside.] How I tremble!
Mad. Your sister—
Dal. Proceed.
Mad. I believe she is too much on your uncle's side.
Dal. Why?
Mad. She told me—yes, me—that your affairs wereembarrassed, and that—
Dal. That my affairs were embarrassed;—and do youbelieve it?
Mad. No. But she spoke to me in such a manner asto make me think she suspected I was the cause of it,or at least, that I had contributed to it.
Dal. [A little excitedly.] You! she suspects you!
Mad. Do not be angry, my dear husband. I knowvery well her want of judgment.
Dal. [With feeling.] My dear wife!
Mad. Do not be distressed. Believe me, I shall thinkno more of it. It all arises from him; your uncle isthe cause of it all.
Dal. Oh no! my uncle has not a bad heart.
Mad. He not a bad heart? Heavens! the worst inthe world! Has he not shown it to me?—But I forgivehim.
Enter a Servant.
Ser. Here is a letter for you, sir.
Dal. Give it to me. [He takes the letter. ExitServant.] Let us see it. [Agitated.] This is the handof my lawyer. [Opens the letter.]
Mad. What does he write?
Dal. Excuse me for a moment. [He retires apart,reads, and shows displeasure.]
Mad. [Aside.] There must be some bad news.
Dal. [Aside, after reading the letter.] I am ruined!
Mad. [Aside.] My heart beats!
Dal. [Aside.] My poor wife! what will become ofher? How can I tell her?—I have not the courage.
Mad. [Weeping.] My dear Dalancourt, tell me, whatis it? Trust your wife: am I not the best friend youhave?
Dal. Take it and read: this is my situation. [Givesher the letter.]	[Exit.
Madame Dalancourt, alone.
Mad. I tremble.—[Reads.] "Sir, all is lost; thecreditors will not subscribe. The decree was confirmed.I inform you of it as soon as possible; be on your guard,for your arrest is ordered."—What do I read! what doI read! My husband in debt, in danger of losing hisliberty! Can it be possible? He does not gamble, hehas no bad habits; he is not addicted to unusual luxury.—Byhis own fault—may it not then be my fault?Oh, God! what a dreadful ray of light breaks in uponme! The reproofs of Angelica, the hatred of SignorGeronte, the contempt he shows for me, day after day!The bandage is torn from my eyes: I see the errors ofmy husband, I see my own. Too much love has beenhis fault, my inexperience has made me blind. Dalancourtis culpable, and I perhaps am equally so. Whatremedy is there in this cruel situation? His uncleonly—yes—his uncle can help him;—but Dalancourt—hemust be now in a state of humiliation and distress—andif I am the cause of it, though involuntarily, whydo I not go myself? Yes—I ought to throw myself atGeronte's feet—but, with his severe, unyielding temper,can I flatter myself I shall make any impression onhim? Shall I go and expose myself to his rudeness?Ah! what matters it? Ah! what is my mortificationcompared to the horrible condition of my husband?Yes, I will run! This thought alone ought to giveme courage. [She goes towards Geronte's apartment.]
Enter Martuccia.
Mar. Madame, what are you doing here? SignorDalancourt is in despair.
Mad. Heavens! I fly to his assistance.	[Exit.
Mar. What misfortunes!—what confusion! If it betrue she is the cause of it, she well deserves—Whocomes here?
Enter Valerio.
Mar. Why, sir, do you come here now? You havechosen an unfortunate time. All the family is overwhelmedwith sorrow.
Val. I do not doubt it. I just come from SignorDalancourt's lawyer. I have offered him my purse andmy credit.
Mar. This is a praiseworthy action. Nothing canbe more generous than your conduct.
Val. Is Signor Geronte at home?
Mar. No; the servant told me he saw him with hisnotary.
Val. With his notary?
Mar. Yes; he is always occupied with some business.But do you wish to speak with him?
Val. Yes, I wish to speak with them all. I see withsorrow the confusion of Dalancourt's affairs. I amalone. I have property, and can dispose of it. I loveAngelica, and am come to offer to marry her without aportion, and to share with her my lot and my fortune.
Mar. This resolution is worthy of you. No one couldshow more esteem, more love, and more generosity.
Val. Do you think I may flatter myself?—
Mar. Yes, and especially as she enjoys the favour ofher uncle, and he desires to marry her.
Val. [With joy.] He desires to marry her?
Mar. Yes.
Val. But if he wishes to marry her, he also wishes topropose a match that is to his taste?
Mar. [After a moment's silence.] It may be so.
Val. And can this be any comfort to me?
Mar. Why not? [To Angelica, who enters timidly.]Come in, my young lady.
Ang. I am terribly frightened.
Val. [To Angelica.] What is the matter?
Ang. My poor brother—
Mar. Is he just the same?
Ang. Rather better. He is a little more tranquil.
Mar. Hear me. This gentleman has told me somethingvery consoling for you and for your brother.
Ang. For him too?
Mar. If you knew what a sacrifice he is disposed tomake!
Val. [Aside to Martuccia.] Say nothing of it. [Turningto Angelica.] Can any sacrifice be too great foryou?
Mar. But it must be mentioned to Signor Geronte.
Val. My dear friend, if you will take the trouble.
Mar. Willingly. What shall I say to him? Let ussee. Advise me. But I hear some one. [She goestowards the apartment of Signor Geronte.] [To Valerio.]It is Signor Dorval. Do not let him see you. Let usgo into my room, and there we can talk at ourease.
Val. [To Angelica.] If you see your brother—
Mar. Come, sir, let us go—quick. [She goes out andtakes him with her.]
Scene IV.—Angelica, and then Dorval.
Ang. [Aside.] What have I to do with Signor Dorval?I can go away.
Dor. Mademoiselle Angelica!
Ang. Sir?
Dor. Have you seen your uncle? Has he told younothing?
Ang. I saw him this morning, sir.
Dor. Before he went out of the house?
Ang. Yes, sir.
Dor. Has he returned?
Ang. No, sir.
Dor. [Aside.] Good. She knows nothing of it.
Ang. Excuse me, sir. Is there anything new inwhich I am concerned?
Dor. Your uncle takes much interest in you.
Ang. [With modesty.] He is very kind.
Dor. [Seriously.] He thinks often of you.
Ang. It is fortunate for me.
Dor. He thinks of marrying you. [Angelica appearsmodest.] What say you to it? Would you like to bemarried?
Ang. I depend on my uncle.
Dor. Shall I say anything more to you on the subject?
Ang. [With a little curiosity.] But—as you please,sir.
Dor. The choice of a husband is already made.
Ang. [Aside.] Oh, heavens! I tremble.
Dor. [Aside.] She seems to be pleased.
Ang. [Trembling.] Sir, I am curious to know—
Dor. What, Mademoiselle?
Ang. Do you know who is intended for me?
Dor. Yes, and you know him too.
Ang. [With joy.] I know him too?
Dor. Certainly, you know him.
Ang. May I, sir, have the boldness—
Dor. Speak, Mademoiselle.
Ang. To ask you the name of the young man?
Dor. The name of the young man?
Ang. Yes, if you know him.
Dor. Suppose he were not so young?
Ang. [Aside, with agitation.] Good Heavens!
Dor. You are sensible—you depend on your uncle—
Ang. [Trembling.] Do you think, sir, my uncle wouldsacrifice me?
Dor. What do you mean by sacrificing you?
Ang. Mean—without the consent of my heart. Myuncle is so good—But who could have advised him—whocould have proposed this match? [With temper.]
Dor. [A little hurt.] But this match—Mademoiselle—Supposeit were I?
Ang. [With joy.] You, sir? Heaven grant it!
Dor. [Pleased.] Heaven grant it?
Ang. Yes, I know you; I know you are reasonable.You are sensible; I can trust you. If you have givenmy uncle this advice, if you have proposed this match,I hope you will now find some means of making himchange his plan.
Dor. [Aside.] Eh! this is not so bad.—[To Angelica.]Mademoiselle—
Ang. [Distressed.] Signor?
Dor. [With feeling.] Is your heart engaged?
Ang. Ah, sir—
Dor. I understand you.
Ang. Have pity on me!
Dor. [Aside.] I said so, I foresaw right; it is fortunatefor me I am not in love—yet I began to perceivesome little symptoms of it.
Ang. But you do not tell me, sir.
Dor. But, Mademoiselle—
Ang. You have perhaps some particular interest inthe person they wish me to marry?
Dor. A little.
Ang. [With temper and firmness.] I tell you I shallhate him.
Dor. [Aside.] Poor girl! I am pleased with hersincerity.
Ang. Come, have compassion; be generous.
Dor. Yes, I will be so, I promise you; I will speakto your uncle in your favour, and will do all I can tomake you happy.
Ang. [With joy and transport.] Oh, how dear a manyou are! You are my benefactor, my father. [Takeshis hand.]
Dor. My dear girl!
Enter Geronte.
Ger. [In his hot-tempered manner, with animation.]Excellent, excellent! Courage, my children, I am delightedwith you. [Angelica retires, mortified; Dorvalsmiles.] How! does my presence alarm you? I donot condemn this proper show of affection. You havedone well, Dorval, to inform her. Come, my niece,embrace your future husband.
Ang. [In consternation.] What do I hear?
Dor. [Aside and smiling.] Now I am unmasked.
Ger. [To Angelica, with warmth.] What scene is this?Your modesty is misplaced. When I am not present,you are near enough to each other; when I come in,you go far apart. Come here.—[To Dorval, with anger.]And do you too come here.
Dor. [Laughing.] Softly, my friend.
Ger. Why do you laugh? Do you feel your happiness?I am very willing you should laugh, but do notput me in a passion; do you hear, you laughing gentleman?Come here and listen to me.
Dor. But listen yourself.
Ger. [To Angelica, and endeavouring to take her hand.]Come near, both of you.
Ang. [Weeping.] My uncle!
Ger. Weeping! What's the matter, my child? Ibelieve you are making a jest of me. [Takes her hand,and carries her by force to the middle of the stage; thenturns to Dorval, and says to him, with an appearance ofheat] You shall escape me no more.
Dor. At least let me speak.
Ger. No, no!
Ang. My dear uncle—
Ger. [With warmth.] No, no. [He changes his toneand becomes serious.] I have been to my notary's, andhave arranged everything; he has taken a note of it inmy presence, and will soon bring the contract here forus to subscribe.
Dor. But will you listen to me?
Ger. No, no. As to her fortune, my brother had theweakness to leave it in the hands of his son; this willno doubt cause some obstacle on his part, but it willnot embarrass me. Every one who has transactionswith him suffers. The fortune cannot be lost, and inany event I will be responsible for it.
Ang. [Aside.] I can bear this no longer.
Dor. [Embarrassed.] All proceeds well, but—
Ger. But what?
Dor. The young lady may have something to say inthis matter. [Looking at Angelica.]
Ang. [Hastily and trembling.] I, sir?
Ger. I should like to know if she can say anythingagainst what I do, what I order, and what I wish. Mywishes, my orders, and what I do, are all for her good.Do you understand me?
Dor. Then I must speak myself.
Ger. What have you to say?
Dor. That I am very sorry, but this marriage cannottake place.
Ger. Not take place! [Angelica retreats frightened;Dorval also steps back two paces.] [To Dorval.] Youhave given me your word of honour.
Dor. Yes, on condition—
Ger. [Turning to Angelica.] It must then be thisimpertinent. If I could believe it! if I had any reasonto suspect it! [Threatens her.]
Dor. [Seriously.] No, sir, you are mistaken.
Ger. [To Dorval. Angelica seizes the opportunity andmakes her escape.] It is you, then, who refuse? Soyou abuse my friendship and affection for you!
Dor. [Raising his voice.] But hear reason—
Ger. What reason? what reason? There is no reason.I am a man of honour, and if you are so too,it shall be done at once. [Turning round, he calls]Angelica!
Dor. What possesses the man? He will resort toviolence on the spot. [Runs off.]
Geronte, alone.
Ger. Where is she gone? Angelica! Hallo! who'sthere? Piccardo! Martuccia! Pietro! Cortese!—ButI'll find her. It is you I want. [Turns round,and, not seeing Dorval, remains motionless.] What! hetreat me so! [Calls.] Dorval! my friend! Dorval—Dorval!my friend! Oh, shameful—ungrateful! Hallo!Is no one there? Piccardo!
Enter Piccardo.
Pic. Here, sir.
Ger. You rascal! Why don't you answer?
Pic. Pardon me, sir, here I am.
Ger. Shameful! I called you ten times.
Pic. I am sorry, but—
Ger. Ten times! It is scandalous.
Pic. [Aside, and angry.] He is in a fury now.
Ger. Have you seen Dorval?
Pic. Yes, sir.
Ger. Where is he?
Pic. He is gone.
Ger. How is he gone?
Pic. [Roughly.] He is gone as other people go.
Ger. Ah, insolent! do you answer your master inthis manner? [Very much offended, he threatens himand makes him retreat.]
Pic. [Very angrily.] Give me my discharge, sir.
Ger. Your discharge—worthless fellow! [Threatenshim and makes him retreat. Piccardo falls between thechair and the table. Geronte runs to his assistance andhelps him up.]
Pic. Oh! [He leans on the chair, and shows muchpain.]
Ger. Are you hurt? Are you hurt?
Pic. Very much hurt; you have crippled me.
Ger. Oh, I am sorry! Can you walk?
Pic. [Still angry.] I believe so, sir. [He tries, andwalks badly.]
Ger. [Sharply.] Go on.
Pic. [Mortified.] Do you drive me away, sir?
Ger. [Warmly.] No. Go to your wife's house, thatyou may be taken care of. [Pulls out his purse andoffers him money.] Take this to get cured.
Pic. [Aside, with tenderness.] What a master!
Ger. Take it. [Giving him money.]
Pic. [With modesty.] No, sir, I hope it will benothing.
Ger. Take it, I tell you.
Pic. [Still refusing it.] Sir—
Ger. [Very warmly.] What! you refuse my money?Do you refuse it from pride, or spite, or hatred? Doyou believe I did it on purpose? Take this money.Take it. Come, don't put me in a passion.
Pic. Do not get angry, sir. I thank you for all yourkindness. [Takes the money.]
Ger. Go quickly.
Pic. Yes, sir. [Walks badly.]
Ger. Go slowly.
Pic. Yes, sir.
Ger. Wait, wait; take my cane.
Pic. Sir—
Ger. Take it, I tell you! I wish you to do it.
Pic. [Takes the cane.] What goodness!	[Exit.
Enter Martuccia.
Ger. It is the first time in my life that—Plague onmy temper! [Taking long strides.] It is Dorval whoput me in a passion.
Mar. Do you wish to dine, sir?
Ger. May the devil take you! [Runs out and shutshimself in his room.]
Mar. Well, well! He is in a rage: I can do nothingfor Angelica to-day; Valerio can go away.	[Exit.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

---

ACT III.

Scene I.—Piccardo and Martuccia.

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.

Enter Dorval.

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 into Dalancourt's apartment.]

Mar. He is out of his senses.

Enter Geronte.

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 to Martuccia.] 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. [To Martuccia.] 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. [Martuccia goes into Dalancourt's room.]

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.—Enter Dalancourt.

Dal. Ah, my uncle, hear me for pity's sake! [He throws himself in great agitation at Geronte's feet.]

Ger. [Sees Dalancourt, 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 letting Dalancourt see, 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!

Enter Madame 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!

Enter Martuccia.

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 to Martuccia.] Take it. Here's Cologne water. [To Dalancourt.] What is the matter?

Dal. Ah, my uncle!

Ger. [To Madame 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 to Dalancourt.] Be silent!—[To Madame 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.

Enter Valerio, Dorval, and Angelica.

Ger. [Seeing Valerio.] What's this? What is this other man doing here?

Mar. They are, sir, the betrothed and the witness.

Ger. [To Angelica.] Come here.

Ang. [Trembling, speaking to Madame D.] Ah, sister! I ought indeed to ask your pardon.

Mar. And I too, Madame.

Ger. [To Dorval.] 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! [To Angelica.] 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!

Enter Piccardo.

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.