Rossini, Gioacchino – THIEVING MAGPIE, THE – English: Sams

CAST

Fabrizio Vingradito (bass)

Awealthyfarmer

Lucia (mezzo-soprano)

Fabrizio’swife

Giannetto (tenor)

Fabrizio’sson,asoldier

Ninetta (soprano)

AservantinFabrizio’shouse

Fernando Villabella (bass)

Ninetta’sfather,asoldier

Mayor (bass)

Gottardo,thevillagemayor

Pippo (contralto)

Ayoungpeasant,employedbyFabrizio

Isacco (tenor)

Apedlar

Antonio (tenor)

Ajailor

Giorgio (bass)

ServantoftheMayor

Ernesto (bass)

Fernando’scompanionandfriend,asoldier

Chief Judge (bass)

Magpie

Peasants, Guards, Judges

Music: SINFONIA (Orchestra)

ACT ONE

Scene One –AwidecourtyardoutsideFabrizio’shouse.

The front of the house has a large rustic porch covered with trellis work; from one of the pillars hangs an open cage, containing a MAGPIE. A gated archway gives access to the courtyard. A small hill is visible in the background.

On stage are various VILLAGERS. PIPPO and LUCIA are bringing in food in preparation for a feast.

Music No. 1 INTRODUCTION

WhataDayofCelebration! (Pippo, Magpie, Lucia, Fabrizio, Chorus)

CHORUS: (1st sopranos, tenors) Whatadayofcelebration! (2nd sopranos, basses) Whatahappy,happyday! (tenors) Whatadayofcelebration! (tenors, basses) Whatahappy,happyday! (1st sopranos) Whataday! (basses) Whatahappy,happyday! (tenors) Whataday! (2nd sopranos) Whatahappy,happyday! (all sopranos, tenors) Whataday,whataday, (all) Whataday,whataday!

PIPPO: Aftermanymonthsoffighting, Doingbattlewiththeenemy, Hereturnstojoinhisfamily. Ouryoungmaster’sonhisway, He’sonhisway.

CHORUS: (1st sopranos, tenors) LetuswelcomeGiannetto,

PIPPO: Welcome,welcome.

CHORUS: (2nd sopranos, basses) Letuswelcomeouryounghero.

PIPPO: Welcome,welcome.

CHORUS: (tenors) Onthisdayofcelebration, (tenors, basses) Onthishappy,happyday! (1st sopranos) Happyday! (basses) Onthishappy,happyday!

PIPPO: Onthishappy,happyday!

CHORUS: (tenors) Happyday! (2nd sopranos) Whatahappy,happyday! (all sopranos, tenors) Whataday,whataday! (all) Whataday,whataday!

PIPPO: Whatahappy,happyday! Whataday,whataday, Whataday,whataday!

MAGPIE: Pippo?Pippo?

PIPPO: Whoiscalling?

CHORUS: Couldn’ttellyou.

MAGPIE: Pippo?Pippo?

PIPPO: Whoisit?

CHORUS: (pointing at the MAGPIE) It’sthemagpie.

PIPPO: Stupidbird,whatisthematter, Willyouneverstopyourchatter?

MAGPIE: Pippo?Pippo?

PIPPO: That’senough, Thatwilldo! Stupidmagpiedoshutup, Oritwillbetheworseforyou.

CHORUS: (teasing PIPPO) Pippo?

PIPPO: Quiet,

CHORUS: Pippo?

PIPPO: Quiet,

CHORUS: Ho,ho,ho,ho.

PIPPO: Thatwilldo.

CHORUS: Pippo?

PIPPO: Quiet,

CHORUS: Pippo?

PIPPO: Quiet,

CHORUS: Ho,ho,ho,ho. Ahah! Ahah!

PIPPO: Thatwilldo, Thatwilldo, Thatwilldo!

CHORUS: (spoken) Ooh!

LUCIA: (sung) Getmoving–dosomething. MyGod,you’resolazy. There’sworktodo–getweaving. Youpeopleamazeme! There’sfoodtogetready Andtablestolay, I’vetoldyou,myson, Mysoniscomingheretoday. I’vetoldyou,myson, Mysoniscomingheretoday! Howdareyoujuststandthere Whenthere’sworktobedone.

(LUCIA:)

Youknowthatmyson Iscomingtoday, Iscomingtoday, Iscomingtoday!

PIPPO/ CHORUS: Giannetto,thehero, Iscomingtoday!

LUCIA: Mydoubtsandmisgivings Arefadingaway, Mydoubtsandmisgivings Arefadingaway, Mydoubtsandmisgivings Arefadingaway!

PIPPO/ CHORUS:

Giannetto,thehero, Giannetto,thehero, Iscomingtoday, Yes,Giannetto,thehero Iscomingtoday!

LUCIA: Ninetta?Ninetta? Whywon’tshecome? IsshedeaforamIdumb? Andwhere’smystupidhusband? Whydoesheal waysdisappear?

PIPPO: Where’sFabrizio? Looknofurther. Look,heishere!

CHORUS: (sopranos, tenors) Where’sFabrizio? (all) Looknofurther. Look,heishere!

FABRIZIO: (entering) Iamhere,mydearLucia,dearLucia, ComelikeBacchus,yes,likeBacchusinhisglory.

(FABRIZIO:) Ihaveemptiedoutmycellarfortheparty. I’veenoughtoseethatev’ryoneishearty. IamladenwithChiantiandFrascati. LetuspraisetheGodofwine,theGodofwine!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ CHORUS:

LongliveBacchus,ourgreatprotector, Forhisnectarisdivine!

FABRIZIO: LongliveBacchus,ourprotector, Forhisnectarisdivine!

ALL: LongliveBacchus,longliveBacchus,ourprotector, Forhisnectarisdivine!

LUCIA: (to FABRIZIO) OhwhatjoythatourGiannetto Isreturningfromthewar!

FABRIZIO: AndifIcouldseehimmarried, Thatwouldpleasemeevermore.

LUCIA: Youcanleaveallthattome, ForIamsurethatyouagree, Awoman’schoiceisalwaysbetter. Andourson’swifewillbe...

MAGPIE: Ninetta,Ninetta.

FABRIZIO: Ah,themagpieguessedtheanswer.

LUCIA: Don’tbestupid!

FABRIZIO: Guesseditright. (He goes to pat the MAGPIE.) Brava,brava! (The MAGPIE pecks him.) Ow,ow,ow!

LUCIA: Whathappened?

FABRIZIO: Cursethebird, Itwentandbitme!

LUCIA: Thatservesyouright!

FABRIZIO: Still,themagpieguessedtheanswer,

LUCIA: Don’tbestupid!

FABRIZIO: Guesseditright.

PIPPO/ CHORUS: Yes,themagpieguessedtheanswer, Anditfillsuswithdelight! Yes,themagpieguessedtheanswer, Anditfillsuswithdelight! Yes! Yes!

FABRIZIO: IcanseemybelovedGiannetto, Withthegirlofhischoicebyhisside, Notforgettinghisdutifulfather, Who’llbeburst,beburstingwithpride.

LUCIA: IcanseemybelovedGiannetto, Withthegirlofmychoicebyhisside, Notforgettinghisdutifulmother, Who’llbebursting,beburstingwithpride.

PIPPO: IcanseeourbelovedGiannetto, Withthegirlofhischoicebyhisside, Nottomentionhismotherandfather, Who’llbebursting,beburstingwithpride!

FABRIZIO: Notforgettinghisdutifulfather, Who’llbebursting,beburstingwithpride!

LUCIA: Hewillthrilluswithtalesofthebattle, Talesofcourageandbloodshedandvalour, Talesofcourageandbloodshedandvalour. Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride!

PIPPO:

Hewillthrilluswithtalesofthebattle, Talesofcourageandbloodshedandvalour, Talesofcourageandbloodshedandvalour, Butmeantimewe’llallberejoicing,

FABRIZIO: Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride! Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride!

CHORUS: (all) Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride! (tenors) Yes, (sopranos, tenors) We’llbetoastingthebridegroom andbride! (sopranos) Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, (tenors, basses) Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, Inthemeantimewe’llallberejoicing, We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride!

PIPPO:

We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride,

CHORUS: (sopranos) We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride,

ALL:

We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride, We’llbetoastingthebridegroomandbride, Thebridegroomandbride, Thebridegroomandbride, Thebridegroomandbride, Thebridegroomandbride, Thebridegroomandbride!

ALL leave apart from FABRIZIO and LUCIA.

FABRIZIO: (looking at his watch) Blessmysoul–it’spastelev’no’ clockalready!InhisletterGiannettosaidthathe’dbe herebytwelve.

LUCIA: OhHeavens,whatcanhavekepthim?Andwhere’s Ninetta?Hasanyoneseenher?Wherehasshegotto?

FABRIZIO: Oh,Lucia,youarealwayssoangrywithNinetta; doesshedeserveit?

LUCIA: Doesshedeserveit?You’veseenher,she’sgother headintheclouds,sovague,soforgetful.Andof course,there’sthefork,silver,remember?When thingsstartgoingmissing,that’swhenIgetangry!

FABRIZIO: Rememberherpoorfather,thatoldpennilesssoldier FernandoVillabella.Andshe’slosthermother,soif she’stryingtoscrapeanhonestliving,sheshouldnot despised.Can’tyoubekinder?

LUCIA: Iamkindnessitself.That’senoughofher.I’moffto helptheminthekitchen,andwhenI’mready,we’ll gotogethersowecanmeetGiannetto.

FABRIZIO: Verywell,Iwillwaitforyouinthegarden.

LUCIA and FABRIZIO exit, LUCIA into the house and FABRIZIO into the garden.

Scene Two

NINETTA, carrying a little basket of strawberries, comes down the hill and enters the courtyard.

Music No. 2 CAVATINA

OhMyHeartWillBurstWithJoy (Ninetta)

NINETTA: Ohmyheartwillburstwithjoy; Formyfather,myfatherdear, Andmylove,mydarlingboy,

(NINETTA:)

Verysoonwillbothbehere. They’llsoonbehere, They’llsoonbehere. Onewillclaspmetohisheart, Buttheother–whatwillhedo? Godoflove,Itrustinyou; Formyheartispureandtrue. Godoflove,Itrustinyou; Formyheart,myheartistrue! Yes,myheartwillburstwithjoy; Formyfather,myfatherdear, Andmylove,mydarlingboy, Verysoonwillbothbehere. They’llsoonbehere, They’llsoonbehere!

Sunlightissmiling, Springisreturning. Nowallmysorrows, Nowallmysorrows, Allmysorrowsarepast. Springisreturning, Nowallmysorrows, Nowallmysorrowsarepast. Itistheend, Theendofallmysadness; Nowjoyandgladness Aremineatlast. Itistheend, Theendofallmysadness, Nowjoyandgladness Willbemineatlast! Springisreturning, Sunlightisburning; Nowallmysorrows, Nowallmysorrowsarepast.

(NINETTA:)

Itistheendofallmysadness, Joyismineatlast! Itistheend, Theendofmysadness, Nowjoyandgladness Aremineatlast! Nowjoyandgladness Aremineatlast! Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast, Aremineatlast!

Music No. 2a RECITATIVE

DearestNinetta,Today’saSpecialDay! (Fabrizio, Ninetta, Lucia)

FABRIZIO: (entering from the garden holding some pears for the feast) DearestNinetta,today’saspecialday!Ihopeitwill becrowedwithjoyandlove!

NINETTA: OhSir,Ihopeso,foryourson...

FABRIZIO: Ahyes,myson,Iknowyoulikehim,lovehim...

NINETTA: Sir!Butwhatareyousaying!

FABRIZIO: Don’tworry,noneedtoblush.Giannettodoesn’t hidethingsfromhisfather...Whyshouldhe?He

lovesyou.Hedoes,andcometothat,whocanblame him?

NINETTA: JustwhatIlongedfor.

FABRIZIO: Quiet!HerecomesLucia!

FABRIZIO kisses and strokes NINETTA’s hand.

NINETTA: Thankyou,Fabrizio.

LUCIA: (entering and seeing FABRIZIO and NINETTA together) How touching.Isthatthewaytoteachhersense? (To NINETTA.) Takethisandlaythetables;beverycareful thatnothingshouldgomissing!

NINETTA: Ohno,youknowI’dratherdiethanseethathappen again.

LUCIA: Theusualprotestations...Inthemeantimethat silverforkhasnotbeenfoundyet.

NINETTA: Thatwasn’tmyfault!

LUCIA: Nonetheless...

FABRIZIO: Poorgirl...let’sgo. (He takes LUCIA’s arm.)

LUCIA: Igivetheorders.

FABRIZIO: (detaches himself from LUCIA and whispers in NINETTA’S ear) Bepatient,Ninetta!

LUCIA and FABRIZIO exit. NINETTA closes the gate and exits into the house.

Scene Three

ISACCO the peddler appears at the gate, displaying his case full of merchandise.

Music No. 3 CAVATINA

PenknivesandNeedles (Isacco)

ISACCO: (nasally) Penknivesandneedles,leatherpatches, Combsandscissorsandsulphurmatches, KnivesandforksandpotsfromHungary, Lotsandlotsofironmongery!

Cometothepeddler, Donotbeshy! Whatwillyoubarter, Whatwillyoubuy, Whatwillyoubuy? Cometothepeddler, Ah,donotbeshy! Whatwillyoubarter Orwhatwillyoubuy?

Penknivesandneedles!

Music No. 3a RECITATIVE

BeOffNow!WeDon’tWantYou! (Pippo, Isacco)

PIPPO: (entering) Beoffnow!Wedon’twantyou!

ISACCO: GivemycomplimentstothelovelyNinetta...if she’saftersomelittletrinketthenshecanfindme downattheinn;I’llbethere’tiltomorrow.

ISACCO exits.

Scene

Four

Music No. 4 CHORUS

What’sThatMusic? (Ninetta, Pippo, Chorus)

Bells are heard playing off-stage. VILLAGERS enter.

NINETTA: (entering, to PIPPO) What’sthatmusic? Whatisit?

CHORUS: Viva! Viva!

NINETTA: Ishecoming?

CHORUS: Heiscoming!

PIPPO: (jumping with joy) It’sGiannetto!

NINETTA: Mybestbeloved. Ihavenothing,Ihavenothingmoretofear! HowIlonged, Oh,howIlongedtoseethismoment! Howmyheart, Oh,howmyachinghearthasyearned!

PIPPO: (calling to the family) Quickly,quickly,ev’rybody–Fortheherohasreturned!

Scene Five

GIANNETTO enters.

CHORUS: (sopranos) Bravo! (tenors, basses) Youarewelcome! (sopranos) Bravo! (tenors, basses) Welcomehome! (all) Welcome,welcome,tothehero! Bravo,bravotoGiannetto, Youarewelcome,welcomehome! (tenors, basses) Bravo,bravotoGiannetto, Youarewelcome, Welcomehome! (sopranos, basses) Welcomehome! (sopranos, tenors) Bravo!BravotoGiannetto, Youarewelcome,welcomehome, Yes,youarewelcome,youarewelcome, Youarewelcome,welcomehome! (basses) Youarewelcome,welcomehome,

(CHORUS:) (basses) Yes,youarewelcome,youarewelcome, Welcomehome!

Music No. 4a CAVATINA

Ninetta!Darling,letmeembraceyou. (Giannetto, Chorus)

GIANNETTO: (to NINETTA) Ninetta! Darling,letmeembraceyou Andclaspyoutomybreast. Forthusismyloveexpressed; Thelanguageofmylonging. Evenindoubtanddanger, Stillyouwerebymyside. Youweremyangelandmyguide, Fillingmewithcourage, Valour,honour,withhonour, Andwithpride.

CHORUS: (all) Viva! Viva!

GIANNETTO: Yes,eveninthebattle, Yourlovewastheretoguideme, Andnowyou’reherebesideme, Iswearwe’llneverpart. No,no,no,no, Andnowyou’reherebesideme, Andnowyou’reherebesideme, Iswearwe’llneverpart, Yes,eveninthebattle, Yourlovewastheretoguideme, Andnowyou’reherebesideme, Ah,Iswearthatwe’llneverpart, No,neverpart,we’llneverpart!

CHORUS:

Alovingoathhasboundthemboth Foreverhearttoheart. Blessthem!

Alovingoathhasboundthemboth Foreverhearttoheart, Yes,hearttoheart, Hasboundthemhearttoheart!

GIANNETTO: No,no, Neverpart. Neverpart,neverpart! We’llneverpart. No,no, Neverpart. Neverpart,neverpart! We’llneverpart, We’llneverpart. No,no, Neverpart. No,no,wewillneverpart, Wewillneverpart, Wewillneverpart!

ALL celebrate GIANNETTO’s arrival. At a signal from LUCIA, all FAMILY MEMBERS exit into the house. The VILLAGERS remain on stage.

Music No. 5 BRINDISI

ComeChargeUpYourGlasses (Pippo, Chorus)

Some FAMILY MEMBERS carry from the house large trays covered with drinks and offer them around to the VILLAGERS. Pippo enters with glass in hand and gets the festivities going.

PIPPO: Comechargeupyourglasses

(PIPPO:)

Andtoastouryoungmaster, Theheartbeatsarefaster Whenfiredwithwine, Theheartbeatsarefaster Whenfired,whenfiredwithwine.

CHORUS: We’lltoastouryounghero Withnectardivine, Withnectardivine, Withnectardivine.

PIPPO: Thewinefrothsandbubbles–Itsoothesallourtroubles. Torichmenandpoormen, Ittastesjustassweet, Torichmenandtopoormen Ittastesjustassweet, Justassweet.

CHORUS: Withwineinourglasses, Ourjoyiscomplete! Ourjoyiscomplete, Ourjoyiscomplete!

PIPPO: GivePippoasipofthissucculenttipple; Myownmother’smilknevertastedsosweet!

CHORUS: ToPippoasipofthistippleissweet; Hisownmother’snipplecouldhardlycompete!

PIPPO: Theglasses

CHORUS: Theglasses

PIPPO: Areclinking,

CHORUS: Areclinking,

PIPPO: Thebubbles

CHORUS: Thebubbles

PIPPO: Arewinking

CHORUS: Arewinking

PIPPO: Withlaughter,

CHORUS: Withlaughter,

PIPPO/ CHORUS: Withlaughteranddrinking Ourjoyiscomplete!

GivePippoasipofthissucculenttipple; Hisownmother’snipplecouldhardlycompete! ToPippoasipofthistippleissweet; Hisownmother’snipplecouldhardlycompete, Couldhardlycompete, Couldhardlycompete, Couldhardlycompete.

PIPPO and the VILLAGERS exit. NINETTA remains.

Scene Six

FERNANDO, disguised, appears on the hill and descends, all the while looking around himself furtively.

Music No. 5a RECITATIVE

ThisistheHouse. (Fernando, Ninetta)

NINETTA counts the cutlery. Unseen by NINETTA, FERNANDO enters the courtyard and looks at FABRIZIO’s house.

FERNANDO: (recognising FABRIZIO’s house) Thisisthehouse.

NINETTA: (to herself, not seeing FERNANDO) No,nothing’smissing.

FERNANDO: (noticing NINETTA, sobbing) ThankHeavens,it’s Ninetta,it’smydaughter!HowcanIfaceherwith thenewsIhavetotell?

NINETTA: (noticing, but not recognising, FERNANDO) DearLord–who’sthis?Thepoormanisweeping. (Approaching timidly.) Tellme,howcanIhelpyou?

FERNANDO: (removing his disguise – sadly) Oh,mydarling...my Ninetta.

NINETTA: (overjoyed, throwing herself into FERNANDO’s arms) Ah, darlingFather!

FERNANDO: Careful!Imustnotbefound.

NINETTA: Whatareyousaying?

FERNANDO: Listen–I’lltellyou.

Music No. 6 SCENE and DUET Yesterday,JustAstheSunWasSetting (Fernando, Ninetta)

FERNANDO: Yesterday,justasthesunwassetting,Ireached Veronawithmyregiment.AtonceIaskedmy Captainleavetocomeandseeyou–herefused, cruelly,andcontemptuouslyherefusedme.SoI swore,Icursedhim,insultedmysuperior.“Ah,how dareyou!”heshouted.Hedrewhisswordandfell uponme.BythattimeIwasblindedbyrage.Idrew mysabre–attackedhim.Theclashofweaponsrang outacrossthecamp.Thesoldiersheardthecommotion,rushedtothescene–theypinnedmedown, disarmedme.

NINETTA: Oh,Father,thenwhathappened?

FERNANDO: Now,heartheworst!Iwasimprisoned,thenthey condemnedmetodeath.

NINETTA: Itcannotbetrue.

FERNANDO: Todeath.Thenmyfriendshelpedmeescape.Brave Ernestodisguisedme,ledmehere.“Myfriend,God keepyou,”hesaid.Hecouldscarcelyconcealhis sorrow.

NINETTA: Icanbestrongnolonger, Fornowallmycouragedesertsme. Fornowallmystrengthhasleftme. Tearsaremyconsolation. Nowallmystrengthhasleftme, Nowallmystrengthhasleftme! Butonthefarhorizon, Ahopebeginstoshine, Yes,onthedistanthorizon, Ahope,arayofhope,beginstoshine, Arayofhopebegins,beginstoshine!

FERNANDO:

NINETTA:

Myonlyhopeisexile, Mydaughter,notevenyoucansaveme! Ninetta,Iwillbebanished, Notevenyoucansaveme. No,no,allhopehasvanished, Notevenyoucansaveme! Longlonelydaysofexile, Adreadfulfateismine. Longdaysofexileawaitme,Ninetta, Adreadfulfate, Adreadfulfate, Adreadfulfate, Adreadfulfateismine!

Oh,Father,letmeembraceyou. (aside) (Ah,no,Icannotbearit! Forhealonecanshareit, Thisbitter,bitterpain!)

(NINETTA:)

Oh,Father,letmeembraceyou. (aside) (Ah,no,Icannotbearit, Icannotbearit!

Forhealonecanshareit, Thisbitter,bitterpain. Forhealonecanshareit, Thisbitter,bitterpain, Thisbitter,bitterpain, Thisbitter,bitterpain!)

FERNANDO: Oh,Daughter,letmeembraceyou. (aside) (Ah,no,Icannotbearit! Forshealonecanshareit, Thisbitter,bitterpain!)

Oh,Daughter,letmeembraceyou. (aside) (Ah,no,Icannotbearit, Icannot,Icannotbearit!

Forshealonecanshareit, Thisbitter,bitterpain. Forshealonecanshareit, Thisbitter,bitterpain, Thisbitter,bitterpain, Thisbitter,bitterpain!)

Listenclosely!

NINETTA: Yes,myFather.

FERNANDO: Youmusthelpme,myNinetta. DearNinetta.

They see the MAYOR approaching down the hill.

NINETTA: There’ssomeonecoming.

FERNANDO: Butwhoisit?

NINETTA: ItistheMayor.

FERNANDO: ThenI’mdonefor–

(FERNANDO:) Youmusttellmewhattodo!

NINETTA: (taking FERNANDO to a seat) Sitdownandwait.

FERNANDO: Ifhefindsme–

NINETTA: Quickly,quickly,hidetheseclothes!

FERNANDO: Mypoorheart,canIbearit?

BOTH: CanIbearthiscruelfate–CanIhearthiscruelfate!

FERNANDO: Thestormisuponusasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart!

NINETTA:

Thestormisuponusasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart!

FERNANDO: Thestormisuponusasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart!

NINETTA:

Thestormisuponusasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart!

BOTH: Thefateswhichbroughtustogether, Haschosentodriveusapart!

Thestormisuponusasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart,

FERNANDO: Thestormusuponasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart! Thestormisuponusasdangerapproaches, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart,

NINETTA:

Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart, Ah,doomandforebodingarefreezingmyheart,

BOTH: Arefreezing,arefreezingmyheart, Arefreezing,arefreezingmyheart, Arefreezingmyheart, Arefreezingmyheart!

(BOTH:)

Mypoorheart, Mypoorheart, Mypoorheart, Mypoorheart.

FERNANDO tries to hide his disguise and moves further away from the tables. NINETTA starts to clear away the food.

Scene Seven

Music No. 7 CAVATINA

IHavePlannedItAllSoCarefully (Mayor)

The MAYOR enters the courtyard and crosses towards the house. Meanwhile NINETTA pours FABRIZIO some wine and consoles him, unnoticed by the M AYOR

MAYOR:

Ihaveplanneditallsocarefully ThatI’mcertain, Yes,I’mcertainofsuccess! Yes,I’veplanneditallsocarefully, ThatI’msureofmysuccess! Yes,theplan’sextremelysubtle. I’mexpectingrebuttal, (in falsetto, imitating NINETTA) “Oh,Icouldn’t. Oh,Sir,howdareyou! MisterMayor,aren’tyouawareofmydistress?” Yes,theusualprotestations–Ihaveheardthem, Ihaveheardthemallsooften. Butherheartwillstarttosoften AndIfeelthatshe’llsay“yes.” Yes,I’veplanneditallsocarefully ThatI’msuretobringsuccess! Yes,myNinetta, I’llknowyoubetter IfIcangetachance

(MAYOR:)

Toseeyouallalone. Then,littletreasure, I’llshowyoupleasure You’veneverknown! Mylittledarling, Whenyouarenexttome, Iwilltransportyou Toaworldofecstasy. I’llberejuvenated, Bereactivated, Bereanimated, Andinvigorated, You’llbesatiated Inmyarms!

Thenyou’llsuccumb, You’llsuccumbtomycharms, Yes,whenIhaveyouinmyarms, Ninetta,thenyou’llfeelmycharms! Yes,inmyarms, You’llfeelmycharms! Yes,myNinetta, I’llknowyoubetter IfIcangetachance Toseeyouallalone! Then,littletreasure, I’llshowyoupleasure You’veneverknown! I’llberejuvenated Andreanimated, AsItakeyou Inmyarms!

I’llbeinvigorated Andreactivated AsItakeyou Inmyarms!

(MAYOR:)

Thenyou’llsuccumb, Yes,youwillsuccumb, Yes,youwillsuccumb Toallmycharms, Ah,yes,youwillsuccumb, Ah,yes,youwillsuccumb Toallmycharms! Thenyou’llsuccumb, Yes,youwillsuccumb, Yes,youwillsuccumb Toallmycharms, Ah,yes,youwillsuccumb, Ah,yes,youwillsuccumb Toallmycharms! Mydarling, WhenItakeyouinmyarms, Youwillsuccumb, Succumbtoallmycharms, Toallmycharms, Toallmycharms, Toallmycharms!

Music No. 7a RECITATIVE

SomeMore,HaveSomeMore (Ninetta, Mayor, Giorgio, Fernando)

NINETTA: (pouring wine into FERNANDO’s glass) Somemore,have somemore;itwillrestoreyourstrength.

MAYOR: (noticing NINETTA) Goodmorning,myprettylady.

NINETTA: Yourservant.

MAYOR: Tellme,whoisthisman?

NINETTA: Onlyapooroldbeggar...heaskedmeforhelp.

MAYOR: Soyougavehimadrink...howgen’rous.Charming!Totellyouthetruth,I’mthirstymyself.

NINETTA: Iwillgetsomemorethen.

MAYOR: (refusing) No,no,I’mverythirsty...butnotthirsty forwine...

NINETTA: I’llgetyousomewater.

MAYOR: (stroking NINETTA’s hand) Ithinkyouunderstand.

NINETTA: (to the MAYOR) Excuseme? (To FERNANDO, aside.) Pretendtobeasleep! (To the MAYOR.) Sir,hadyouheard thatGiannetto’sreturned?

MAYOR: That’swhyI’vecomehere;tojoininthecelebrations.

NINETTA: Well,youmissedhim.They’veallgonetochurch.

MAYOR: Thatdoesn’tmatter.Aslongasyou’rehere,I’m happy. (Indicating FERNANDO.) Whatdoeshewant? Whydoesn’thego?Getridofhim.

NINETTA: Poorfellow,he’ssoexhausted,youseethathe’s asleep.

MAYOR: Thenletsleepingdogslie.Ifyouonlyknew,mydarling,howI’vebeenlongingtofindyouherealone...

NINETTA: Comeon,Sir,someon,youarejokingI’msure.

MAYOR: Butwhyareyousocoy,andwhysostandoffish, Ninetta,mylittlesweetheart?

Scene Eight

GIORGIO: (entering – to the MAYOR) Sir,thesepapersareurgent; andyoushouldreadthem.

MAYOR: Damnation!Well,whohassentthem?

GIORGIO: Asergeant.

FERNANDO: (aside, frightened) (Asergeant!)

GIORGIO exits.

Scene Nine

The MAYOR sits down and impatiently and unsuccessfully looks for his spectacles. He eventually gives up and tries to read the document. This action continues during the following.

NINETTA: Ah,dearestFather,youheardthat?Disaster.Quick, whileheisreading,youmustescape!

FERNANDO: Buthow,Ninetta?Withnomoney,withnothing?

NINETTA: Godhelpus,forI’venomoneyeither!

FERNANDO: Takethese,afewoldbitsofsilver,that’sallIpossess. Justtrytosellthem,butbecareful,doitinsecret. Uponthehillsidethere’sahollowtree,achestnut, youremember,takethemoneyandhideitinthere. Nowfarewell,mydeardaughter,embraceme!

MAYOR: (looking up) Ninetta?

NINETTA: (aside) (GodinHeaven!)

MAYOR: (to FERNANDO) Notsofast,Sir,onemoment! (Aside, to NINETTA) Thispaperisthedescriptionofadeserter whohasescaped.Fernandoishisname.

NINETTA: (aside, looking at FERNANDO) (Fernando!)

FERNANDO: (aside) (NowIamdonefor!)

MAYOR: ThentherearefurtherdetailsIcan’treadwithoutmy spectacles. (To Ninetta.) Mylove,wouldyoubeadear andreadthemforme?

NINETTA: (aside, taking the paper, trembling) (Oh,Heavens!Either killmeatonceorsavemyfather!)

Music No. 8 SCENE and TRIO

ThisIsMostUrgent (Ninetta, Mayor, Fernando)

NINETTA: (spoken, reading) “Thisismosturgent.Thedescription ofasoldier–sentencedtodeath–whohasescaped mycustody.Hisnameis...”

MAYOR: Iswhat?

NINETTA: (sung, reading) “Fer–Fer–Fernando.” (Aside.) (Godof mercy,inspireme–howcanIrescuemyfather?)

MAYOR: (aside) (Lookhowshe’sblushing–itmakeshertwice aslovely.)

NINETTA: (spoken, reading) “HisnameisFernandoVi...” (Looking at her father, she lies.) “Vinella.”

MAYOR: Praycontinue.

NINETTA: (sung, aside) (OhHeavens–ifIreadon,myfatheris donefor!) (Very quietly.) Hisage,approachingforty–hisheight,sixfoottwo.

MAYOR: What’swrong?Can’thearyou!Speakoutloudand stopmumbling!

FERNANDO: (aside) (PoorNinetta!)

NINETTA: Itisalmostillegible.

MAYOR: (taking the paper, and fumbles in his pockets) Here–ifI hadmyglasses.

NINETTA: (taking back the paper) Icanreadit. (Aside.) (Now Heavenhelpme.) (Spoken, reading) Age:twenty-five. Height:fivefeetfiveinches.”

MAYOR: Goon.Let’sheartherest.

NINETTA: (spoken, reading) “Hair,blonde,eyesdark,highof foreheadandroundofface.”

MAYOR: GoodHeavens!Youmakehimsoundlikeareal Adonis–darkeyes,blondhair...delightful!

NINETTA: (spoken, looking up at FERNANDO each time she mentions a colour to make sure she does not accurately describe the clothes he is wearing, reading) “Yellowuniformwith scarlettrimmings–whiteboots.Ifyoushouldsee thisdangerousman,imprisonhimatonce...”

MAYOR: (taking the paper back from NINETTA and putting it in his pocket) Iwill,withpleasure.Whoknows,wemight belucky. (To FERNANDO.) Heyyou,wakeupthere!

NINETTA: (sung, aside) (OhHeav’ns!)

FERNANDO: (waking up, having pretended to be asleep) Signor?

MAYOR: Getup,willyou,andletmeseeyourface.

NINETTA: (aside) (Godhelpme!)

MAYOR: (laughing) Ha,ha,agetwenty-five, (to NINETTA) well almost.Highforeheadwithblondehair,anddark eyes,androundofface. (To FERNANDO.) Thisravishing seducerishardlyyou,Sir!

NINETTA: (aside) (ThankHeavens!)

MAYOR: (taking NINETTA’s hand, aside) (Mydarling.)

FERNANDO: (to NINETTA, deliberately saying few words) Mylady.

MAYOR: (to FERNANDO, severely) Getmoving! Doyouhearme? Getmoving,andbeonyourway!

FERNANDO makes to leave, but hides himself behind a door pillar.

FERNANDO: (to himself) (OhgreatGodofjustice, Lookdownandprotectme, Ah,donotrejectme, Havemercy,Ipray!)

FERNANDO/ MAYOR: (to themselves) (OhgreatGodofjustice, Lookdownandprotectme, Ah,donotrejectme, Havemercy,Ipray!)

NINETTA/

MAYOR: (to themselves) (OhgreatGodofjustice, Lookdownandprotectme, Ah,donotrejectme, Havemercy,Ipray, Havemercy,Ipray, Havemercy,Ipray!)

FERNANDO: (to himself) (Lookdownandprotectme! Ah,yes. Havemercy,Ipray, Havemercy,Ipray, Havemercy,Ipray!)

FERNANDO exits.

MAYOR: We’realonehere–Quitealonehere. Ah,Godoflove, Pourdownyourblessing Onmypassionandinspireme. Ifyousayyoudon’tdesireme, Youareheartlessandunjust! Ifyousayyoudon’tdesireme, Youareheartlessandunjust! Ifyousayyoudon’tdesireme, Youareheartlessandunjust,

(MAYOR:)

Youareheartlessandunjust, Yes,youareheartlessandunjust, Youareheartlessandunjust, Youareheartless, Youareheartlessandunjust!

NINETTA: We’realone–Quitealonehere. No-onelist’ning, SoIwilldaretotellyou Ofmyfeelingsforyou: Idetestyou, Iabhoryou, Foryoufillmewithdisgust! Idetestyou, Iabhoryou, Foryoufillmewithdisgust, Idetestyou, Iabhoryou, Foryoufillmewithdisgust, Idetestyou, Iabhoryou, Foryoufillmewithdisgust, Yes,youfillmewithdisgust, Yes,youfillmewithdisgust, Withdisgust!

FERNANDO re-enters the courtyard, unseen by NINETTA and the MAYOR.

FERNANDO: (to himself) Rageandhatredburnwithinme Andmyheartcriesoutforvengeance! Icanheartheroarofthunder Asthestormbeginstobreak.

MAYOR: (to himself) Rageandhatredburnwithinme!

NINETTA: (to herself) Rageandhatredburnwithinme!

FERNANDO: (to himself) Rageandhatredburnwithinme Andmyheartcriesoutforvengeance!

MAYOR: (to himself) Nowmyblood, Mybloodishot, Ishotforvengeance!

NINETTA: (to herself) Nowmyblood, Mybloodishot, Ishotforvengeance!

FERNANDO: (to himself) Icanheartheroarofthunder Asthestormbeginstobreak!

MAYOR: (to himself) Rageandhatredburnwithinme Andmybloodishotforvengeance, Icanheartherollofthunder Asthestormbeginstobreak, Asthestormbeginstobreak.

NINETTA: (to herself) Nowthestormbeginstobreak, Nowthestormbeginstobreak.

FERNANDO: (to himself) Asthestormbeginstobreak. Rageandhatredburnwithinme Andmybloodishotforvengeance, Icanheartherollofthunder Asthestormbeginstobreak.

NINETTA: (to herself) ButIhavetohidemyanger, Hidemyangerformydarlingfather’ssake, Yes,Ihavetohidemyanger, Hidemyangerformydarlingfather’ssake!

MAYOR: (to himself) Iwaswrongtoshowmyanger–Myapproachwasamistake.

FERNANDO: (to himself) ButIhavetohidemyanger–Formydarlingdaughter’ssake.

MAYOR: (to NINETTA) What’sthepointinbeingangry? Comewithme,I’llcalmyoudown.

FERNANDO: (suddenly revealing himself – to the MAYOR) Whatanoutrage! Whatascandal! Suchbehaviour, Thisisdisgraceful! Andatyourage–Inyourposition! Doyounothaveanyshame? Yourbehaviourisascandal–Doyounothaveanyshame? You,amanofyourposition, Doyounothaveanyshame? You,amanofyourposition, Doyounothaveanyshame? Doyounothaveanyshame? Doyounothaveanyshame?

MAYOR: (to FERNANDO) WhattheDevil?

FERNANDO: (to the MAYOR) Whatawaytotreat Aninnocentyoungwoman!

NINETTA: (aside to FERNANDO) Father,Father, Youmustbecareful!

MAYOR: (to FERNANDO) Ah,howdareyou!

FERNANDO: (impetuously, to the MAYOR) Keepyourvoicedown!

NINETTA: (aside to FERNANDO) Youmustbecareful, Mustbecarefulorwe’relost!

MAYOR: (to NINETTA) Come,Ninetta.

NINETTA: (moving away) Donottouchme!

FERNANDO: (to the MAYOR) Whatawaytotreat

(FERNANDO:) Aninnocentyoungwoman!

MAYOR: (to FERNANDO) Whothehelldoyouthinkyouare?

NINETTA: (aside to FERNANDO) Youmustleave!

FERNANDO: (aside to Ninetta, leaving slowly) Yes,I’llleaveyou.

MAYOR: (to FERNANDO) IfIseeyourfaceagain... (To Ninetta, making to take her hand.) Youcantrustme?

NINETTA: (moving away) Youdisgustme, Youdisgustme!

FERNANDO: NowI’vefoundyou, Imustleaveyou, Ohmydaughter, Wemustpart!

NowI’vefoundyou, Imustleaveyou, OhmyDaughter, Wemustpart!

NINETTA: Nowyou’vefoundme, Youmustleaveme, OhmyFather, Wemustpart!

MAYOR: Iwillteachyoutodeceiveme Andtotriflewithmyheart!

Suchmadnessandconfusion, Passionanddelusion!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, ItismorethanIcanbear!

FERNANDO: Suchmadnessandconfusion, Passionanddelusion!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, ItismorethanIcanbear!

MAYOR: Myheart, Myheart Willbreak!

NINETTA: Suchmadnessandconfusion, Passionanddelusion! Suchmadnessandconfusion, Passionanddelusion!

FERNANDO: Myheart Willbreak, Myheart Willbreak.

NINETTA: Ifeelmyheartwillbreak Forthisismore

Thanmypoorheartcanbear! Ifearmyheartwillbreak Forthisismore

ThanIcanbear, Myheartwillbreak! Ah,myheartwillbreak, Willbreak, Myheartwillbreak! Ah,myheart, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak! Myheartwillbreak, Ah,mypoorheartwillbreak,

MAYOR: Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak! Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, Ifeelmyheartwillbreak! ThisismorethanIcanbear,

(MAYOR:)

FERNANDO:

ALL THREE:

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak!

ThisismorethanIcanbear, Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak!

Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, Ifeelmyheartwillbreak!

ThisismorethanIcanbear, Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak! Ifeelmyheartwillbreak!

ThisismorethanIcanbear, Ifeelmyheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak!

Ifeelmyheartwillbreak!

Ah,mypoorheart, Ah,mypoorheartwillbreak, Myheartwillbreak, Myheart,myheartwillbreak!

Whilst the MAYOR exits, NINETTA and FERNANDO embrace and exit towards the hill, and the MAGPIE flies down to the table, steals a silver spoon and flies off.

Scene Ten

Music No. 8b RECITATIVE

PenknivesandNeedles/HereComesthePeddler

(Isacco, Pippo, Ninetta, Mayor, Fabrizio, Lucia, Magpie)

ISACCO enters and stands outside the gate.

ISACCO: (nasally) Penknivesandneedles,leatherpatches, Combsandscissorsandsulphurmatches, KnivesandforksandpotsfromHungary, Lotsandlotsofironmongery!

PIPPO: (off-stage, spoken) Stopthatwailing,I’vegotaheadache!

NINETTA: (entering) Herecomesthepeddler.He’sjustthefellowIwanted. (Opening the door.) Isacco!Isacco!

ISACCO: (entering the courtyard) I’mhere;Isaccoatyourservice!

NINETTA: (showing ISACCO the bits of silver that FERNANDO gave her) Listen;Ihavesomethingtosellyou.

ISACCO: Let’shavealookthen.

NINETTA: Whatwillyougiveme?

ISACCO: Notveryheavy...matching...let’scallitten.

NINETTA: Ah,howunfair!That’shardlyathirdoftheirvalue!

ISACCO: Lady,pleasedon’tgetalluppity...Just’cosit’s you,I’llgouptotwenty.

NINETTA: Outrageous!

ISACCO: Ahwellthen,ifyou’retwistingmyarm..let’scallit twenty-five.Can’tsayfairerthanthat!

NINETTA: Ihavenochoice.

ISACCO: (counting out the money and giving it to NINETTA) Ten, twenty-five;butlady,I’mtheloser. (Aside.) (Ithink theymightfetchfifty!)

NINETTA: Thenthankyou.Butpeddler,notawordtoasoul!

ISACCO: Icankeepsecrets. (He leaves.)

Scene Eleven

NINETTA: (putting the money in her pocket) I’llgoquickly,andput themoneyinsidethehollowtree.Imusthelpmy poordearfather... (Making to exit she meets GIANNETTO and LUCIA who are entering.) Ah!

Scene Twelve

The MAYOR, his CLERK and FABRIZIO enter.

LUCIA: (presenting GIANNETTO to the MAYOR and the CLERK) Here heis...here’smyGiannetto!Ouryounghero,who hasearnedsomuchglory! (She starts to count the silver cutlery.)

MAYOR: (to GIANNETTO) Soyoung,socourageous!

GIANNETTO: Idonotdeservesuchcommendation.

FABRIZIO: (to the MAYOR and the CLERK) Bravo...hisfather’sson!

LUCIA: (counting) That’snine,andten,eleven... (To NINETTA.) MyGod!Nowaspoonhasgonemissing. What’shapp’ning?

NINETTA: Mistress!

LUCIA: Yes,itismissing...youcanseeforyourself.

NINETTA counts the cutlery.

(LUCIA:) (addressing the OTHERS) Canyouexplainit?Nowa spoonhasdisappeared...andbeforeitwasafork. It’stoomuchtobear!

MAYOR: You’vereasonandcausetobeangry;thereare thievesinthishouse.Wewillinvestigate,we’llpress charges. (To his CLERK.) Gregorio!

FABRIZIO: I’llhavenotrialsinmyhouse.Iwon’tallowit.

LUCIA: Bequiet,idiot!Onlytheguiltyneedbefrightened, forwhentheculprithasbeendiscovered,heorshe willbepunished.

GIANNETTO: OhHeavens!Forsuchalittlething!

MAYOR: Andinsuchcasesthelawisverysevere,forall domesticlarcenyispunishablebydeath!

ALL: Bydeath!

GIANNETTO: Whocanhavedoneit...whocoulditbe?

MAGPIE: (suddenly appearing) Ninetta!

NINETTA: (turning to the MAGPIE) Howcruel...youdareaccuse me? (She sobs.)

GIANNETTO: (to NINETTA) Ninetta,you’reweeping!

NINETTA: (pointing to the MAGPIE) Didyounothearthemagpie?

GIANNETTO: Paynoattention;no-onebelievesit.

The MAGPIE flies off.

FABRIZIO: (to the MAYOR) Again,Sir,Ibeseechyou,thismatter mustgonofurther!

MAYOR: Impossible!

GIANNETTO: But...

MAYOR: Besilent! (To his CLERK.) Takedowntheevidence.

Music No. 9 FINALE ACT ONE

ThisMorningintheHouseofFabrizioVingradito (Mayor, Giannetto, Ninetta, Lucia, Fabrizio, Pippo, Isacco, Chorus)

MAYOR: ThismorninginthehouseofFabrizioVingradito, Apreciousobjectwasstolen.

GIANNETTO: Itwasmislaid,notstolen.

MAYOR: Silence!

Mislaidorstolen, What’sinaname? Mislaidorstolen, It’sallthesame. (To the CLERK) Putstolen. Nowwhatwasstolen? Yes,aspoonmadeofsilver–Towitasilverspoon.

NINETTA: (aside) (Aterribledisaster.)

GIANNETTO: (aside) (Aterribledisaster.)

NINETTA: (There’snothingIcando.)

GIANNETTO: (There’snothingIcando.)

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: (aside) (Aterribledisaster Issuretohappensoon, Issuretohappensoon, Aterribledisaster Issuretohappensoon, Issuretohappensoon!)

LUCIA: (aside) (Itreatedherunfairly; PerhapsIspoketoosoon, PerhapsIspoketoosoon.

(LUCIA:) Itreatedherunfairly, PerhapsIspoketoosoon, PerhapsIspoketoosoon!

PIPPO: (aside, pointing to the MAYOR) (Whatjudgement, Oh,whatwisdom; Thestupidoldbuffoon! Whatjudgement, Oh,whatwisdom; Thestupidoldbuffoon! Whatjudgement, Oh,whatwisdom; Thestupidoldbuffoon! Whatjudgement, Oh,whatwisdom; Thestupidoldbuffoon!)

MAYOR: (aside) (Youthoughtthatyouwouldthwartme, I’llseeyouchangeyourtune, I’llseeyouchangeyourtune. Youthoughtthatyouwouldthwartme, I’llseeyouchangeyourtune, I’llseeyouchangeyourtune!)

(to NINETTA) Whatisthenameofyourfather? Speak!

NINETTA: FerrandoVillabella!

MAYOR: Villabella! Idon’tbelieveit! NowIseethatyouhavecheatedme; Thattraitorwasyourfather, Yes,thatscoundrelwasyourfather! Donotworry, Formymenwillapprehendhimverysoon Andthenthevillainwillbeherebeforeoureyes! Donotworry,

(MAYOR:) Formymenwillapprehendhimverysoon, Andthenthevillainwillbeherebeforeoureyes!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Whatishapp’ning?

MAYOR: Oh,nothingserious, Justastupidlittlegirl Who’stryingtofooluswithherlies.

NINETTA: (taking from her apron a handkerchief to dry her tears, she accidentally pulls out and spills on the ground the money she got from ISACCO) OhHeav’ns,Icannotbearit! OhHeav’ns,Icannotbearit!

LUCIA: (wonderingly) Butwhatisallthismoney?

NINETTA: (collecting the money) It’smine,Signora,Iswearit.

LUCIA: Youlittleliar,youlittleliar!

MAYOR: (to the CLERK) Quickly,putitallonrecord!

NINETTA: It’smine,youmustbelieveit!

PIPPO: Yes,Isawherreceiveit–ShegotitfromIsacco.

MAYOR: (amazed) Thepeddler? (to PIPPO) Whathasshedoneforhim?

PIPPO: Hegaveitinreturn Forcertaintriflesthathebought.

MAYOR: (ironically, to NINETTA) Shesoldhimcertaintrifles,eh? Likewhat?

NINETTA: Icannottellyou.

MAYOR: Aha!Whyevernot?

GIANNETTO: (crossly, to the MAYOR) Bequiet! (passionately, to NINETTA) Telluseverything.

NINETTA: Icannot.

GIANNETTO: (insisting, more passionately) Please,justtellus.

LUCIA: (to NINETTA) You’reshaking, Youlooknervous!

NINETTA: No,no,Signora, Iwondered...

MAYOR: (rising) Butwhyallthisconfusion? Denyitifyoudare, Butwecandrawourownconclusion Fromtheaudiencethat’sthere.

NINETTA: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation)

GIANNETTO: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation)

NINETTA: (aside) (Willdrivemetodespair!)

GIANNETTO: (aside) (Ismorethanshecanbear!)

NINETTA: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation Willdrivemetodespair, Willdrivemetodespair! Thisdreadfulsituation, Willdrivemetodespair, Willdrivemetodespair!)

LUCIA: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear, IsmorethanIcanbear!

Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear, IsmorethanIcanbear!)

PIPPO: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear! Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear! Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear! Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear!)

GIANNETTO: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear!

Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear, IsmorethanIcanbear, IsmorethanIcanbear!)

FABRIZIO: (aside) (Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear!

Thisdreadfulsituation, Thisdreadfulsituation IsmorethanIcanbear, IsmorethanIcanbear!)

MAYOR: (joyfully, aside) (Ah,nowshe’sminecompletely, I’vecaughtherinmysnare, I’vecaughtherinmysnare! Ah,nowshe’sminecompletely, I’vecaughtherinmysnare, I’vecaughtherinmysnare!)

GIANNETTO: (impetuously) Let’sfetchIsacco!

PIPPO: (starting to leave) Certainly.

FABRIZIO: (to PIPPO as he leaves) You’llfindhiminthevillage.

LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Soonallthispainandanguish

(LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO:) Willvanishintoair.

MAYOR: (to NINETTA) Ihadbetterkeepthemoney.

NINETTA: Keepthemoney! Oh,someone–pleasehelpme!

NINETTA gives the money to the MAYOR.

MAYOR: ItbelongstotheExchequer. (Puts the money in his pocket.)

NINETTA: Istherenothingyoucando? Istherenothingyoucansay, Istherenothingyoucansay?

MAYOR: (aside, to NINETTA) (Iwillteachyoutobeproud Andtodistainme, Iwillteachyou ThatIalwayshavemyway! Now’sthemoment, Now’sthemoment Ofmytriumph, Now’sthemoment Ofmytriumph, I’llbesuretomakeyoupay!)

NINETTA: (aside) (Oh,myfather,Icannothelpyou, ThereisnothingthatIcansay! IfIspeak,thenIbetrayyou, Ah,mystrengthhasdrainedaway!)

LUCIA: (aside) (Sheispaleandsheistrembling. Ah,itfillsmewithsuchdismay! Idonotknowwhattothinkorfeel, Idon’tknowwhattosay!)

FABRIZIO: (aside) (Sheispaleandsheistrembling.

(FABRIZIO:) Ah,itfillsmewithsuchdismay! Idonotknowwhattothink Orwhattofeel, Ah,Idonotknowthattosay, OhGod,Idon’tknowwhattosay!)

NINETTA: (aside) (Oh,myfather,Ican’thelpyou, ThereisnothingIcansay!)

LUCIA/ FABRIZIO: (aside) (Idonotknowwhattothink, Ah,Idonotknowwhattosay!)

GIANNETTO: (aside) (Whattothink,ah,whattofeel, IdonotknowwhatIshouldsay!)

MAYOR: (aside, to NINETTA) (Now’sthemomentofmytriumph, I’llbesuretomakeyoupay!)

NINETTA: (aside) (WhatcanIsay? WhatcanIsay? WhatcanIsay? WhatcanIsay? Oh,belovedfather, Belovedfather, Whatcan,whatcanIsay?)

LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: (aside) (WhatshouldIsay? WhatshouldIsay? WhatshouldIsay? Ah,Heavens,whatshouldIsay, WhatshouldIsay?)

MAYOR: (aside, to NINETTA) (I’llmakeyoupay! I’llmakeyoupay! I’llmakeyoupay! I’llbesuretomakeyoupay,

(MAYOR:) I’llmakeyoupay!)

Scene Fifteen

ISACCO and PIPPO enter.

ISACCO: (humbly) Didsomebodywantme?

MAYOR: Telluswhatshe (points to NINETTA) soldyou Ashortwhileago!

ISACCO: I’lltrytoremember... (he pauses hesitantly) Aspoonandafork.

GIANNETTO: Ninetta– (despairingly) Ninetta –Youcannotbeguilty! Youcannotbeguilty! (aside) (AndIthoughtthatshewaspureandhonest, WasIwrong? AndIthoughtthatshewaspureandhonest, WasIwrong?)

MAYOR: Iknewshewasguilty, Iknewshewasguilty, Iknewshewasguilty, Iknewallalong!

LUCIA: Iknewshewasguilty, Iknewshewasguilty, Iknewallalong!

PIPPO: Ididnotforeseethis, I’msuresheishonest, I’msurethatthey’rewrong!

FABRIZIO: Perhapssheisguilty, Perhapssheisguilty, PerhapsIwaswrong!

NINETTA: (determinedly, to ISACCO) Butwherehaveyouputthem?

(NINETTA:) Pleasetellthem, (pointing to the OTHERS) Pleasetellthem!

ISACCO: Iboughtthemtosellthem, Thegoodshavebeensold.

NINETTA: OhGod,disaster!

MAYOR: (into the CLERK’s ear) DowhatItellyou, Butdoitquickly!

The CLERK exits.

GIANNETTO: (suddenly, to ISACCO) Canyoudescribethem?

NINETTA: (despairingly) OhGodinHeaven, Theywereinitialledwiththesameletters–Oh,woeisme!

MAYOR: Wasthereamonogram?

ISACCO: (thinking) Wastherewhat?No,an‘F’... (thinking) Andwhatelse?... A‘V’!

NINETTA: Griefandcalamity, Tumblearoundme. Darknessandmisery, OhGod,whatcanIdo? Darknessandmisery, WhatcanIdo?

LUCIA/ PIPPO: Darknessandmisery, Whatcanwedo?

MAYOR: Griefandcalamity, It’sgoingsplendidly! (aside) (Nowyou’reinmypower, There’snothingyoucando.)

NINETTA: Darknessandmisery, WhatcanIdo?

LUCIA/ PIPPO: Darknessandmisery, Whatcanwedo?

GIANNETTO: Slanderandinfamy, Fatehasaccusedher, Darknessandmisery, OhGod,whatcanIdo!

LUCIA/ FABRIZIO: Heartbreakandtragedy, Howcanwehelpher, Darknessandmisery, Darknessandmisery, Darknessandmisery, Whatcanwedo?

PIPPO/ GIANNETTO: Darknessandmisery, Darknessandmisery, Whatcanwedo?

NINETTA: Darknessandmisery, Darknessandmisery, OhGod,whatcanI,canIdo?

MAYOR: (aside) (You’reinmypower, Sowhatcanyoudo?

It’sgoingsplendidly, Couldnotbebetter, It’sgoingsplendidly, PrettyNinetta! You’reinpower, Sowhatcanyoudo?)

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO: Darknessandmisery, Darknessandmisery, WhatcanIdo?

FABRIZIO: OhGod,whatcanwedo?

NINETTA: OhGod,ahGod, WhatcanIdo, WhatcanIdo?

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO: OhGod,whatcanwedo?

LUCIA/ FABRIZIO: OhGod,whatcanwedo?

GIANNETTO: OhGod,ohGod, Whatcanwedo, Whatcanwedo?

MAYOR: (aside) (NowIhaveconqueredyou)

NINETTA: WhatcanIdo?

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Whatcanwedo?

MAYOR: (aside) (Whatcanyoudo?)

GIANNETTO: (looking off) Someoneiscoming.

NINETTA: Don’tletthemharmme!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Don’tletthemharmher! (to the MAYOR) Spareher,yourWorship, Havemercy,Ipray!

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Havemercy

LUCIA/ PIPPO: YourWorship!

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Havemercy,

LUCIA/ PIPPO: Ipray,

LUCIA/ PIPPO/

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Ipray,Ipray!

Scene Sixteen GUARDS enter.

MAYOR: (to the GUARDS, pointing at NINETTA) Takethisgirlawayandthrowherintoprison!

GIANNETTO: (to the GUARDS) Ifyoutouchher ThenIswearyouwillregretit!

MAYOR: (to the GUARDS) That’sanorder!

NINETTA: OhHeavens!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ FABRIZIO: (to the MAYOR) Donottakeher!

MAYOR: No,Ihaveto. (to the GUARDS) Doyoudaretodisobeyme?

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ ISACCO/ FABRIZIO: Oh,myGod!

The GUARDS encircle NINETTA.

GIANNETTO: (to the MAYOR) Willyouhearme, Willyoulisten?

MAYOR: Bequiet! (aside) (NowI’vecaughther, I’mdelighted, NowI’vecaughther, I’mdelighted!)

NINETTA: Suchemotionsareragingwithinme, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

GIANNETTO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme, Iamfrozen,frozenwithfear!

LUCIA: Suchafuryisboilingwithinme!

NINETTA/ PIPPO: Suchemotionsareragingwithinme, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear, Yes,Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

FABRIZIO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme!

MAYOR: (aside) (Nowatlastsheismine, She’scompletelyinmypower, Sheispetrifiedwithfear! Nowatlastsheisinmypower,)

CHORUS: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme,

NINETTA: Suchemotionsareragingwithinme, LUCIA/ PIPPO/ ISACCO/ FABRIZIO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme,

MAYOR: (aside) (Sheispetrifiedwithterror!)

CHORUS: Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithterror!

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ ISACCO/ FABRIZIO: Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

NINETTA: Suchemotionsareragingwithin,

LUCIA/ PIPPO: Iamfrozenwithfear, Yes,withfear,

GIANNETTO/ ISACCO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

FABRIZIO: Ah,suchfuryiswithinme,

MAYOR: (aside) (It’sthemomentofmytriumph–Ihavewonher!)

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ FABRIZIO: Iamfrozen, Iamfrozen,frozen, Yes,frozenwithfear!

GIANNETTO/ ISACCO: Iamfrozen, Iamfrozen, Yes,frozenwithfear!

CHORUS: (sopranos, tenors) Iamfrozen, Yes,frozen, Yes,frozenwithfear! (basses) Iamfrozen, Yes,frozenwithfear!

MAYOR: (aside) (Sheispetrifiedwithfear, Sheisfrozenwithfear!)

NINETTA: Ah,Giannetto!

NINETTA and GIANNETTO embrace.

GIANNETTO: Mylove!

MAYOR: (to GIANNETTO) Getawayfromher!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Youareheartless!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ FABRIZIO/ CHORUS: Youarecruel!

MAYOR: (to the GUARDS) Takeholdofher!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ ISACCO/ FABRIZIO: (pleading with the MAYOR) Oh,myLord!

MAYOR: Enough–getheroutofhere!

NINETTA: (to GIANNETTO) MustIleaveyou?

LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Ninetta!

MAYOR: (impatiently) Enoughofthis! Enoughofthis!

NINETTA: Suchemotionsareragingwithinme, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

GIANNETTO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme, Iamfrozen,frozenwithfear!

LUCIA: Suchafuryisboilingwithinme!

NINETTA/ PIPPO: Suchemotionsareragingwithinme, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear, Yes,Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

FABRIZIO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme!

MAYOR: (aside) (Nowatlastsheismine, She’scompletelyinmypower, Sheispetrifiedwithfear! Nowatlastsheisinmypower,)

CHORUS: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme,

NINETTA: Suchemotionsareragingwithinme,

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ ISACCO/ FABRIZIO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme,

MAYOR: (aside) (Sheispetrifiedwithterror!)

CHORUS: Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithterror!

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ ISACCO/ FABRIZIO: Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

NINETTA: Suchemotionsareragingwithin,

LUCIA/ PIPPO: Iamfrozenwithfear, Yes,withfear,

GIANNETTO/ ISACCO: Ah,suchafuryisboilingwithinme, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear, Iamfrozen,amfrozenwithfear!

FABRIZIO: Ah,suchfuryiswithinme,

MAYOR: (aside) (It’sthemomentofmytriumph–Ihavewonher!)

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ FABRIZIO: Iamfrozen, Iamfrozen,frozen, Yes,frozenwithfear!

GIANNETTO/ ISACCO: Iamfrozen, Iamfrozen, Yes,frozenwithfear!

CHORUS: (sopranos, tenors) Iamfrozen, Yes,frozen, Yes,frozenwithfear! (basses) Iamfrozen, Yes,frozenwithfear!

MAYOR: (aside) (Sheispetrifiedwithfear, Sheisfrozenwithfear!)

NINETTA: (to GIANNETTO, FABRIZIO and LUCIA) Don’tforget,don’tforgetpoorNinetta, Ah,havepityonmybrokenheart! Mypoorbrokenheart, Mypoorbrokenheart, Mydark,evilheart, Mypoorbrokenheart, Mypoorbrokenheart!

LUCIA/ PIPPO: (pointing at the MAYOR) Plungeadaggerintohisevilheart, Yes,hisdark,evilheart! Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart!

GIANNETTO/ ISACCO: (pointing at the MAYOR) Whowilldaretakeadagger Andplungeit,plungeitintohisheart, Intohisheart, Yes,hisdark,evilheart! Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart!

FABRIZIO: (pointing at the MAYOR) Whowilldaretakeadagger Andplungeit,plungeitintohisheart, Intohisheart, Yes,hisdark,evilheart! Whowilldareplungeadaggerinhisevilheart, Whowilldareplungeadaggerinhisevilheart,

(FABRIZIO:)

Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart!

MAYOR: Sheismine, Sheismineandforever, Sheismineandforever!

Shebringspleasureandjoy Tomyheart!

Sheismineandforever–Wewillneverpart. Forthegirlbringssuchpleasureandjoy Tomyheart!

Suchjoytomyheart, Suchjoytomyheart, Suchjoytomyheart!

CHORUS: Ah,whowilldaretakeadagger Andplungeitinhisheart, Inhisdark,evilheart!

Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart, Hisdark,evilheart!

NINETTA is led out by the GUARDS. Curtain.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

Scene One –AsmallroomintheTownHallprison.

Music No. 10a RECITATIVE

Antonio,DoYouHearMe? (Mayor, Ninetta)

MAYOR: (to ANTONIO, who is off-stage) Antonio,doyouhearme? Bringoutthepris’nerquicklyandthenleaveus! (NINETTA and ANTONIO enter. ANTONIO leaves.) Ninetta, Ninetta.Aha!Comehere,mylittledarling.Come closer.Myheartisbleedingwithcompassionforyour plight.Ihaveforgottenthatyoudaredtoinsultme. I’dlovetosaveyou;butlook,howcanI,whenallthe worldproclaimsyouguilty?

NINETTA: Whosaysso?Doesanyonebelieveit?

MAYOR: Oneortwopeople!

NINETTA: Iknowthatev’rythingseemstoconspireagainstme. But,asGodismywitness,Iamnotguilty!

MAYOR: Inthatcaseallisnotlost.LovelyNinetta,I’msure thatIcanhelpyou,putyourtrustinme!Donotlose heart–we’llhaveyououtofprison,forthepow’ris inmyhands!

NINETTA: You’reverykind,sir,butifyoucannotpromiseto clearmynamecompletelyfromallblameandsuspicion,thenI’dratherstayhere!

MAYOR: Youhavemypromise.

Music No. 11 ARIA

You’reSoLovely,YourEyesAreSparkling (Mayor, Ninetta, Guards)

MAYOR: You’resolovely, Youreyesaresparkling. I’lldoanythingyouaskme, Butmydarling, IfI’mtosaveyou, Thenyoumust,youmustdosomething, Dosomething,dosomethingforme.

NINETTA: Whocanhelpme?

MAYOR: Don’tyouworry!

NINETTA: Whocanhelpme?

MAYOR: Don’tyouworry–Putyourtrustinonewholovesyou! Yes,trustme, YouknowIloveyou! Yes,mydarling, IfI’mtosaveyou, Ifyoulisten, Youlistentomyplea! Yes,Ipromise,promisethatIwillsaveyou, Ifyoulistentomyhumbleplea, Yes,IpromiseIwillsaveyou, Yes,IpromiseIwillsaveyou, Butyoumust,youmustdosomething, Dosomething,dosomethingforme!

NINETTA: Never,never!

MAYOR: Ungratefulcreature... Iwarnyou, Iwarnyou!

GUARDS: (off-stage) Ah,Ninetta!

MAYOR: Ihearvoices!

GUARDS: (off-stage) PoorNinetta!

MAYOR: Someone’scoming! Ah,letmeholdyou, Andletmekissyou! Curses–they’recoming!

GUARDS: (off-stage) NowtheCouncilhasassembled, NowtheCouncilhasassembled, ButtheMayorisnothere, ButtheMayor,buttheMayorisnothere!

MAYOR: (aside) (Imustleaveher ForIcannotkeepthemwaiting, Imustleaveher, Imustleaveher, Howfrustrating.) (to the GUARDS) Yes,Iheardyou, Justamoment!

Patience,patience–I’lljoinyou! (to NINETTA) Didyouhearthat? It’snowornever!

NINETTA: Myresolvewilllastforever.

MAYOR: Butthesentence?

NINETTA: I’mnotfrightened.

MAYOR: Theymayhangyou.

NINETTA: Letthemdoit.

MAYOR: Gothen,Icurseyou! Youareunworthy, You’llforgetyourfoolishpride, You’llforgetyourfoolishpride! Curseyou,Ihateyou! Curseyou,Ihateyou! Whenyouhearthesentence,

(MAYOR:) You’llbegmeformercy, Yourwordsofrepentance Willcomemuchtoolate! Yes,yes,yourwordsofrepentance, Willcomemuchtoolate! Theloveyoudeniedme Hascurdledinsideme, Thepassionyouspurned Nowhasturnedintohate! Thepassionyouspurned Nowhasturnedintohate!

Off-stage drumming is heard. The GUARDS enter.

GUARDS: (to the MAYOR) Youheardthat? Thedrumming.

MAYOR: I’mcoming, I’mcoming!

GUARDS: Youheardthat? Thedrumming.

MAYOR: I’mcoming, I’mcoming!

GUARDS: Thesignal, Thesignal!

MAYOR: Bepatient, Bepatient.

GUARDS: Thesignal, Thesignal!

MAYOR: Bepatient, Bepatient. (to NINETTA) Youranswer?

NINETTA: I’vedecided.

GUARDS: (to the MAYOR) YourWorship.

MAYOR: (to the GUARDS) Onemoment, (to NINETTA) Ninetta?

NINETTA: I’vedecided.

GUARDS: YourWorship.

MAYOR: (to the GUARDS) I’mcoming! Thatungratefulcreature Willsoonknowherfate, Yes,thatungratefulcreature Willsoonknowherfate! Yes,she’llknowherfate, Yes,she’llknowherfate!

GUARDS: Youseehowhisfeatures Aretwistedwithhate, Doyouseehowhisfeatures Aretwistedwithhate! Yes,twistedwithhate, Yes,twistedwithhate!

MAYOR: (to NINETTA) Whenyouhearthesentence You’llbegmeformercy, Yourwordsofrepentance Willcomemuchtoolate! Yes,yes,yourwordsofrepentance Willcomemuchtoolate. Theloveyoudeniedme Hascurdledinsideme. Thepassionyouspurned Nowhasturnedintohate! Thepassionyouspurned Nowhasturnedintohate! Theloveyoudeniedme Hascurdledinsideme,

(MAYOR:)

GUARDS:

Theloveyoudeniedme Hasturnedintohate! Theloveyouspurned Hasturnedtohate! Theloveyoudeniedme Hascurdledinsideme, Theloveyoudeniedme Hasturnedintohate, Theloveyouspurned Hasturnedtohate! Thepassionyouspurned Nowhasturnedintohate, Hasturnedintohate, Hasnowturnedintohate, Thepassionhasturned, Thepassionyouspurned Nowhasturnedintohate!

Youseehowhisfeatures Aretwistedwithhate, Doyouseehowhisfeatures Aretwistedwithhate!

Yes,hisfeaturesaretwistedwithhate! Yes,hisfeaturesaretwistedwithhate! Youhearhim, Let’sleavehim, Youhearhim!

Youseehowhisfeaturesaretwisted, Hisfeaturesaretwisted, Aretwistedwithhate! Youhearhim, Let’sleavehim, Youhearhim!

Youseehowhisfeaturesaretwisted, Hisfeaturesaretwisted, Aretwistedwithhate,

(GUARDS:)

Aretwistedwithhate, Aretwistedwithhate! Doyouseehowhisfeatures Aretwistedwithhate, Theyaretwistedwithhate!

MAYOR and the GUARDS exit. Ninetta remains.

Scene Two

Music No. 11a RECITATIVE

MisterMayor,MisterMayor,You’reUpToSomething! (Antonio, Pippo, Ninetta)

ANTONIO and PIPPO enter, not noticing NINETTA

ANTONIO: MisterMayor,MisterMayor,you’reuptosomething!IwishthatIknewwhat;Istillcan’tworkit out!

PIPPO: (to ANTONIO) Theysaidyouwishedtoseeme. (Noticing NINETTA.) Ninetta,Ninetta!

NINETTA: (to PIPPO) Ihaveneedofyourhelp.

ANTONIO: Don’tstaytoolong.Becareful.I’llgooutsideand standsentry. (He leaves.)

PIPPO: (to NINETTA) HowcanIhelpyou?ThelittleIpossessis yourtocommand.

NINETTA: No,no,dearPippo,Idon’twishtoabusethekindnessofyourheart.AllthatIaskistheloanofthirty lire.Willyoupleasegoandhidetheminthehollow chestnuttree? (She removes a cross from around her neck.) Andtakethispreciouscrossasapledge.

Music No. 12 DUET

JustThinkThatTomorrow (Ninetta, Pippo)

NINETTA: (holding the cross) Justthinkthattomorrow,eventoday, Thismostpreciousobjectwillbeminenolonger...

PIPPO: Oh,no,youmustnotsaythat. Keepit,Ipray! Itwillbeyoursforever!

NINETTA: No,no,Ibegyoutokeepit Inmemoryofourfriendship, Inmemoryofourfriendship. Yes,thisisallIaskyou. Donotrefuse,Ipray, Yes,thisisallIaskyou, Donotrefuseme,Ipray! Yes,thisisallIaskyou, Donotrefuseme,Ipray!

PIPPO: (taking and kissing the cross) Yes,Iwilltreasureitalways. I’llkeepitsafeforever, I’llkeepitsafeforever–Itwillbemycompanion Untilmydyingday, Itwillbemycompanion, Yes,Iwillguardit, ’Tilmydyingday! Itwillbemycompanion, Itwillbemine’tilmydyingday!

NINETTA: Mytearsareflowingopenly Toseehissorryplight. Mytearsareflowingopenly Toseehissorryplight! OhGodinHeavenshinedownuponus Andgrantusyourholylight! Mytearsareflowingopenly Toseehissorryplight, OhGodinHeav’nshinedownuponus Andgrantusyourholylight,

(NINETTA:) Yourholylight, Ohmayyougrantusyourholylight, Yourholylight, Ohmayyougrantusyourholylight!

PIPPO: Mytearsareflowingopenly Toseehersorryplight. Mytearsareflowingopenly, Mytearsareflowingopenly Toseehersorryplight! OhGodinHeavenshinedownuponus Andgrantusyourholylight! Mytearsareflowingopenly, Mytearsareflowingopenly Toseehersorryplight, OhGodinHeav’nshinedownuponus Andgrantusyourholylight, Yourholylight, Ohmayyougrantusyourholylight, Yourholylight, Ohmayyougrantusyourholylight!

NINETTA: (giving a ring to PIPPO) Lestmydarlingshouldforgetme, GivethisringtomyGiannetto, Lestmydarlingshouldforgetme, GivethisringtomyGiannetto!

PIPPO: Suchdevotionandsuchcompassion Ihavenever,neverknown! No,no.

NINETTA: Sayuntilmyfinalmoment Iamhis,andhisalone. Donottellhimofmytorment Ormyheartache. Ah,thisistorture. WillIseemyloveagain? WillIseemyloveagain.

(NINETTA:) Myloveagain, Myloveagain?

PIPPO: Ah,mypoorheartisbreaking! No,no,Iwillnotfailyou. Itwillbedone. (starting to leave) I’lltellhim.

NINETTA: Donotforget.

PIPPO: (very moved) HowcouldI–I’vegivenyoumypromise–I’vegivenyoumypromise.

NINETTA: PoordarlingPippo,farewell.

PIPPO: Farewell. (aside) (IfIdon’tleaveher Myheartwillbreakintwo, Myheartwillbreakintwo.)

NINETTA: Thisisthelasttime, Lasttimethatwe’llbetogether. Nowandforever, Mydearestfriendwemustpart!

PIPPO: Thisisthelasttime Thatwe’llbetogether. Nowandforever, Dearfriendwemustpart!

PIPPO: (aside) (Nowsheisweeping, Hereyesareshining.)

NINETTA: (aside) (Nowheisweeping, Hiseyesareshining.

Ah,suchsweetemotion, Suchfriendshipanddevotion Withinhislovingheart!

(NINETTA:)

Tenderemotion, Loveanddevotion

Shineinhislovingheart, Hislovingheart! Tenderemotion, Loveanddevotion

Shineinhislovingheart, Hislovingheart, Withinhislovingheart, Withinhislovingheart, Hislovingheart, Hislovingheart, Hislovingheart!)

PIPPO: (aside) (Ah,suchsweetemotion, Suchfriendshipanddevotion

Withinherlovingheart! Tenderemotion, Loveanddevotion

Shineinherlovingheart, Herlovingheart! Tenderemotion, Loveanddevotion

Shineinherlovingheart, Herlovingheart, Withinherlovingheart, Withinherlovingheart, Herlovingheart, Herlovingheart, Herlovingheart!)

NINETTA returns to her cell, and PIPPO leaves.

Scene Three –ThecourtyardofFabrizio’shouse.

As in Act One. FERNANDO is on stage.

Music No. 13 SCENE and ARIA Who’sThere?Fernando! (Lucia, Fernando)

LUCIA: (entering) Who’sthere? (Seeing FERNANDO.) Fernando! OhHeavens!

FERNANDO: Wemustbecareful Andbesureno-onehearsus! WhereisNinetta?

LUCIA: (sobbing) Ninetta? Donotaskme.

FERNANDO: Tellmewhyyouareweeping?

LUCIA: Ah,donotmakemetellyou.

FERNANDO: Youmusttellmeatonce! (aside) (Shehasleftnothinginthehollowtree. What’shappened? Ifeartheworst... Yes,theworst!) (to LUCIA) You’lltellmethetruth! Tellme,goddamnyou!

LUCIA: Yes,Iwilltellyou. She’sbeenaccusedoftheft!

FERNANDO: Mydaughter?

LUCIA: Yourdaughter.

FERNANDO: Itcannotbetrue. Whereisshe?

LUCIA: She’snowbeforethecourt–Theyarehearinghercase Thisverymoment.

FERNANDO: Isthisanightmare? Godhelpme!

They’veaccusedher,mydaughter. Ah,howshameful!

They’veaccusedher,mydaughter. Ah,howshameful! WilltheymurdermydarlingNinetta?

Stormycloudsseemtoswirlaboutme, Allmybloodturnstoiceinmyveins, IfIlosemyNinettathenwhatremains? Nowallmybloodturnstoiceinmyveins, Yes,allmybloodturnstoice, Turnstoiceinmyveins!

They’veaccusedher, Imustfindher, Ishallsaveher. Yes,sheneedsme–Butno!–Thisismadness, Thisispointless–Sheerdelusion!

Iftheycatchme, OhHeavens–ThenI’llstandcondemned–Justassheis! Imusthurrytoherrescue, Butperhapsitistoolate, HowcanIbearthisdreadfulfate, HowcanIbearthisdreadfulfate. Imustfindher–No,it’smadness–

(FERNANDO:)

Imustsaveher–Sheerdelusion–Iftheycatchme–Imusthurry, Ican’tbearit... Ican’tbearthisdreadfulfate, Ican’tbearthisdreadfulfate. They’veaccusedher, Ah,howshameful!

They’llcondemnher...and... Oh,Ninetta!

Imustnotbefrightened. Imustbecourageous. I’llconquer... Myterror... Andhurry... Tosaveher, Yes,hurry... Tosaveher,

Myownbeloveddaughterneedsme SoImustanswerhercall.

Mydaughterneedsme SoImustanswerhercry. Imustnotbefrightened. Imustbecourageous.

Myownbeloveddaughter, Mydaughter,mydaughter, Mydaughteriscalling, Herfathermustanswerhercry.

Abandonmydaughter–It’sbettertodie.

Mydaughteriscalling, Herfathermustanswerhercry.

(FERNANDO:)

Abandonmydaughter–It’sbettertodie. Abandonmydaughter–It’sbettertodie.

Mydaughteriscalling, Herfathermustanswerhercry, Mustanswerhercry. Imusthurrytoanswerhercry, Toanswerhercry, Toanswerhercry, Imustanswerhercry.

FERNANDO exits quickly.

Scene Four –TheTownHallcourtroom.

The JUDGES are seated with the CHIEF JUDGE to the fore. A small table stands in front of them. The MAYOR, attending the trial, sits apart from the judges. To one side are the SPECTATORS; among them GIANNETTO and FABRIZIO. An USHER is collecting the ballots of the JUDGES in an urn. Having collected them all, the USHER then gives the urn to the CHIEF JUDGE

Music No. 14 SCENE, JUDGE’S CHORUS and QUINTET

ByUnanimousVerdictWeFindHerGuilty (Chief Judge, Giannetto, Fabrizio, a Judge, Ninetta, Mayor, Fernando, Chorus of Judges)

CHIEF JUDGE: Byunanimousverdict–Wefindherguilty.

GIANNETTO: OhHeavens–Canyouallowthis?

CHIEF JUDGE: Silence!

FABRIZIO: (to GIANNETTO) Youmustbecareful!

CHIEF JUDGE: Bringinthepris’ner (to one of the JUDGES) Anddrawupthesentence!

JUDGES: (tenors, basses) Thewheelsofjustice

Willcrushtheguilty, Soletthispunishment

Beanexample, Soletthispunishment

Beanexample!

(tenors) Goddessomnipotent, (basses) Goddessomnipotent, (tenors) Mightyandmerciless, (basses) Mightyandmerciless, (tenors) Punishusequally, (basses) Justiceisblind. (2nd tenors, basses) Goddessomnipotent, Mightyandmerciless, Mightyandmerciless, Goddessomnipotent, Mightyandmerciless, Senddownyoursentence

Onall,onallmankind!

(1st tenors) Goddessomnipotent, Mightyandmerciless, Goddessomnipotent, Mightyandmerciless, Senddownyoursentence Onallofmankind, Ofallmankind!

(all) Althoughtheinnocent Haveyourprotection, Ahailofthunderbolts

Awaitsthecriminal–Forcrimeandpunishment Willbeasone! (2nd tenors, basses) Sulphurandthunderbolts Fallonthecriminal, Fallonthecriminal.

Justiceisdone,

(JUDGES:)

Yes,justice,justicewillbedone! (1st tenors) Sulphurandthunderbolts Fallonthecriminal, Fallonthecriminal. Justice,justice,justicewillbedone! (all) Justiceisdone! Justiceisdone! Justicewillbedone!

Scene Five

NINETTA enters accompanied by some GUARDS, who then leave.

CHIEF JUDGE: (to NINETTA) Mostunhappyofwomen, Yourfateisinthebalance. Putyourtrustinthelaw. (to a JUDGE) Signor–thesentence.

A JUDGE: (reading, spoken) Theaccused,NinettaVillabella, standsconvictedoflarceny.Inaccordancewiththe law,andbyunanimousvote,thistribunalsentences hertodeath!

NINETTA: (sung) Godprotectme! Godprotectme!

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ MAYOR: Godprotecther! Godprotecther!

NINETTA: Darkestdeathbeginstocasthisshroudaroundme. Deathhascasthisshroudaroundme.

GIANNETTO: Darkestdeathbeginstocasthisshroudaroundher, Aroundher.

FABRIZIO: Deathhascasthisshroudaroundher.

FERNANDO: Howherfaceisrackedwithtorment,

(FERNANDO:)

Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe?

Howcanshebemadetosuffer Suchabitter,bitterblow?

NINETTA:

HowcanIbemadetosuffer

Suchabitter,bitterblow? HowcanIbemadetosuffer, Madetosuffer,sufferso?

GIANNETTO: Howcanshebemadetosuffer

Suchabitter,bitterblow? Howcanshebemadetosuffer, Madetosuffer,sufferso?

MAYOR:

Ev’ryfaceisrackedwithtorment, Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe? Whatadreadful,dreadfulmoment, Whatabitter,bitterblow.

NINETTA: HowcanIbemadetosuffer

Suchabitter,bitterblow? HowcanIbemadetosuffer, Madetosuffer,sufferso?

GIANNETTO: Howcanshebemadetosuffer

Suchabitter,bitterblow? Howcanshebemadetosuffer, Madetosuffer,sufferso?

MAYOR:

Ev’ryfaceisrackedwithtorment, Rackedwithtorment. Whocanbeatit, Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe?

FABRIZIO: Howherfaceisrackedwithtorment, Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe?

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe?

MAYOR: Howherfaceisrackedwithtorment, Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe, Andwoe.

Ev’ryfaceisrackedwithtorment, Whocanbearsuchgriefandwoe, Suchwoe, Griefandwoe, Griefandwoe.

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Suchgriefandwoe, Suchgriefandwoe, Suchgriefandwoe, Griefandwoe, Griefandwoe.

FABRIZIO: Suchgriefandwoe, Howherfaceisrackedwithtorment, Whocanbearsuchgrief,suchwoe?

GIANNETTO: (pleading to JUDGES) ButyourHonours,you’remistaken. Shecan’tpossiblybeguilty. Shehasasecret–No-onecanguessit. Thispoorgirlconcealsasecretinherheart, Yes,asecretinherheart, Yes,asecretinherheart.

FABRIZIO/ MAYOR: Asecret!

JUDGES: Whatisyoursecret?

NINETTA: Donotforceme, Donotforcemetorevealit.

NINETTA: Ah,Ninetta!

MAYOR: Youmusttellus!

NINETTA: Donotforceme, Forpity’ssake!

MAYOR: (aside) (Praythatthisisnomistake.)

GIANNETTO: Nowmyheartbeginstobreak.

FABRIZIO: Seeherheartbeginstobreak.

CHIEF JUDGE: Shesaysnothing.

JUDGES: Enough! Removeherandcarryoutthesentence.

Scene Six

FERNANDO: (rushing in) No,no–releaseher!

NINETTA: Oh,no,Father!

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/

MAYOR: Whoisthis?

MAYOR: Yes,whoareyou?

FERNANDO: (to JUDGES) IhavecometosaveNinetta, Cometosavemyonlydaughter. Takemylifeandsetherfree.

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: GodinHeaven, Granthimcourage Andprotecthim Inhisquest!

FERNANDO: GodinHeaven, Grantmecourage Andprotectme Inmyquest!

MAYOR: (standing up) MyLords,Iknowthisman–He’sthescoundrelwe’vebeenafter. Thismanisadeserter, Thismanisadeserter! Here’shisdescription–Andwithityou’llfindthelegaldocuments Whichorderhisarrest. You’llfindthelegaldocuments Whichorderhisarrest.

(gives the documents to the CHIEF JUDGE) You’llfindthelegaldocuments Whichorderhisarrest!

JUDGES: Seizehim!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: OhHeavens!

JUDGES: Imprisonhim!

The GUARDS encircle FERNANDO

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Godhelphim–Itcan’tbetrue.

FERNANDO: I’llgladlybeyourpris’ner, I’llfacetheexecutioner. Butsparemydarlingdaughter! Forsheispureandinnocent. Youmustnotshedherblood. Butsparemydarlingdaughter Forsheispureandinnocent–Youmustnotshedmydaughter’sblood. Yes,sparemydarlingdaughter, Mydarlingdaughter,

(FERNANDO:)

Forsheisinnocent–Youmustnotshed, Mustnotshedherblood.

JUDGES: Thedecisionhasbeentaken Andthesentencemustproceed!

FERNANDO: Buttellmewhatisthesentence?

JUDGES: Yoursisimprisonment–Buthersisexecution. Forjusticeisimmutable Fornonecanchangethelaw!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ MAYOR/

FERNANDO: Ah!

Achasmofsorrow Isyawningbeforeme, Adesertofhorror, Ofheartacheandpain!

FERNANDO: Adaughterandafather Whofacedeathanddishonour, Mypoorheartwillnever Behappyagain, Behappyagain!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ MAYOR/

FERNANDO: Adaughterandafather

Whofacedeathanddishonour, Mypoorheartwillnever Behappyagain!

FERNANDO: Mypoorheartwillnever, Mypoorheartwillnever, Neverbehappyagain, Mypoorheartwillnever, Mypoorheartwillnever, Neverbehappyagain!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ MAYOR: Ah,whocanbearsomuchpain, Ah,whocanbearsomuchpain!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Mypoorheartwillneverbehappyagain, Mypoorheartwillneverbehappyagain!

FABRIZIO/ FERNANDO: Behappyagain, Behappyagain!

MAYOR: Neverbehappyagain, Neverbehappyagain!

JUDGES: Takethemaway, Takethemaway!

GIANNETTO: Icannotbearthisanymore!

FABRIZIO: Whatcanwedo?

NINETTA: Thisismadness,Father,madness! Iwouldgladlydietosaveyou, Dietosaveyou, Butyouhavechosen, Youhavechosentosharemyfate, Youhavechosentosharemyfate, Youhavechosentosharemyfate!

FERNANDO: Whatareyousaying?

FABRIZIO: Tellus.

NINETTA: Everything?

JUDGES: Come,nomoreprocrastination, Takethemdowntofacetheirsentence!

NINETTA: (making to embrace FERNANDO) Ah,myfather, BeforeIdie...

FERNANDO: Mydaughter–(GUARDS stop him embracing NINETTA) Barbarians! Getawayfromme!

JUDGES: (to the GUARDS) Doyourduty.

NINETTA/ FERNANDO: OhHeavenhelpus!

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Ah,Ninetta!

MAYOR: (aside) Iregretthis!

NINETTA: Ah,Giannetto! Ah,Fabrizio!

JUDGES: Offtojailandexecution.

NINETTA: MayInotembracemyfather? Theunkindestcutofall!

GIANNETTO: Mayshenotembraceherfather? Theunkindestcutofall!

FABRIZIO: Mayshenotembraceherfather? Theunkindestcutofall! Shemaynotembraceherfather? Theunkindestcutofall!

FERNANDO: MayInotembracemydaughter? Theunkindestcutofall!

(FERNANDO:) Imaynotembracemydaughter? Theunkindestcutofall! Mydaughter! Barbarians!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: IfIcried, Iwouldweepforever, IfIsighed, Mypoorheartwouldburst. HeavenlyFather, Adviseusandguideus. Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst.

FABRIZIO/ FERNANDO: IfIcried, I’dbeweepingforever, IfIsighed, Thenmyheartwouldbebursting! IfIcried, I’dbeweepingforever, IfIsighed Thenmyheartwouldbebursting! Heav’nlyFather, Adviseupandguideus, Grantuscourage, Yes,courageinsideus! Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage, Yes,courageinsideus! Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst.

MAYOR: IfIcried, I’dbeweepingforever, IfIsighed, Thenmyheartwouldbebursting! IfIcried, I’dbeweepingforever, IfIsighed Thenmyheartwouldbebursting! Butourjusticecanneverbealtered, Andoursentencecannotbereversed! Butourjusticecanneverbealtered, Andoursentencecannotbereversed, Andthesentence, Andthesentence, Andthesentencecannotbereversed.

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: IfIcried, Iwouldweepforever, IfIsighed, Thenmypoorheartwouldburst! HeavenlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst, Tofacetheworst.

FABRIZIO: IfIcried,yes,ifIcried, Iwouldweep,wouldweepforever. IfIsighed,yes,ifIsighed, Mypoorheart,mypoorheartwouldbreak! Heav’nlyFather, Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst.

(FABRIZIO:)

Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst.

JUDGES: IfIcried, I’dbeweepingforever, IfIsighed, Thenmyheartwouldbebursting, Butourjusticecanneverbealtered, Butourjusticecanneverbealtered Andthesentencecannotbereversed. No,no,thesentencecannotbereversed, No,no,ourjusticecanneverbealtered, No,ourjusticecanneverbealtered Andthesentencecannotbereversed, No,no,thesentencecannotbereversed.

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Nomoreweeping OrI’llweepforever! Nomoresighing Ormyheartwillburst! Heav’nlyFather, Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst. Oh,HeavenlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst.

MAYOR:

Yes,thesentenceallowsnorepentance. Justicecannotbereversed,reversed. Yes,ourjusticecanneverbealtered,

(MAYOR:)

Yes,ourjusticecanneverbealtered, Yes,ourjusticecanneverbealtered Andthesentencecannotbereversed.

FERNANDO: IfIcried, Yes,ifIcried–Iwouldweep, Wouldweepforever. IfIsighed, Yes,ifIsighed–Mypoorheart, Mypoorheartwouldbreak! Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst. Oh,Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst.

FABRIZIO/ FERNANDO: Heav’nlyFather, Heav’nlyFather, Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst, Formypoorheartwillburst!

MAYOR: Yes,ourjustice, Yes,ourjustice, Yes,ourjustice Canneverbealtered Andthesentence,

(MAYOR:) Andthesentence, Andthesentence Cannotbereversed, Andthesentencecannotbereversed!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Ah! Ah!

Formypoorheartwillburst!

JUDGES: No! Itcannotbereversed!

FABRIZIO/ FERNANDO: Heav’nlyFather, Heav’nlyFather, Heav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage, Grantuscourage Tofacetheworst, Formypoorheartwillburst!

MAYOR: Yes,ourjustice, Yes,ourjustice, Yes,ourjustice Canneverbealtered Andthesentence, Andthesentence, Andthesentence Cannotbereversed, Andthesentencecannotbereversed!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Ah! Ah!

Formypoorheartwillburst!

JUDGES: No!

Itcannotbereversed!

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ FERNANDO:

MAYOR/ JUDGES:

DearHeav’nlyFather, Adviseusandguideus, Formyheartitwillburst, Itwillburst!

DearHeav’nlyFather Adviseusandguideus Formyheart, Itwillburst, Itwillburst, Formypoorheartwillburst, Formypoorheartwillburst, Formypoorheartwillburst, Formypoorheartwillburst, Formypoorheartwillburst, Formypoorheartwillburst!

No,no,ourjusticecanneverbealtered Andthesentencecannotbereversed! No,no,ourjusticecanneverbealtered Andthesentencecannotbereversed, Itcannotbereversed, Itcannotbereversed, Itcannotbereversed, Itcannotbereversed, Itcannotbereversed, Itcannotbereversed!

The GUARDS take FERNANDO out to the prison, and NINETTA out to be executed.

Scene Seven –Thevillagesquare.

At stage right stands a bell tower and part of a church; towards the top of the bell tower is scaffolding being used for making repairs. In front of the Town Hall is a street; on the other side of the square is another street that goes behind the church. At stage left is a small door which looks into the garden of FABRIZIO’s house.

Music No. 15 RECITATIVE

WhataDumpofaVillage! (Ernesto, Pippo, Giorgio, Antonio)

ERNESTO: (entering) Whatadumpofavillage!There’snotevena dogthatcouldperhapsdirectmetotheMayor’s house,northatofFabrizio...Imustfindoutthe whereaboutsofFernando,myoldcomradeinarms. He’llbeoverjoyedtoseehisfriendErnesto,andto hearthehappynewsthatIbringhim!Ah,Heavenbless you,ohmostmercifulKing,foryouhavepardonedthe mostworthyofmen!

PIPPO enters.

Ah,thankGod,asignoflife! (To PIPPO.) Excuseme, butcanyoutellmehowIcanfindtheMayor’shouse?

PIPPO: TheMayor’shouse?That’ssimple:downthere,just pastthevilla,you’llseeanarchway;thefirstgate,no, it’sthesecondgateontheleft.

ERNESTO: Well,thankyou.AndFabrizio’s?

PIPPO: Alittlefurtheron,can’tmissit:it’sjustaroundthe corner.

ERNESTO: Thankyou. (He leaves.)

Scene Eight

PIPPO: I’vehiddenallthemoneyintheoldhollowtree.Now let’sseewhatI’vegotleftformyself. (He sits down on a beach and counts the money.) That’samazing!I’vemuch morethanIthought...ThisshinycoinwhichNinetta gavemeoneChristmas– (he puts it with the rest of the money) I’llputitwithhercrossforsafekeeping. (The MAGPIE appears on the garden door.) Youlittledevil!Just youwaitandI’llcatchyou!

GIORGIO: (entering) Whoareyoutalkingto?

PIPPO: Tothatrepulsivemagpie... (He picks up the money.)

ANTONIO enters.

Ah!Here’sAntonio. (To ANTONIO.) Speakup!Whatis thenews?WhatofNinetta?

ANTONIO: (weeping) Alas,theyhavecondemnedher.

PIPPO: Ican’tbelieveit!Howcouldthey?

The MAGPIE flies down onto the bench, picks up the money and flies off up to the bell tower.

GIORGIO: Oh,look,look!

PIPPO: (to the MAGPIE) Howdareyou?Howdareyoustealall themoneywhichI’veearnedwiththesweatofmy brow.I’llwringyourneck! (To ANTONIO and GIORGIO.) He’sflownuptothesteeple.IfIcouldcatchhim,ifI couldcatchhim,maybeIcouldfindmysilverpiece.I willtryit!

ANTONIO: Let’sgoandsee!

PIPPO: Icurseyou,thievingmagpie!

PIPPO and ANTONIO run off.

GIORGIO: Pippo–pleasewaitforme,waitforme! (He runs off.)

Scene Nine

NINETTA enters with her GUARDS. VILLAGERS follow.

Music No. 16 CHORUS and PRAYER

BitterTormentBurnsWithinYou (Ninetta, Chorus)

CHORUS: (tenors, basses) Bittertormentburnswithinyou

Asyoufaceyourfinalmoment. (sopranos) Bittertorment, Finalmoment.

(All) Butyourdeathmaybringyoucomfort Whenyoudieyourestinpeace. Bittertorment Burnswithinyou

Butyourdeathmaybringyoucomfort Asamercifulrelease, Asamercifulrelease, Asamercifulrelease.

NINETTA: (stopping in front of the church) GodinHeaven, OhGodofjustice, Godoflove, Hearmylonelycry! Iwillsuffer Tosavemyfather. Ah,IpraythatIalonewilldie, ThatIalone,Ialonewilldie!

(to ALL) Iamreadynow–Soonmysorrowswillbeover–Iwillgotomeetmyfate, Iwillgotomeetmyfate.

CHORUS: (tenors, basses) Ah,thehardestheartswouldsoften Iftheysawhersorryfate. (sopranos) Heartswouldsoften, Heartswouldsoften. (All) Ah,thehardestheartswouldsoften Iftheysawhersorryfate, Iftheysawhersorryfate, Iftheysawhersorryfate.

NINETTA: Soonmysorrowswillbeover, Iwillgo–Iwillgotomeetmyfate, Iwillgotomeetmyfate.

CHORUS: (tenors) Iftheysaw, (sopranos, tenors) Iftheysawhersorryfate, (basses) Hersorryfate,

NINETTA: Iwillgotomeetmyfate.

CHORUS: (tenors) Iftheysaw, (sopranos, tenors) Iftheysawhersorryfate, (basses) Hersorryfate,

NINETTA: Iwillgotomeetmyfate, NowIwillgotomeetmyfate, Tomeetmyfate!

CHORUS: (all) Iftheysawhersorryfate.

NINETTA and the GUARDS continue on their way, followed by the VILLAGERS, and very quickly disappear from sight.

Scene Ten

GIORGIO slowly crosses the square in consternation. ANTONIO is on the bell tower scaffolding. PIPPO emerges on to the bell tower scaffolding and pulls something out from a hole into which he has placed his arm. The MAGPIE is seen flying away.

Music No. 17 FINALE ACT TWO

Giorgio,Giorgio!Ah,We’reSoHappy! (Pippo, Antonio, Giorgio, Giannetto, Lucia, Fabrizio, Pippo, Mayor, Ninetta, Fernando, Chorus)

PIPPO/ ANTONIO: (to GIORGIO) Giorgio,Giorgio! Ah,we’resohappy!

GIORGIO: Whatabout? What’sthiscommotion?

PIPPO/ ANTONIO: Nowthetruthhasbeendiscovered (Showing the silver cutlery and the money) Allthegoodshavebeenrecovered. Quick,beforeitistoolate!

GIORGIO: Areyoucrazy?

PIPPO and ANTONIO see the procession, and try to get their attention.

PIPPO/ ANTONIO: Heyyou! Heyyouthere! Wemuststopthem, Wemuststopthem–Won’tyoulisten, Won’tyouwait? Won’tyoulisten, Youbarbarians...

PIPPO and ANTONIO re-enter the bell tower.

GIORGIO: Ah,myfriends,it’sverysad. You’vecompletelylostyoursenses, Bothcompletelylostyoursenses.

PIPPO and ANTONIO ring one of the church bells as loudly as possible.

(GIORGIO:) Ringingbellsfornogoodreason–There’stheproofthey’vebothgonemad.

GIANNETTO, LUCIA and FABRIZIO enter hastily from the garden.

GIANNETTO: Whatiswrong?

LUCIA/ FABRIZIO: Yes,whathashappened?

ANTONIO: (appearing on the bell tower scaffolding) Sheisinnocent,Itellyou,

LUCIA/ FABRIZIO/ CHORUS: Ah,Ninetta.

ANTONIO: Completelyinnocent! Forthefork Andthespoon Andthemoney Haveallbeenfound. We’vediscoveredthattheculprit Wasthemagpie!

LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ GIORGIO: GodinHeaven! Whatamercifulrelief!

PIPPO: Nowwillyouconfirm Thatyourgoodsarereturned?

PIPPO throws the cutlery into LUCIA’s apron. GIANNETTO takes the spoon, FABRIZIO the fork.

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: (to LUCIA) Youknowthem?

LUCIA nods.

(GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO:) Sheknowsthem!

CHORUS: Let’shurrytostopthembeforeit’stoolate!

PIPPO/ ANTONIO: PoorperjuredNinettaapproachesherfate!

LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: PoorperjuredNinettaapproachesherfate!

CHORUS: Let’shurrytostopthembeforeit’stoolate, Sohurrytostopthembeforeit’stoolate! (tenors, basses) Before, (sopranos) Before, (all) Beforeit’stoolate! (tenors, basses) Before, (sopranos) Before, (all) Beforeit’stoolate!

Scene Eleven

The MAYOR enters.

MAYOR: Nowwhatisthiscommotion? Whodaredtoringthebell?

LUCIA: (running over to the MAYOR) Suchhappiness,yourHonour–Suchjoyfulnewstotell!

MAYOR: Idon’tknowwhatyou’resaying!

LUCIA: (to GIORGIO and the MAYOR) Weknowsheisn’tguilty! We’regoingtofindNinetta, We’regoingtosetherfree!

GIANNETTO: We’regoingtosetherfree!

MAYOR: Ohno,thiscannotbe!

GIANNETTO: We’regoingtosetherfree!

MAYOR: Disastrousforme!

A gun shot is heard from off-stage.

LUCIA: OhGodpreserveus–Toolate,

LUCIA faints into GIORGIO’s arms. She’sdonefor–Shedead!

MAYOR: Iamfreezing,Iamburning, Iamfreezing,Iamburning, Myhearthasturnedtolead! Iamfilledwithnamelessdread. Iamfreezing,Iamburning, Myhearthasturnedtolead!

PIPPO/

ANTONIO: (looking off-stage from the bell tower) Wecanseeher, Sheiscoming, Wecanseeher, Sheiscoming!

CHORUS: (all, off-stage) Viva,viva,ourNinetta! Viva,viva,ourNinetta! OurNinettaisalive!

MAYOR: Idon’tbelieveit!

GIORGIO: (to LUCIA, who has come to) Oh,didyouhear?

CHORUS: (entering, tenors) Sheiscoming, Neverfear, Yes,sheiscoming, Neverfear! (basses) Sheiscoming, Neverfear,

(CHORUS:) (basses cont.) Yes,sheiscoming, Sheiscoming!

LUCIA: Canthisbe?

CHORUS: (tenors, basses) Sheiscoming!

MAYOR: Buttheshooting?

CHORUS: (tenors, basses) Celebration!

LUCIA: Canthisbe?

CHORUS: (tenors, basses) Youwillsee!

MAYOR: Sheisliving?

CHORUS: (tenors, basses) Yes,yourHonour. Ninetta! Ninetta! Ninetta!

PIPPO/ ANTONIO: Ninetta!

Scene Twelve

NINETTA enters in a cart decorated with flowers and pulled by the VILLAGERS.

LUCIA: (running over to NINETTA) Ah,mydaughter!

GIANNETTO: (reading out a document signed by the MAYOR) “Werenounceallfurthercharges, Wearehappytoreleaseher, Sheispardonedbythelaw.”

LUCIA/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO: Whendelightisleastexpected, Itdelightsyouallthemore!

MAYOR: Ah,thisisthepriceofvengeance Anditfillsmewithremorse, Ahyes,thisisthepriceofvengeance Anditfillsmewithremorse.

CHORUS: (all) LoveandjoytoourNinetta, Tothegirltheworldadores, Yes,loveandjoytoourNinetta, Tothegirltheworldadores!

PIPPO and ANTONIO descend from the bell tower.

NINETTA: ThoughIhearyoursongofgladness,songofgladness, Thoughtheymoveme–Yourhappyvoices–Theywillnever,neversoothemysadness, Theywillnever,neversoothemysadness. Foralthoughtheworldrejoices,rejoices, Icannevershareyourdelight!

LUCIA/

GIANNETTO: What’sthematter,dearNinetta?–Ev’rythinghasturnedoutright, Ev’rythinghasturnedoutright!

FABRIZIO: Ah,Ninetta, Areyoualright, Areyoualright?

NINETTA: No,no! Whereismyfather? Willno-onetellme? Willno-one...tellme? Ishe...alive?

FERNANDO suddenly enters, accompanied by ERNESTO

FERNANDO: Oh,Daughter,yes,Daughter, I’mhere,yes,nowandalways!

FERNANDO embraces NINETTA.

(FERNANDO:) Always! Iwillbebyyourside.

NINETTA: Ah,Father–Thecircleiscompleted. Howcouldmyjoybegreater, Whatmorecouldfateprovide?

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO

CHORUS: Howcouldourjoybegreater, Whatmorecouldfateprovide? Afatherandadaughter, Happilysidebyside. Whatgreaterjoycouldfateprovide, Whatgreaterjoycouldfateprovide?

MAYOR: (points at FERNANDO) Whohasdaredtohelpthetraitor? Whoreleasedhimfromtheprison?

FERNANDO: I’veanorderformypardon AndtheKinghassignedhisname!

NINETTA/ LUCIA/ PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO:

MAYOR:

Ah,theKinghassmileduponus, Letuspraisehisnoblename, Letuspraisehisnoblename!

I’mconfoundedandembarrassed, Iammortifiedwithshame,bittershame.

CHORUS: (pointing at the MAYOR) He’sconfusedandhe’sastonished, Doyouseehimblushforshame, Doyouseehimblushforshame?

NINETTA: WhereisPippo? Heshouldbehere.

PIPPO: (running towards NINETTA) DearNinetta, Iamhere!

LUCIA: Now,Ninetta–

LUCIA joins the hands of NINETTA and GIANNETTO Thisisyourhusband.

NINETTA: Ah,myLady–Thisisfartoomuchtohopefor!

LUCIA: AndIhopethatyou’llforgiveme...

FABRIZIO: Bravelyspoken,myLucia.

NINETTA: Ah,mylove,nowyouarewithme, Holdmeclose,mydarlingboy!

GIANNETTO: Ah,mylove,nowyouarewithme, Holdmeclose,yourdarlingboy!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ FABRIZIO: Facetofacewithtearsofhappiness, Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy!

MAYOR: Facetofacewithtearsofhappiness, Iwillweepbutnotwithjoy! Facetofacewithtearsofhappiness, Iwillweepbutnotwithjoy.

CHORUS: Facetofacewithtearsofhappiness, Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy!

Facetofacewithtearsofhappiness,

(CHORUS:)

Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy!

ALL: (except the MAYOR) Yes,Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy, Yes,Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy, Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy, Iwillweepwithtearsofjoy, Withtearsofjoy, Withtearsofjoy, Withtearsofjoy!

MAYOR:

NINETTA:

Yes,Iwillweepbutnotwithjoy, Yes,Iwillweepbutnotwithjoy, Iwillweepbutnotwithjoy, Iwillweepbutnotwithjoy, Butnotwithjoy, Butnotwithjoy, Butnotwithjoy!

Nowthatthestormisover, Andnowthatthesea’ssubsided, Wehavebeensafelyguided, Toabrightandhappyshore.

LUCIA/ ANTONIO/ FABRIZIO/ CHORUS: Nowfatehasbeendecided, Nowwecanbreatheoncemore.

MAYOR: (aside) (Wouldthatthestormwereover, Andwouldthattheseahadsubsided, Ihavebeenmockedandderided ByonethatIadore.)

LUCIA/ ANTONIO/ FABRIZIO/ CHORUS:

Nowfatehasbeendecided,

(LUCIA/ ANTONIO/ FABRIZIO/ CHORUS:) Nowwecanbreatheoncemore.

PIPPO/ GIANNETTO: Nowthatthetempestisover Andnowthattheseahassubsided, Finallywehavebeenled Toaprotractedandhappyandhappyshore.

PIPPO/ GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO

CHORUS: Nowfatehasbeendecided, Nowwecanbreatheoncemore.

FERNANDO: Nowthatthestormisover Andnowtheseasubsided, Finallywe’vebeenguided Toasafeandhappyshore.

NINETTA/ LUCIA/

PIPPO: Nowthatthetempestisover, Andnowtheseasubsided Andnowtheseasubsided, Theseasubsided.

GIANNETTO/ FABRIZIO/ FERNANDO/ MAYOR: Nowthatthetempestisover, Andnowtheseasubsided, Theseasubsided.

NINETTA/ GIANNETTO: Nowthattheseahassubsided,

(NINETTA/ GIANNETTO:)

Andnowthestormisover, Wehavebeensafelyguided Toabrighterhappyshore. Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore!

LUCIA/ PIPPO/ FABRIZIO: Nowthattheseahassubsided, Nowwearesafeoncemore,oncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore,oncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore!

FERNANDO: Nowthattheseahassubsided, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore, Nowwearesafeoncemore!

MAYOR:

CHORUS:

Ihavebeenmockedandderided, BytheonethatIadore,thatIadore, ByonethatIadore,thatIadore, ByonethatIadore, ByonethatIadore, ByonethatIadore, ByonethatIadore!

Nowfatehasbeendecided, Nowwecanbreatheoncemore, Nowwecanbreatheoncemore, Nowwecanbreatheoncemore,

(CHORUS:) Canbreatheoncemore, Canbreatheoncemore, Canbreatheoncemore!

Curtain.

Rossini, Gioacchino – THIEVING MAGPIE, THE – English: Sams – Libretto

GIOACCHINO ROSSINI

THETHIEVINGMAGPIE

CAST

Music: SINFONIA (Orchestra)

ACT ONE

Scene Two

Music No. 2 CAVATINA

(NINETTA:)

Scene Three

Music No. 3 CAVATINA

Music No. 3a RECITATIVE

Scene

Music No. 4 CHORUS

Scene Five

Music No. 4a CAVATINA

Music No. 5 BRINDISI

Scene Six

Music No. 5a RECITATIVE

Music No. 7 CAVATINA

(MAYOR:)

Music No. 7a RECITATIVE

Scene Eight

Music No. 8 SCENE and TRIO

(MAYOR:)

Scene Ten

Music No. 9 FINALE ACT ONE

ACT TWO

(MAYOR:)

Music No. 11a RECITATIVE

Music No. 12 DUET

(FERNANDO:)

Music No. 14 SCENE, JUDGE’S CHORUS and QUINTET

Scene Five

Scene Six

Music No. 15 RECITATIVE

Scene Eight

Scene Ten

Music No. 17 FINALE ACT TWO

(NINETTA/ GIANNETTO:)

END OF OPERA