THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
Carlo Goldoni
English Version by Edward J. Dent
CHARACTERS
PANTALONE DEI BISOGNOSI, a Venetian merchant
CLARICE, his daughter
DR. LOMBARDI
SILBVIO, his son
BEATRICE RASPONI, a lady of Turin, disguised as her brother FEDERIGO RASPONI
FLORINDO ARETUSI, of Turin, lover of BEATRICE
BRIGHELLA, an innkeeper
SMERALDINA, maidervant to CLARICE
TRUFFALDINO, servant first to BEATRICE, and afterward to FLORINDO
FIRST WAITER
SECOND WAITER
FIRST PORTER
SECOND PORTER
The scene is laid in Venice.
The action takes place within a single day.
ACT Ⅰ
SCENE 1
A Room in the House of PANTALONE
PANTALONE, THE DOCTOR, CLARICE, SILVIO,
BRIGHELLA, SMERALDINA
SILVIO, offering his hand to CLARICE. Here is my hand, and with it I give you my whole heart.
PANTALONE, to CLARICE. Come, come, not so shy, give hin your hand too. Then you will be betrothed, and very soon you will ve married.
CLARICE. Dear Silvio, here is my hand. I promise to be your wife.
SILVIO. And I promise to be your husband.
They take hands.
DR. LOMBARDI. Well done. Now that is settled, and there's no going back on it.
SMERALDINA, aside. There's luck for you! And me just bursting to get married!
PANTALONE, to BRIGHELLA and SMERALDINA. You two shall be witnesses of this betrothal of my daughter Clarice to Signor Silvio, the worthy son of our good Dr. Lombali!
BRIGHELLA, to PANTALONE. We will, sir, and I thank you for the honor.
PANTALONE. Look you, I was witness at your wedding, and onw you are a witness to my daughter's. I have asked on great company of friends and relations, for the doctor too is a man of my sort. We will have dinner together; we will enjoy ourselves and nobody shall disturb us.
To CLARICE and SILVIO.
148 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
What say you, children, does that suit you?
SILVIO. I desire nothing better than to be near my beloved bride.
SMERALDINA, aside. Yes, that's the best of all foods.
DR. LOMBARDI. My son is no lover of vanities. He is an honest lad; he loves your daughter and thinks of nothing else.
PANTALONE. Truly we may say that this marriage was made in Heaven, for had it not been for the death of Federigo Rasponi, my correspondent at Turin, you know, I had promised my daughter to him.
TO SILVIO.
I could not then have given her to my dear son-in-law.
SILVIO. I can call myself fortunate indeed, sir; I know not if Signora Clarice will say the same.
CLARICE. You wrong me, dear Silvio. You should know if I love you. I should have married Signor Rasponi in obedience to my father; but heart has always been yours.
DR. LOMBARDI. 'Tis true indeed, the will of Heaven is wrought in unexpected ways.
To PANTALONE.
Pray, sir, how did Federigo Rasponi come to die?
PANTALONE. Poor wretch, I hardly know. He was killed one night on account of some affair about his sister. Someone ran a sword through him and that was the end of him.
BRIGHELLA. Did that happen at Turin, sir?
PANTALONE. At Turin.
BRIGHELLA. Alas, poor gentleman! I am indeed sorry to hear it.
PANTALONE, to BRIGHELLA. Did you know Signor Federigo Rasponi?
BRIGHELLA. Indeed and I did, sir. I was three years at Turin. I knew his sister too -- fine high-spirited young woman dressed like a man and rode a-horseback; and he loved her more than anyone in the world. Lored! Who'd ha' thought it?
PANTALONE. Well, misfortune waits for all of us. But come, let us talk no more of sad things. Do you know what I have in mind, good
ACT I, SCENE 1 149
master Brighella? I know you love to show your skill in the kitchen. Now, I would have you make us a few dishes of your best.
BRIGHELLA. 'Tis a pleasure to serve you, sir. Though I say it that shouldn't, customers are always well contented at my house. They say there's no place where they eat as they do there. You shall taste something fine, sir.
PANTALONE. Good, good. Let's have something with plenty of gravy that we can sop the bread in.
A knock at the door.
Oh! someone is knocking. Smeraldina, see who it is.
SMERALDINA. Yes, sir.
Goes to door.
CLARICE, wishing to retire. Sir, may I beg your leave?
PANTALONE. Wait; we are all coming. Let us hear who is there.
SMERALDINA. coming back. Sir, there is a gentleman's servant below who desires to gibe you a message. He would tell me nothing. He says he would speak to the master.
PANTALONE. Tell him to come up. We'll hear what he has to say.
SMERALDINA. I'll fetch him, sir.
Exit
CLARICE. May I not go, sir?
PANTALONE. Whither then, madam?
CLARICE. I know not -- to my own room--
PANTALONE. No, madam, no; you stay here.
Aside to DR. LOMBARDI.
These lovebirds can't be left alone just yet for a while.
DR. LOMBARDI, aside to PANTALONE. Prudence above all things!
SMERALDINA brings in TRUFFALDINO.
TRUFFALDINO. My most humble duty to the ladies and gentlemen. And a very fine company too, to be sure! Ve-ry fine, indeed!
PANTALONE. Who are you, my good friend? And what is your business?
TRUFFALDINO, to PANTALONE, pointing to CLARICE. Who is this fair gentlewoman?
150 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
PANTALONE. That is my daughter.
TRUFFALDINO. Delighted to hear it.
SMERALDINO, to TRUFFALDINO. What's more, she is going to be married.
TRUFFALDINO. I'm sorry to hear it. And who are you?
SMERALDINA. I am her maid, sir.
TRUFFALDINO. I congratulate her.
PANTALONE. Come, sir, have done with ceremony. What do you want with me? Who are you? Who sends you hither?
TRUFFALDINO. Patience, patience, my good sir. take it easy. Three questions at once is too much for a poor man.
PANTALONE, aside to DR. LOMBARDI. I thik the man's a fool.
DR. LOMBARDI, aside to PANTALONE. I think he's playing the fool.
TRUFFLADINO, to SMERALDINA. Is it you that are going to be married?
SMERALDINA, sighs. No, sir.
PANTALONE. Will you tell me who you are, or will you go about your business?
TRUFFALDINO. If you only want to know who I am, I'll tell you in two words. I am the servant of my master.
Turns to SMERALDINA.
To go back to what I was saying . . .
PANTALONE. But who is your master?
TRUFFALDINO, to PANTALONE. He is a gentleman who desires the honor of paying his respects to you.
To SMERALDINA.
We must have a talk about this marriage.
PANTALONE. Who is this gentleman, I say? What is hes name?
TRUFFALDINO. Oh, that's a long story. Si'or Federigo Rasponi of Turin, that's my master, and he sends his compliments, and he has come to see you, and he's down below, and he sends me to say that he would like to come up and he's waiting for an answer. Anything else, or will that do?
All look surprised.
To SMERALDINA, as before.
ACT I, SCENE 1 151
Let's begin again.
PANTALONE. Come here and talk to me. What the devil do you mean?
TRUFFALDINO. And if you want to know who I am, I am Truffaldin' Battocchio from Bergamo.
PANTALONE. I don't care who you are. Tell me again, who is this master of yours? I fear I did not understand you rightly.
TRUFFALDINO. Poor old gentleman! He must be hard of hearing. My master is Si'or Federigo Raspnoi of Turin.
PANTALONE. Away! You must be mad. Signor Federigo Rasponi of Turin is dead.
TRUFFALDINO. Dead?
PANTALONE. To be sure he's dead, worse luck for him.
TRUFFALDINO, aside. The devil My master dead? Why, I left him alive downstairs!
To PANTALONE.
You really mean he is dead?
PANTALONE. I tell you for an absolute certainly, he is dead.
DR. LOMBARDI. 'Tis the honest truth; he is dead; we can have no doubt about it.
TRUFFALDINO, aside. Alas, my poor master! He must have met with an accident.
To PANTALONE as if retiring.
Your very humble servant, sir.
PANTALONE. Can I do nothing more for you?
TRUFFALDINO. If he's dead, there's nothing more to do.
Aside.
But I'm going to see if it's true or not.
Exit
PANTALONE. What are we to make of this fellow? Is he knave or fool?
DR. LOMBARDI. I really don't know. Probably a little of both.
BRIGHELLA. I should say he was just a zany. He comes from Bergamo; I can't think he is a knave.
SMERALDINA. He's not such a fool, neither.
Aside.
152 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
I like that little dark fellow.
PANTALONE. But what is this nightmare about signor Federigo?
CLARICE. If 'tis true indeed that he is here, it would be the worst of news for me.
PANTALONE. What nonsense! Did not you see the letters yourself?
SILVIO. If he is alive and here after all, he has come too late.
Re-enter TRUFFALDINO.
TRUFFALDINO. Gentlemen, I am surprised at you. Is that the way to treat a poor man? Is that the way you deceive strangers? Is that the behavior of a gentleman? I shall insist upon satisfaction.
PANTALONE, to DR. LOMBARDI. We must be careful, the man's mad.
To TRUFFALDINO.
What's the matter? What have they done to you?
TRUFFALDINO. To go and tell me that Si'or Federigo Raspnoi was dead!
PANTALONE. Well, what then?
TRUFFALDINO. What then? Well, he's here, safe and sound, in good health and spirits, and he desires to pay his respects to you, with your kind permission.
PANTALONE. Signor Federigo?
TRUFFALDINO. Si'or Federigo.
PANTALONE. Rasponi?
TRUFFALDINO. Rasponi.
PANTALONE. Of Turin?
TRUFFALDINO. Of Turin.
PANTALONE. Be off to Bedlam, my lad; that's the place for you.
TRUFFALDINO. The Devil take you there, sir! You'll make me swear like a Turk. I tell you he's here, in the house, in the next room, bad luck to you.
PANTALONE. If you say any more I'll break you head.
DR. LOMBARDI. No, no, Signor Pantalone; I tell you what to do. Tell him to bring in this person whom he thinks to be Federigo Rasponi.
ACT I, SCENE 1 153
PANTALONE. Well, bring in this man that is risen from the dead.
TRUFFALDINO. He may have been dead and risen from the dead, for all I know. That's no affair of mine. But he's alive now, sure enough, and you shall see him with your own eyes. I'll go and tell him to come.
Angrily to PANTALONE.
And 'tis time you learned how to behave properly to strangers, to gentlemen of my position, to honorable citizens of Bergamo.
To SMERALDINA.
Young woman, we will have some talk together when you will.
Exit.
CLARICE. Silvio, I am all of tremble.
SILVIO. Have no fear; whatever happens, you shall be mine.
DR. LOMBARDI. Now we shall discover the truth.
PANTALONE. Some rogue, I dare say, come to tell me a string of lies.
BRIGHELLA. Sir, as I told you just now, I knew Signor Federigo; we shall see if it be he.
SMERALDINA, aside. That little dark fellow doesn't look like a liar. I wonder, now, if --
Curtsy to PANTALONE.
By your good leave, sir.
Exit.
Enter BEATRICE, dressed as a man.
BEATRICE. Signor Pantalone, that courtesy which I have so much admired in your correspondence is but ill matched in the treatment which I have received from you in person. I send my servant to pay you my respects, and you keep me standing in the street for half an hour before you condescend to allow me to enter.
PANTALONE, nervously. I ask you pardon. But, sir, who are you?
154 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
BEATRICE. Your obedient servant, sir, Fedrigo Rasponi of Turin.
All look bewildered.
PANTALONE. Extraordinary!
BRIGHELLA, aside. What does this mean? This is not Federigo, this is his sister Beatrice.
PANTALONE. I rejoice to see you, sir, alive and in health, after the bad news which we had received.
Aside to DR. LOMBARDI.
I tell you, I am not convinced yet.
BEATRICE. I know; 'twas reported that I was killed in a duel. Heaven be praised, I was but wounded; and no sooner was I restored to health than I set out for Venice, according to our previous arrangement.
PANTALONE. I don't know what to say. You have the appearance of an honest man, sir, but I have sure and certain evidence that Signor Federigo is dead, and you will understand that if you cannot give us proof of the contrary . . .
BEATRICE. Your doubt is most natural; I recognize that I must give you proof of my identity. Here are four letters from correspondents of yours whom you know personally; one of them is from the manager of our bank. You will recognize the signatures and you will satisfy yourself as to who I am.
Gives four letters to PANTALONE, who reads them to himself.
CALRICE. Ah, Silvio, we are lost.
SILVIO. I will lose my life before I lose you.
BEATRICE, noticing BRIGHELLA, aside. Heavens! Brighella! How the devil does he come to be here? If he betrays me . . .
Aloud to BRIGHELLA.
Friend, I think I know you.
BRIGHELLA. Indeed yes, sir; do you not remember Brighella Cavicchio at Turin?
BEATRICE. Ah yes, now I recognize you.
Goes up to him.
And what are you doing in Venice, my good fellow?
Aside to BRIGHELLA.
ACT I, SCENE 1 155
For the love of heaven do not betray me.
BRIGHELLA, aside to BEATRICE. Trust me.
Aloud.
I keep an inn, sir, at you service.
BEATRICE. The very thing for me; as I have the pleasure of your acquaintance, I shall come to lodge at your inn.
BRIGHELLA. You do me honor, sir.
Aside
Running contraband, I'll be bound.
PANTALONE. I have read the letters. Certainly they present Signor Federigo Rasponi to me, and if you present them, I am bound to believe that you are-the person named therein.
BEATRICE. If you are still in doubt, here is Master Brighella; he knows me, he can assure you as to who I am.
BRIGHELLA. Of course, sir, I am happy to assure you.
PANTALONE. Well, if that be so, and my good friend Brighella confirms the testimony of the letters, then, dear Signor Federigo, I am delighted to see you and I ask your pardon for having doubted your word.
CLARICE. Then, sir, this gentleman is indeed Signor Federigo Rasponi?
PANTALONE. But of course he is.
CLARICE, aside to SILVIO. Oh misery, what will happen to us?
SILVIO, aside to CLARICE. Don't be frightened; you are mine and I will protect you.
PANTALONE, aside to DR. LOMBARDO. What do you say to it, Doctor? He has come just in the nick of time.
DR. LOMBARDO. Accidit in puncto, quod non contingit in anno.
BEATRICE. pointing to CLARICE. Signor Pantalone, who is that young lady?
PANTALONE. That is my daughter Clarice.
BEATRICE. The one who was promised in marriage to me?
PANTALONE. Precisely, sir; that is she.
Aside.
Now I am in a pretty mess.
BEATRICE, to CLARICE. Madam, permit me to have the honor.
156 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
CLARICE, stiffly. Your most humble servant, sir.
BEATRICE, to PANTALONE. She receives me somewhat coldly.
PANTALONE. You must forgive her, she is shy by nature.
BEATRICE to PANTALONE, pointing at SILVIO. And this gentleman is a relative of yours?
PANTALONE. Yes, sir; he is a nephew of mine.
SILVIO, to BEATRICE. No, sir, I am not his nephew at all; I am the promised husband of Signora Clarice.
DR. LOMBARDI, aside to SILVIO. Well said, my boy! Don't lose your chance! Stand up for your rights, but do nothing rash.
BEATRICE. What? You the promised husband of Signora Clarice? Was she not promised to me?
PANTALONE. There, there, I'll explain the whole matter. My dear Sigonr Federigo, I fully believed that the story of your accident was true, that you were dead, in fact, and so I had promised my daughter to Signor Silvio; but there is not the least harm done. You have arrived at last, just in time. Clarice is yours, if you will have her, and I am here to keep my word. Signor Silvio, I don't know what to say; you can see the position yourself. You remember what I said to you; and you will have no cause to bear me ill-will.
SILVIO. But Signor Federigo will never consent to take a bride who has given her hand to another.
BEATRICE. Oh, I am not so fastidious. I will take her in spite of that.
Aside.
I mean to have some fun out of this.
DR. LOMBARDI, sarcastically. There's a fine fashionable husband! I like him.
BEATRICE. I hope Signora Clarice will not refuse me her hand.
SILVIO. Sir, you have arrived too late. Signora Clarice is to be my wife, and you need hace no hope that I will yield her to you. If Signor Pantalone does me wrong, I will be avenged upon him; and whoever presumes to desire Clarice will haVe to fight for her against this sword.
DR. LOMBARDI, aside. That's a fine boy, by the Lord!
BEATRICE, aside. Thank you, but I don't mean to die just yet.
ACT I, SCENE 1 157
LOMBARDE. Sir, I must beg to inform you that you are too late. Signora Clarice is to marry my son. The law, the law, sir, is clear on the point. Prior in tempore, potior in jure.
Excunt DR. LOMBARDI and SILVIO.
BEATRICE, to CLARICE. And you, madam bride, do you say nothing?
CLARICE. I say─I say─I'd sooner marry the hangman.
Exit.
PANTALONE. What, you minx! What did you say?
Starts to run after her.
BEATRICE. Stay, Signor Pantalone; I am sorry for her. It is not the moment for severity. In course of time I hope I may deserve her favor. Meanwhile let us go into our accounts together, for, as you know, that is one of the two reasons that have brought me to Venice.
PANTALONE. Everything is in order for your inspection. You shall see the books; your money is ready for you, and we will make up the account whenever you like.
BEATRICE. I will call on you at some more convenient time. Now, if you will allow me, I will go with Brighella to settle some little business which I have to do.
PANTALONE. You shall do as you please, and if you have meed of anything, I am at your service.
BEATRICE. Well, if you could give me a little money, I should be greatly obliged; I did not bring any with me, for fear of being robbed on the way.
PANTALONE. I am delighted to serve you; but the cashier is not here just now.The moment he comes I will send the money to your lodgings. Are you not staying at my friend Brighella's?
BEATRICE. Yes, I lie there. But I will send my servant; he is entirely honest. You can trust him with anything.
PANTALONE. Very well. I will carry out your wishes, and if you may be pleased to take pot luck with me, I am yours to command.
BEATRICE. For today I thank you. Another day I shall be happy to wait upon you.
158 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
PANTALONE. Then I shall expect you.
Enter SMERALDINA.
SMERALDINA, to PANTALONE. Sir, you are asked for.
PANTALONE. Who is it?
SPERALDINA. I couldn't say, sir.
PANTALONE. I will come directly. Sir, I beg you to excuse me. Brighella, you are at home here; be good enough to attend Signor Federigo.
BEATRICE. Pray do not put yourself about for me, sir.
PANTALONE. I must go. Farewell, sir.
Aside.
I don't want to have trouble in my house.
Exit with SMERALDINA.
BRGHELLA. May I ask, Signora Beatrice . . .?
BEATRICE. Hush, for the love of Heaven, don't betray me. My poor brother is dead. 'Twas thought Florindo loved me, and my brother would not have it. They fought, Federigo fell, and Florindo fled form justice. I heard he was making for Venice, so I put on my brother's clothes and followed him. Thanks to the litters of credit, which are my brother's, and thanks still more to you, Signor Pantalone takes me for Federigo. We are to make up our accounts; I shall draw the money, and then I shall be able to help Florindo too, if he has need of it. Be my friend, dear Brighella, help me, please! You shall be generously rewarded.
BRIGHELLA. That's all very well, but I don't want to be responsible for Signor Pantalone paying you out money in good faith and then finding himself made a fool of.
BEATRICE. Made a fool of? If my brother is dead, am I not his heir?
BRIGHELLA. Very true. Then why not say so?
BEATRICE. If I do that, I can do nothing. Pantalone will begin by treating me as if he were my guardian; the they will all worry me and say my conduct is unbecoming and all that sort of thin. I want my liberty. Help me to it. 'Twill not last long.
ACT I, SCENE 1 159
BRIGHELLA. Well, well, you were always one for having your own way. Trust me,and I'll do my best for you.
BEATRICE. Thank you. And now let us go to your inn.
BRIGHELLA. Where is your servant?
BEATRICE. I picked him up on the journey. He seems a fool at times; but he isn't really a fool and I can rely on his loyalty.
BRIGHELLA. Yes, loyalty's a fine thing. Well, I am at your service. To think what love will make people do!
BEATRICE. Oh, this is nothing. Love makes people do far worse things than this.
BRIGHLLA. Well, here's a good beginning. If you go on that way, Lord knows what may come of it!
Exeunt BEATRICE and BRIGHELLA.
SCENE 2
A Street with BRIGHELLA's Inn
TRUFFALDINO solus
TRUFFALDINO. I'm sick of waiting; I can hold out no longer. With this master of mine there's not enough to eat, and the less there is the more I want it. The town clock struck twelve half an hour ago, and my belly struck two hours ago at least. If I only knew where we were going to lodge! With my other masters to the first thing they did, as soon as they came to a town, was to go to a tavern. This gentleman--Lord no! He leaves his trunks in the boat at the landing stage, goes off to pay visits, and forgets all about his poor servant. When they say we ought to serve our masters with love, they ought to tell the masters to have a little charity toward their servants.
160 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
Here's an inn. I've half a mind to go in and see if I could find something to tickle my teeth; but what if my master cones to look for me? His own fault; he ought to know better. I'll go in, but now I come to think of it, there's another little difficulty that I hadn't remembered; I haven't a penny. Oh poor Truffaldin'! Rather than be a servant, devil take me, I'd--what indeed? By the grace of Heaven there's nothing I can do.
Enter FLORIINDO in travelling dress with a PORTER carrying a trunk on his shoulder.
FLORINDO. Here's the sign of an inn. Can't you carry it these few steps?
PORTER. Help! The trunk is falling.
FLORINDO. I told you you could not carry it; you're too weak; you have no strength at all.
FLORINDO rearranges the trunk on the PORTER' s shoulder.
TRUFFALDINO. Here's a chance for sixpence.
To FLORINDO
Sir, Can I do anything for you?
FLORINDO. My good man, be so good as to carry this trunk into the inn there.
TRUFFALDINO. Yes, sir, let me take it, sir. See how I do it.
To the PORTER.
You be off!
TRUFFALDINO puts his shoulder under the trunk and takes it by himself, knocking the PORTER down at the same time.
FLORINDO. Well done!
TRUFFALDINO. It weighs nothing. A mere trifle.
Goes into the
FLORINDO, to PORTER. There! You see how it's done.
PORTER. I can do no more. I work as a porter for my misfortune, but I am the son of a respectable person.
FLORINDO. What did you father do?
PORTER. My father? He skinned lambs in the town.
ACT I, SCENE 2 161
FLORINDO. The fellow's mad.
To PORTER.
That will do.
Going towards the inn.
PORTER. Please your honor-
FLORINDO. What do you want?
PORTER. The money for the porterage.
FLORINDO. How much am I to give you for ten yards? There's the landing stage!
Pointing off.
PORTER. I didn't count them. I want my pay.
Holds out his hand.
FLORINDO. There's twopence.
Gives money.
PORTER. I want my pay.
Still holding out his hand.
FLORINDO. Lord, what obstinacy! Here's twopence more.
Gives money.
PORTER. I want my pay.
FLORINDO, kicks him. Go and be hanged!
PORTER. Thank you, sir, that's enough.
Exit.
FLORINDO. There's a humorous fellow! He was positively waiting for me to kick him. Well, let us go and see what the inn is like-
Re-enter TRUFFALDINO.
TRUFFALDINO. Sir, everything is ready for you.
FLORINDO. What lodging is there here?
TRUFFALDINO. 'Tis a very good place, sir. Good beds, fine looking glasses, and a grand kitchen with a smell to it that is very comforting. I have talked with the waiter. You will be served like a king.
FLORINDO. What's your trade?
FRUFFALDINO. Servant.
FLORINDO. Are you a Venetian?
162 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
TRUFFALDINO. Not from Venice, but of the State. I'm from Bergamo, at your service.
FLORINDO. Have you a master now?
TRUFFALDINO. At the moment-to tell the truth, I have not.
FLORINDO. You are without a master?
TRUFFALDINO. you see me, sir. I am without a master.
Aside.
My master is no here, so I tell no lies.
FLORINDO. Will you come and be my servant?
TRUFFALDINO. Why not?
Aside.
If his terms are better.
FLORINDO. At any rate, for as long as I stay in Venice.
TRUFFALDINO. Very good, sir. How much will you give me?
FLORINDO. How much do you want?
TRUFFALDINO. I'll tell you: another master I had, who is here no more, he gave me a shilling a day and all found.
FLORINDO. Good, I will give you as much.
TRUFFALDINO. You must give me a little more than that.
FLORINDO. How much more do you want?
TRUFFALDINO. A halfpenny a day for snuff.
FLORINDO. Oh, I'll give you that and welcome.
TRUFFALDINO. If that's so, I'm your man, sir.
FLORINDO. But I should like to know a little more about you.
TRUFFALDINO. If you want to know all about me, you go to Bergamo; anyone there will tell you who I am.
FLORINDO. Have you nobody in Venice who knows you?
TRUFFALDINO. I only arrived this morning, sir.
FLORINDO. Well, well, I take you for an honest man. I will give you a trial.
TRUFFALDINO. You give me a trial and you shall see.
FLORINDO. First of all, I am anxious to know if there are letters at the Post for me. Here is half a crown; go to the Turin Post and ask if there are letters for Florindo Aretusi; if there are, take them and bring them at once. I shall wait for you.
ACT I, SCENE 2 163
TRUFFALDINO. Meanwhile you will order dinner, sir?
FLORINDO. Yes, well said! I will order it.
Aside.
he is a wag, I like him. I'll give him a trial.
FLORINDO goes into the inn.
TRUFFALDINO. A halfpenny more a day, that's fifteen pence a month. "Tis not true that the other gentleman gave me a shilling; he gives me six pennies. Maybe six pennies make a shilling, but I'm not quite sure. And this gentleman from Turin is nowhere to be seen. He's mad. He's a young fellow without a beard and without any sense neither. He may go about his business; I shall go to the Post for my new gentleman.
As he is going, BEATRICE enters with BRIGHELLA and meets him.
BEATRICE. That's a nice way to behave! Is that the way you wait for me?
TRUFFALDINO. Here I am, sir. I am still waiting for me here, and not in the street where I told you? 'Tis a mere accident that I have found you.
TRUFFALDINO. I went for a bit of a walk to take away my appetite.
BEATRICE. Well, go at once to the landing stage; fetch my trunk and take it to the inn of Master Brighella.
BRIGHELLA. There's my inn, you cannot mistake it.
BEATRICE. Very well, then, make haste, and I will wait for you.
TRUFFALDINO. The devil In that inn?
BEATRICE. Here, you will go at the same time to the Turin Post and ask if there are any letters for me. You may ask if there are letters for Federigo Rasponi and also for Beatrice Rasponi. That's my sister. Some friend of hers might perhaps write to her; so be sure to see if there are letters either for her or for me.
TRUFFALDINO, aside. What am I to do? Here's a pretty kettle of fish!
BRIGUELLA, to BEATRICE. Why do you expect letters in your real name if you left home secretly?
164 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
BEATRICE I told the steward to write to me; and I dont know which name he may use. I'll tell you more later.
TO TRUFFALDINO.
Make haste, be off with you to the Post and the landing stage. Fetch the letters and hove the trunk brought to the inn; I shall be there.
Exit BEATRICE into the inn.
TRUFFALDINO. Are you the landlord?
BRIGHELLA. Yes, I am. You behave properly and you need have no fear, I will do you well.
Exit BRIGHELLA into the in..
TRUFFALDINO. There's luck! There are many that look in vain for a master, and I have found two. What the devil am I to do? I cannot wait upon them both. No? Why not? Wouldn't it be a fine thing to wait upon both of them, earn two men's wages and eat and drink for two? 'Twould be a fine thing indeed, if neither of them found out. And if they did? What then? No matter! If one sends me away, I stay with the other. I swear I'll try it. If it last but a day, I'll try it. Whatever happens I shall have done a fine thing. Here goes. Let's go to the Post for both of 'em.
Enter SILVIO and meets TRUFFALDINO.
SILVIO, aside. That is the servant of Federigo Rasponi.
To TRUFFALDINO.
My good man.
TRUFFALDINO. Sir?
SILVIO. Where is you master?
TRUFFALDINO. My master? He's in that inn there.
SILVIO. Go at once and tell your master that I wish to speak to him; if he be a man of honor let him come down; I wait for him.
TRUFFALDINO. My dear sir-
SILVIO, angrily. Go at once.
TRUFFALDINO. But I must tell you, my master-
SILVIO. Don't answer me; or, by Heaven, I'll-
TRUFFALDINO. But which do you want?
ACT I, SCENE 2 165
SILVIO. At once, I say, or I'll beat you.
TRUFFALDINO, aside. well, I don't know-I'll send the first I can find.
Exit TRUFFALDINO into the inn.
SILVIO. No, I will never suffer the presence of a rival. Federigo may have got off once with his life, but he shall not always have the same fortune. Either he shall renounce all claims to Clarice, or he shall give me the satisfaction of a gentleman. here are some more people coming out of the inn. I don't want to be disturbed.
Retires to the opposite side.
Enter TRUFFALDINO with FLORINDO.
TRUFFALDINO, points out SILVIO to FLORINDO. There's the fire-eating gentleman, sir.
FLORINDO. I do not know him. What does he want with me?
TRUFFALDINO. I don't know. I go to fetch the letters, with your good leave, sir.
Aside.
I don't want any more trouble.
Exit.
SILVIO, aside. Federigo does not come?
FLORINDO, aside. I must find out what the truth is.
To SILVIO.
Sir, are you the gentleman who inquired for me/
SILVIO. I, sir? I have not even the honor of your acquaintance.
FLORINDO. But that servant who has just gone told me that with a loud and threatening voice you made bold to challenge me.
SILVIO. He misunderstood. I said I wished to speak to his master.
FLORINDO. Very well, I am his master.
SILVIO. You his master?
FLORINDO. Certainly. he is in my service.
SILVIO. Then I ask your pardon. Either your servant is exactly like another whom I saw this morning, or he waits on an other person.
166 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
FLORINDO. You may set your mind at rest; he waits on me.
SILVIO. If that be so, I ask your pardon again.
FLORINDO. No harm done. Mistakes often occur.
SILVIO. Are you a stranger here, sir?
FLORINDO. From Turin, sir, at your service.
SILVIO. The man whom I would have provoked was from Turin.
FLORINDO. Then perhaps I may know him; if he has given you offence, I shall gladly assist you to obtain just satisfaction.
SILVIO. Do you know one Federigo Rasponi?
FLORINDO. Ah! I knew him only too well.
SILVIO. He makes claim, on the strength of her father's word, to the lady who this morning swore to be my wife.
FLORINDO. My good friend, Federigo Rasponi cannot take your wife away from you. He is dead.
SILVIO. yes, we all believed that he was dead; but this morning to my disgust he arrived in Venice safe and sound.
FLORINDO. sir, you petrify me.
SILVIO. No wonder! I was petrified myself.
FLORINDO. I assure you Federigo Rasponi is dead.
SILVIO. I assure you that Federigo Rasponi is alive.
FLORINDO. Take care you are not deceived.
SILVIO. Signor Pantalone dei Bisognosi, the young lady's father, has made all possible inquiries to assure himself and is in possession of incontestable proofs that he is here in person.
FLORINDO, aside. Then he was not killed in the duel, as everybody believed!
SILVIO. Either he or I must renounce claim to the love of Clarice or to life.
FLORINDO, aside. Federigo here?
SILVIO. I am surprised that you have not seen him. He was to lodge at this very inn.
FLORINDO. I have not seen him. They told me that there was no one else at all staying here.
SILVIO. He must have changed his mind. Forgive me, sir, if I have troubled you.
ACT I, SCENE 2 167
If you see him, tell him that for his own welfare he must abandon the idea of this marriage. Silvio Lombardi is my name; I am your most obedient servant, sir.
FLORINDO. I shall be greatly pleased to have the honor of your friendship.
Aside
I am confounded.
SILVIO. May I beg to know your name, sir?
FLORINDO, aside. I must not discover myself.
To SILVIO.
Your servant, sir, Orazio Ardenti.
SILVIO. Signor Orazio, I am yours to command.
Exit SILVIO.
FLORINDO. I was told he died on the spot. Yet I fled so hurriedly when accused of the crime that I had no chance of finding out the truth. Then, since he is not dead, it will be better for me to go back to Turin and console my beloved Beatrice, who is perhaps in suffering and sorrow for my absence.
Enter TRUFFALDINO, with another PORTER who carries BEATRICE's trunk. TRUFFALDINO comes forward a few steps, sees FLORINDO and, fearing to be seen himself, makes the PORTER retire.
TRUFFALDINO. Come along. This way- The devil! There's my other master. Go back, friend, and wait for me at that corner.
Exit PORTER.
FLORINDO, continuing to himself. Yes, without delay. I will go back to Turin.
TRUFFALDINO. Here I am, sir.
FLORINDO. Truffaldino, will you come to Turin with me?
TRUFFALDINO. When?
FLORINDO. Now; at once.
TRUFFALDINO. Before dinner?
FLORINDO. No, we will have dinner, and then we will go.
TRUFFALDINO. Very good, sir. I'll think it over at dinner.
168 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
FLORINDO. Have you been to the Post/
TRUFFALDINO. Yes, sir.
FLORINDO. Have you found my letters?
TRUFFALDINO. I have, sir.
FLORINDO. Where are they?
TRUFFALDINO. I will give you them.
Takes three letters out of his pocket. Aside.
The devil! I have mixed up one master's letters with the other's. How shall I find out which are his? I cannot read.
FLORINDO. Come, give me my letters.
TRUFFALDINO. Directly, sir.
Aside.
Here's a muddle.
To FLORINDO.
I must tell you, sir; these three letters are not all for your honor. I met another servant, who knows me; we were in service together at Bergamo; I told him I was going to the Post, and he asked me to see whether there was anything for his master. I think there was one letter, but I don't know which of them it was.
FLORINDO. Let me see; I will take mine and give you the other back.
TRUFFALDINO. There, sir; I only wanted to do my friend a good turn.
FLORINDO, aside. What is this? A letter addressed to Beatrice Rasponi? To Beatrice Rasponi at Venice?
TRUFFALDINO. Did you find the one that belongs to my mate?
FLORINDO. Who is this mate of yours who asked you to do this for him?
TRUFFALDINO. He is a servant-his name is Pasqual'-
FLRODINSO. Whom does he wait upon?
TRUFFALDINO. I do not know, sir.
FLORINDO. But if he told you to fetch his master's letters, he must have told you his name.
TRUFFALDINO. Of course he did.
Aside.
ACT I, SCENE 2 169
The muddle's getting thicker.
FLORINDO. Well, what name did he tell you?
TRUFFALDINO. I don't remember.
FLORINDO. What?
TRUFFALDINO. He wrote it down on a bit of paper.
FLORINDO. And where is the paper?
TRUFFALDINO. I left it at the Post.
FLORINDO, aside. Confusion! What does this mean?
TRUFFALDINO, aside. I am learning my part as I go along.
FLORINDO. Where does this fellow Pasqual live?
TRUFFALDINO. Indeed, sir, I haven't the slightest idea.
FLORINDO. How will you be able to give him the letter?
TRUFFALDINO. He said he would meet me in the Piazza.
FLORINDO, aside. I don't know what to make of it.
TRUFFALDINO, aside. If I get through this business clean 'twill be a miracle.
To FLORINDO.
Pray give me the letter, sir, and I shall find him somewhere.
FLORINDO. No; I mean to open this letter.
TRUFFALDINO. Oh, sir, do not do that, sir. Besides, you know how wrong it is to open letters.
FLORINDO. I care not; this letter interests me too much. It is addressed to a person on whom I have a certain claim. I can open it without scruple.
Opens letter.
TRUFFALDINO. As you will, sir.
Aside.
He has opened it!
FLORINDO, reads. "Madam, your departure from this city has given rise to much talk, and all understand that you have gone to join Signor Florindo. The Court of Justice has discovered that you have fled in man's dress and intends to have you arrested. I have not sent this letter y the courier from Turin to Venice, so as not to reveal the place whither you were bound, bur I have sent ti to a friend at Genoa to be forwarded to Venice. If I have any more news to tell you, I will not fail to send it by the same means.
170 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
Your most humble servant, Antonio."
TRUFFALDINO. That's a nice way to behave! Reading other people's letters!
FLORINDO, aside. What is all this? Beatrice has left home? In man's dress? To join me? Indeed she loves me. Heaven grant I may find her in Venice.
To TRUFFALDINO.
Here, my good Truffaldino, go and do all you can to find Pasquale; find out from him who his master is, and if he be man or woman. Find out where he lodges, and if you can, bring him here to me, and both he and you shall be handsomely rewarded.
Truffaldino. Give me the letter; I will try to find him.
FLORINDO. There it is. I count upon you. This matter is of infinite importance to me.
Truffaldino. But am I to give him the letter open like this?
FLORINDO. Tell him it was a mistake, an accident. Don't make difficulties.
TRUFFALDINO. And are you going to Turin now?
FLORINDO. No, not for the present. Lose no time. Go and find Pasquale.
Aside.
Beatrice in Venice, Federigo in Venice! If her brother finds her, unhappy woman! I will do all I can to discover her first.
Exit toward the town.
TRUFFALDINO. Upon y word, I hope he is not going away. I want to see how my two jobs will work out. I'm on my mettle. This letter, now, which I have to take to my other master - I don't like to have to give it him opened. I must try to fold it again.
Tries various awkward folds.
And now it must be sealed. If I only knew how to do it
I have seen my grandmother sometimes seal letters with chewed bread. I'll try it.
Takes a piece of bread out of his pocket.
ACT I, SCENE 2 171
It's a pity to waste this little piece of bread, but still something must be done.
Chews a little bread to seal the letter and accidentally swallows it.
The devil! It has gone down. I must chew another bit.
Same business.
No good, nature rebels. I'll try once more.
Chews again; would like to swallow the bread, but restrains himself and with great difficulty removes the read from his mouth.
Ah, here it is; I'll seal the letter.
Seals the letter with the bread.
I think that looks quite well. I'm always a great man for doing things cleanly.
Lord! I had forgotten the porter.
Calls off.
Friends, come hither; take the trunk on your shoulder.
Re-enter PORTER.
PORTER. Here I am; where am I to carry it?
TRUFFALDINO. Take it into that in; I am coming directly.
BEATRICE comes out of the inn.
BEATRICE. Is this my trunk?
TRUFFALDINO. Yes, sir.
BEATRICE. to PORTER. Carry it into my room.
PORTER. Which is your room?
BEATRICE. Ask the waiter.
PORTER. There's one and threepence to pay.
BEATRICE. Go on, I will pay you.
PORTER. Please be quick about it.
BEATRICE. Don't bother me.
PORTER. I've half a mind to throw the trunk down in the middle of the street.
Goes into the in..
TRUFFALDINO. Great folk for politeness, these porters!
BEATRICE. Have you been to the Post?
172 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
TRUFFALDINO. Yes, sir.
BEATRICE. Any letters for me?
TRUFFALDINO One for your sister.
BEATRICE Good; where is it?
TRUFFALDINO. Here.
Gives letter.
BEATRICE. This letter has been opened.
TRUFFALDINO. Opened? No@ Impossible!
BEATRICE. Yes, opened, and then sealed with bread.
TRUFFALDINO. I can't think how that can have happened.
BEATRICE. You cannot think, eh? Rascal, who has opened this letter? I must know.
TRUFFALDINO. Sir, I'll tell you, I'll confess the truth. We are all liable to make mistakes. At the Post there was a letter for me; I can't read very much, and by mistake, instead of opening my letter, I opened yours. I ask your pardon-
BEATRICE. If that was all, there's no great harm done.
TRUFFALDINO. 'Tis true, on the word of a poor man.
BEATRICE. Have you read this letter? Do you know what is in it?
TRUFFALDINO. No a word. I can't read the handwriting.
BEATRICE. Has anyone else seen it?
TRUFFALDINO, with an air of great indignation. Oh!
]BEATRICE. Take care now--
TRUFFALDINO, same business. Sir!
BEATRICE, aside. I hope he is not deceiving me.
Reads to herself.
TRUFFALDINO. That's all put straight.
BEATRICE, aside. Antonio is a faithful servant and I am obliged to him.
To TRUFFALDINO.
Listen; I have some business to do close by. You go into the inn, open the trunk-here are-my keys-and unpack my things. When I come back, we will have dinner.
Aside.
ACT I, SCENE 2 173
I have seen nothing of Signor Pantalone, and I am anxious to have my money.
Exit.
TRUFFALDINO. Come, that all went well; it couldn't have gone better. I'm a great fellow; I think a deal more of myself than I did before.
Enter PANTALONE.
PANTALONE. Tell me, my good man, is your master in the house?
TRUFFALDINO. No, sir, he is not there.
PANTALONE. Do you know where he may be?
TRUFFALDINO. Not that neither.
PANTALONE. Is he coming home to dinner.
TRUFFALDINO. Yes, I should think so.
PANTALONE. Here, as soon as he comes home give him this purse with these hundred guineas. I cannot stay, I have business. Good day to you.
Exit PANTALONE.
TRUFFALDINO. And a good day to you, sir! He never told me to which of my masters I was to give it.
Enter FLORINDO.
FLORINDO. Well, did you find Pasquale?
TRUFFALDINO. No, sir, I did not find Pasqual', but I found a gentleman who gave me a purse with a hundred guineas in it.
FLORINDO. A hundred guineas? what for?
TRUFFALDINO. Tell me truly, sir, were you expecting money from anyone/
FLORINDO. Yes; I had presented a letter of credit to a merchant.
TRUFFALDINO. Then this money will be for you.
FLORINDO. What did he say when he gave it to you?
TRUFFALDINO. He told me to give it to my master.
FLORINDO. Then of course it is mine. Am I not your master? What doubt could you have?
TRUFFALDINO, aside. Yes, but what about t'other one?
174 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
FLORINDO. And you do not know who gave you the money?
TRUFFALDINO. No, sir; I think I have seen his face somewhere, but I don't remember exactly.
FLORINDO. It will have been the merchant to whom I had a letter.
TRUFFALDINO. Yes, of course, sir.
FLORINDO. You won't forget Pasquale.
TRUFFALDINO. I'll find him after dinner.
FLORINDO. Then let us go and order our meal.
Goes into the inn.
TRUFFALDINO. We will. Lucky I made no mistake this time.
I've given the purse to the right one.
Goes into the inn.
SCENE 3
A Room in the House of PANTALONE
PANTALONE and CLARICE
PANTALONE. That's the long and short of it; Signor Federigo is to be your husband. I have given my word and I am not to be cozened.
CLARICE. you have my obedience, sir; but I beseech you, this is tyranny.
PANTALONE. When Signor Federigo first asked for your hand, I told you; you never replied that you did not wish to marry him. You should have spoken then; now it is too late.
CLARICE. My fear of you, sir, and my respect, made me dumb.
PANTALONE. Then your fear and respect should do the same now.
CLARICE. Indeed I cannot marry him, sir.
PANTALONE. No? And why not.
CLARICE. Nothing shall induce me to marry Federigo.
ACT I, SCENE 3 175
PANTALONE. You dislike him so much?
CLARICE. He is odious in my eyes.
PANTALONE. And supposing I were to show you how you might begin to like him a little?
CLARICE. What do you mean, sir?
PANTALONE. Put Signor Silvio out of your mind, and you will soon like Federigo well enough.
CLARICE. Silvio is too firmly stamped upon my heart; and your own approval, sir, has rooted him there the more securely.
PANTALONE, aside. In some ways I am sorry for her.
To CLARICE.
You have got to make a virtue of necessity.
CLARICE. My heart is not capable of so great an effort.
PANTALONE. Come, come; you shall!
Enter SMERALDINA.
SMERALDINA. Sir, Signor Federigo is here and desires to speak with you.
PANTALONE. Tell him to come in; I am at his service.
CLARICE, weeping. Alas! What torture!
SMERALDINA. What is it, madam? You are weeping? Truly you do wrong. Have you not noticed how handsome Signor Federigo is? If I had such luck, I would not cry; no, I would laugh with the whole of my mouth.
Exit SMERALDINA.
PANTALONE. There, there, my child; you must not be seen crying.
CLARICE. But if I feel my heart bursting!
Enter BEATRICE in man's dress.
BEATRICE. My respects to Signor Pantalone.
Pantalone. Your servant, sir. Did you receive a purse with a hundred guineas in it?
BEATRICE. No.
PANTALONE. but I gave it to your servant just now. You told me he was a trustworthy man.
BEATRICE. Yes, indeed; there is no danger. I did not see him. He will give me the money when I come home again.
176 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
Aside to PANTALONE.
What ails Signora Clarice that she is weeping?
PANTALONE, aside to BEATRICE. Dear Signor Federigo, you must have pity on her. The news of your death was the cause of this trouble. I hope it will pass away in time.
BEATRICE, to PANTALONE. Do me a kindness, Signor Pantalone, and leave me alone with her a moment, to see if I cannot obtain a kind word from her.
PANTALONE. With pleasure, sir. I will go, and come back again.
To CLARICE.
My child, stay here, I will be back directly. You must entertain your promised husband awhile.
Softly to CLARICE.
Now, be careful.
Exit PANTALONE.
BEATRICE. Signora Clarice, I beg you--
CLARICE. Stand away, and do not dare to importune me.
BEATRICE. So severe with him who is your destined husband?
CLARICE. They may drag me by force to the altar, but you will have only my hand, never my heart.
BEATRICE. You disdain me, but I hope to appease you.
CLARICE. I know you well enough as the destroyer of my happiness.
BEATRICE. but I can find a way to comfort you.
CLARIE. You deceive yourself; there is no one who can comfort me but Silvio.
BEATRICE. 'Tis true, I cannot give you the same comfort as your Silvio might, but I can at least contribute to your happiness.
CLARICE. I think it is quite enough, sir, that although I speak to you as harshly as I can, you should continue to torture me.
BEATRICE. aside. Poor girl! I can't bear to see her suffer.
ACT I, SCENE 3 177
CLARICE, aside. I'm so angry, I don't care how rude I am.
BEATRICE. Signora Clarice, I have a secret to tell you.
CLARICE. I make no promise to keep it; you had better not tell it me.
BEATRICE. Your severity deprives me of the means to make you happy.
CLARICE. You can never make me anything but miserable.
BEATRICE. You are wrong, and to convince you I will speak plainly. You have no desire for me, I have no use for you. You have promised your hand to another, I to another have already pledged my heart.
CLARICE. Oh! Now you begin to please me.
BEATRICE. Did I not tell you that I knew how to comfort you?
CLARICE. Ah, I feared you would deceive me.
BEATRICE. Nay, madam, I speak in all sincerity; and if you promise me that discretion which you refused me just now, I will confide to you a secret, which will ensure your peace of mind.
CLARICE. I vow I will observe the strictest silence.
BEATRICE. I am not Federigo Rasponi, but his sister Beatrice.
CLARICE. What! I am amazed. You a woman?
BEATRICE. I am indeed. Imagine my feelings when I claimed you as my bride!
CLARICE. And what news have you of your brother?
BEATRICE. He died indeed by the sword. A lover of mine was thought to have killed him, and 'tis he whom I am seeking now in these clothes. I beseech you y all the holy laws of friendship and of love not to betray me.
CLARICE. Won't you let me tell Silvio?
BEATRICE. No; on the contrary I forbid you absolutely.
CLARICE. Well, I will say nothing.
BEATRICE. Remember I count upon you.
CLARICE. You have my promise. I will be silent.
BEATRICE. Now, I hope, you will treat me more kindly.
CLARICE. I will be your friend indeed; and if I can be of service to you, dispose of me.
178 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
BEATRICE. I too swear eternal friendship to you. Give me your hand.
CLARICE. I don't quite like to-
BEATRICE. Are you afraid I am not a woman after all? I will give you proof positive.
CLARICE. It all seems just like a dream.
BEATRICE. Yes. 'Tis a strange business.
CLARICE. 'Tis indeed fantastic.
BEATRICE. Come, I must be going. Let us embrace in sign of honest friendship and loyalty.
CLARICE. There! I doubt you no longer.
Enter PANTALONE.
PANTALONE. Well done, well done; I congratulate you.
To CLARICE.
My child, you have been very quick in adapting yourself.
BEATRICE. Did I not tell you, Signor Pantalone, that I should win her round?
PANTALONE. Magnificent! You have done more in four minutes than I should have done in four years.
CLARICE, aside. Now I am in a worse tangle than ever.
PANTALONE, to CLARICE. Then we will have the wedding at once.
CLARICE. Pray do not be in too much haste, sir.
PANTALONE. What? Holding hands on the sly and kissing, and then in no haste about it? No, no, I don't want you to get yourself into trouble. You shall be married tomorrow.
BEATRICE. Signor Pantalone, 'twill be necessary first of all to arrange the settlement and to go into our accounts.
PANTALONE. We will do all that. These things can be done in a couple of hours.
CLARICE. Sir, I beseech you-
PANTALONE. Madam, I am going straight away to say a word to Signor Silvio.
CLARIE. For the love of Heaven do not anger him.
PANTALONE. What, what? Do you want two husbands?
CLARICE. Not exactly-but
ACT I, SCENE 3 179
PANTALONE. Butt me no buts. 'Tis all settled. Your servant, sir.
Going.
BEATRICE, to PANTALONE. Listen, sir-
PANTALONE. You are husband and wife.
Going.
CLARICE. Had you not better-
PANTALONE. We will talk about it this evening.
Exit.
CLARICE. Oh, Signora Beatrice, 'tis worse than it was before!
180 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
ACT II
SCENE I
The Courtyard of PANTALONE‘S House
SILVIO and the DOCTOR
SILVIO. Sir, I entreat you to leave me alone.
DR. LOMBARDI. Stay, answer me.
SILVIO. I am beside myself.
DR. LOMBARDI. What are you doing in the courtyard of Signor Pantalone?
SILVIO. I intend either that he should keep his word that eh has given me, or that he should render me account for this intolerable insult.
DR. LOMBARDI. But you cannot do this in Pantalone's own house. You are a fool to let yourself be so transported with anger.
SILVIO. A man who behaves so abominably deserves no consideration.
DR. LOMBARDI. True; but that is no reason why you should be so rash. Leave him to me, my dear boy, leave him to me; let me talk to him; maybe I can bring him to reason and make him see where his duty lies. Go away somewhere and wait for me; leave this courtyard; do not let us make a scene. I will wait for Signor Pantalione.
SILVIO. But sir, I-
DR. LOMBARDI. But, sir, I will have you obey me.
SILVIO. I obey you, sir. I will go. Speak to him. I wait for you at the apothecary's. But if Signor Pantalone persists, he will have to settle with me.
Exit SILVIO.
ACT II, SCENE 1 181
DR. LOMBARDI. Poor dear boy, I feel truly sorry for him. Signor Pantalone ought never to have led him on so far before he was quite certain that man from Turin was dead. I must see him quietly; I must not let my temper get the better of me.
Enter PANTALONE.
PANTALONE, aside. What is the doctor doing in my house?
DR. LOMBARDI. Oh, Signor Pantalone, your servant.
PANTALONE. Your servant, Doctor. I was just going to look for you and your son.
DR. LOMARDI. Indeed? Good! I suppose you were coming to give us your assurance that Signora Clarice is to be Silvio's wife.
PANTALONE, much embarrassed. Well, the fact is, I was coming to tell you--
DR. LOMBARDI. No, no; there is no need for explanations. you have my sympathy in a very awkward situation. but we are old friends and we will let bygones be bygones.
PANTALONE, still hesitation. Yes, of course, in view of the promise made to Signor Federigo-
DR. LOMBARDI. He took you by surprise, and you had no time for reflection; you did not think of the affront you were giving to our family.
PANTALONE. You can hardly talk of an affront, when a previous contract--
DR. LOMBARDI. I know what you are going to say. It seemed at first sight out of the question that your promise to the Turin gentleman could be repudiated, because it was a formal contract. but that was a contract merely between you and him; whereas ours is confirmed by the girl herself.
PANTALONE. Very true, but--
DR. LOMBARDI. And as you know, in matrimonial cases, consensus, et non concubitus, facit virum.
PANTALONE. I am no Latin scholar; but I must tell you-
DR. LOMBARDI. And girls must not e sacrificed.
PANTALONE. Have you anything more to say?
DR. LOMBARDI. I have noting more to say.
182 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
PANTALONE. Have you finished?
DR. LOMBARDI. I have finished.
PANTALONE. May I speak?
DR. LOMBARDI. You may.
PANTALONE. My dear Doctor, with all your learning-
DR. LOMBARDI. As regards the dowry, we can easily arrange matters. A little more or a little less, I will make no difficulties.
PANTALONE. I must begin all over again. Will you allow me to speak?
DR. LOMBARDI. With pleasure.
PANTALONE. I must tell you; I have the greatest respect for your legal learning, but in this case it does not apply.
DR. LOMBARDI. And you mean to tell me that this other marriage is to take place?
PANTALONE. For my part I have given my word and cannot go back upon it. My daughter is content; what impediment can there be? I was just coming to look for you or Signor Silvio, to tell you this. I am extremely sorry, but I see no help for it.
DR. LOMBARDI. I am not surprised at your daughter's behavior.
But I am surprised at yours, sir, at your treating me in this disgraceful way. If you were not perfectly certain about the death of Signor Federigo, you had no business to enter into an engagement with him, you are bound to maintain that engagement whatever it may cost you. The new of Federigo's death was quite sufficient to justify, even to Federigo, your new intention; he could have no right to reproach you, still less to demand compensation. The marriage which was contracted this morning between Signora Clarice and my son coram testibus cannot be dissolved by a mere word given by you to another party. If I were to listen to my son I should insist upon the annulment of the new contract and compel your daughter to marry him; but I should be ashamed to receive into my house so disreputable a daughter-in-law, the daughter of a man who breaks his word as you do. Signor Pantalone, you have done me an injury,
ACT II, SCENE 1 183
you have done an injury to the house of Lombardi. The time will come when you will have to pay for it; yes, sir, the time will come-omnia tempus habent.
Exit DOCTOR.
PANTALONE. You may go to the devil for all I care. I don't care a fig, I'm not afraid of you. The Rasponis are worth a hundred of the Lombardis. An only son, and as rich as he is-you won't find that every day. It has got to be.
Enter SILVIO.
SILVIO, aside. 'Tis all very fine for my father to talk. Let him keep his temper who can.
PANTALONE, seeing SILVIO, aside. Here comes the other.
SILVIO, rudely. Your servant, sir.
PANTALONE. Yours to command, sir.
Aside.
He is boiling.
SILVIO. I have just heard something from my father; am I to believe that it is true?
PANTALONE. If your father said it, it must certainly be true.
SILVIO. Then the marriage is settled between Signora Clarice and Signor Federigo?
PANTALONE. Yes, sir, settled and concluded.
SILVIO. I am amazed that you should have the face to tell me so. You are a man of no reputation, you are no gentleman.
PANTALONE. What is all this? Is that the way you speak to a man of my age?
SILVIO. I don't care how old you are; I have a mind to run you straight through the body.
PANTALONE. I am not a frog, sir, to be spitted. Do you come into my own house to make all this turmoil?
SILVIO. Come outside then.
PANTALONE. I am surprised at you, sir.
SILVIO. Come on, if you are a man of honor.
PANTALONE. I am accustomed to be treated with respect.
SILVIO. You are a low fellow, a coward, and a villain.
PANTALONE. You are a most impertinent young puppy.
184 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
SILVIO. I swear to Heaven-
Lays his hand to his sword.
PANTALONE. Help! Murder!
Draws a pistol.
Enter BEATRICE with a drawn sword.
BEATRICE. I am here to defend you.
To PANTALONE.
PANTALONE. My dear son-in-law, I am much obliged to you.
SILVIO, to BEATRICE. Come on, sir.
PANTALONE, frightened. My dear son-in-law-
BEATRICE. It is not the first time that I have been in danger.
To SILVIO.
I am not afraid of you.
Presents sword.
PANTALONE. Help! Help!
PANTALONE runs toward the street. BEATRICE and SILVIO fight. SILVIO falls and drops his sword. BEATRICE holds her point to his heart.
Enter CLARICE.
CLARICE, to BEATRICE. Stop, stop!
BEATRICE. Fair Clarice, at your request I grant Silvio his life, and in consideration of my mercy, I beg you to remember your oath.
Exit BEATRICE.
CLARICE. Dear Silvio, are you hurt?
SILVIO. Dear Silvio! Faithless deceiver! Dear Silvio! To a lover disdained, to a betrayed husband!
CLARICE. No, Silvio, I do not deserve your reproaches. I love you, I adore you, I am indeed faithful.
SILVIO. Oh, lying jade! Faithful to me, forsooth! You call that fidelity, to plight your troth to another?
CLARICE. I never did so, nor will I ever. I will die rather than desert you.
SILVIO. I heard just now that you have given you oath.
ACT II, SCENE 1 185
CLARICE. My oath does not bind me to marry him.
SILVIO. Then what did you swear?
CLARICE. Dear Silvio, have mercy on me; I cannot tell you.
SILVIO. Why not?
CLARICE. Because I am sworn to silence.
SILVIO. That proves your guilt.
CLARICE. No, I am innocent.
SILVIO. Innocent people have no secrets.
CLARICE. Indeed I should be guilty if I spoke.
SILVIO. And to whom have you sworn this silence?
CLARICE. To Federigo..
SILVIO. And you will observe it so jealously?
CLARICE. I will observe it, rather than be a perjuress.
SILVIO. And you tell me you do not love him? He's a fool that believes you. I do not believe you, cruel, deceiver! Begone from my sight!
CLARICE. If I did not love you, I should not have run hither in all haste to save your life.
SILVIO. Then I loathe my life, if I just owe it to one so ungrateful.
CLARICE. I love you with all my heart.
SILVIO. I abhor you with all my soul.
CLARICE. I will die, if you are not to be appeased.
SILVIO. I would sooner see you dead than unfaithful.
CLARICE. Then you shall have that satisfaction.
Picks up his sword.
SILVIO. Yes, that sword should avenge my wrongs.
CLARICE. Are you so cruel to your Clarice?
SILVIO. 'Twas you that taught me cruelty.
CLARICE. Then you desire my death?
SILVIO. I know not what I desire.
CLARICE. I do.
Points the sword at her breast.
Enter SMERALDINA.
SMERALDINA. Stop, stop! What on earth are you doing?
186 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS
Takes the sword away from CLARICE.
And you, you dog, you would have let her die?
To SILVIO.
Have you the heart of a tiger, of a hyena, of a devil? Look at you, you're a pretty little fellow, that expects ladies to disembowel themselves for you! You are much too kind to him, madam. He doesn't want you doesn't deserve you. Let this murderer go to the devil; and you come along with me. There's no shortage of men; I'll promise to find you a dozen before evening.
She throws down the sword, SILVIO picks it up.
CLARICE. weeping. Ungrateful! Can it be that my death should cost you not a single sigh? But I shall die, and die of grief. I shall die, and you will be content. but one day you will know that I am innocent, and then, when it is too late, you will be sorry you did not believe me, you will seep for my misfortune and for your own barbarous cruelty.
Exit CLARICE.
SMERALDINA. Here's something I really don't understand. Here's a girl on the point of killing herself, and you sit there looking on, just as if you were at play.
SILVIO. Nonsense, woman! Do you suppose she really meant to kill herself?
SMERALDINA. How should I know? I know that if I had not arrived in time, she would have been gone, poor thing.
SILVIO. The point was nowhere near her heart.
SMERALDINA. Did you ever hear such a lie? It was just ready to pierce her.
SILVIO. You women always invent things.
SMERALDINA. We should indeed, if we were like you. It's as the old saw says; we get the kicks and you the halfpence. They say women are unfaithful, but men are committing infidelities all day long. People talk about the women, and they never say a word about the men. We get all the blame, and you are allowed to do as you please. Do you know why? Because 'tis the men who have made the laws. If the women had made them, things would be just the other way.
ACT II, SCENE 2 187
If I were a queen, I'd make every man who was unfaithful carry a branch of a tree in his hand, and I know all the towns would look like forests.
Exit SMERALDINA.
SILVIO. Clarice faithless! Clarice a traitress! Her pretense at suicide was a trick to deceive me, to move my compassion. But though fate made me fall before my rival, I will never give up the thought of revenge. That wretch shall die, and my ungrateful Clarice shall see her lover wallowing in his own gore.
Exit SILVIO.
SCENE 2
A Room in BRIGHELLA'S Inn, with a door at each side and two doors at the back, facing the audience.