“Ha! ha! ho! the guard, the guard.” Thus cried Don Juan, while the unfortunate lady ran quickly away.
The don was about to enter at the open door, when he stopped suddenly, as he saw Masetto come stealthily along, accompanied by some friends. For the young Zerlina’s sake he was interested.
“Now, who goeth there?”
“A friend; my faith, ’tis Masetto. Ah, Masetto! What, knowest thou me not?”
“Why, thou art the very foul one’s servant!”
“Don Juan’s; ah, ’tis a base man, Masetto; a base man. I have left him for a godly service.”
“Truly? But canst thou tell me where I shall find him, for we would fain cudgel him to death?”
“Good. I will help you, my master, to punish this sinner unparalleled. He is near at hand, my masters, and making love, for he hath a rare habit of making love. Go you—all. I and Masetto will follow you.”
So the peasants went off stealthily on their toes, each hoping to have a hand in towelling the don.
“So, Masetto, thou wilt cudgel him to the death.”