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Count Almaviva, a local nobleman - tenor Doctor Bartolo, Rosina's guardian - bass Rosina, Dr. Bartolo's ward - contralto / mezzo-soprano Figaro, a factotum, the Barber of Seville - baritone Fiorello, a servant to the Count - bass Don Basilio, a music teacher - bass Berta, a servant to Dr. Bartolo - soprano Ambrogio, a servant to Dr. Bartolo - bass Officers, soldiers, policeman, a notary Place: Seville, Spain. Time: 17th century. Overture Scene One A square in Seville (To the left is the house with balcony of Don Bartolo. It is dawn. Fiorello, with a lantern in his hand, introduces various musicians; then Count Almaviva, wrapped up in a mantle.) FIORELLO Piano, pianissimo, without a word all gather around me here. MUSICIANS Piano, pianissimo, here we are. FIORELLO All is silence, no one is near our songs to disturb. (Count Almaviva enters.) COUNT Fiorello...ho! FIORELLO Sir, I am here. COUNT Well!...and our friends? FIORELLO They are all ready. COUNT Bravi, bravissimi, softly, softly; piano, pianissimo, utter no word. MUSICIANS Piano, pianissimo, without a word. FIORELLO Without a word, without a word. COUNT Piano, utter no word. (The musicians tune their instruments, and the Count sings, accompanied by them.) Lo, in the smiling sky, the lovely dawn is breaking, and you are not awake, and you are still asleep? Arise, my sweetest love, oh, come, my treasured one, soften the pain, O God, of the dart which pierces me. Oh, joy! I now see that dearest vision, she has she taken pity on this soul in love? Oh, moment of love! Oh, moment divine! Oh, sweet content which is unequalled! Ho, Fiorello! FIORELLO M'lord... COUNT Say, have you seen her? FIORELLO No, sir. COUNT Ah, how vain is every hope! FIORELLO Behold, sir, the dawn advances. COUNT Ah, what am I to think! what shall I do? All is vain. Well, my friends! MUSICIANS (softly) M'lord... COUNT Retire, retire. (He gives a purse to Fiorello, who distributes money to all.) I have no longer need of your songs or your music. FIORELLO Good night all. I have nothing further for you to do. (The musicians surround the Count, thanking him and kissing his hand. Annoyed by the noise they make, he tries to drive them away. Fiorello does the same.) MUSICIANS Many thanks, sir, for this favour; better master, nor a braver, ever did we sing a stave for. Pray, good sir, command our throats! We will sing and pray for one who gives us gold for notes! COUNT Silence! Silence! Cease your bawling, nor, like cats with caterwauling wake the neighbours - stop your squalling. Rascals, get away from here! If this noise you still keep making, all the neighbours you'll be waking. FIORELLO Silence! Silence! What an uproar! Cursed ones, away from here! What a devilish commotion, I am furious, do you hear! Cursed ones, get out, get out, scoundrels all, away from here! (The musicians leave.) COUNT Indiscreet rabble! FIORELLO They had nearly, with their importunate clamour, awakened the whole neighbourhood. At last they're gone! (He withdraws.) FIGARO (offstage) La la la la la la la la la. COUNT Who is this coming now? I'll let him go by; unseen, under this archway, I can see what I want. Dawn is already here but love is not shy. (He hides. Figaro enters with a guitar around his neck.) FIGARO La ran la le ra, la ran la la. Make way for the factotum of the city. La ran la la, etc. Rushing to his shop for dawn is here. La ran la la, etc. What a merry life, what gay pleasures for a barber of quality. Ah, bravo Figaro, bravo, bravissimo, bravo! La ran la la, etc. Most fortunate of men, indeed you are! La ran la la, etc. Ready for everything by night or by day, always in bustle, in constant motion. A better lot for a barber, a nobler life does not exist. La la ran la la ran la, etc. Razors and combs, lancets and scissors, at my command everything's ready. Then there are "extras", part of my trade, business for ladies and cavaliers... La la ran la...la...la. Ah, what a merry life, what gay pleasures, for a barber of quality. All call for me, all want me, ladies and children, old men and maidens. I need a wig, I want a shave, leeches to bleed me, here, take this note. All call for me, all want me, I need a wig, I want a shave, here, take this note. Ho, Figaro, Figaro, Figaro, etc. Heavens! What a commotion! Heavens! What a crowd! One at a time, for pity's sake. Ho, Figaro! I am here! Figaro here, Figaro there, Figaro up, Figaro down. Quicker and quicker I go like greased lightning, make way for the factotum of the city. Ah, bravo, Figaro, bravo, bravissimo, On you good fortune will always smile. La la ran la, etc. I am the factotum of the city. Ah! ah! what a happy life! little fatigue, and much amusement, always with some money in my pocket, noble fruition of my reputation. So it is: without Figaro not a girl in Seville can marry; to me come the little widows for a husband; with the excuse of my comb by day, of my guitar by night, to all, and I say it without boasting, I honestly give service. Oh, what a life, what a trade! Now, away to the shop - COUNT (It is he, am I mistaken?) FIGARO (Who may this be?) COUNT (Oh! it's certainly he!) Figaro... FIGARO My master... oh! Whom do I see? Your Excellency... COUNT Hush! Be prudent! I am not known here, nor do I wish to be. I have the best of reasons. FIGARO I understand, I'll leave you alone. COUNT No... FIGARO What can I do? COUNT No, I tell you, stay here. Perhaps for my purpose you've come at the right time. But tell me, you wily rascal, how did you come here, Lord Almighty! I see you're fat and fine... FIGARO Hard times brought me, sir! COUNT What a scoundrel! FIGARO Thank you. COUNT Are you behaving yourself? FIGARO And how! And you, why in Seville? COUNT I will explain. On the Prado I beheld a flower of beauty, a maiden, the daughter of a silly old physician, who recently established himself here; enamoured of this damsel, I left home and country; and here I came, and here, night and day, I watch and wander near this balcony. FIGARO Near this balcony? A physician? You are very fortunate; the cheese fell right on the macaroni! COUNT Explain! FIGARO Certainly. In this house I am barber, surgeon, botanist, apothecary, veterinary... In other words, I run the house. COUNT Oh, what luck! FIGARO But this is not all. The girl is not the daughter of the physician. She is only his ward. COUNT Oh, what a consolation! FIGARO But...hush... COUNT What is it? FIGARO The balcony window opens... (They retire under the portico. Bartolo, emerging from his house, stops to give orders to his servants.) BARTOLO I shall return in a few minutes. Don't let anyone in. If Don Basilio should come to inquire for me, let him wait. (He locks the door .) I wish to hasten my marriage with her. Yes, this day. I am going to conclude this affair. (He goes off.) COUNT This very day, his marriage with Rosina! Oh, the foolish old dotard! But tell me, who is this Don Basilio? FIGARO A famous, intriguing matchmaker, a hypocrite, a good-for-nothing, with never a penny in his pocket... He has lately turned music-master, and teaches this girl. COUNT Well, that's good to know. FIGARO Now you must think how to tell the pretty Rosina what she wants to know. With a simple little song you can explain it all to her, sir. COUNT A song? FIGARO Certainly. Here is my guitar. Come, let's start. COUNT But I... FIGARO Heaven give me patience! COUNT Well, we'll try... If you want to know my name, listen to the song I sing. I am called Lindoro, who faithfully adores you, who wishes to marry you. Your name is on my lips, and you are in my thoughts, from early dawn till late at night. (Rosina appears on the balcony.) ROSINA Continue, beloved, continue to sing. FIGARO Listen! What could be better? COUNT What happiness! FIGARO Bravo! Now continue. COUNT Sincere and enamoured Lindoro cannot give you, my dear, a fortune. Rich, I am not, but heart I can give, a loving spirit which faithful and true, for you only breathes, from early dawn till late at night. ROSINA Sincere and enamoured Rosina her heart to Lin... (With a shriek she retires from the balcony.) COUNT Oh, Heavens! FIGARO I imagine someone entered her room. She has gone inside. COUNT Oh, damnation! I am feverish, on fire! At any cost I must see her, speak to her! You, you must help me. FIGARO Ha, ha, what a frenzy! Yes, yes, I shall help you. COUNT Bravo! Before nightfall you must get me into the house. Tell me, how can you do it? Come, let's see some feat of your imagination. FIGARO Of my imagination! Well, I shall see...but nowadays... COUNT Yes, yes! I understand. Go ahead, don't worry; your efforts will be rewarded. FIGARO Truly? COUNT On my word. FIGARO Gold in abundance? COUNT To your heart's content. Come, on your way. FIGARO I'm ready. You cannot imagine what a prodigious devotion the sweet thought of gold makes me feel towards Lindoro. At the idea of this metal portentous, omnipotent, a volcano within me commences to erupt, yes. COUNT Come, let's see what effect this metal will have on you, some real demonstration of this volcano within you, yes. FIGARO You should disguise yourself... for instance...as a soldier... COUNT As a soldier? FIGARO Yes, sir. COUNT As a soldier, and for what purpose? FIGARO Today a regiment is expected here. COUNT Yes, the colonel is a friend of mine. FIGARO Excellent! COUNT And then? FIGARO By means of a billet, that door will soon open. What say you to this, sir? Don't you think I've hit it right? Isn't it a fine idea, happy thought, in very truth! COUNT Isn't it a fine idea, happy thought, in very truth! FIGARO Softly, softly...another thought! See the power of your gold! You must pretend to be drunk. COUNT Drunk? FIGARO Even so, sir. COUNT Drunk? But why? FIGARO Because the guardian, believe me, the guardian would less distrust a man not quite himself, but overcome with wine. Isn't it a fine idea, happy thought, in very truth! COUNT Isn't it a fine idea, happy thought, in very truth! COUNT Well, then? FIGARO To business. COUNT Let's go. FIGARO Bravo. COUNT I go...but the most important thing I forgot to ask: tell me, where do I find your shop? FIGARO My shop? you cannot mistake it... look yonder...there it is... number fifteen, on the left hand, with four steps, a white front, five wigs in the window, on a placard, "Pomade Divine", a show-glass, too, of the latest fashion, and my sign is a lantern... There, without fail you will find me. COUNT Five wigs. FIGARO A lantern. There, without fail, you will find me. COUNT I understand. FIGARO You had better go now. COUNT And you watch out... FIGARO I'll take care of everything. COUNT I have faith in you... FIGARO I shall wait for you yonder... COUNT My dear Figaro... FIGARO I understand, I understand... COUNT I will bring with me... FIGARO A purse well filled. COUNT Yes, all you want, but do your part... FIGARO Oh, have no doubt, all will go well. COUNT Oh, what a flame of love divine, of hope and joy auspicious sign! With fire unknown my soul is burning, and fills my spirit with will to dare. Oh, what a flame, etc. Oh, glorious moment which inspires my heart! With fire unknown my soul is burning, and fills my spirit with will to dare. FIGARO I almost can hear the clinking coin, gold is coming... already it's here. Gold is coming, silver is coming, filling the pockets... already it's here. With fire unknown my soul is burning, and fills my spirit with will to dare. (Figaro enters the house of Bartolo. The Count leaves.) Scene Two A room in Bartolo's house ROSINA (with a letter in her hand) The voice I heard just now has thrilled my very heart. My heart already is pierced and it was Lindoro who hurled the dart. Yes, Lindoro shall be mine, I've sworn it, I'll succeed. My guardian won't consent, but I will sharpen my wits, and at last, he will relent, and I shall be content. Yes, Lindoro etc. I am docile, I am respectful, I am obedient, sweet and loving. I can be ruled, I can be guided. But if crossed in love, I can be a viper, and a hundred tricks I shall play before they have their way. I am docile, etc. Yes, yes, I shall conquer. If I could only send him this letter. But how? There is none I can trust. My guardian has a hundred eyes... Well, well...meanwhile I'll seal it. From my window I saw him, for an hour, talking with Figaro, the barber. Figaro is an honest fellow, a good-hearted soul... who knows, he may be the one to protect our love! (Figaro enters from upstage, Rosina hides her letter.) FIGARO Good day, signorina. ROSINA Good day, signor Figaro. FIGARO Well? how are you? ROSINA I am dying of boredom. FIGARO The deuce! Is that possible! A lovely girl, full of spirits... ROSINA Ah! you make me laugh! Of what use is my spirit, what good is my beauty, if I am always shut up between four walls and feel as if I am living inside a sepulchre? FIGARO A sepulchre? Heavens!... But I must talk with you... ROSINA My guardian is coming. FIGARO Truly? ROSINA Definitely. I know his footstep. FIGARO Adieu, adieu! I will see you soon again. I have something to tell you. ROSINA And I too, signor Figaro. FIGARO Bravissima. I go. (He hides himself.) ROSINA What a nice fellow he is! (Bartolo enters from the street.) BARTOLO Oh, that menace of a Figaro! What a rascal, what a villain, what a scoundrel! ROSINA (He's off again. Always shouting.) BARTOLO They don't come any worse! With opium, blood and sneezing powder he has made a hospital of the whole household. Signorina, the barber...have you seen him? ROSINA Why? BARTOLO Why? Because I want to know! ROSINA Has he, too, put you in a rage? BARTOLO And why not? ROSINA Alright, I shall tell you. Yes, I saw him, I spoke with him, I like him, I enjoy talking with him, I find him handsome. (Choke on that, wicked old man!) (Rosina goes up to her room.) BARTOLO What a charming little miss! The more I love her, the more she disdains me. There is no doubt, it is the barber who has put her up to this. Oh! Devil of a barber... You shall pay for this! (Don Basilio enters.) Don Basilio, you come at the right time. By force or by love, by tomorrow I must marry Rosina. Is that clear? BASILIO Eh, you speak wisely, and it is for that very reason I have come. But keep this secret... Count Almaviva has arrived. BARTOLO Who? The unknown lover of Rosina? BASILIO The very same. BARTOLO Oh, the devil! Something must be done. BASILIO Certainly. But very hush-hush. BARTOLO That is to say? BASILIO Just this, that plausibly, we must begin to invent a story which will put him in a bad light with the public, making him seem a man of infamy, a doomed soul... I shall attend to this; within four days, on the word of Basilio, he'll be thrown out of this town. BARTOLO Do you really think so? BASILIO Without a doubt! I have my own system, and it is foolproof. BARTOLO And you would dare? But...calumny... BASILIO Ah, what is calumny? Don't you know? BARTOLO In truth, I do not. BASILIO No? Then hear and be silent. Calumny is a little breeze, a gentle zephyr which insensibly, subtly, lightly and sweetly, commences to whisper. Softly, softly, here and there, sottovoce, sibilant, it goes gliding, it goes rambling. In the ears of the people, it penetrates slyly and the head and the brains it stuns and it swells. From the mouth re-emerging the noise grows crescendo, gathers force little by little, runs its course from place to place, seems like the thunder of the tempest which from the depths of the forest comes whistling, muttering, freezing everyone in horror. Finally with crack and crash, it spreads afield, its force redoubled, and produces an explosion like the outburst of a cannon, an earthquake, a whirlwind, which makes the air resound. And the poor slandered wretch, vilified, trampled down, sunk beneath the public lash, by good fortune, falls to death. Now what do you say? BARTOLO Eh! that may be true, but meanwhile we are wasting valuable time. No, I want to do things my own way. Let's go into my room. Together the marriage contract we must prepare. When she is my wife, I shall know very well how to keep off these lovesick dandies. BASILIO (If there is money to make, I am always on hand.) (Bartolo and Don Basilio leave. Figaro cautiously re-enters.) FIGARO Bravo! all goes well! I heard everything. Hurrah for the good Doctor! Poor idiot! Your wife? Come, come! Don't make me laugh! While they are shut up in that room I shall try to talk to the girl... But here she is. (Rosina enters.) ROSINA Well, signor Figaro? FIGARO Great things are happening, signorina. ROSINA Indeed? FIGARO We shall eat wedding-cake soon. ROSINA What do you mean? FIGARO I mean to say that this fine guardian of yours plans to be your husband by tomorrow. ROSINA What nonsense! FIGARO Oh, I swear it. He has locked himself in that room with your music-master to draw up the contract. ROSINA Yes? Well, he is much mistaken! Poor fool! He has me to deal with... but tell me, signor Figaro, a little while ago under my window were you talking with a gentleman? FIGARO Yes, with my cousin. A fine young man, with a good head and a warm heart. Poor fellow, he has come here to finish his studies and to seek his fortune. ROSINA A for tune? Oh, he'll make it. FIGARO I doubt it. Confidentially he has one great fault. ROSINA A great fault? FIGARO Yes, a great one. He is dying of love. ROSINA Really? That young man, you know, interests me very much. FIGARO Good Lord! ROSINA Don't you believe it? FIGARO Oh, yes! ROSINA And tell me, his beloved, does she live far away? FIGARO Oh, no! That is...here...two steps... ROSINA But is she pretty? FIGARO Oh, pretty enough! I can give you her picture in two words: quite slim, high-spirited, black hair, rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes, enchanting hands. ROSINA And her name? FIGARO And her name too! Her name, what a lovely name! She is called... ROSINA Well, what is she called? FIGARO Poor little dear!... ROSINA Poor-little dear? FIGARO Oh no, she is called R...O...Ro... ROSINA Ro... FIGARO Brava, and S...I...si... ROSINA Si... FIGARO Rosi... FIGARO and ROSINA ...N...A...na... Rosina! ROSINA Then it is I....You are not mocking me? Then I am the fortunate girl! (But I had already guessed it, I knew it all along.) FIGARO You are, sweet Rosina, of Lindoro's love, the object. (Oh, what a cunning little fox! But she'll have to deal with me.) ROSINA But tell me, to Lindoro how shall I contrive to speak? FIGARO Patience, patience, and Lindoro soon your presence here will seek. ROSINA To speak to me? Bravo! Bravo! Let him come, but with caution, meanwhile I am dying of impatience! Why is he delayed? What is he doing? FIGARO He is awaiting some sign, poor man, of your affection; send him but two lines and you will see him here. What do you say to this? ROSINA I shouldn't... FIGARO Come, courage. ROSINA I don't know... FIGARO Only two lines... ROSINA I am too shy. FIGARO But why? But why? Quickly, quickly, give me a note. ROSINA A note?...Here it is. (She takes a letter from her bosom and gives it to him.) FIGARO (Already written...what a fool! She could give me a lesson or two!) ROSINA Fortune smiles on my love, I can breathe once more. FIGARO (In cunning itself she could be a professor.) ROSINA Oh, you alone, my love, can console my heart. FIGARO (Women, women, eternal gods, who can fathom their minds?) ROSINA Oh, you alone, my love, can console my heart. Tell me, but Lindoro... FIGARO Is on his way. In a few minutes he'll be here to speak to you. ROSINA Let him come, but with caution. FIGARO Patience, patience, he'll be here. ROSINA Fortune smiles on my love, I can breathe once more. Oh, you alone, my love, can console my heart. FIGARO (Women, women, eternal gods, who can fathom their minds?) (Figaro leaves.) ROSINA Now I feel better. That Figaro is a nice young man. (Bartolo enters.) BARTOLO With fair words may I know from my Rosina what brought this fellow here this morning? ROSINA Figaro? I know nothing. BARTOLO He spoke to you? ROSINA He spoke to me. BARTOLO What was he telling you? ROSINA Oh, he told me a hundred trifles... Of the fashions in France, of the illness of his daughter, Marcellina. BARTOLO Indeed? And I wager... What is the meaning of your ink-stained finger? ROSINA Stained? Oh! nothing. I burned myself and I used the ink as a medicine. BARTOLO The devil! And these sheets of paper... there are five now, there were six. ROSINA The note paper? You are right. I used one to wrap the sweets I sent to Marcellina. BARTOLO Bravissima! And the pen, why was it sharpened? ROSINA (Heavens!) The pen! To draw a flower to embroider. BARTOLO To embroider! A flower! ROSINA A flower. BARTOLO A flower! Oh! you minx! ROSINA It is the truth. BARTOLO Silence. ROSINA Believe me... BARTOLO Enough of this. ROSINA Sir... BARTOLO No more...be quiet. For a doctor of my standing these excuses, signorina, I advise you, my dear child, to invent a little better. Better! Better! Better! Better! Sweets for Marcellina! A design for your embroidery! And the scalding of your finger! It takes more than that, my girl, to deceive me successfully. More! More! More! More! Why is that sheet of paper missing? I mean to find out what's going on. It's no use pulling faces. Stop, don't touch me. No, my dear girl, give up all hope that I'll let myself be fooled. For a doctor of my standing these excuses, signorina, I advise you my dear child, to invent a little better. Come, dear child, confess it all. I am prepared to pardon you. You don't answer? You are stubborn? Then I know well what I'll do. Signorina, another time when Bartolo must leave the house, he'll give orders to the servants who will see you stay inside. Now your pouting will not help you nor your injured innocence. I here assure you, through that door the very air itself won't enter. For a doctor of my standing does not let himself be fooled. and little innocent Rosina, disconsolate and in despair, in her chamber shall be locked so long as I see fit. (They exit.) (Berta enters.) BERTA From within this room I thought I heard a noise... Probably the guardian with his ward... He never has an hour's peace. These girls don't want to understand... (She hears a knock and the voice of the Count outside.) Knocking! COUNT Open. BERTA I am coming. Here I am. I am coming. Who the devil can this be? (She opens the door. The Count enters disguised as a soldier. He pretends to be drunk. Berta goes out and Bartolo enters.) COUNT Hey, good people... Is no one at home! Hey... BARTOLO Who can that be? What an ugly face! And drunk, too! Who is it? COUNT Curses, is nobody home! Hey... BARTOLO What do you want, signor Soldier? COUNT Oh, yes! Very much obliged. BARTOLO (What on earth is he doing here?) COUNT You are...wait a minute... You are... Doctor Balordo? BARTOLO What Balordo? What Balordo? COUNT Ah, ah, Bertoldo. BARTOLO What Bertoldo? Oh, go to the devil! Doctor Bartolo, Doctor Bartolo. COUNT Ah, bravissimo, Doctor Barbaro, bravissimo, Doctor Barbaro. BARTOLO You blockhead! COUNT Well and good, the difference, after all, is trifling. BARTOLO (I am already out of patience. Prudence is necessary here.) COUNT (She does not appear! How impatient I feel! How long she delays! Where can she be?) Then you are a doctor? BARTOLO Yes, sir, I am a doctor. COUNT Ah, very fine! Let me embrace a colleague here. BARTOLO Keep off! COUNT Come. I also am a qualified doctor, I am the vet of the regiment. My billet for lodgings, look, here it is. (Oh, come, dearest object of my happiness!) BARTOLO (With rage, with vexation in truth I shall burst. If I don't watch out, I'll do something rash.) (Rosina tiptoes in.) COUNT Hasten, hasten, your adorer, full of love, awaits you here. BARTOLO If I don't watch out, I'll do something rash. ROSINA (A soldier, my guardian, what am I to do now?) (The Count sees her.) COUNT (It is Rosina! Now I am happy.) ROSINA (He looks at me...he is coming near.) COUNT (softly) (I am Lindoro!) ROSINA (Heavens! What do I hear! Prudence, for mercy's sake!) BARTOLO (seeing Rosina) Signorina, what are you looking for? Quickly, quickly, leave the room! ROSINA I'm going, I'm going, don't shout. BARTOLO Quickly, quickly, away from here. COUNT And, my girl, I am going too. BARTOLO Where, where, sir? COUNT To the barracks. BARTOLO To the barracks? COUNT Oh, this is great! BARTOLO To the barracks? A good joke! COUNT Dearest... ROSINA Help me... BARTOLO Oh, damnation! COUNT Then I go... (The Count starts toward the inner room. Bartolo seizes him.) BARTOLO Oh, no, sir, you can have no lodging here. COUNT What? What? BARTOLO No sense arguing... I am exempt from lodging troops. COUNT Exempt? BARTOLO (going to his desk) Good sir, just a moment and I shall show you. COUNT (aside to Rosina) Since I may not be able to remain here, take this... (He motions to her to take a note.) ROSINA (Be careful! He is watching us!) BARTOLO (Oh, I can no longer find it.) ROSINA (We must be careful!) BARTOLO (But, yes, yes, I must find it.) ROSINA and COUNT (A hundred emotions burn within me, I can no longer control myself.) BARTOLO Ah, here it is. (He comes forward with a document in his hand and reads.) "By this let it be known that Doctor Bartolo etc. is exempted..." COUNT (with a sweep of his hand, flings the paper into the air) Oh, go to the devil! Don't bother me any more. BARTOLO My dear sir, what are you doing? COUNT Silence now, donkey of a doctor; my lodging is fixed here, and here I will remain. BARTOLO Will remain? COUNT Certainly, will remain. BARTOLO I am fed up, my master, out and quickly, or a good stick will dislodge you from here! COUNT Then you wish to battle? Good! A battle I will give you. A battle is a fine thing! Let me show you how it's done. Observe! This is the trench... You are the enemy... Attention, and my friends... (aside to Rosina) (Drop your handkerchief.) (He lets a letter fall and Rosina drops her handkerchief to cover it.) And friends standing here. Attention! BARTOLO (who has noticed the manoeuvre) Stop, stop... COUNT What is it? Ah! BARTOLO Let me see it. COUNT Yes, if it were a prescription!... But a note...it is my duty... If you will pardon me. (He gives the note to Rosina who quickly exchanges it for a laundry list.) ROSINA Thank you. Thank you. BARTOLO Thank you, thank you, thank you nothing! Give me the paper, impertinent one! Quickly, I say! COUNT You wish to battle? On guard... Ih! Ah! ROSINA But this paper which you ask for fell to the floor by chance. It is only the laundry list. BARTOLO Oh, you flirt, come quickly here! What do I see! (Basiolio enters on one side, Berta on the other.) BERTA The barber... BARTOLO I was mistaken! It is the laundry list! BERTA So many people! BARTOLO I am petrified! COUNT Bravo, bravo, the old fool! BARTOLO Yes, I really am an imbecile, oh, what a big mistake! BASILIO Sol do re mi fa re sol mi la fa si sol do, but what confusion this is here? ROSINA and COUNT Bravo, bravo, the old fool; in the trap at last he is caught. BERTA I am petrified, bewildered, what confusion this is here. ROSINA Once again! The same old story, I am always oppressed and mistreated! What a wretched life I live! I can't stand it any more. BARTOLO Ah, poor little Rosina. COUNT (threatening him) Come here, what have you done to her? BARTOLO Stop...nothing at all... COUNT You cur, you traitor... ROSINA, BERTA, BARTOLO and BASILIO Hands off, away, sir. COUNT I'd like to knock you down. ROSINA and BERTA Good people, help...but calm yourself... Good people, help...for mercy's sake! BARTOLO and BASILIO Good people, help...help me! Good people, help...for mercy's sake! COUNT Unhand me, unhand me! (Figaro enters with a basin under his arm.) FIGARO Stop! What is happening, what clamour is this? Great gods! This uproar into the streets has drawn half the city. (softly to the Count) For Heaven's sake, be careful, sir. BARTOLO (pointing to the Count) This is the rascal. COUNT (pointing to Bartolo) This is the scoundrel! BARTOLO Oh, what a villain! COUNT Oh, what a cursed fellow! FIGARO Signor Soldier, have respect, or this basin soon shall teach you of your manners to beware. (For Heaven's sake, be careful, sir.) COUNT Ugly baboon... BARTOLO Low-born scoundrel... ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO Be quiet, doctor... BARTOLO I'll shout it loud... ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO Hold, sir... COUNT I am going to murder... ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO Be silent, for pity's sake! COUNT I'm going to kill him without mercy. ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO Be silent, for pity's sake! (loud knocking on the door) ROSINA, BERTA and FIGARO Silence, they are knocking. ALL Who can it be? BARTOLO Who's there? CHORUS (from without) Open the door in the name of the law! ALL The police! Oh, the devil! FIGARO and BASILIO Now you have done it! COUNT and BARTOLO Have no fear! Let them come in. ALL I wonder how on earth this adventure will end! (Enter the chorus of soldiers and an officer.) CHORUS Stay where you are. Let no one move. Good sirs, what's going on? What is the cause of this disturbance? Quickly give an explanation. BARTOLO This dog of a soldier, good sir, has mistreated me, yes, sir, yes, sir. FIGARO I only came, good sir, to calm this disturbance. Yes, sir, yes, sir. BASILIO and BERTA He is making an infernal noise, he is threatening to kill us, yes, sir, yes, sir. COUNT As a lodger, this villain is not willing to accept me. Yes, sir, yes, sir. ROSINA Pardon him, poor fellow, he is affected by wine. Yes, sir, yes, sir. OFFICER I heard you, I heard you. (to the Count) My good man, you are under arrest. Quickly come away from here. COUNT Arrested? I? Stop now! (Repulsing the soldiers with an air of authority, he calls the officer towards him, privately shows him the order of the Grandees of Spain, which he has under his uniform, and whispers is name. The officer, surprised, makes a sign to the soldiers, who retire, and he does the same. All remain astonished.) ROSINA Cold and motionless like a statue, I have hardly breath to breathe! COUNT Cold and motionless like a statue, he has hardly breath to breathe! BARTOLO Cold and motionless like a statue, I have hardly breath to breathe! FIGARO Look at Don Bartolo, he stands like a statue! Oh, I am ready to burst with laughter! BASILIO Cold and motionless, I have hardly breath to breathe! BERTA I have hardly breath to breathe! BARTOLO But sir...for a doctor... But if you...but I would like... but if we... but if then... but listen, but hear... CHORUS Silence all! That's enough! Do not speak, do not shout. Silence! We'll take care of it. Silence you! Do not speak. Everybody go about their business. An end to the quarrelling! BASILIO But if we...but if then... but if then...but if we... Silence here! Silence there! Silence, silence everywhere! ROSINA, BERTA, COUNT and FIGARO Silence here! Silence there! Silence, silence everywhere! ALL My head seems to be in a fiery smithy: the sound of the anvils ceaseless and growing deafens the ear. Up and down, high and low, striking heavily, the hammer makes the very walls resound with a barbarous harmony. Thus our poor, bewildered brain, stunned, confounded, in confusion, without reason, is reduced to insanity. The music room in Bartolo's house (There is a harpsichord covered with sheets of music.) BARTOLO (alone) Look at my ill-fortune! That soldier, as far as I can learn, is known by nobody in the whole regiment. I doubt...oh, damnation... Did I say doubt? I would wager that the Count Almaviva has sent this fellow here to sound out Rosina's heart. Not even in one's own house can one be safe! But I... (Knocks are heard at the main door.) Who is knocking? Eh, who is there! They are knocking, don't you hear? I am home, have no fear, open. (The Count enters disguised as a music master.) COUNT Peace and happiness be with you. BARTOLO A thousand thanks, come right in. COUNT Happiness and peace for a thousand years. BARTOLO In truth I am obliged to you. (That face is not unknown to me. I don't recall, I don't remember, but that face, that face... I do not know, who can it be?) COUNT (Ah, if before I failed to deceive this simpleton, my new disguise should prove more successful.) Peace and happiness be with you. BARTOLO I heard you! (Heavens, what a bore!) COUNT Happiness and peace, from my heart. BARTOLO Enough, enough, for pity's sake. COUNT Happiness... BARTOLO Happiness... COUNT Peace... BARTOLO Peace...I heard you! (What a bore!) COUNT From my heart, peace and happiness. BARTOLO Peace and happiness. Enough, for pity's sake! (What a wretched fate is mine! What a terrible day this is! Everyone against me! What a cruel destiny!) COUNT (The old fellow knows me not. How fortunate for me! Ah, my love! In a few moments we shall be able to speak freely!) BARTOLO In a word, sir, who are you? May one know? COUNT Don Alonso, teacher of music and pupil of Don Basilio. BARTOLO Well? COUNT Don Basilio, poor man, is taken ill, and in his stead... BARTOLO Taken ill? I'll go and see him at once. COUNT Take it easy. His illness is not that serious. BARTOLO (I don't trust this fellow.) Come, let us go. COUNT But sir... BARTOLO Well, what? COUNT I wished to say... BARTOLO Speak up. COUNT (sottovoce) But... BARTOLO Speak up, I tell you. COUNT Well, as you wish. Then you shall learn who Don Alonso is. (raising his voice) I'll see Count Almaviva... BARTOLO Softly, softly, speak, speak. I am listening. COUNT The Count... BARTOLO Softly, for goodness' sake! COUNT This morning I met him in the same inn where I was lodging, and into my hand, by chance, fell this note, addressed by your ward to him. BARTOLO What do I see! It is her writing! COUNT Don Basilio knows nothing of this paper, and I, coming instead of him to give lessons to the young lady, wished to acquire merit in your eyes because with this note...one could... BARTOLO Could what? COUNT I shall tell you...If I could only speak with the girl, I could... with your permission...make her believe that it was given to me by a mistress of the Count, clear proof that the Count is playing with her affection, and therefore... BARTOLO Softly...A calumny! Oh, you are indeed a worthy pupil of Don Basilio! I shall know how to reward you as you deserve for this happy suggestion. I'll call the girl. Since you show so much interest, I trust myself to you. COUNT Do not worry. (Bartolo goes to fetch Rosina.) This affair of the note was a slip of the tongue. But what was I to do? Without some trick, I would have had to leave like a fool. I must now acquaint her with my plan; if she consents, I shall be a happy man. Here she is. Oh, how my heart is beating in my breast! (Bartolo returns leading Rosina by the hand.) BARTOLO Come, Signorina. Don Alonso, whom you see, will give you your lesson. ROSINA (recognizing the Count) Ah! BARTOLO What's the matter? ROSINA Oh...a cramp in my foot. COUNT Oh, it's nothing! Sit by my side, fair young lady. If you don't mind, in place of Don Basilio, I shall give you a short lesson. ROSINA Oh, with the greatest of pleasure. COUNT What would you like to sing? ROSINA I shall sing, if you please, the rondo from The Futile Precaution. COUNT Good, let's begin. (He sits at the harpsichord and accompanies Rosina.) ROSINA Against a heart inflamed with love, burning with unquenchable fire, a ruthless tyrant, cruelly armed, wages war, but all in vain. From every attack a victor, Love will always triumph. Ah, Lindoro, my dearest treasure! If you could know, if you could see this dog of a guardian, oh, I rage to think of him! Dearest, in you I put my trust, please, come save me, for pity's sake! COUNT Fear not, be reassured, fate will be our friend. ROSINA Then I may hope? COUNT Trust in me. ROSINA And my heart? COUNT It will rejoice! ROSINA Dear smiling image, sweet thought of happy love, you burn in my breast, in my heart. I am delirious with joy! Dearest, in you I put my trust, please, come save me, for pity's sake! I am delirious with joy! COUNT A beautiful voice! Bravissima! ROSINA Oh! A thousand thanks! BARTOLO Truly, a beautiful voice! But this aria, damnation! It is rather tiresome. Music in my day was quite another thing. Ah! When, for instance, Caffariello sang that wonderful aria... la ra la la la...Listen, Don Alonso, here it is. "When you are near me, Sweet Rosina..." (Figaro enters and hides behind Bartolo.) The aria says "Giannina", but I say "Rosina... " "When you are near me, sweet Rosina, my heart glows in my breast, it dances a minuet... " (He notices the presence of Figaro who is imitating him behind his back.) Bravo, signor Barber, bravo! FIGARO Excuse me please, it was a moment of weakness... BARTOLO Well, you rascal, what are you here for? FIGARO Here for! Here to shave you. This is your day. BARTOLO I don't wish it today. FIGARO Today you don't wish it? Tomorrow I can't come. BARTOLO Why not? FIGARO (consulting his notebook) Because I shall be busy. For all the officers of the new regiment, shave and haircut... For the Marchioness Andronica, her blond wig tinted brown... For the young Count Bombe, forelock to curl... A purge for the lawyer Bernardone who yesterday fell ill with indigestion. And then...and then...but why continue? Tomorrow I cannot come. BARTOLO Come, less chatter. Today I do not want to be shaved. FIGARO No? Nice kind of customers I have! I come this morning, and I find a madhouse... I return after lunch... Today I don't want you! What do you think? Do you take me for some country barber? Find yourself another. I am going. BARTOLO (What can one do? That's how he is. He is really a character!) Go into the next room and bring the towels. No, I'll go myself. (Bartolo takes a bunch of keys from his pocket and goes out.) FIGARO (Oh, if I had those keys in my hand I should be riding high.) Tell me, (to Rosina) among the keys, isn't there the one which opens the outside window? ROSINA Yes, indeed. It is the newest. (Bartolo returns.) BARTOLO (Oh, what a fool I was to leave that devil of a barber here!) Here, go yourself. (He gives the keys to Figaro.) Go down the corridor, and on the shelf you'll find everything. Take care, don't touch anything. FIGARO Oh! I know what I am doing. (Brilliant!) I'll be right back. (The trick has worked!) (He goes out.) BARTOLO (to the Count) That is the rascal who took Rosina's letter to the Count... COUNT He looks like an intriguer of the first order. BARTOLO He can't deceive me... (A great noise is heard without.) Oh, misery me! ROSINA What a crash! BARTOLO Oh, that rascal! I felt my heart misgive me! (Bartolo goes out.) COUNT That Figaro is a great man! (to Rosina) Now that we are alone, tell me dearest, are you content to put your destiny in my hands? Be frank now! ROSINA Ah, Lindoro, it is my only desire... (Bartolo and Figaro return.) COUNT Well? BARTOLO He has broken everything, six plates, eight glasses, a tureen. FIGARO What good luck! (Secretly he shows the Count the key of the balcony window which he has taken.) If I had not held on to a key I would have broken my head in that cursed corridor. He keeps every room so dark...and then... BARTOLO Enough of this... FIGARO Then let's get going. (to the Count and Rosina) (Be careful.) (Bartolo prepares to be shaved.) BARTOLO Now to business. (Don Basilio enters.) ROSINA Don Basilio! COUNT (What do I see!) FIGARO (How unfortunate!) BARTOLO How come you are here? BASILIO At your service, one and all. BARTOLO (What is this new turn of affairs?) ROSINA (What will happen to us?) COUNT and FIGARO (We must act boldly.) BARTOLO Don Basilio, how are you feeling? BASILIO How am I feeling? FIGARO What are you waiting for? That blessed beard of yours, shall I shave it or not? BARTOLO (to Figaro) In a minute. (to Basilio) And...the notary? BASILIO The notary... COUNT I have already told him that everything is arranged. (to Bartolo) Is it not true? "BARTOLO Yes, yes I know it all. BASILIO But, Don Bartolo, explain to me... COUNT Doctor, one word... Don Basilio, I'll be with you. (to Bartolo) Listen to me for a moment. (aside to Figaro) Try and get rid of him, or I fear he will expose us. ROSINA I feel my heart tremble. FIGARO Don't be alarmed. COUNT (to Bartolo) Of the letter, sir, he as yet knows nothing. BASILIO (There is something going on which I certainly cannot fathom.) COUNT I fear he will expose us; he as yet knows nothing. BARTOLO You are right, sir. I will immediately send him away. COUNT With such a fever, Don Basilio, who told you to go out? BASILIO What fever? COUNT What do you think? You are yellow as a corpse. BASILIO I am yellow as a corpse? FIGARO Good Heaven, my man, you are all of a tremble! You must have scarlet fever! BASILIO Scarlet fever! COUNT (secretly handing Basilio a purse of money) Go take some medicine. Don't stay here and kill yourself. FIGARO Quickly, quickly, go to bed. COUNT I am really afraid for you. ROSINA He is right, go home to bed... "BARTOLO, ROSINA, COUNT and FIGARO Quickly, go and have some rest. BASILIO (A purse!...Go to bed! As long as they are all of one mind!) BARTOLO, ROSINA, COUNT and FIGARO Quickly to bed, quickly to bed... BASILIO I am not deaf, you don't have to beg me. FIGARO What a colour! COUNT You look terribe! BASILIO Terrible? COUNT, FIGARO and BARTOLO Oh, really terrible! BASILIO Well, I'll go! ROSINA, COUNT, FIGARO and BARTOLO Go, go. COUNT, ROSINA and FIGARO Well, good-night to you, dear sir, quickly go away from here. BASILIO Well, good-night, with all my heart, then tomorrow we shall talk. ROSINA and FIGARO Cursed man, you are a nuisance! Well, good-night to you, dear sir, peace and slumber and good health. Well, good-night, get out of here, quickly go away from here. COUNT Well, good-night, away from here. Well, good-night to you, dear sir, peace and slumber and good health. Quickly go away from here. BARTOLO Well, good-night to you, dear sir, peace and slumber and good health. Quickly go away from here. BASILIO Well, good-night, with all my heart, then tomorrow we shall talk. Do not shout, for pity's sake! (Basilio goes out.) FIGARO Well, signor Don Bartolo. BARTOLO I am here. I am here. (Figaro starts to shave Don Bartolo and at the same time tries to conceal the two lovers.) Pull it tight. Bravissimo. COUNT Rosina, listen to me. ROSINA I am listening. I am here. COUNT At midnight precisely we'll come for you here. And since we have the keys there is nothing to fear. FIGARO Ah! Ah! BARTOLO What's the matter? FIGARO Something, I don't know what, is in my eye!...Look...Don't touch it... Blow into it, for pity's sake! ROSINA At midnight precisely, my love, I shall await you. May the moments hasten which draw you to me. (Bartolo rises and approaches the lovers.) COUNT But now I must tell you, dearest, that your letter, in order that I might succeed in my disguise... BARTOLO In his disguise? Ah! Bravi, bravissimi! Signor Alonso, bravo! Bravi! Rascals! Scoundrels! Ah! I can see you have all sworn to hasten my end. Out, you villains, or I shall kill you! ROSINA, COUNT and FIGARO Your head is spinning, hush, good doctor, you are making a fool of yourself. Be quiet, be quiet, it's senseless to shout. This man is delirious. (Now that it's settled I don't have to repeat.) It is senseless to shout. BARTOLO Rascals, scoundrels! Out, you villains, or I shall kill you! You have all sworn to hasten my end. I'm fairly bursting with anger and disdain. I shall kill you! (They all go out. Berta enters.) BERTA What a suspicious old man! Begone and don't come back alive! Always shouting and clamour in this house... Arguing...weeping...threatening... There is not an hour's peace with this stingy, grumbling old man. Oh, what a house of confusion! The old man seeks a wife, and the maiden wants a husband, the one is frenzied, the other crazy, both of them need restraining. What on earth is all this love which makes everyone go mad? It is a universal evil, it is a mania and an itch, a thing which tickles and torments you. Unhappy me, I also feel it and do not know how to escape. Oh, accursed old maid! By all I am despised, an old maid without a hope, I shall die in desperation. (Berta goes out.) Storm (It is night. The balcony window is opened. Figaro and the Count wrapped in mantles enter. Figaro carries a lantern.) FIGARO At last we are here. COUNT Figaro, give me your hand. Thunder and lightning! What wicked weather! FIGARO What a night for lovers! COUNT Hey...Give me some light. Where can Rosina be? (Rosina enters from her room.) FIGARO We shall see... (They see Rosina.) There she is! COUNT Oh, my treasure! ROSINA (repulsing him) Stand off, wretch that you are! I have come here to wipe out the shame of my foolish credulity, to show what I am, and what love you have lost in me, unworthy and ungrateful man! COUNT I am petrified! FIGARO I don't know what she is talking about. COUNT But have pity... ROSINA Be still. You pretended to love me in order to sacrifice me to the lust of the wicked Count Almaviva... COUNT Of the Count? Ah, you are deceived! Oh, what happiness! Look at me, my love, I am Almaviva, I am not Lindoro. ROSINA (Oh, what a shock! It is he himself! Heavens, what do I hear? With surprise and with joy I am almost delirious!) FIGARO (They are breathless with delight, they are dying of content, oh, how talented I am, _what a coup I brought about!) COUNT (What triumph unexpected! What a happy, wonderful moment! With love and contentment I am almost delirious!) FIGARO (They are breathless with delight, _they are dying of content. Watch out, watch out, watch out, how talented I am, what a coup I brought about!) ROSINA My Lord!...But...you...but I... COUNT You are no longer just my love, the blessed name of wife, adored one, awaits you. ROSINA The blessed name of wife! Oh, what joy that gives my heart! COUNT Are you happy? ROSINA Oh! Good sir! ROSINA and COUNT Sweet, fortunate knot, the end of all desire! On our sufferings, love, you took pity. FIGARO (Knot!) Let's get going. (Knot!) Quickly, Let's go. (All desire!) Hurr y up. This is no time for sentiment. Quick, let's go for goodness sake. Oh, damnation! What do I see! At the door a lantern, two persons! What's to be done? COUNT You have seen... FIGARO Yes, sir... COUNT Two people? FIGARO Yes, sir... COUNT A lantern? FIGARO At the door, yes, sir. TOGETHER What's to be done? Softly, softly, piano, piano, no confusion, no delay, by the ladder of the balcony, quickly, let us go away. (They start to go out.) FIGARO Oh, how unfortunate! What's to be done? COUNT What happened? FIGARO The ladder... COUNT Well? FIGARO The ladder is gone... COUNT What do you say? FIGARO Who could have taken it away? COUNT What a cruel blow! ROSINA Oh, I am so miserable! FIGARO Qu...quiet, I hear people... And here we are, my master. What's to be done? COUNT Courage, Rosina mine! FIGARO Here they are. (Basilio enters, followed by the notary.) BASILIO Don Bartolo... FIGARO Don Basilio... COUNT And who is the other? FIGARO Oh, oh, it's our notary. How jolly! Leave it all to me... (to the Notary) Signor Notary, this evening in my house you are to settle the contract of marriage between the Count Almaviva and my niece. Here is the couple. Are the papers prepared? Very good. BASILIO But wait...where is Don Bartolo? COUNT Here, Don Basilio! (Calling Don Basilio aside, he takes a ring from his finger and motions to him to be silent.) This ring is for you. BASILIO But I... COUNT For you two bullets in the head are also waiting if you offer any opposition... BASILIO Dear me! I'll take the ring. Who signs? COUNT Here we are. Figaro and Don Basilio are witnesses. This is my bride. FIGARO Evviva! COUNT Oh, how happy I am! ROSINA Oh, this is the joy I have longed for! FIGARO Evviva! (Bartolo enters followed by an officer and soldiers.) BARTOLO Halt, everyone! Here they are! FIGARO Gently, sir. BARTOLO Sir, they are thieves, arrest them, arrest them. OFFICER Your name, sir? COUNT I am the Count Almaviva... BARTOLO (resigned) And I'm the one who's always wrong... FIGARO That's the way of things... BARTOLO (to Basilio) But you, you rascal, you too betrayed me and acted as witness! BASILIO Ah! My good Doctor Bartolo, the Count has certain reasons in his pocket, and arguments to which there is no answer. BARTOLO And I, stupid fool that I am, the better to assure the marriage, took away the ladder from the balcony! FIGARO Here is really the "Futile... ALL ...Precaution"! FIGARO So happy a reunion let us remember for ever. I put out my lantern, I am no longer needed. FIGARO, BARTOLO, BASILIO, CHORUS and BERTA (who has entered in the meantime) May love and faith eternal reign in both your hearts. ROSINA and COUNT May love and faith eternal reign in both our hearts. COUNT We have hoped and sighed for such a happy moment. Finally this lover's soul begins to breathe again. ALL May love and faith eternal reign in both your hearts. ROSINA You accepted humble Rosina's passion. A brighter fate awaits you, come then and rejoice. ALL May love and faith eternals reign in both your hearts. END |