Карло Гольдони
The Comedies of Carlo Goldoni
Evarist. Keep it. Don't torment me.
Nina. You give me this fan?
Evarist. Yes, yes, keep it, I give it you. – [Aside.] I am beside myself!
Nina. If it is so, I thank you.
Coronato. [Aside.] Ho, ho! now I know what the present was! A fan. [Goes to the inn without being seen.]
Evarist. But if Candida won't let me see her – if by chance she does not look out of the window – if seeing me she refuses to listen to me – if her aunt forbids her! I am in a sea of confusion, of agitation.
[Crispino, with a sack full of leather and shoeson his shoulder, goes towards his booth. Seeingthe two, he stops to listen.]
Nina. Dear Signor Evarist, you make me sad; I am deeply grieved for you.
Evarist. Yes, my good girl, I deserve your pity.
Nina. So good, amiable, and polite a gentleman.
Evarist. You know my heart, you bear testimony to my love.
Crispino. [Aside.] Nice things these! I see I came in time.
Nina. Indeed, if I knew how to comfort you —
Crispino. [Aside.] Better and better!
Evarist. Well, at all costs I will try my luck. I will not have to reproach myself that I neglected to clear up the matter. I go to the café, Nina; I go and tremble. Retain to me your friendship and good-will. [He takes her hand, and goes into the café.]
Nina. On the one hand he makes me laugh, on the other I am sorry for him.
[Crispino puts down his sack, pulls out some shoes, puts them on the bench, and goes into his shopwithout speaking.]
Nina. Why, here is Crispino! Welcome back! Where have you been till now?
Crispino. Don't you see, to buy leather and to take shoes for mending.
Nina. But you do nothing but mend old shoes. I would not have people say – you know they are so ill-natured here —
Crispino. The evil tongues will find more to say about you than about me.
Nina. About me! What can they say?
Crispino. What do I care what they say – that I am more of a cobbler than a shoemaker? It is enough for me to be an honest man, and to earn my bread righteously. [He sits down and works.]
Nina. But I don't want to be called the cobbleress.
Crispino. When?
Nina. When I shall be your wife.
Crispino. Eh?
Nina. Eh! What does this eh! mean? what does this eh! mean?
Crispino. It means that Signorina Nina will be neither cobbleress nor shoemakeress; she has aims most vast and grand.
Nina. Are you mad, or have you drunk this morning?
Crispino. I am not mad, I have not drunk, but I am neither blind nor deaf.
Nina. Then what the devil do you mean? Explain yourself if you would have me understand you.
Crispino. I am to explain myself! You would have me explain myself? Do you think I have not heard your fine words with Signor Evarist?
Nina. With Signor Evarist?
Crispino. [Imitating Evarist.] Yes, my good girl, you know my heart; you bear testimony to my love.
Nina. [Laughing.] You silly fellow!
Crispino. [Imitating Nina.] Indeed, if I knew how to comfort you —
Nina. [Laughing.] Silly fellow, I say!
Crispino. [Imitating Evarist.] Nina, retain to me your friendship and good-will.
Nina. [Laughing yet more.] Sillier than ever!
Crispino. I?
Nina. Yes, absurd; madly absurd!
Crispino. But, by Jove, did I not see, did I not hear your beautiful conversation with Signor Evarist?
Nina. Silly boy, I tell you!
Crispino. And what you replied.
Nina. Silly boy!
Crispino. Nina, have done with this "silly," or I shall go silly in very deed. [Threatens her.]
Nina. Eh! eh! [Becomes serious, and changes her tune.] But do you really think Signor Evarist loves me?
Crispino. I know nothing about it.
Nina. Come here. Listen. [Speaks rapidly.] Signor Evarist loves Signorina Candida; and Signorina Candida has planted him, and wants to marry the Baron. And Signor Evarist is desperate, and came to pour out his heart to me; and I pretended to be sympathetic to make fun of him, and he let himself be comforted that way. Do you understand now?
Crispino. Not a word.
Nina. Are you persuaded of my innocence?
Crispino. Not entirely.
Nina. Then, if things are thus, go to the devil with you! Coronato desires me, seeks me; my brother has promised me to him. The Count, who respects me, implores – I shall marry Coronato.
Crispino. Come, come, don't be so angry instantly. Can you assure me you speak the truth – that there is nothing between you and Signor Evarist?
Nina. And you do not wish me to call you silly! But, my own good Crispino, whom I love so much, my dear betrothed! [She caresses him.]
Crispino. [Gently.] And what did Signor Evarist give you?
Nina. Nothing.
Crispino. Nothing? nothing? nothing?
Nina. When I tell you nothing, nothing – [Aside.] I do not want him to know about the fan, or he will suspect me again.
Crispino. Can I be sure?
Nina. Come, come, you tease me.
Crispino. You love me?
Nina. Yes, I love you.
Crispino. Well, then, let us make peace. [He takes her hand.]
Nina. [Laughing.] Silly fellow.
Crispino. [Laughing.] But why silly?
Nina. Because you are.
Scene XIV
Coronato, who comes out of the inn. The above
Coronato. At last I know what present Signorina Nina has had.
Nina. What business is that of yours?
Crispino. [To Coronato.] From whom has she had a present?
Coronato. From Signor Evarist.
Nina. It is not true.
Crispino. It is not true?
Coronato. But it is, and I know, too, what it is.
Nina. Well, be it what it be, it does not concern you. I love Crispino, and shall be the wife of my Crispino.
Crispino. [To Coronato.] Well, what is the present?
Coronato. A fan.
Crispino. [Angrily to Nina.] A fan?
Nina. [Aside.] Confound that fellow!
Crispino. [To Nina.] Did you receive a fan?
Nina. It is not true.
Coronato. It is so true, that you have it in your pocket.
Crispino. I wish to see that fan.
Nina. No, no!
Coronato. I will find the means to make her show it.
Nina. You are an interfering fellow.
Scene XV
Moracchio from out the house, a table napkin in his hand, eating
Moracchio. What's all this noise about?
Coronato. Your sister has had a fan given her, it is in her pocket, and she denies it.
Moracchio. [Sternly.] Give me that fan.
Nina. Leave me alone.
Moracchio. Give me that fan, or, I swear by Heaven – [Threatens her.]
Nina. Confound you all! Here it is.
Crispino. [Wants to take it.] I want it.
Coronato. No; I.
Nina. Leave me alone, I say!
Moracchio. Quick, give it here. I want it.
Nina. No; rather than to you or Coronato, I will give it to Crispino.
Moracchio. Give it to me, I say!
Nina. To Crispino! [Gives the fan to Crispino, and runs into the house.]
Coronato. Give it here.
Moracchio. Give it here.
Crispino. You shall not have it.
[Both fall on Crispino to yet it from him. Heescapes from the scene, they follow him.]
Scene XVI
The Count on the terrace. Timoteo outside his shop
Count. Hi! Signor Timoteo!
Timoteo. What do you command?
Count. Quick, quick, bring spirits and cordials! Signorina Candida has fainted!
Timoteo. Instantly. [Returns into the shop.]
Count. What was she looking at? One would think some poisonous plants grew in the garden of the café.
[Exit.[Crispino crosses the stage, running. Coronatoand Moracchio run after him, and all threedisappear.]
Baron. [From the villa to the apothecary.] Quick, quick, Signor Timoteo!
Timoteo. [Advancing with various phials and cups.] Here I am.
Baron. Quick, quick!
Timoteo. All right, all right. [Goes up to the door.]
[Crispino, Coronato, Moracchio, from outside the scene, run furiously across the stage, knock against Timoteo, throw him down, breaking all his bottles. Crispino falls over him and loses hold of the fan. Coronato snatches it up and runs off. Timoteo gets up and returns to his shop.]
Coronato. [To Moracchio.] Here it is, here it is! I have got it!
[Exit.
END OF THE SECOND ACT
ACT III
Scene I
Crispino comes out of his shop, with bread, cheese, and a bottle of wine, seats himself on the bench, and breakfasts. Tognino comes out of Geltrude's villa with a broom, and crosses to the pharmacy. Coronato and Scavezzo come out of the inn; the latter carries a barrel on his shoulders; the former passes Crispino, looks at him and laughs. Then both go off. Crispino looks after him and clenches his fist. Tognino, issuing from the pharmacy, sweeps the square. Timoteo with glasses and bottles hurries across to the villa. Crispino has emptied his wine-bottle, and goes into the inn. Susanna comes out of her shop, seats herself to do some needlework. Tognino off into the villa. Crispino comes back, his bottle refilled. He draws the fan from his pocket, looks at it smiling, and seats himself again. Nina also seats herself outside her door to spin. Crispino hides the fan under his leather apron, and goes on eating. Coronato comes back, passes Crispino, and smiles. Crispino smiles also. Coronato, arrived at his own door, turns round once more to look at Crispino and smile, then enters. Crispino laughs too, takes up the fan, looks at it with pleasure, and then hides it again.
Count and Baron coming out of Gertrude's villa
Count. No excuse! my friend, that should not vex you.
Baron. I assure you it can't please me either.
Count. If Signorina Candida felt ill, that was an accident; you must excuse. You know women are subject to vapours and nervous attacks.
Baron. But when we went in she was not ill, and scarcely did she see me than she retired to her room.
Count. Because she felt it coming on.
Baron. And then, did you notice Signora Geltrude when she came out of her niece's room, with what attention, what interest she read some papers that seemed letters.
Count. She is a woman who has much business on her hands, and a large correspondence. Doubtless they were letters just arrived.
Baron. No; they were old papers. I bet anything they were something she had found either on the table or on the person of Signorina Candida.
Count. Dear friend, your suspicions are strange! Your imagination runs away with you!
Baron. I imagine that which doubtless is the case. I suspect that an understanding exists between Signorina Candida and Evarist.
Count. Impossible! Were it so, I should know it. I know everything! There is nothing done in the village that I do not know! And further, were it as you think, do you suppose Signorina Candida would ever have accepted your proposal? How can you suppose she would thus compromise the mediation of a nobleman of my standing?
Baron. Oh, for that a good reason can be found. She was forced to say "Yes;" but Signora Geltrude was not as amiable to me after reading those letters; indeed, she seemed to me to show pleasure that we should go.
Count. Well, I think that all we have to complain of against Signora Geltrude is, that she did not ask us to stay to dinner with her.
Baron. To that I am indifferent.
Count. I gave her some hints, but she pretended not to understand.
Baron. I assure you she was most anxious we should leave.
Count. I am sorry for you. Where will you dine to-day?
Baron. I told the host to prepare dinner for two.
Count. For two?
Baron. I expect Evarist, who has gone shooting.
Count. If you will come and dine with me —
Baron. With you?
Count. But my dinner is half a mile from here.
Baron. Thank you, but the dinner is already ordered. Hi there, Coronato!
Scene II
Coronato from out the inn. The above
Coronato. You called me?
Baron. Has Signor Evarist returned?
Coronato. I have not seen him yet, sir. I am sorry, because the dinner is ready, and the food will get spoilt.
Count. Evarist is capable of amusing himself shooting till evening, and making you lose your dinner.
Baron. What can I do? I promised to wait for him.
Count. Well, it's all very well to wait for him up to a certain point. But, my dear friend, it does not seem to me you should wait long for a person who is your social inferior. I admit the demands of politeness, of humanity; but, my dear colleague, let us also preserve our aristocratic decorum.
Baron. I feel half inclined to ask you to come and take Evarist's place.
Count. If you do not wish to wait for him, or if you dislike eating alone, come to my house and take pot-luck.
Baron. No, no, my dear Count. Do me the pleasure of dining with me. Let us go to table, and if Evarist is not punctual, that is his loss.
Count. [Content.] It will teach him politeness.
Baron. [To Coronato.] Tell them to serve.
Coronato. Yes, sir. [Aside.] H'm, h'm! there'll be little left for the kitchen now.
Baron. I will go and see that they have prepared for our dinner. [Enters.]
Count. [To Coronato.] Have you taken the second barrel of wine?
Coronato. Yes, sir, I sent it to your house.
Count. You sent it! without going with it? I fear mischief.
Coronato. I will tell you. I accompanied the man until the turn of the road, where we met your servant.
Count. My steward?
Coronato. No, sir.
Count. My footman?
Coronato. No, sir.
Count. My lackey?
Coronato. No, sir.
Count. Who then?
Coronato. That man who lives with you, and sells your fruit, salad, vegetables.
Count. What! that man?
Coronato. Just so. I met him, showed him the barrel, and he accompanied my servant.
Count. [Aside.] The devil! that fellow, who never sees wine, is capable of drinking up half the barrel. [Goes towards the door.]
Coronato. Excuse me.
Count. What is it?
Coronato. Have you spoken for me to Nina?
Count. [Embarrassed.] All right, all right!
Coronato. All right?
Count. [Advancing towards the door.] We will speak about it after.
Coronato. But tell me one thing.
Count. Come, come, let me go in, so as not to keep the Baron waiting.
Coronato. [Aside.] I have good hopes. He is a man, if he takes up a cause, to succeed with it – sometimes. – [In loving yet harsh tones.] Nina! Nina!
[Nina spins on and does not reply.]
Coronato. Allow me at least to salute you.
Nina. [Without looking up.] You would do better to give me back my fan.
Coronato. Indeed! – [Aside.] Oh, by the bye, I left that fan in the cellar! – Yes, yes, let us speak of that fan. – [Aside.] I hope no one has carried it off. [Goes into the house.]
[Crispino laughs aloud.]
Susanna. You seem to have a light heart, Crispino, you laugh so merrily.
Crispino. I laugh because I have my reasons for laughing.
Nina. [To Crispino.] You laugh, and I feel gnawed with anger.
Crispino. Anger? And what are you angry about?
Nina. That that fan should be in Coronato's hands.
Crispino. [Laughing.] Yes, it is in Coronato's hands.
Nina. Then why do you laugh?
Crispino. I laugh because it is in Coronato's hands. [Gets up and carries the remains of his meal into his workshop.]
Nina. What silly laughter!
Susanna. I never thought my fan would pass through so many hands.
Nina. [Looking at her with amazement.] Your fan?
Susanna. Oh, I say my fan because it came from my shop.
Nina. I suppose you were paid for it?
Susanna. Of course, else I should not have given it.
Nina. And it will also have been paid double its worth?
Susanna. Not so; and even were it so, what does it matter to you? For what it cost you, you can accept it.
Nina. How do you know what it costs me?
Susanna. [Sarcastically and pointedly.] Oh, I don't know what it cost you, nor whether he who gave it you has great obligations towards you.
Nina. What obligations? What do you mean by obligations? Do I meddle in your affairs?
Susanna. There, there, don't excite yourself! You don't intimidate me with your fury!
Crispino. [From out the shop.] What's the matter? Incessant bickerings, incessant high words.
Susanna. She makes side hits and expects one to keep silent.
Crispino. Are you angry, Nina?
Nina. I angry? I am never angry!
Susanna. Oh, she loves peace, and never excites herself!
Nina. Never, except when I am teased, if I have to hear impertinences, if I am trampled under foot.
[Susanna mutters to herself.]
Crispino. Is it I who ill-treat you, tease you, trample you under foot?
Nina. [Spinning sulkily.] I am not speaking of you.
Susanna. No, she does not refer to you, she refers to me.
Crispino. One might really say it is an art to live for five minutes in peace on this square.
Nina. When evil tongues are abroad.
Crispino. Quiet! it is shameful.
Susanna. One is to be insulted, and then not speak.
Nina. I speak reasonably.
Susanna. Better I should be silent.
Nina. Certainly it is better to be silent than say foolish things.
Crispino. You will always have the last word.
Nina. Yes; and were I in my grave —
[Timoteo from out the villa with cups and bottles.]
Nina. He who wants me, takes me as I am, and who does not want me, leaves me alone!
Crispino. Do be quiet at last!
Timoteo. [Aside.] I won't go again into that house. Is it my fault that these waters don't help? I can only give what I have. They expect to find all the refinements of town in a village. And then what are spirits, cordials, essences? So many quack remedies. The corner-stones of an apothecary are, water, quinine, mercury. [Goes into his shop.]
Crispino. Some one must be ill at the villa.
Nina. [With contempt.] Yes, that dear jewel of a Signorina Candida!
Susanna. Poor Signorina Candida!
Crispino. What is the matter with her?
Susanna. [Pointedly.] Nina should know something about it.
Nina. I? What have I to do with it?
Susanna. Because she is ill on your account.
Nina. On my account! [Springs to her feet.]
Susanna. Oh, one cannot speak quietly with you.
Crispino. I should like to know what all this means. [Gets up from his work.]
Nina. [To Susanna.] You are only able to say silly things!
Susanna. There, there, don't excite yourself.
Crispino. [To Nina.] Let her speak.
Nina. Well, speak, then.
Susanna. I won't say anything more to you!
Nina. If you have any sense of honour, speak.
Susanna. If matters are thus, well, I will.
Crispino. Quiet there! Signora Geltrude is approaching. No scenes before her.
Nina. She shall give me an explanation!
Scene III
Geltrude from the villa. The above
Geltrude. [Gravely.] Is your brother returned?
Nina. [Ungraciously, and turning away.] Yes, he is.
Geltrude. [As above.] Has Signor Evarist returned also?
Nina. [As above.] Yes, he has.
Geltrude. Do you know where he is?
Nina. [With annoyance.] I know nothing! Good day. [Enters the house.]
Geltrude. What manners! – Crispino!
Crispino. [Rises.] Madame?
Geltrude. Do you know where to find Signor Evarist?
Crispino. No, Madame, in truth I do not.
Geltrude. Do me the favour to go and see if he is in the inn.
Crispino. Certainly. [Goes towards the inn.]
Susanna. [Softly.] Signora Geltrude!
Geltrude. What would you?
Susanna. One word.
Geltrude. Do you know nothing about Signor Evarist?
Susanna. Ah, Madame, I know many things. I have many things to tell you.
Geltrude. Alas! I too have much to disquiet me; I have seen letters that surprise me! Speak, enlighten me if you can.
Susanna. But here, in public! Shall I not come to your house?
Geltrude. I first want to see Signor Evarist.
Susanna. Will you then step into my shop?
Geltrude. Yes, rather let us do that. But first let us await Signor Evarist.
Susanna. There he is!
Crispino. [From the inn.] He is not there. They expected him to dinner, and he has not come.
Geltrude. Yet he must have come back from shooting.
Crispino. Oh yes, he came back; I saw him.
Geltrude. Where can he be?
Susanna. He is not at the café either.
Crispino. Nor at the apothecary's.
Geltrude. Let us search a little. The village is not so large. Look about, we must discover him.
Crispino. I will set off at once!
Geltrude. If you find him, tell him I want much to speak to him, and that I wait for him in Susanna's shop.
[Crispino goes.]
Geltrude. [Enters Susanna's shop.] Now I am ready and anxious to hear you.
Susanna. Well, well, you will hear nice things.
Crispino. There is something wrong about this Signor Evarist. And then this fan – I am glad I have got it. Coronato noticed it was gone, I suppose. He is scarcely likely to suspect me. No one will have told him that I went to buy some wine. I went just in time. I found the fan a-top of the barrel. Silly fellow! And while his man filled my flask, I pocketed the fan! I shall take pretty good care not to confess that I took it. He is capable of calling me a thief. But where am I to look for this gentleman? Not at the Count's, for he is dining in there. In the village? I am sorry I am not enlightened as to Susanna's meaning. But I will get to the bottom of it. And if I find Nina guilty – Well, and what shall I do then? Cast her off? I don't know. I love her too much. What can it all be?
Scene IV
Crispino and Limonato from the café. Then Coronato
Crispino. Do you know where Signor Evarist is?
Limonato. I! why should I? I am not his servant.
Crispino. Don't excite yourself thus. Might he not happen to be at your place?
Limonato. Then you would see him.
Crispino. Out upon you, you lemonade manufacturer!
Limonato. What does this mean?
Crispino. Wait till your shoes want cobbling again.
[Exit.
Limonato. The wretch! Shall I tell him Signor Evarist is in our garden? No, he is only just comforted, why disturb him again? Hi, host!
Coronato. [At his door.] What would you?
Limonato. Signor Evarist sends me. Tell the Baron he is not to wait dinner for him; he is busy, and does not wish to be disturbed.
Coronato. Tell him the notice comes too late. The Baron has nearly done his dinner.
Limonato. All right. [About to go.]
Coronato. And if you hear that some one has found a fan, let me know.
Limonato. With pleasure. Have you lost one?
Coronato. Yes; I don't know how. A rogue carried it off, and my stupid cellarman can't tell me who came to fetch wine. But if I discover him, then – Good-day.
[Exit.
Limonato. I will do my best.
[Exit.
Scene V
The Count at the window of the inn. The above
Count. I heard Limonato's voice. Hi, Limonato!
Limonato. Sir?
Count. Two cups of coffee!
Limonato. Excuse me, for whom?
Count. For me and the Baron. [Disappears.]
Limonato. At once! – [Aside.] Now I know the Baron is inside and pays, he shall have the coffee.
Nina. Hi, Limonato!
Limonato. And what do you want?
Nina. Is Signor Evarist still with you?
Limonato. How with me?
Nina. Yes, with you.
Limonato. There is the café, if he were there, you would see him.
Nina. Bah! I mean in the garden.
Limonato. Bah! I don't know anything.
[Exit.
Nina. Rude fellow! And people say I am irritable! How can I help it, when all tease, all maltreat me? – those ladies, that creature over there, Coronato, Moracchio, Limonato, and Crispino. I can bear it no longer.
Scene VI
Evarist running excitedly out of the café. The above
Evarist. [To Nina.] There she is, there she is! Now I am happy!
Nina. What does this joy mean?
Evarist. Oh, Nina, I am the happiest, the most contented man in the world!
Nina. I am glad to hear it. I hope, then, you will make up to me for all I have had to endure on your account.
Evarist. Anything you wish! Know, Nina, that they suspected that I loved you. Signorina Candida knew I had given you the fan, thought I had bought it for you, was jealous of me, was jealous of you!
Nina. Was jealous of me?
Evarist. Precisely; and to avenge herself, and in despair, she was about to marry another. She saw me, and fell down lifeless in a faint. Happily, a moment after her aunt left the house, Candida went into the garden. I climbed over the hedge, sprang over the wall, fell at her feet, wept, swore, implored, called all the saints to witness, and convinced her. She is mine, is mine, and will be mine in all eternity!
Nina. I congratulate you. I am glad to hear it, sir.
Evarist. One only condition she makes in order to be quite convinced of my love.
Nina. And that is? —
Evarist. In order that I may justify myself and you also, it is needful that you give her the fan.
Nina. Oh dear, oh dear!
Evarist. My honour and your own are at stake. It would seem otherwise as if I had really bought the fan for you. She must be relieved of every suspicion. I know you are a sensible girl, therefore give me back that fan.
Nina. But, sir, I have it no longer.
Evarist. Why tell this lie? I gave it you, and I would not ask it back did not my whole life's happiness hang on it. I will buy you another, far better and more beautiful. But, for Heaven's sake, give me back that fan, and quickly too!
Nina. Oh, if I but had it!
Evarist. Nina, I repeat, our honour is at stake.
Nina. I swear I no longer have the fan!
Evarist. Oh, heavens! And what did you do with it?
Nina. Oh, they knew I had the fan, and forced me to give it up by violence.
Evarist. Who?
Nina. My brother.
Evarist. [Goes towards the house and calls.] Moracchio!
Nina. No, stop! He has not got it!
Evarist. Who, then?
Nina. He gave it to Crispino.
Evarist. [Runs towards the workshop.] Crispino!
Nina. Stop and listen, I say!
Evarist. I am beside myself.
Nina. Crispino no longer has it either.
Evarist. Heaven and hell, who has it then? Quick!
Nina. That rogue of a Coronato.
Evarist. Coronato! hi, host, Coronato!
Coronato. Yes, sir?
Evarist. Give here that fan.
Coronato. What fan?
Nina. That which you stole.
Evarist. Out with it! Quick!
Coronato. Sir, I am sincerely sorry, but —
Evarist. How so? What is this?
Coronato. I can no longer find it.
Evarist. Not find it!
Coronato. I stupidly forgot it in the cellar, and went away. When I came back, it had vanished. Some one must have stolen it.
Evarist. Look for it!
Coronato. I have searched the whole house, in vain.
Evarist. I will pay you whatever you like for it!
Coronato. But if it is gone – I tell you it is gone.
Evarist. I am in despair!
Coronato. I am most sorry, but I can do nothing.
[Exit.
Evarist. It is all your fault! You are my misfortune!
Nina. I? And how am I to blame in it all?
Scene VII
Candida on the terrace. The above
Candida. [Calling him.] Signor Evarist!
Evarist. There she is, there she is! Oh, I am in despair!
Nina. What, what! the world is not come to an end because of this!
Candida. [Calls more loudly.] Signor Evarist!
Evarist. Oh, Candida, my dearest! I am the most miserable, the most wretched man in the world!
Candida. What! you can't get the fan?
Nina. [Aside.] She guesses it at once!
Evarist. If you knew what a coil of complications, and all to my injury! It is too true, the fan is lost, and it is not possible to find it as yet.
Candida. Oh, I know where it is!
Evarist. Where? where? If you could give us some hint!
Nina. [To Evarist.] Who knows? Some one may have found it.
Candida. The fan will be in the hands of her to whom you gave it, and who will not give it up, and she is right.
Nina. [To Candida.] This is not true.
Candida. Be silent!
Evarist. I swear to you on my honour —
Candida. It is enough! My decision is made! I am astonished at you, to prefer a peasant girl to me.
[Exit.
Nina. Peasant girl! What does she mean?
Evarist. I swear to Heaven, you are the cause of all my miseries, which will be my death! She has decided! Well, I have decided too; I will await my rival here, and will challenge him. Either he or I must fall! And all this is your fault, Nina!
Nina. I go, or I shall lose my reason. [She turns slowly towards her house.]
Evarist. How passion consumes me! My heart thumps, my brain is in a whirl, my breath comes heavily. I can scarcely stand! Oh, who will help me? [He staggers towards a chair.]
Nina. [Turns round and sees him.] What is this? What do I see? He is dying! Help, help! Here, Moracchio! here, Limonato!
Scene VIII
Limonato from the café with two cups on a tray. Moracchio runs from his house to succour Evarist
Crispino. [Comes out of the side street.] Oh, there is Signor Evarist. But what is the matter?
Nina. Water, water!
Crispino. Wine, wine!
Limonato. Give him wine. I will just carry these cups to the inn.
Moracchio. Courage, courage, sir! He is in love; that is his malady.
Timoteo. [Comes out of his shop.] What is the matter?
Moracchio. Come here, Timoteo.
Nina. Yes, do you help.
Timoteo. What is the matter?
Nina. He has fainted.
Timoteo. There I can help.
Nina. The poor gentleman, he is in love.
Crispino. [With a bottle of wine.] Here, here! that will restore him to life – five-year-old wine.
Nina. He is reviving!
Crispino. Oh, this wine would make the dead rise!
Moracchio. Courage, courage, sir, I say!
Timoteo. [With bottles, glasses, and a razor.] Here I am. Quick, undress him!
Moracchio. What is the razor for?
Timoteo. In case of need, it is better than a lancet.
Crispino. A razor?
Nina. What?
Evarist. [Gets up.] Oh ho! who wants to cut my throat with a razor?
Nina. The apothecary.
Timoteo. Excuse me; I am an honest man, and no assassin. When one has the best intentions, it is not right to make one appear ridiculous. See whether I will come another time.
[Exit.
Moracchio. Won't you step into my house, sir, and rest on my bed?
Evarist. Wherever you like.
Moracchio. Take my arm and lean on me.
Evarist. Oh, how much rather I would that my miserable life were ended! [Walks off, leaning on Moracchio.]
Nina. [Aside.] If he wanted to die, he could not have done better than give himself up to the apothecary.
Moracchio. Here we are at the door. Let us go in.
Evarist. Useless kindness to him who only asks to die. [They enter.]
Moracchio. Nina, get the bed ready for Signor Evarist.
Crispino. [As she is going to enter, calls her.] Nina!
Nina. What is it?
Crispino. You are wonderfully compassionate for this gentleman.
Nina. I do my duty, because you and I are the cause of his illness.
Crispino. Speak for yourself, there I can't answer. But I? What have I to do with him?
Nina. Because of that accursed fan. [Goes in.]
Crispino. Accursed fan, indeed! I have now heard it named millions of times! But I am glad to think I did Coronato. He is my enemy, and will be so till Nina is my wife. But what now? I could bury this fan in the ground; but if it be trodden on, it will break. What shall I do with it. [Pulls out the fan.]
[Limonato crosses from his café to the inn.]
Count. [From out the inn.] The dinner was excellent! For once I have eaten my fill.
Crispino. [Aside.] Ho, ho, the Count. Shall I – Yes, that will be the best way. [Advances towards him, fan in hand.]
Count. What is that you have in your hand?
Crispino. A fan. I found it on the ground.
Count. [Takes it.] A lady must have lost it in passing by. What will you do with it?
Crispino. I really don't know.
Count. Do you want to sell it?
Crispino. Sell it? I should not know what to ask for it. What may it be worth?