These are Il Capitano [the Captain], Arlecchino [Harlequin], Il Commandatore [the Commander], Pantalone [Pantaloon], Brighella, and Columbina [Columbine]. They all pass behind the curtain, through the folds in the middle.
After a moment’s prelude of stringed instruments, then, the Pantomime begins.
First, in semi-darkness, Harlequin appears, carrying a lighted lantern on the end of a sword. At a noise of laughter from behind the curtain he stops and trembles. The laughter sounds again, deep and harsh; Harlequin trembles so violently that the lantern falls and goes out.
In the dimness, enter Il Capitano in the part of Don Giovanni, muffled in an immense cloak. Harlequin falls on his back, feigning death, but keeping his sword pointing upward. Stumbling against him, Don Giovanni draws his sword and strikes the sword of Harlequin, who leaps up. They begin a duel, in the midst of which they suddenly recognize each other as friends and embrace.
Enter now [bringing lanterns, which illumine the stage more brightly] Pantaloon and Brighella. Both are wrapped in cloaks.
Greeting Don Giovanni, who returns the greeting, Pantaloon explains that he has a rendezvous with a beautiful young lady [the head of Columbine having peered momentarily through the curtain]; that he will make a certain sign to call her; that he must be cautious, as she has a fierce and suspicious father. Don Giovanni becomes very interested, and confides that he, too, must attend a rendezvous, for which he needs a disguise. For this, he persuades Pantaloon to change cloaks with him. They do so, their servants also exchanging cloaks.
Exeunt then Pantaloon and Brighella.
Don Giovanni now, approaching the curtain, makes the aforesaid sign described by Pantaloon. At this, enter Columbine, who mistakes him for Pantaloon and approaches him lovingly. He allows her to do so, but soon—opening his cloak—he terrifies her by his wrong identity. However, he is handsomer than Pantaloon, and quickly wins her for himself. In this Harlequin delightedly assists him.
Finally, just as Columbine succumbs and goes to his arms, her father, The Commander, enters. Seeing her in Don Giovanni’s arms, he bursts into terrible anger, draws his sword, and attacks the lover. Harlequin tries to prevent him but fails.
Putting the frightened Columbine behind him, Don Giovanni returns the attack with his sword, fights and suddenly kills the Commander, who falls motionless.