Карло Гольдони
The Comedies of Carlo Goldoni
Ang. [Aside.] Oh, heavens! I tremble.
Dor. [Aside.] She seems to be pleased.
Ang. [Trembling.] Sir, I am curious to know —
Dor. What, Mademoiselle?
Ang. Do you know who is intended for me?
Dor. Yes, and you know him too.
Ang. [With joy.] I know him too?
Dor. Certainly, you know him.
Ang. May I, sir, have the boldness —
Dor. Speak, Mademoiselle.
Ang. To ask you the name of the young man?
Dor. The name of the young man?
Ang. Yes, if you know him.
Dor. Suppose he were not so young?
Ang. [Aside, with agitation.] Good Heavens!
Dor. You are sensible – you depend on your uncle —
Ang. [Trembling.] Do you think, sir, my uncle would sacrifice me?
Dor. What do you mean by sacrificing you?
Ang. Mean – without the consent of my heart. My uncle is so good – But who could have advised him – who could have proposed this match? [With temper.]
Dor. [A little hurt.] But this match – Mademoiselle – Suppose it were I?
Ang. [With joy.] You, sir? Heaven grant it!
Dor. [Pleased.] Heaven grant it?
Ang. Yes, I know you; I know you are reasonable. You are sensible; I can trust you. If you have given my uncle this advice, if you have proposed this match, I hope you will now find some means of making him change his plan.
Dor. [Aside.] Eh! this is not so bad. – [To Angelica.] Mademoiselle —
Ang. [Distressed.] Signor?
Dor. [With feeling.] Is your heart engaged?
Ang. Ah, sir —
Dor. I understand you.
Ang. Have pity on me!
Dor. [Aside.] I said so, I foresaw right; it is fortunate for me I am not in love – yet I began to perceive some little symptoms of it.
Ang. But you do not tell me, sir.
Dor. But, Mademoiselle —
Ang. You have perhaps some particular interest in the person they wish me to marry?
Dor. A little.
Ang. [With temper and firmness.] I tell you I shall hate him.
Dor. [Aside.] Poor girl! I am pleased with her sincerity.
Ang. Come, have compassion; be generous.
Dor. Yes, I will be so, I promise you; I will speak to your uncle in your favour, and will do all I can to make you happy.
Ang. [With joy and transport.] Oh, how dear a man you are! You are my benefactor, my father. [Takes his hand.]
Dor. My dear girl!
Enter Geronte
Ger. [In his hot-tempered manner, with animation.] Excellent, excellent! Courage, my children, I am delighted with you. [Angelica retires, mortified; Dorval smiles.] How! does my presence alarm you? I do not condemn this proper show of affection. You have done well, Dorval, to inform her. Come, my niece, embrace your future husband.
Ang. [In consternation.] What do I hear?
Dor. [Aside and smiling.] Now I am unmasked.
Ger. [To Angelica, with warmth.] What scene is this? Your modesty is misplaced. When I am not present, you are near enough to each other; when I come in, you go far apart. Come here. – [To Dorval, with anger.] And do you too come here.
Dor. [Laughing.] Softly, my friend.
Ger. Why do you laugh? Do you feel your happiness? I am very willing you should laugh, but do not put me in a passion; do you hear, you laughing gentleman? Come here and listen to me.
Dor. But listen yourself.
Ger. [To Angelica, and endeavouring to take her hand.] Come near, both of you.
Ang. [Weeping.] My uncle!
Ger. Weeping! What's the matter, my child? I believe you are making a jest of me. [Takes her hand, and carries her by force to the middle of the stage; then turns to Dorval, and says to him, with an appearance of heat] You shall escape me no more.
Dor. At least let me speak.
Ger. No, no!
Ang. My dear uncle —
Ger. [With warmth.] No, no. [He changes his tone and becomes serious.] I have been to my notary's, and have arranged everything; he has taken a note of it in my presence, and will soon bring the contract here for us to subscribe.
Dor. But will you listen to me?
Ger. No, no. As to her fortune, my brother had the weakness to leave it in the hands of his son; this will no doubt cause some obstacle on his part, but it will not embarrass me. Every one who has transactions with him suffers. The fortune cannot be lost, and in any event I will be responsible for it.
Ang. [Aside.] I can bear this no longer.
Dor. [Embarrassed.] All proceeds well, but —
Ger. But what?
Dor. The young lady may have something to say in this matter. [Looking at Angelica.]
Ang. [Hastily and trembling.] I, sir?
Ger. I should like to know if she can say anything against what I do, what I order, and what I wish. My wishes, my orders, and what I do, are all for her good. Do you understand me?
Dor. Then I must speak myself.
Ger. What have you to say?
Dor. That I am very sorry, but this marriage cannot take place.
Ger. Not take place! [Angelica retreats frightened; Dorval also steps back two paces.] [To Dorval.] You have given me your word of honour.
Dor. Yes, on condition —
Ger. [Turning to Angelica.] It must then be this impertinent. If I could believe it! if I had any reason to suspect it! [Threatens her.]
Dor. [Seriously.] No, sir, you are mistaken.
Ger. [To Dorval. Angelica seizes the opportunity and makes her escape.] It is you, then, who refuse? So you abuse my friendship and affection for you!
Dor. [Raising his voice.] But hear reason —
Ger. What reason? what reason? There is no reason. I am a man of honour, and if you are so too, it shall be done at once. [Turning round, he calls] Angelica!
Dor. What possesses the man? He will resort to violence on the spot. [Runs off.]
Geronte, alone
Ger. Where is she gone? Angelica! Hallo! who's there? Piccardo! Martuccia! Pietro! Cortese! – But I'll find her. It is you I want. [Turns round, and, not seeing Dorval, remains motionless.] What! he treat me so! [Calls.] Dorval! my friend! Dorval – Dorval! my friend! Oh, shameful – ungrateful! Hallo! Is no one there? Piccardo!
Enter Piccardo
Pic. Here, sir.
Ger. You rascal! Why don't you answer?
Pic. Pardon me, sir, here I am.
Ger. Shameful! I called you ten times.
Pic. I am sorry, but —
Ger. Ten times! It is scandalous.
Pic. [Aside, and angry.] He is in a fury now.
Ger. Have you seen Dorval?
Pic. Yes, sir.
Ger. Where is he?
Pic. He is gone.
Ger. How is he gone?
Pic. [Roughly.] He is gone as other people go.
Ger. Ah, insolent! do you answer your master in this manner? [Very much offended, he threatens him and makes him retreat.]
Pic. [Very angrily.] Give me my discharge, sir.
Ger. Your discharge – worthless fellow! [Threatens him and makes him retreat. Piccardo falls between the chair and the table. Geronte runs to his assistance and helps him up.]
Pic. Oh! [He leans on the chair, and shows much pain.]
Ger. Are you hurt? Are you hurt?
Pic. Very much hurt; you have crippled me.
Ger. Oh, I am sorry! Can you walk?
Pic. [Still angry.] I believe so, sir. [He tries, and walks badly.]
Ger. [Sharply.] Go on.
Pic. [Mortified.] Do you drive me away, sir?
Ger. [Warmly.] No. Go to your wife's house, that you may be taken care of. [Pulls out his purse and offers him money.] Take this to get cured.
Pic. [Aside, with tenderness.] What a master!
Ger. Take it. [Giving him money.]
Pic. [With modesty.] No, sir, I hope it will be nothing.
Ger. Take it, I tell you.
Pic. [Still refusing it.] Sir —
Ger. [Very warmly.] What! you refuse my money? Do you refuse it from pride, or spite, or hatred? Do you believe I did it on purpose? Take this money. Take it. Come, don't put me in a passion.
Pic. Do not get angry, sir. I thank you for all your kindness. [Takes the money.]
Ger. Go quickly.
Pic. Yes, sir. [Walks badly.]
Ger. Go slowly.
Pic. Yes, sir.
Ger. Wait, wait; take my cane.
Pic. Sir —
Ger. Take it, I tell you! I wish you to do it.
Pic. [Takes the cane.] What goodness!
[Exit.
Enter Martuccia
Ger. It is the first time in my life that – Plague on my temper! [Taking long strides.] It is Dorval who put me in a passion.
Mar. Do you wish to dine, sir?
Ger. May the devil take you! [Runs out and shuts himself in his room.]
Mar. Well, well! He is in a rage: I can do nothing for Angelica to-day; Valerio can go away.
[Exit.
END OF THE SECOND ACT
ACT III
Scene I. – Piccardo and Martuccia
Mar. What, have you returned already?
Pic. [With his master's cane.] Yes, I limp a little: but I was more frightened than hurt; it was not worth the money my master gave me to get cured.
Mar. It seems misfortunes are sometimes profitable.
Pic. [With an air of satisfaction.] Poor master! On my honour, this instance of his goodness affected me so much, I could hardly help shedding tears; if he had broken my leg, I should have forgiven him.
Mar. What a heart he has! Pity he has so great a failing.
Pic. But what man is there without defects?
Mar. Go and look for him; you know he has not dined yet.
Pic. Why not?
Mar. My son, there are misfortunes, terrible misfortunes, in this house.
Pic. I know all; I met your nephew, he told me all: this the reason I have returned so soon. Does my master know it?
Mar. I think not.
Pic. Ah, how it will distress him!
Mar. Certainly – and poor Angelica.
Pic. But Valerio?
Mar. Valerio – Valerio is here now; he will not go away. He is still in the apartment of Signor Dalancourt: encourages the brother, takes care of the sister, consoles Madame; – one weeps, another sighs, the other is in despair; all is in confusion.
Pic. Did you not promise to speak to my master?
Mar. Yes, I should have spoken to him, but he is too angry just now.
Pic. I am going to look for him, to carry him his cane.
Mar. Go; and if you see the tempest a little calmed, tell him something concerning the unhappy state of his nephew.
Pic. Yes, I'll speak to him, and I'll let you know what passes. [Opens the door softly, enters the room, and then shuts it.]
Mar. Yes, dear friend, go softly. – This Piccardo is an excellent young man, amiable, polite, obliging; he is the only person in the house to my liking. I do not so easily become friends with everybody.
Enter Dorval
Dor. [In a low tone, and smiling.] Ah, Martuccia!
Mar. Your servant, sir.
Dor. Is Signor Geronte still angry?
Mar. It would not be strange if the storm were over. You know him better than any one else.
Dor. He is very angry with me.
Mar. With you, sir? He angry with you!
Dor. [Smiling.] There is no doubt of it; but it is nothing; I know him. I am sure as soon as we meet he will be the first to embrace me.
Mar. Nothing is more likely. He loves you, esteems you, you are his only friend. It is singular – he, a man always in a passion, and you – I say it with respect – the most tranquil man in the world.
Dor. It is exactly for this reason our friendship has continued so long.
Mar. Go and look for him.
Dor. No; it is too soon. I want first to see Angelica. Where is she?
Mar. With her brother. You know the misfortunes of her brother?
Dor. [With an expression of sorrow.] Ah, too well: everybody is talking of them.
Mar. And what do they say?
Dor. Don't ask me: the good pity him, the hard-hearted make a jest of him, and the ungrateful abandon him.
Mar. Oh, Heaven! And the poor girl?
Dor. Must I speak of her too?
Mar. May I ask how she will fare in this confusion? I take so much interest in her, that you ought to tell me.
Dor. [Smiling.] I have learned that one Valerio —
Mar. Ah, ah! Valerio!
Dor. Do you know him?
Mar. Very well, sir; it is all my own work.
Dor. So much the better; will you aid me?
Mar. Most willingly.
Dor. I must go and be certain if Angelica —
Mar. And also if Valerio —
Dor. Yes, I will go to him too.
Mar. Go then into Dalancourt's apartment; you will there kill two birds with one stone.
Dor. How?
Mar. He is there.
Dor. Valerio?
Mar. Yes.
Dor. I am glad of it; I will go at once.
Mar. Stop; shall I not tell him you are coming?
Dor. Good! such ceremony with my brother-in-law!
Mar. Your brother-in-law?
Dor. Yes.
Mar. How?
Dor. Do you not know?
Mar. Nothing at all.
Dor. Then you shall know another time. [Goes into Dalancourt's apartment.]
Mar. He is out of his senses.
Enter Geronte
Ger. [Speaking while he is turning towards the door of his room.] Stop there, I will send the letter by some one else; stop there, it shall be so. [Turning to Martuccia.] Martuccia!
Mar. Sir?
Ger. Get a servant to take this letter directly to Dorval. [Turning towards the door of his apartment.] He is not well, he walks lame, and yet he would take it. [To Martuccia.] Go.
Mar. But, sir —
Ger. Well, let us hear.
Mar. But Dorval —
Ger. [Impatiently.] Yes, to Dorval's house.
Mar. He is here.
Ger. Who?
Mar. Dorval.
Ger. Where?
Mar. Here.
Ger. Dorval here?
Mar. Yes, sir.
Ger. Where is he?
Mar. In Signor Dalancourt's room.
Ger. [Angrily.] In Dalancourt's room! Dorval in Dalancourt's room! Now I see how it is, I understand it all. Go and tell Dorval from me – but no – I do not want you to go into that cursed room; if you set your foot in it, I will discharge you. Call one of the servants of that fellow – no, I don't want any of them – go yourself – yes, yes, tell him to come directly – do you hear?
Mar. Shall I go, or not go?
Ger. Go! don't make me more impatient. [Martuccia goes into Dalancourt's room.]
Geronte, alone
Ger. Yes, it must be so; Dorval has discovered into what a terrible abyss this wretched man has fallen; yes, he knew it before I did, and if Piccardo had not told me, I should be still in the dark. It is exactly so. Dorval fears a connection with a ruined man; that is it. But I must look further into it to be more certain. Yet why not tell me? I would have persuaded him – I would have convinced him. – But why did he not tell me? He will say, perhaps, that my violence did not give him an opportunity. This is no excuse: he should have waited, he should not have gone away; my resentment would have been over, and he might have spoken to me. Unworthy, treacherous, perfidious nephew! you have sacrificed your happiness and your honour. I love you, culpable as you are. Yes, I love you too much; but I will discard you from my heart and from my thoughts. Go hence – go and perish in some other place. But where can he go? No matter, I'll think of him no more; – your sister alone interests me; she only deserves my tenderness, my kindness. Dorval is my friend; Dorval shall marry her. I will give them all my estate – I will leave the guilty to their punishment, but will never abandon the innocent.
Scene II. —Enter Dalancourt
Dal. Ah, my uncle, hear me for pity's sake! [He throws himself in great agitation at Geronte's feet.]
Ger. [Sees Dalancourt, then draws back a little.] What do you want? Rise.
Dal. [In the same posture.] My dear uncle, you see the most unhappy of men; have mercy! listen to me!
Ger. [A little moved, but still in anger.] Rise, I say.
Dal. [On his knees.] You, who have a heart so generous, so feeling, will you abandon me for a fault which is the fault of love only, and an honest, virtuous love? I have certainly done wrong in not profiting by your advice, in disregarding your paternal tenderness; but, my dear uncle, in the name of your brother, to whom I owe my life, of that blood which flows in the veins of us both, let me move you – let me soften your feelings.
Ger. [By degrees relents, wipes his eyes, yet not letting Dalancourt see, and says in a low tone] What! you have still the courage?
Dal. It is not the loss of fortune that afflicts me; a sentiment more worthy of you oppresses me – my honour. Can you bear the disgrace of a nephew? I ask nothing of you; if I can preserve my reputation, I give you my word, for myself and my wife, that want shall have no terrors for us, if, in the midst of our misery, we can have the consolation of an unsullied character, our mutual love, and your affection and esteem.
Ger. Wretched man! you deserve – but I am weak; this foolish regard for blood speaks in favour of this ingrate. Rise, sir; I will pay your debts, and perhaps place you in a situation to contract others.
Dal. [Moved.] Ah, no, my uncle! I promise you, you shall see in my conduct hereafter —
Ger. What conduct, inconsiderate man? That of an infatuated husband who suffers himself to be guided by the caprices of his wife, a vain, presumptuous, thoughtless woman —
Dal. No, I swear to you, my wife is not in fault; you do not know her.
Ger. [Still more excited.] You defend her? You maintain what is false in my presence? Take care! but a little more, and on account of your wife I will retract my promise; yes, yes, I will retract it – you shall have nothing of mine. Your wife! – I cannot bear her. I will not see her.
Dal. Ah, my uncle, you tear my heart!
Enter Madame Dalancourt
Mad. Ah, sir! you think me the cause of all the misfortunes of your nephew; it is right that I alone should bear the punishment. The ignorance in which I have lived till now, I see, is not a sufficient excuse in your eyes. Young, inexperienced, I have suffered myself to be guided by a husband who loved me. The world had attractions for me; evil examples seduced me. I was satisfied, and thought myself happy, but I am guilty in appearance, and that is enough. That my husband may be worthy of your kindness, I submit to your fatal decree. I will withdraw from your presence, yet I ask one favour of you: moderate your anger against me; pardon me – my youth – have compassion on my husband, whom too much love —
Ger. Ah, Madame, perhaps you think to overcome me?
Mad. Oh, Heaven! Is there no hope? Ah, my dear Dalancourt, I have then ruined you! I die. [Falls on a sofa.]
Ger. [Disturbed, moved with tenderness.] Hallo! who's there? Martuccia!
Enter Martuccia
Mar. Here, sir.
Ger. Look there – quick – go – see to her; do something for her assistance.
Mar. My lady! What's the matter?
Ger. [Giving a phial to Martuccia.] Take it. Here's Cologne water. [To Dalancourt.] What is the matter?
Dal. Ah, my uncle!
Ger. [To Madame D., in a rough tone.] How are you?
Mad. [Rising languidly, and in a weak voice.] You are too kind, sir, to interest yourself in me. Do not mind my weakness – feelings will show themselves. I shall recover my strength. I will go, my – I will resign myself to my misfortunes.
Ger. [Affected, does not speak.]
Dal. [Distressed.] Ah, my uncle! can you suffer —
Ger. [With warmth to Dalancourt.] Be silent! – [To Madame D., roughly.] Remain in this house with your husband.
Mad. Ah, sir! ah!
Dal. [With transport.] Ah, my dear uncle!
Ger. [In a serious tone, but without anger, taking their hands.] Hear me: my savings are not on my own account; you would one day have known it. Make use of them now; the source is exhausted, and henceforth you must be prudent. If gratitude does not influence you, honour should at least keep you right.
Mad. Your goodness —
Dal. Your generosity —
Ger. Enough! enough!
Mar. Sir —
Ger. Do you be silent, babbler!
Mar. Now, sir, that you are in a humour for doing good, don't you mean to do something for Mademoiselle Angelica?
Ger. Well thought of. Where is she?
Mar. She is not far off.
Ger. And where is her betrothed?
Mar. Her betrothed?
Ger. He is perhaps offended at what I said, and will not see me. Is he gone?
Mar. Sir – her betrothed – he is still here.
Ger. Let him come in.
Mar. Angelica and her betrothed?
Ger. Yes, Angelica and her betrothed.
Mar. Admirable! Directly, sir, directly. [Going towards the door.] Come, come, my children; have no fear.
Enter Valerio, Dorval, and Angelica
Ger. [Seeing Valerio.] What's this? What is this other man doing here?
Mar. They are, sir, the betrothed and the witness.
Ger. [To Angelica.] Come here.
Ang. [Trembling, speaking to Madame D.] Ah, sister! I ought indeed to ask your pardon.
Mar. And I too, Madame.
Ger. [To Dorval.] Come here, Signor Betrothed. What say you? Are you still angry? Will you not come?
Dor. Do you speak to me?
Ger. Yes, to you.
Dor. Pardon me, I am only the witness.
Ger. The witness!
Dor. Yes. I will explain the mystery. If you had permitted me to speak —
Ger. The mystery! [To Angelica.] Is there any mystery?
Dor. [Serious, and in a resolute tone.] Hear me, friends: you know Valerio; he was informed of the misfortune of the family, and had come to offer his fortune to Dalancourt, and his hand to Angelica. He loves her, and is ready to marry her with nothing, and to settle on her an annuity of twelve thousand livres. Your character is known to me, and that you delight in good actions. I have detained him here, and have undertaken to present him.
Ger. You had no attachment, eh? You have deceived me. I will not consent that you shall have him. This is a contrivance on both your parts, and I will never submit to it.
Ang. [Weeping.] My dear uncle!
Val. [In a warm and suppliant manner.] Sir!
Dor. You are so good!
Mad. You are so generous!
Mar. My dear master!
Ger. Plague on my disposition! I cannot continue angry as long as I would. I could willingly beat myself. [All together repeat their entreaties, and surround him.] Be silent! let me alone! May the devil take you all! let him marry her.
Mar. [Earnestly.] Let him marry her without a portion!
Ger. What, without a portion! I marry my niece without a portion! Am I not in a situation to give her a portion? I know Valerio; the generous action he has just proposed deserves a reward. Yes, let him have her portion, and the hundred thousand livres I have promised Angelica.
Val. What kindness!
Ang. What goodness!
Mad. What a heart!
Dal. What an example!
Mar. Bless my master!
Dor. Bless my good friend!
[All surround him, overwhelm him with caresses, and repeat his praises.]
Ger. [Trying to rid himself of them, shouts] Peace! peace! Piccardo!
Enter Piccardo.
Pic. Here, sir.
Ger. We shall sup in my room; all are invited. Dorval, in the meantime we'll have a game of chess.