Act I
Locale 1:A street in the Madrid of 1606
BELISAand FENISA, wearing "mantos".
BELISA
1
Fenisa, get your eyes on the ground!
2
You don't need to look around.
FENISA
3
What?Not even at the sky?
FENISA
I'm not surprised.
5
If God, with singular insight,
6
used his limitless, sacred might
7
to make men that stood up straight
8
so that they would see the place
9
they could eventually hope to go,
10
and animals for the earth below
11
with eyes directed at the ground,
12
why must mine look only down?
BELISA
13
Heaven is seen with the mind alone.
14
True virtue is found only at home.,
15
"Modesty in a maiden is treasure divine:
16
use it and naught but good can derive;
17
lose it and thousands of evils arise."
18
If you want, there's plenty of time,
19
Fenisa, in your room or in mine,
20
for contemplating the glories of heaven.
FENISA
21
I'm no nun! Don't waste the sermon.
22
If your reason for bringing me here
23
is to torture me, mother dear,
24
wouldn't your ends be better achieved
25
leaving me at home, under lock and key?
FENISA
All the time,
27
you're after me, or after my eyes.
28
When did they give you reason...?
BELISA
29
It's because of the Holy Season.
30
That's reason enough to guard your eyes.
31
Don't get upset. I know I'm right.
32
"A beautiful girl is like a babe,
33
an evil eye sends either to the grave."
34
Here in Madrid there are lots of young men
35
whose burning look has deadly effect.
BELISA
Their fire reaches your heart
37
not scorching the gown.
FENISA
I'm too smart
38
to be easily fooled that way.
BELISA
39
As your sainted grandmother used to say:
40
"The maid who ventures out on the street,
41
like the doe that hunters happen to meet,
42
is lost when she spies
43
the glint in their eyes:
44
one spark and she falls at their feet".
FENISA
45
How can I marry if I'm never seen?
FENISA
Explain that, please.
47
What do you mean?
BELISA
The game is played
48
by keeping your virtue and guarding your name.
FENISA
49
"When a fortune in money of land is lacking
50
it seems that beauty's a girl's true backing."
51
Men want more now than virtue and health.
LUCINDO enters with GERARDA, a courtesan, and his servant HERNANDO.
LUCINDO
56
Braggart! Now who's being smart?
FENISA
57
(Me, love him? How silly of me!
58
He's not interested; I must be crazy.)
GERARDA
59
When it comes to a talkative lover,
60
I'm cruel. My taste, you'll discover,
61
doesn't run to fooling around.
GERARDA
A bucket of frowns
63
won't get you one drop of my love.
LUCINDO
64
Let my devotion calm you, my dove.
65
If my crime is having been nice
66
to some woman who was passing by,
67
I also said I love you, my dear.
GERARDA
68
Take that stuff and get out of here.
69
Go to the Indies with your bauble and beads.
70
Hook someone there, you'll never get me.
71
I have to be hit with solid gold,
72
anything less won't do, you know.
FENISA
73
(Such love for someone I've never met?
74
Can it be? Is it possible? Not yet.)
DORISTEO enters with FINARDO. They are opposite LUCINDO and GERARDA.
GERARDA
77
Do you see that man coming over there?
GERARDA
Well, we make a pair.
79
My love for you has been a good joke.
80
Good-bye. He's waiting for me, you know.
GERARDA moves across to join DORISTEO and FINARDO.
LUCINDO
82
Should I go after her? Tell me how.
HERNANDO
84
Then we need cold water! There's no earning
85
the love of that woman.
GERARDA
(To Doristeo)
You caught my eye.
DORISTEO
86
You tamed my temper. It's just that I
87
saw you standing beside that clown
88
who's over there strutting about.
89
you're here. Take my thanks and my arm.
GERARDA, DORISTEO, and FINARDO exit. BELISA and FENISA are to one side; LUCINDO and
HERNANDO on the other.
HERNANDO
In a big hurry.
92
she's only teasing you. Don't worry.
HERNANDO
She lives across the street
94
with her watchdog mother. Getting a peace
95
in Ireland would be easier.
FENISA
(How can I?
96
Love someone who doesn't know I'm alive?)
LUCINDO
97
I've never seen her before.
FENISA
(Some way,
98
I must resist my feelings. Some day,
99
I'll manage to let him see my face.
100
Has any woman ever been so insane?)
HERNANDO
101
I give you my word. If you could get
102
a good look, I'm sure you'd forget
103
Gerarda. Fenisa's sweet, she's nice,
104
she's wise, but if she's caught the eye
105
of your father....
HERNANDO
It may be the other.
106
It would be more fitting he marry the mother.
LUCINDO
107
At his age? Get married?
HERNANDO
I have observed
108
him watching the lady; she's well-preserved...
LUCINDO
109
I'm so jealous I'm pulling my hair.
110
So how can you expect me to look elsewhere?
LUCINDO
A jealous man
112
wants only one woman.
FENISA
(A very good plan!
113
I know how to start this play:
114
I'll drop my hanky when we pass his way.
115
When he gives it back, he'll have a chance:
116
a real good look. If he'll only glance
117
into my eyes and see the love hidden there...)
HERNANDO
118
Look at those eyes. In love, I'd swear...
119
or ready for love at least.
BELISA
It's time,
120
Fenisa. Let's go.
HERNANDO
They're coming by.
121
Open your eyes, notice her beauty.
LUCINDO
122
A real angel! Or, so it seems.
As BELISA and FENISA pass, FENISA drops her hanky.
LUCINDO
I'll get it for her.
LUCINDO picks it up and runs after them.
124
Ladies, please wait.
LUCINDO
125
You dropped your 'kerchief.
FENISA
...if mine is still up my sleeve.
FENISA removes her "manto" and starts to search her clothing.
FENISA
I'll soon find out.
130
It's not here either.
HERNANDO
(Sweet and soft!
131
Enough to drive a sane man giddy!)
FENISA
132
I'll look in my purse.
FENISA
I'll hurry.
133
Not here.
BELISA
136
We've been here too long, out on the street.
137
Anyone could see you as they pass by.
FENISA
138
You think I should take it if it's not mine?
LUCINDO
139
I'll trust you with it.
FENISA
Is there a place
140
with worn embroidery?
BELISA
142
Let's go. Young man, inside the church door,
143
there's a place that's near the baptismal font...
FENISA takes the handkerchief from LUCINDO.
FENISA
144
(I hope Cupid sharpened his arrow.)
FENISA turns to follow her mother but then turns back.
LUCINDO
146
I can't see... My jealousy...
FENISA
I wanted to say:
148
if the real owner shows up some day,
149
you may, since I'm not sure it's mine,
150
tell her I live on the Street of the Vines...
HERNANDO
151
(How graceful! What a shape! How discreet!)
FENISA
152
...near the Captain Bernardo. Across the street.
FENISA
(Tell me how
154
love burns.)
FENISA
Just now
155
this man was saying he's our neighbor.
FENISA
(Dear God, grant me this favor.)
BELISA and FENISA exit.
LUCINDO
She's really sweet.
158
She's beautiful, bewitching, and discreet.
159
But love for Gerarda has me tied down.
160
"Jealousy's swampy, treacherous ground.
161
The strongest of men are caught in it's snare."
162
It's a terrible thing when a woman dares
163
to seek revenge, playing up to another.
164
Even if my love had been much smaller,
165
seeing her do what it was she did
166
was enough to drive me out of my head.
HERNANDO
167
Loose women, it seems, get the most love;
168
but without honor, they're really lost.
169
"When an honest women suffers disdain,
170
her lover won't care if she complains.
171
He already knows she'll stay at home,
172
rotting in her room, but safely alone."
173
These easier women don't fool around.
174
Their lover's foot hardly touches the ground
175
when they give consolation a try
176
with any one of a thousand men.
LUCINDO
That's why:
177
"Love for a loose woman disappears fast,
178
love for a good one will always last."
HERNANDO
179
"Men still wet behind the ears
180
use their swords to calm their fears."
181
But I still have hope for you. Some day,
182
you'll see the truth of what I say.
LUCINDO
183
Gerarda's given me cause to feel...
HERNANDO
184
Any woman, as crazy as she is free,
185
is like a monkey who wants to play
186
games with the children every day.
187
Let a man with a big stick come
188
to straighten her out and she's all undone
189
She sits quietly picking at fleas,
190
ready to jump if her lord should sneeze.
191
Women love playing around with men
192
who're young and inexperienced
193
but with a mature and able master
194
they do what he says, and they do it faster.
195
Gerarda saw that you were hooked
196
but not worn out, and having others to cook,
197
she's letting you play, giving you the line
198
of jealousy on jealousy, time after time.
HERNANDO
Try to find
200
a beautiful solution.
LUCINDO
Do you have in mind
201
a cure for love?
LUCINDO
Let's not talk
203
about it any more. We'll wait and see
204
how it all winds up.
HERNANDO
It's clear to me:
205
she's using her wiles to make you fall.
206
Lucindo, a wise man used to call
207
jealousy the finest of fishing fear.
208
It can be used any time of the year
209
to catch honor, wealth, and fame.
210
I think that you would be ashamed
211
that a fishing rod, made from a reed
212
weak enough to bend in the breeze,
213
could be used to catch you. Your bait
214
is wealth; jealousy is your line. Just wait.
215
Money not youth should hang from your thread.
216
On women, another wise man once said:
217
"The web a woman weaves
218
is like that of a spider,
219
the victim it deceives
220
is weaker, not the stronger."
221
Tell me, does it bother you when I try
222
to teach you about the facts of life?
LUCINDO
223
Just don't get boring. You think you see
224
that I'm caught by love, that I'm not free,
225
that I'm only a fly caught in her net...
HERNANDO
226
What kind? A fruit fly?
LUCINDO
227
You say I'm all wet,
228
just a simple fish following her bait.
229
Let's go visit, it's not too late.
230
I think that she has hooked my heart.
HERNANDO
231
I fear you'll make some trouble.
HERNANDO
232
God in Heaven! What a stupid waste!
LUCINDO
233
But what fine bait! What spicy taste!
LUCINDO and HERNANDO exit.
Locale 2:A room in BELISA'S house
BELISA and FENISA enter removing their clogs and "mantos".
BELISA
Here's mine.
235
Put them both away.
FENISA
I'm surprised
236
that you're so angry. May God help me!
237
What have I done? How can it be
238
that everything I do is wrong?
BELISA
239
Don't I know what was going on?
240
But then I'm getting what I deserve.
241
If you were locked up, you might preserve
242
your good name. You'd have no time to...
FENISA
243
If, by some miracle, I make it through
244
the holidays and your anger with me,
245
I'd really prefer you not let me free.
FENISA
What have I done
247
to make you complain so?
BELISA
I can't condone
248
your freedom of action.
BELISA
249
Didn't I see? Why didn't you come?
FENISA
250
What young man showing off his wares
251
ever made me the object of his stares?
252
Has even one thrown pebbles at my shutters
253
hoping I'd answer with heart all-aflutter?
254
Have you seen me signal to one in church?
255
Has one come following me in search
256
of love? What is it that you fear?
257
Has any procuress
come around here?
258
What love note from some young man
259
have you ever found in my hand?
260
What pen? What ink? Tell me. Do.
261
What gifts do I get from any but you?
262
What clogs? What veil?
BELISA
I want to prevent
263
exactly that... without argument.
264
I'm not complaining about what you've done.
BELISA
What you've left undone.
266
Guard yourself from the things you've mentioned.
267
You must think of your own protection;
268
new bars on the door, an extra key...
FENISA
269
(Does she think that would ever stop me?)
FENISA
That I'll gladly do
271
just as you wish: not argue with you.
272
When you were young, were you a saint?
BELISA
273
Not even once was there ever a taint
274
of gossip that could be laid at my feet.
275
At home, in the church, and on the street,
276
I kept my eyes under lock and key.
FENISA
277
Then tell me how you managed to have me?
BELISA
278
Heaven, seeing my virtue, recognized my need.
279
God knows all.
FENISA
Your sister told me
280
that you made novenas to St. Anthony.
FENISA
Seeking matrimony!
282
She also said you fasted on Friday
283
just like a hermit, and that was your way
284
of getting the husband you always wanted.
BELISA
285
She's lying! My mind was never haunted
286
by such thoughts. Rather a nun
287
than marry for pleasure as others have done.
FENISA
288
Then why were so jealous of my father?
289
May he rest in peace!
BELISA
Dear daughter,
290
because there was no money or jewelry
291
that he wouldn't give to some beauty
292
he found down the block. I wanted to try
293
to save something for you.
There is a knock at the door.
BELISA
294
Yes, you go and see who's there.
FENISA goes to look out the window.
BELISA
I think I'm aware
296
of exactly what it is he wants.
FENISA
297
You know already? How could you?
BELISA
He's watched
298
the house for days. I think he likes me.
299
I've shown contempt, but you will see.
300
He probably want to ask for my hand.
301
He's rich and well-bred, so it's not all bad.
FENISA
302
Pardon me mother, for wanting to laugh.
FENISA
How it all came to pass.
304
How you were a saint right here on earth,
305
at home, on the street, and in the church.
306
Please tell me what the Captain has done
307
to give you ideas?(Oh, what fun!
308
I certainly hope I can follow her lead.)
BELISA
309
He's a very rich man and we need
310
a man in the house. He'd be a good father.
FENISA
311
But listen to me. It seems such a bother
312
if it's all for me.
BELISA
It's only because
313
a man in the house makes other men pause.
FENISA
314
Well then, let me be the one to marry
315
and the burden would be my man's to carry.
BELISA
316
If there had been a serious offer,
317
I'd have agreed...to guard your honor.
FENISA
318
You could argue that.
FENISA
319
But a husband of my own, even if it's hard,
320
wouldn't he be better protection?
BELISA
321
Certainly, but the Captain has a son.
322
Perhaps we can arrange that, too.
FENISA
323
(Lucindo, my love, let's hope that they do.)
The CAPTAIN BERNARDO enters with FULMINATO, he servant.
CAPTAIN
324
Since it took so long to answer the door,
325
I didn't wait for permission. What for?
326
I assumed that as your neighbor
327
since coming to Madrid after the war,
328
it was only right we should meet.
BELISA
329
(Think how much he must want me!)
330
We'd have been disturbed, dear sir,
331
if you hadn't come. This house is yours.
332
Bring the chair, Fenisa, please.
The CAPTAIN sits and the ladies go off to one side to prepare.
CAPTAIN
333
You, go outside and wait for me.
FULMINATO exits.
BELISA
334
I'm bothered, Fenisa, and unprepared.
335
I wasn't ready. Is my cap on straight?
FENISA
336
You never looked better.
BELISA
Have my eyes just a trace
338
of the fire inside?
BELISA
340
I don't hear any love in your voice.
FENISA
341
(Oh, you saints by privation not choice!
342
"Old ladies unable to enjoy what they eat
343
are envious of those who still have their teeth."
344
But I'm not shocked. She is a woman.)
BELISA
345
Today I was careless with my make up.
FENISA
346
Don't flutter about, mother.
FENISA
347
He'll fall asleep waiting.
BELISA
Oh, drat!
348
I'm finished and ready to play the game.
FENISA
349
(Your cheeks should be colored...with shame.)
BELISA sits near the CAPTAIN.
BELISA
350
Now, dear Captain, I'm ready to chat.
CAPTAIN
351
My dear Belisa, I'm glad to hear that.
352
Belisa, having become your neighbor and kept
353
my eye on your house for some time now, I've had reason
354
to learn about your virtues and your worth.
355
I see everything that happens here, day and night.
356
Also, as is usual in one who is about to marry,
357
I've inquired about you and know all about your
358
family. Because even in someone my age, virtue
359
and beauty can stir up feelings that some people think
360
ought better be put to rest as one gets
361
older, I have come here today with a proposal of marriage.
362
I'm younger than I look, but years of running
363
off to strange places, and even stranger climates,
364
bearingarms, sleepingout-of-doors, walking dusty
365
roads, traveling under sail, experiencing all kinds
366
of military dangers, riding through sleepless
367
nights on rented nags, from Spain to Flanders and
368
back, have worn away the body that I had as a
369
younger man. The Emperor Charles —may the Good
370
Lord keep him—said it all when he said that his
371
travels at sea and on horseback had made him old by
372
the time he was forty-six —my age exactly—.
373
I was born in the sixties and the Duke and
374
Duchess of Alba —may their light eternally dawn over Spain—
375
were my godparents.
376
Since then I've seen journeys and travelled
377
enough roads that even if I were a man of steel,
378
I'd have been worn out. After all, ladies, we
379
are neighbors and older men are needed to keep a
380
house and fortune in good order. Younger men are
381
like moths in a woolen garment when it comes to
382
money because they are just beginning to get out
383
and around; older men have no need for such nonsense.
384
Yet my age is not so great that it should offend
385
either your values or your virtues. I am
386
still limber and strong. I still eat and sleep
387
well, and I can still manage to mount, and ride a
388
horse. I don't believe I've been ill a day in my life.
389
Only the hand of an enemy has ever taken my blood
390
—that and a duel I had in Palermo many years ago.
391
The one son I have is well grown now and will soon
392
receive his commission as well as the title I have
393
been negotiating for him. Consequently, he will not
394
be a disturbing factor.
FENISA
395
(Please, God. keep Lucindo here for a while.)
CAPTAIN
396
He'll be leaving soon. Therefore, Belisa, I
397
beg you most humbly to let me marry your daughter
398
Fenisa. I expect to give her a good marriage settlement.
399
In addition to which she will have the management of
400
the small fortune my sword has earned for me. If she
401
is not repelled at the thought of the great difference
402
in our ages, she will soon enough discover that I'm not
403
completely burned out.
FENISA
404
My daughter! You want to marry my daughter?
CAPTAIN
405
Give me her hand and I'd be honored.
FENISA
406
(A sad day for me. I don't understand.
407
I thought it was Mother. He wanted her hand.
408
My hopes for Lucindo were only a dream.
409
The dreams have soured that once were sweet.)
BELISA
410
Weren't you proposing to me?
BELISA
411
I was happy... but now that I know,
412
I'm happier still. You heard what he said?
FENISA
413
(The faith
I felt, the life I dreamt,
414
made my heart jump, now it'll break.
415
Such fallacious faith, false faith,
416
fake from the first! Perfidious, fraudulent
417
faith in a dream that was there to be dreamt.
418
I swear that I'll never again have faith.)
419
Mother, how can this be if he came
420
to ask for you?
BELISA
Good Heavens above!
421
That wasn't his intention.
FENISA
(Sweet dreams of love!
422
That's all they were! It was all a mistake,
423
only a joke. I might as well say
424
that dreams are only dreams after all.)
BELISA
425
Fenisa, although I've seen my hopes fall,
426
—I admit I'd hope to marry— I feel
427
better now since he asked through me
428
for your hand in marriage. You are young,
429
you are discreet. Now that it's done,
430
you can convince yourself to accept.
FENISA
431
At your age a woman is won by wealth,
432
at mine she wants good looks. You elders
433
have had your chance at youthful pleasures
434
and are interested in what money brings:
435
peace and quiet, gifts and things.
436
Envious of youth, you search for these.
437
But, to disobey you would deny my ideals.
438
Right now I'm not well, I need a month's rest.
439
Will you ask for some time before we are wed?
BELISA
440
I can do that, and in such a way
441
he'll thank me for the brief delay.
BELISA goes to talk with the CAPTAIN.
FENISA
442
(To pretend to accept was really discreet;
443
it will give me the chance to achieve
444
my heart's desire. To refuse right away
445
would make him angry. There'd be no way
446
to see Lucindo. His expectations
447
will give us a means of communication.)
CAPTAIN
448
This all pleases me very much.
449
I understand and I'll wait one month.
450
But let me talk to her alone,
451
I have something to say.
CAPTAIN
452
Dear Fenisa, Madrid's never seen
453
anyone more resolute and discreet.
454
The decision, in spite of your age, confirms
455
your virtue and self-control. The terms
456
you have set prove the quality
457
of your honor. Having accepted me
458
you've found a father and a protector.
459
If God give me the strength and vigor,
460
this gray beard will guard your virtue.
461
The snow on my brow and the fire of your youth
462
may not mix well, but the gold on your head
463
and the silver on mine, once we are wed,
464
will provide all the wealth we need.
FENISA
465
Your worth and quality, as we've agreed,
466
are a match for my years. Now, can we stop
467
being so formal? I'm yours, after all.
FENISA
And correctly, too.
469
Having accepted, I belong to you.
CAPTAIN
470
I think this calls for a celebration.
471
All of Madrid...the entire nation...
472
will applaud the games in the main square,
473
if I can get a permit.
FENISA
Stop there!
474
Please, let's have no such commotion.
CAPTAIN
475
All right, I'll give in to your notion,
476
but if it weren't...
CAPTAIN
477
For you I'm all ears.
FENISA
May God keep you safe.
Now FENISA adopt the same ponderous tone the CAPTAIN had used.
478
Until today, I didn't know that Lucindo, the
479
man who comes to your house from time to time,
480
was your son. My mother was just telling me that
481
when you came in. Since, he's your son, and
482
you're to be my husband, if God grants me the health...
CAPTAIN
483
What flowery words! By the living God! The sun
484
of your sweet smile is melting the frost on my head.
FENISA
485
I was trying to say, sir, that it's very important
486
for you to stop him from chasing after me.
CAPTAIN
487
My son has been bothering you?
FENISA
488
If only he were doing so properly and discreetly,
489
and with the courtesy due a woman of my station,
490
I would not complain. I don't believe in such hypocrisy.
CAPTAIN
491
What's he been doing?
FENISA
492
He's been writing me love notes delivered by go-betweens,
493
old ladies that he keeps sending to the house on pretended
494
errands. He's gone so far as to try to get my friends to
495
speak for him. And in all that time it doesn't seem that
496
the thought of marriage has ever crossed his mind.
CAPTAIN
497
The boy is mad! I beg you to forgive him. I'll
498
go his bail this time and promise that he won't
499
upset you in the future.
FENISA
500
Now that he's almost my son, I beg you to be
501
careful but still let him know exactly what it is
502
I've complained about. I know I can trust your
503
discretion in the matter.
CAPTAIN
504
Leave your worries to me. Heaven keep you well.
505
Belisa, I was just telling Fenisa of how I want
506
to give her everything. I live only to serve her.
507
May God preserve you until I return. You really
508
must give me permission to do so again soon.
BELISA
509
Heaven keep you too, Captain.
The CAPTAIN exits.
510
Fenisa, see what good fortune the Lord brought
511
us today!
FENISA
512
Are you all that happy about it?
BELISA
513
Can't you see that I am?
FENISA
514
I think you're covering up your true feelings.
FENISA
516
You wanted to marry him yourself.
BELISA
517
Don't be ridiculous. Let's go in.
BELISA exits.
FENISA
518
Oh, Lucindo, if you don't understand my message,
519
you weren't born in Madrid..., or you lack
520
discretion; but if you do understand and come
521
looking for me, you were indeed, and are discreet.
FENISA exits.
Locale 3:The street in front of GERARDA'S house
LUCINDO and HERNANDO enter.
HERNANDO
He may find
524
her house a place with much to show.
525
He'll spend two weeks just getting to know
526
his way around. I'd rather be a slave
527
than to work for her even one day.
LUCINDO
528
If he's so lucky as to be aboard
529
Gerarda's galley, dipping hisoar...
530
and he must be he's taking so long
531
I'm envious. I hope that I'm wrong.
532
Shall we wait for him to come ashore?
533
How unlucky I am, Hernando. I adore
534
that skillful, sly woman whose vanity
535
seems easy prey for his flattery...
536
and yet, her heart is made of steel.
HERNANDO
537
It's only right that love makes one reel,
538
but being loved should never raise
539
those spectral bastards: Neglect and Disdain.
LUCINDO
540
He's leaving now and she has come out.
HERNANDO
541
For one more look at her beau, no doubt.
DORISTEO and FINARDO come out of GERARDA'S house onto the street. GERARDA appears
on her balcony.
FINARDO
Extremely so.
544
As discreet as she is courtly.
DORISTEO
And her shape!
545
Just what I like!
FINARDO
You've got it made,
546
but Lucindo is there.
FINARDO
Oh, Lord!
547
I wonder if he came to try out his sword?
DORISTEO
548
I don't care why. I know she hates him.
GERARDA
549
(He's jealous. Let the devil take him!
550
Disdain and Neglect make a man come around.
551
I'll stick it to him and pin him to the ground.
552
I'll call Doristeo even though I can't stand him.
553
Back up and start over. That ought to do it.Disdain and Neglect make a man come around.
554
I'll get what I want.) Please, sir.
HERNANDO
Just being here is a shame.
LUCINDO
557
Think, Hernando. We must find a way
558
to convince her I'm here for another reason.
559
What'll I do?
GERARDA
Since this is the season,
560
I'd like to go for a ride tonight.
GERARDA
To the Prado if that's all right.
562
Will you pick me up?
LUCINDO
563
To go to the Prado! They've made a date!
HERNANDO
564
Try to forget her. I do believe
565
your jealousy's in need of some relief.
DORISTEO
566
Is that all you want?
DORISTEO and FINARDO exit. LUCINDO and HERNANDO are in the street. GERARDA is still
on the balcony.
LUCINDO
568
Why didn't I draw my sword
569
to stop her from shooting at me? Good Lord!
570
I've got to make her jealous of me.
571
That might bring her around. You see?
572
it's my bad luck that the heavens above
573
won't let me bring her to love through love.
HERNANDO
574
But what is your plan?
LUCINDO
I'd really like
575
to take a woman to the Prado tonight.
576
Gerarda would see us and...Oh, what a blow!
HERNANDO
577
Who would go with you?
HERNANDO
578
It'd be hard to find one now.
LUCINDO
No matter.
579
We'll put a manto on you.
HERNANDO
I'd rather...
580
You'd have to call me Madame the Terrible.
LUCINDO
It's possible.
582
Why not?
HERNANDO
Why not? What if we meet
583
Don Juan
584
and he acts before he speaks?
LUCINDO
585
I'll be there, Hernando. For now, you go ask
586
Gerarda if she's seen a lady pass.
HERNANDO
587
A good idea! I think that might do.
588
You've tried loving, try jealousy too.
589
Miss Gerarda!
HERNANDO
591
Just listen a minute.
HERNANDO
592
You show discretion and have good taste...
GERARDA
593
Just say what you want.
HERNANDO
I wanted to know
594
which of these houses is... Estefania's home,
595
so that dunce of a master won't take away
596
the salary he owes me for today.
597
He asked me to follow her and I lost track
598
when I saw you here.
GERARDA
Now that's a laugh.
599
You go tell that fool of a master
600
such tricks only invite disaster.
She turns toward LUCINDO.
601
Oh, Sir Somber, why the tricks?
602
Throw off the jealousy that's making you sick.
603
Try some plain talk. Tell me the truth.
604
How can you claim bravery as a virtue
605
if just seeing me here has you shaking?
606
Give me your wrist to feel the quaking
607
of your pulse. Let me touch your brow.
608
Dear Heaven, you're burning! What is it now?
609
You, there, bring this man a swallow
610
of orange-blossom water.
GERARDA
611
Why do you need to make up stories for me?
612
Trying to get even with me? With me?
HERNANDO
Me too. Do you know a poet?
HERNANDO
To write a satirical poem
615
that we can use, like a prescription
616
against that witch.
617
He can put her description
618
into a gossipy song. We'll hang her in effigy.
619
We'll buy a cowbell to use in the revelry.
620
You get the costumes and we'll have a feast.
621
By God...!
LUCINDO
Be quiet, you ignorant beast.
622
My love, my Gerarda...
GERARDA exits.
LUCINDO
623
What? Where are you going? Please wait.
624
Listen to your lover. Tell me why
625
you hurt me this way. Why do I...
HERNANDO
626
Does Estefania live here?
HERNANDO
627
She went that way. She left at last.
628
There's your father.
The CAPTAIN enters.
CAPTAIN
629
I've looked everywhere for you all day.
LUCINDO
630
I can guess why you want to see me.
631
You always complain that I'm too free,
632
too restless, and stay out too late;
633
but really it's all right to chase
634
women at my age; a sign of daring
635
that's proper to a man of bearing.
636
If it's because she has no honor...
CAPTAIN
637
No honor? What do you mean? Why for...
638
Where did you get that scorpion tongue?
639
Are you worthy to kiss her foot?
640
Even the ground she has stepped upon?
LUCINDO
641
I'm annoyed at what she has done,
642
making me jealous with a man or two
643
she claims to adore.
CAPTAIN
What talk from you!
644
About a fine lady! But then I must be
645
the one you're talking about. It's me
646
she loves.
CAPTAIN
647
I have what it takes.
LUCINDO
I'm sorry you're here.
649
She must have twenty more, I fear...
CAPTAIN
650
You talk that way because you feel
651
left out knowing she's accepted me.
652
And such a nice lady! If the mourning
653
wouldn't delay our marriage...One warning:
654
I'd run you through.
LUCINDO
You? Marry her?
655
You might as well kill me. Just consider...
CAPTAIN
656
What should I consider? Anything more?
LUCINDO
657
She's little better than a common whore!
CAPTAIN
658
(Now that makes me stop and think...but then,
659
he may be trying to provoke me again
660
to stop the wedding. Like a soldier
661
who reflects the sun, aiming a mirror
662
into the eyes of an approaching line,
663
that fool wants to anger me with his advice.
664
I'll go to Fenisa and take her his answer,
665
but I have stopped to think and wonder.)
The CAPTAIN exits.
LUCINDO
I'm ready to kill.
667
Break down those doors.
LUCINDO pounds on GERARDA's doors.
LUCINDO
668
Come out here right now, you witch.
HERNANDO
669
Wait a minute. Calm down a bit.
GERARDA comes again onto the balcony.
GERARDA
670
Knocking down my house, you silly clown?
LUCINDO
671
What stops me from killing you now?
GERARDA
672
Adaggerforme? Averyprettyplay!
LUCINDO
673
Why did you fool my father that way
674
by saying you'd marry him?
GERARDA
That's a good one
675
you're trying to pull. Do you need a reason
676
to come talk to me?
LUCINDO
Tell me why
677
I weaken when I see you. Why don't I
678
just kill you right now? My father was here.
679
He told me you'd marry him. How queer!
GERARDA
680
Me? I've never seen him. That boob
681
Hernando made it all up so you,
682
Lucindo, could come see me.
HERNANDO
Less contempt!
683
He's telling the truth, not what I dreamt.
HERNANDO
If I must whisper my lies,
685
the truth I'll speak out loud.
GERARDA
I'm surprised
686
by your gall.
LUCINDO
And I by your cheek.
687
When did you see him? Where did you speak?
688
How did he find you?
GERARDA
What are you saying?
689
I've never heard such crazy raving.
LUCINDO
690
You've made him forget his graying hair.
691
All women are devils. That I swear.
GERARDA
692
You men are all angels, I suppose?
693
Lucindo, are you afraid to show
694
that you've been hurt by my disdain?
695
Do I know your father? Isn't it plain
696
what it is you're doing?
LUCINDO
I pray
697
if you marry you realize your mistake:
698
that the old man lives two thousand years.
699
You got him by fooling his eyes and his ears
700
to get even with me. By God! What curse
701
more inhuman, what oath more perverse,
702
than to hope you awaken each day of the week
703
lying beside that snow-capped peak?
704
What more foul than to find your body
705
beside the aging hulk of your hubby,
706
like ice in the winter, a scarecrow in summer?
707
When you're married, cruel stepmother,
708
I'll kiss your hand, he'll kiss your mouth.
709
What a choice!
GERARDA
Hernando, tell me now,
710
is this the truth or one of your plots?
GERARDA
I know your thoughts:
712
when I made a date for the Prado tonight,
713
you heard me and want to stop me. All right!
714
I will have a coach and I will have some fun.
715
We'll hire musicians before we are done.
716
Please take your stunts to Estefania. There!
GERARDA exits.
LUCINDO
She closed the door, the bitch!
719
Damn this love that makes me twitch!
720
Please open the door, my love. Hernando,
721
are her maids around? Look through the keyhole.
HERNANDO
722
She sure knows how to get under your skin.
HERNANDO
Her efforts to win
724
the old man were a success.
LUCINDO
You can bet
725
her beauty made him easy to get.
The CAPTAIN enters.
LUCINDO
What a surprise!
727
This house, these doors today are mine;
728
tomorrow they may be yours.
729
Can I so swiftly leave behind
730
the one who is to be your bride?
731
The woman I adore?
CAPTAIN
I think you must have gone insane.
732
You told me several terrible tales
733
about that angel Fenisa.
734
And reporting that made me lose face.
735
I was lucky to get away safe
736
from her mother, Belisa.
737
You traitor! You caused the trouble.
738
My wife-to-be is much more honorable,
739
more virtuous than your mother.
LUCINDO
740
Who is the subject of all this babble?
LUCINDO
But she's more respectable
742
than almost any other!
743
The woman I was talking about,
744
the strumpet who lives in this house,
745
is Gerarda.
CAPTAIN
What does she
746
have to do with Fenisa, you lout?
LUCINDO
747
Well, I was here when you bawled me out
748
about some woman, you see?
CAPTAIN
749
Now that is just another tale
750
that you've invented. All with the aid
751
of your servant buffoon.
HERNANDO
752
Me? A tale? You've made a mistake.
753
Like any man of a certain age,
754
afraid of being fooled.
CAPTAIN
755
Deny your love for Fenisa, now.
CAPTAIN
Can you also disavow
757
your notes and go-betweens?
758
Well, she told me all about how
759
you came last night to stand below
760
her window, trying to see
761
if she would talk.
LUCINDO
Me, send notes?
762
Or go-betweens? Me at her window?
763
Hernando...
CAPTAIN
A deposition?
764
False eyes, flattering tongue, phony heart and soul!
765
Feigned friend, faked view, forged word and oath!
766
Hear my admonition:
767
By heaven above, if I ever hear
768
that you have even been passing near
769
her house, her window, her door,
770
you will never —and this is clear—
771
come into my house again. You hear?
LUCINDO
774
You can tell her for me she shouldn't act
775
like a stepmother yet.
776
If, before getting married, she began
777
her wicked work...
The CAPTAIN exits.
LUCINDO
779
What's going on? What's happening to me?
780
Telling lies about me before I've seen
781
or had a look at her face?
HERNANDO
782
Isn't she the very same lady
783
who looked at you so tenderly
784
a little earlier today?
HERNANDO
Well, I'll be damned
786
if this isn't all part of a plan
787
to get a message to you.
788
She must have fallen for you at that!
LUCINDO
789
How could that have come to pass?
HERNANDO
790
It did! It's God's own truth!
791
I read four lines from the letter she wrote
792
that was addressed to your simple soul
793
and sent with her loving eyes.
794
She tempted you by letting you hold
795
her lace hanky and giving you hope.
796
That is, if my eyes aren't blind.
797
And all that stuff your father says
798
about your writing and bothering ways
799
is to tell you to write,
800
to come to her window and make your claim.
LUCINDO
801
How strange, Hernando! I'm amazed!
HERNANDO
802
What's to lose if you try?
LUCINDO
803
Nothing, Hernando, nothing at all.
804
With her fine face, her bright resolve,
805
her art of being clever,
806
that young lady's just what I want
807
to loosen the bonds and let me fall
808
out of love with the other.
809
We'll go call on her tonight.
810
If it's true and you are right,
811
if it's all a means
812
to bring me there, it's a daring sign
813
of her discretion, a delightful device
814
this world has never seen.
HERNANDO
815
And it's important that she love you.
816
Think of the legacy
817
you stand to lose
818
if your father should remarry.
819
That loss is greater, whatever you do,
820
than losing the love of that lying fool
821
with whom you want to tarry.
822
If he does want to take a new wife,
823
Belisa would give him a more fitting life
824
than would Fenisa, I vow.
LUCINDO
825
If she loves me, Hernando, I mightthan losing the love of that lying fool
826
order new britches for you as a prize.
HERNANDO
827
Place the order right now.
LUCINDO
828
If she were able to fool those two
829
in spite of their age and experience too;
830
if, with great discretion,
831
she were able to make good use
832
of this opportunity she's run into;
833
if having felt affection
834
for someone she's hardly had time to inspect,
835
she could let him know her soul's intent;
836
if she could also foresee
837
his response, knowing he'd comprehend;
838
in talking of her, it might well be said:
839
she's IN LOVE BUT DISCREET.
END OF ACT ONE
Act II
Locale 1: At night on the Prado.
DORISTEO and FINARDO enter with GERARDA, and FABIO and LISEO, musicians.
GERARDA
I'm delighted
841
by the fountains.
DORISTEO
No place more alive
842
in all of Spain.
GERARDA
...greeting us with jewels.
DORISTEO
844
The water in them is beautifully clear.
845
Are you glad you came?
GERARDA
It's enough, my dear,
846
to be at your side.
FINARDO
847
Of all places to be, the Prado's the best.
DORISTEO
848
So I've heard people say. You two,
849
haven't you tuned up yet?
LISEO
I would,
850
but my G-string is loose.
LISEO
853
"I Sigh With Desire?"
The MUSICIANS play and sing.
MUSIC[IANS]
854
When your beauty stands before me,
855
I sigh with love;
856
and when you are no longer seen
857
I sigh with desire.
858
When I note the warmth of your fire,
859
I thrill with love;
860
but when icy disdain is in your eyes,
861
I sigh and retire.
862
When your beauty stands before me,
863
I sigh with love;
864
and when you are no longer seen
865
I sigh with desire.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO enter.
LUCINDO
866
They said they were going to hire musicians.
HERNANDO
867
There's singing over there in that direction.
LUCINDO
868
The song's not bad if it's not too long.
HERNANDO
869
Just like birds, they stop their song
870
when anyone approaches.
HERNANDO
871
I wish you'd stop acting like a fool.
LUCINDO
872
What does it matter? It's only for fun.
873
It's not time yet for the other one.
HERNANDO
874
"Jealousy laughs when lovers cry."
875
I'll play my part and pass them by.
876
Wait for me here.
HERNANDO covers his face with his cape, passes close by the five and returns to LUCINDO.
FINARDO
Look there!
877
Why is he coming here to stare?
DORISTEO
878
He must be looking for something he's lost,
879
or someone that got away.
GERARDA
Yes, but don't stop to tune.
LUCINDO
And the man?
883
Is it him?
HERNANDO
884
It hurts like hell to judge from your squeal.
LUCINDO
885
The more distance between us, the closer I feel.
HERNANDO
886
If you keep that up, she'll see you. Calm down.
LUCINDO
887
Is he holding her close?
LUCINDO
888
I know I'm drinking from Jealousy's cup
889
for inside I feel like I'm burning up.
890
The poison's too bitter! It enters the eyes
891
and attacks the soul where love resides.
892
I wish I'd never come!
HERNANDO
Then leave.
893
A better angel's waiting, isn't she?
LUCINDO
I'm in no mood
895
to talk to angels.
HERNANDO
But she adores you.
896
Isn't it right that you return her love?
LUCINDO
897
There's no danger in putting her off.
898
This must be a first love for her.
899
Like Hero she'll wait alone in her tower,
900
but this one who's in the arms of a lover,
901
if I leave her alone, I'll suffer.
902
She'll rip my soul to shreds. You brought
903
the manto?
HERNANDO
904
Something could go wrong.
LUCINDO
From your cape,
905
you can make a skirt.
HERNANDO
Me, be your date?
906
A woman?
LUCINDO
In the bushes over there,
907
disguise yourself in women's wear.
HERNANDO
908
I'm going, but I'm afraid.
HERNANDO
I'm off, but I'll tell you what:
910
You're my defense. If you don't come,
911
you'll be shocked to smell what I've done.
HERNANDO exits. LUCINDO is afoot, at a distance from the others who are seated.
LUCINDO
912
Love is never cured with good intentions!
913
The mistake is made in treating the hurt
914
since deep within gray ash, still there burns
915
the amber sign of passions's resurrection.
916
Ardor and Disdain, Anger, Indiscretion,
917
the soul at times retains while yet asleep;
918
but what lethargic spirit does not leap
919
wakened by the force of doubt's inventions?
920
Oh Suspicion! How rightly you've been compared
921
to a swarm of gnats drawn to love, whose flames
922
provide the fumes in which you are conceived.
923
What matter, since whenever I'm relieved
924
by sleep, fatigued by playing love's games,
925
Jealousy's trumpet awakens me with its blare?
HERNANDO enters dressed in manto and cape as a woman.
LUCINDO
Good enough I hope
927
for it all to work out.
HERNANDO
You think I can cope
928
with this skirt?
HERNANDO
How about my...sex appeal?
LUCINDO
930
Let's start the play.
HERNANDO
You're in love, so I must go.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO approach the others.
DORISTEO
932
A lady and her friend are coming this way.
GERARDA
933
Look at how she moves. What a display!
934
That has to be seen to be believed.
GERARDA
Just what I see,
936
and a nice smell, too.
DORISTEO
In leaving the house
937
she must have taken a mint.
FINARDO
A trip out
938
and to the Prado, with minty breath!
939
That means she's a lady of...
DORISTEO
She wants to sit next to you.
FINARDO
She could be sitting for two.
LUCINDO
942
Beautiful Estefania, what do you think
943
of the breeze out here?
HERNANDO speaks in falsetto when he plays the role of ESTEFANIA.
HERNANDO
It seems a sin
944
to come without Aunty, but I'd do even more
945
if only you'd ask me. It's you I adore.
LUCINDO
946
Please go on singing.
The MUSICIANS repeat their song softly in the background. GERARDA gets up and moves
off.
GERARDA
947
(It's Lucindo! Ahh! Now I see.
948
It must have been true—without a doubt—.
949
He was after the lady he asked about.
950
That reaction I thought he was faking
951
turned out to be true. My heart is breaking!
952
"Love often comes in flattering shades;
953
of Treason and Error its clothes are made."
954
He discovered my trick and learned a lesson).
HERNANDO
955
She's disturbed, having tasted the medicine.
956
What do you think?
GERARDA
957
(What fun to dish it out! How awful to take it).
958
Doristeo, please bring me some water.
DORISTEO
959
And something to go with it. I never falter
960
in trying to please you. You wait here
961
while I go for refreshments.
GERARDA
I wouldn't hear
962
of your going by yourself.
GERARDA
Yes, do.
963
I'm not alone.
DORISTEO and FINARDO exit.
GERARDA
964
(I can't wait for us to be left alone).
FABIO
966
She's up to something.
LISEO
She did a good job
967
getting rid of the others.
FABIO
Well, I don't want
968
to disturb them, Liseo.
The MUSICIANS leave.
GERARDA
970
I would like to see and to talk with you, too.
HERNANDO
971
See and talk to me? Why do you...
GERARDA
972
Because I'm a neighbor!...
HERNANDO
For pity's sake,
973
what's wrong?
GERARDA
Is that all it takes
974
to make you cross?
HERNANDO
It's hot around here,
975
Lucindo, let's go.
LUCINDO
Calm down, my dear.
976
To get so angry is quite severe.
977
Take off your manto so the lady here
978
can see the beauty, by God endowed,
979
the radiance that's the talk of the town.
980
Uncover those beautiful eyes, my dove,
981
the cause of envy, the cause of love.
HERNANDO
982
I'm not in the mood. My eyes are all tears,
983
a sea of jealousy because it appears
984
you've been seeing Gerarda. I'm told
985
she's generous to a fault.
LUCINDO
Oh, no!
986
How could Gerarda make you jealous?
987
I don't know how you could be suspicious.
988
May God never cure the love that's killing me
989
if I care for her one whit.
990
May God keep us from joining in love's embrace
991
if I respect her one bit.
992
May God not allow me to taste of your lips
993
if I have loved her ever.
994
May God forbid the two of us to marry
995
if I should even see her...
GERARDA
996
(How can I stand this? Why do I stay?)
HERNANDO
997
Dear Lord! What curses!
GERARDA
(May they come my way
998
if I take any more of this, you louse.
999
Such nonsense!)
HERNANDO
They say you went to her house
1000
and that's what got me all unnerved.
LUCINDO
1001
There's really no reason to be concerned,
1002
so calm yourself, take heart, my dove.
1003
You're the one that has my love.
GERARDA
1004
Not as long as I'm alive!
GERARDA attacks HERNANDO, and LUCINDO steps between them.
LUCINDO
1005
What do you think you are doing?
HERNANDO
Why?
1006
Are you attacking me?
GERARDA
I don't care
1007
if you are Estefania.
HERNANDO
1009
She wants to hurt me!
HERNANDO leaves.
LUCINDO
One who adores me.
1011
You've made a terrible mistake. Let her be.
1012
She's a lady with powerful friends.
1013
It could cost you plenty in the end.
GERARDA
1014
What worse than what she's already done?
1015
Get out of my way!
LUCINDO
I never let anyone
1016
who hates me order me around that way.
LUCINDO
Do you mean to say
1018
that you love me?
GERARDA
Oh, sweetheart,
1019
everything I told you was only pretend,
1020
so was everything you heard me say.
1021
You, I love; Doristeo, I hate.
1022
Lucindo, I'm yours all over. Take me.
LUCINDO
1023
God in heaven! What's this I see?
GERARDA
1024
As proof that I love you alone,
1025
sweet lover, come with me. Come home.
LUCINDO
1026
Punishment gives you the will to go on.
1027
Like animals, you women are easily taught.
1028
But it's over now, forevermore.
1029
Estefania's the woman that I adore.
GERARDA
1030
Why are you leaving, light of my life?
LUCINDO
1031
Because your day has turned into night.
GERARDA
1032
Come with me. Come on, to my house.
LUCINDO
1034
Doristeo will be here in due time;
1035
let him keep you warm if you like.
GERARDA
1036
On bended knee I beg you to come.
1037
I want to explain why I did what I've done,
1038
to clear up the reasons for my disdain.
1039
Nothing but jealousy! Let's leave this place.
1040
Come, Lucindo, come on. You'll see.
LUCINDO
1041
Really and truly? You do love me?
GERARDA
1042
I've always loved only you, my dove.
LUCINDO
1043
Well, that'll cost you a little blood.
LUCINDO draws his dagger just as HERNANDO returns in normal dress.
HERNANDO
1044
What sacrifice is this being performed?
LUCINDO
1045
She made me angry with her scorn.
HERNANDO
1046
(If he wants vengeance and is that bold,
1047
and Gerarda sits there waiting for the blow,
1048
I must have to play the angel's role).
1049
What are you doing, sir?
LUCINDO
Oh, Hernando,
1050
a good thing you came!
HERNANDO
I've been in the park,
1051
searching the Prado for you in the dark.
1052
They found out at home this lady got out,
1053
and two hours ago...
HERNANDO
1054
This isn't Estefania?
LUCINDO
For a while here
1055
we had thunder and lightning.
LUCINDO
1056
Can't you see that it is?
HERNANDO
Leave her alone.
1057
If it is she, you'd be the one
1058
to catch the blame.
LUCINDO
We'll talk about
1059
this later, Gerarda.
HERNANDO
Now that was brave of you.
LUCINDO
1061
Just knowing she loved me cut me loose.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO exit. DORISTEO and FINARDO return.
DORISTEO
1062
God, what bad luck! A real disgrace!
1063
Nothing was open, not one place.
FINARDO
1064
We even broke one door down.
GERARDA
1065
You two must be all worn out.
DORISTEO
1066
Were you here by yourself?
FINARDO
1068
We couldn't find a thing to eat!
1069
And they brag that every street
1070
in Madrid, all year round, has places
1071
where those who want can get pastries,
1072
wines and desserts far into the night.
GERARDA
1073
It's getting late and I don't feel right.
DORISTEO
1074
I wonder if it's not too cool out here.
GERARDA
1075
The trouble was the heat, my dear.
DORISTEO
1076
Can you read the stars?
FINARDO
I only know:
1077
"When the handle of the dipper points its toe,
1078
it's nearly morning and time to go."
DORISTEO
1079
If what you say is really true,
1080
it's almost that time. Take a look.
1081
It's already high. Let's go and rest.
1082
What poor friends!
GERARDA
1083
(Lucindo, now that you love me less,
1084
I love you more. What a mess!)
DORISTEO, FINARDO, and GERARDA exit together.
Locale 2:The street in front of FENISA'S house.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO enter.
HERNANDO
1085
You're so calm now, I presume
1086
you've managed to forget that lady loon.
LUCINDO
1087
You're not just joking.
HERNANDO
What's the cause
1088
of such a miracle? What has brought
1089
you to your senses?
LUCINDO
Knowing she loves me.
1090
God bless the idea, the plan, the jealousy,
1091
the time, the manto, the Prado, the action,
1092
and even her unpleasant reaction.
HERNANDO
1093
Why not bless Estefania, too?
1094
I still have the marks, to tell the truth,
1095
from when Gerarda slapped my face.
LUCINDO
1096
They've opened the window. We'll stop and wait.
FENISA appears at her window.
HERNANDO
1098
(It must be Fenisa who got out of bed).
FENISA
1099
Tell me your name and I'll talk to you.
LUCINDO
1100
(See? Coming here was a really good move.
HERNANDO
1101
Everyone in Madrid is now fast asleep.)
LUCINDO
1102
It's Lucindo, dear lady, I came to see
1103
about your complaint, not just for fun.
1104
You do know I'm Captain Bernardo's son?
LUCINDO
If I've never been here before,
1106
how can you say I came here to court?
1107
Me? Did I ever come looking for you?
1108
Me? Did I write you a love note or two?
1109
Me? At this window, covered with bars,
1110
talking of love or causing alarm?
1111
Me? Out here to keep you awake?
1112
Me? A messenger? For pity's sake!
FENISA
1113
Don't resent my tricks of love.
1114
You never were here. Heavens above!
1115
I never saw you here at my window.
1116
My complaints weren't true as you know
1117
although I did say that earlier today.
1118
Never have you written or given me chase.
1119
What this is about you know, all right.
1120
I don't need to say it. You came tonight.
1121
It's been hard for me to find a way
1122
to let you know my feelings, but today
1123
you gave me the will, love gave me the plan.
1124
Your father came to ask for my hand,
1125
but since my birth I've been marked for you.
1126
With God's help it may all come true.
1127
To use the Captain as my go-between
1128
shouldn't be seen as insanity.
1129
He's a neighbor, he's old, he's wise.
1130
What's more, he loves you as much as I.
1131
I've used this means to let you know
1132
how much I love you, dear Lucindo.
1133
In return I ask you to appreciate
1134
my belief in you. If my wealth and face
1135
even though you deserve much more
1136
should lead you to...
LUCINDO
So soon, such favor!
1137
Don't just throw it on the street.
1138
The street is no fertile field.
1139
Such seed is wasted when it is sown
1140
unless it falls on a loving soul.
1141
I have to thank my own good fortune
1142
for finding out that I've pleased you.
1143
How well I know I've never thought
1144
I could ever deserve your love.
1145
That day, that glorious jubilee,
1146
I first saw you and you saw me,
1147
I felt a new desire awaken.
1148
I've not been able to sleep since then.
1149
My own lack of native wit
1150
seemed to prevent my seeing it;
1151
what I hear my father saying.
1152
But when he stubbornly kept insisting,
1153
I finally came to see what you meant.
FENISA
1154
Then you know what it is I dreamt.
LUCINDO
1155
"A debt acquired is a debt to pay".
1156
Once I knew, I looked for a way
1157
to pay what I owed. But if they persist
1158
in your marriage to my father, can I resist?
1159
What will happen to me and to you?
FENISA
1160
Don't believe in the power of those two,
1161
because it's we, their own two children,
1162
whose marriage is clearly destined.
1163
You've yet to comprehend the wiles
1164
of a woman in love, as decided as I.
LUCINDO
1165
I know that you are discreet and vital.
1166
That's obvious from your wit and style.
FENISA
1167
I've done nothing yet.
LUCINDO
I can only repeat:
1168
Fenisa's a lady IN LOVE BUT DISCREET.
FENISA
1169
May your father forgive me for using him so,
1170
sending word through him to let you know
1171
what my mother prefers to keep indoors.
1172
What I want to say that I'll be yours,
1173
I'll say by complaining. Whenever we can,
1174
we'll see each other. If you hear I can't stand
1175
any more, pay attention to the talk.
LUCINDO
1176
I say, dear lady, I had the same thought.
FENISA
1177
That way you'll know what's going on
1178
inside this house. We'll tie the knot
1179
while he's making plans to take a spouse.
1180
We'll be wed before he finds out.
LUCINDO
1181
We need all the help we can get
1182
to conceal our reason for worry, and then,
1183
can you plan things so that we can meet?
1184
After all, you're the one who's discreet.
FENISA
1185
I have a plan that'll work. I'll plead
1186
with your father to sent you to me
1187
so that I can give you my blessing.
1188
that way you can come without upsetting
1189
my mother. But disillusion me now
1190
or tell me I'm standing on solid ground.
LUCINDO
1191
I gave you my soul of my own free will.
1192
It's yours to command.
HERNANDO
Listen! Be still!
1193
Hear the larks singing to the morning;
1194
there, a quail is whistling its warning.
1195
The morning star has risen high.
1196
The time for love has passed us by.
FENISA
1197
Go now, my love, the dawn is here.
1198
I don't want my mother to miss me, dear.
LUCINDO
1199
You ask for permission from my father
1200
for me to see you.
LUCINDO
1201
Give me something, if you please,
1202
to take to my bed.
HERNANDO
1203
Tell her to wind things up. It's late.
FENISA
1204
For this ribbon, what will you trade?
FENISA exits.
HERNANDO
I see
1208
that you're in love.
LUCINDO
1210
You saw. Fenisa's prettier, she's fun,
1211
she's noble...
HERNANDO
And has hot Spanish blood!
LUCINDO
1212
This ribbon alone, now that it's won,
1213
is better than Gerarda when all's said and done.
HERNANDO and LUCINDO exit.
Locale 3:In front of GERARDA's house
DORISTEO and GERARDA enter.
DORISTEO
1214
I'm a man and a good one, too.
1215
Speak freely to me; tell me the truth.
1216
Why do you treat me with such contempt?
1217
Do you still love Lucindo?
GERARDA
No, but then
1218
last night...
GERARDA
It's my bad luck
1219
that his disdain, it seems, was enough
1220
to set fire to the snow covering my heart.
1221
Did you see that woman, that ugly tart,
1222
who sat next to me?
DORISTEO
Then it must have been
1223
Lucindo who brought her.
DORISTEO
1224
That's all I need to know from you,
1225
Gerarda. See what jealousy can do!
GERARDA
1226
Jealousy's stronger than love as you say.
1227
It can triumph over disdain.
1228
I swear that I'm as good as dead.
1229
Everything that Lucindo said
1230
seemed to be already prepared.
1231
So did her questions. I was snared.
1232
But then I did find out the lady's name,
1233
Estefania, [and also that she came]
1234
from a good family. A footman appeared
1235
like greased lightning and I could hear
1236
what he said: that there was no doubt,
1237
they knew at home that she had gone out.
DORISTEO
1238
(How could this happen? Is it all a game?)
1239
What's that? What was the woman's name?
GERARDA
1240
What reason do you have for being so shaken?
DORISTEO
1241
I was wondering about the woman
1242
you were denouncing.
DORISTEO
It must be!
1244
It would be a way to get even, you see,
1245
if because I came to visit your house
1246
Lucindo got into mine.
DORISTEO
1247
A sister of mine Don't you see?
1248
is named Estefania.
DORISTEO
1249
What's to keep me from defending my honor,
1250
from seeking revenge on that traitor?
GERARDA
1251
He is after her! He said one day
1252
he'd get even with you if he found a way.
DORISTEO
1253
And he did! She told me last night
1254
that she'd been out to see the sights
1255
on the Prado. Estefania! My honor is lost!
1256
Good night, Gerarda.(At what a cost!)
GERARDA
1257
That was more than I wanted to know.
DORISTEO
1258
He's certainly dishonored my already, so...
1259
they'll have to get married.
GERARDA
Married!
1260
That's not fair. You'll have me buried.
GERARDA
You might as well kill me
1262
as marry him to another.
DORISTEO
How else can it be?
1263
(Now that's a case!)
GERARDA exits.
DORISTEO
1265
My sister! Who could plan such revenge!
1266
I must find Finardo so we can challenge
1267
Lucindo to a duel. He'll come
1268
to settle the matter. Justice will be done.
1269
He'll die or he'll marry to satisfy me.
1270
Such a vile sister! How could she?
1271
But the law that condemns me is very just;
1272
rather than duty I catered to lust.
1273
"Home fires must be tended with care
1274
before fanning a new flame anywhere."
DORISTEO exits.
Locale 4:A room in BELISA's house.
BELISA, the CAPTAIN, FENISA and FULMINATO all enter.
FENISA
1275
Do me a favor and give me great pleasure:
1276
bring you son here since I'm his mother.
CAPTAIN
1277
I think you're right.
FENISA
All will be clear
1278
as soon as we exchange our greeting here.
BELISA
1279
This house is yours, you should let him come.
CAPTAIN
1280
He can come now; he knows what I've done.
1281
Fulminato!
CAPTAIN
You go and call
1282
my son the lieutenant.
FULMINATO exits.
FENISA
1283
(He has sent for Lucindo. That's good.
1284
Heaven help me! Before we are through
1285
these walls will witness my true affections.)
CAPTAIN
1286
(Although she seems to resent his attentions,
1287
her wish to see him has aroused my fears.
1288
He's youthful and wise beyond his years.
1289
His presence, buy contrast, makes me seem senile.
1290
She might think it better to become his wife.
1291
Who'd doubt that he's more appealing
1292
or that our marriage would be more distressing.
1293
Should she be condemned to a man of my age?
1294
There's no need for him right away.
1295
In the presence of an adult son, I'll appear
1296
even older. He must never come here
1297
a second time to raise such doubts.)
LUCINDO in fine clothes and FULMINATO enter.
FULMINATO
1298
The Lieutenant is here.
LUCINDO
(So this is her house!
1299
How could I be so lucky?)You called?
CAPTAIN
1300
(His appearance offends me.) Where's the ball?
CAPTAIN
To put it simply:
1302
you're overdressed and came too quickly.
LUCINDO
1303
But sir, didn't you ask me to come?
CAPTAIN
1304
To greet your mother.
LUCINDO
He told me
1306
I was to greet you as mother-to-be
1307
and to kiss your beautiful, white hand.
CAPTAIN
1308
That's too courteous! It's enough to say "hand".
1309
You needn't add "beautiful".
LUCINDO
My tongue wants
1310
to add the epithet.
BELISA
1311
Why does that displease you?
CAPTAIN
Get up now.
LUCINDO remains kneeling before FENISA, holding her hand.
1312
I won't allow any epithets in this house.
BELISA
1313
Don't be so hard. Let him greet her.
LUCINDO
1314
There's no harm since you're my father.
CAPTAIN
1315
Don't call me father!
LUCINDO
But if I'm to speak
1316
to a young woman as mother, tell me
1317
what's wrong with "father"?
CAPTAIN
"Father" sounds fine
1318
when one is younger, but it's very unkind
1319
to say it to one who is older, unless
1320
he's a priest or a hermit. Finish that kiss.
LUCINDO
I kiss the hand that bestows
1322
such fortune.(My love, accept this note.)
LUCINDO puts a not into her hand.
LUCINDO
Now give me a blessing
1324
as your faithful child.
CAPTAIN
(The child is expecting
1325
her to buy him a regiment.)
FENISA
(What glory I feel.)
1326
May God bless you and fill you with cheer.
1327
May God find you a wife you desire,
1328
exactly the kind you mother would like.
1329
May God give you what's now in your heart
1330
adding his blessing to mine at the start.
1331
May God make you so obedient to my will
1332
that you never displease me or deny my wish.
1333
May God give you peace and understanding
1334
so you save your father from ever worrying.
1335
May he give you such good sense
1336
when it come to love and obedience
1337
that I can give you the very same homage
1338
I would to a husband...
CAPTAIN
What book about marriage,
1339
what manual, taught you that tripe?
1340
Stop it!
FENISA takes BELISA to one side. The CAPTAIN talks with LUCINDO.
FENISA
1341
Mother, may I speak to you alone?
FENISA
1343
Do you see this note?
FENISA
1345
Well, it's a list of the dresses and other
1346
things the Captain has ordered for me. I
1347
want to read it over, but I don't want the
1348
Captain to see me read it because he might
1349
think I'm more interested in the presents than
1350
in the bridegroom. Please, mother, will you
1351
keep him busy for a minute?
BELISA
1352
It would make me happy to do so.
FENISA
1353
(Good heavens! What I have to go through to
1354
read the note that Lucindo gave me as he
1355
kissed my hand! It might be important and
1356
need an immediate answer.)
BELISA
1357
Will you lend me your ear for a minute, Captain?
FENISA read the note aside.
FENISA
1358
"My love, my father, who is jealous because
1359
of what you told him about me, plans to send
1360
me off to Portugal. See if you can do something
1361
about this or I'm as good as dead. I wrote
1362
this knowing that I'd see you soon. God be
1363
with you and make you my wife."
1364
(What else could possibly go wrong?
1365
How crazy and jealous! I hope that God
1366
will help me succeed in speaking to him
1367
right here and now, in front of them).
1368
Lucindo, I read your note and I hope
1369
that heaven won't mistreat us so
1370
as to send you off to Portugal
1371
or separate us for even one hour.
1372
They say the girls there are made for love,
1373
and men who go there have lots of fun;
1374
have your fun with me, Lucindo, please.
1375
When it comes to love, I'm pure Portuguese.
LUCINDO
1376
Oh, God! If only we could talk!
1377
If I could hold you in my arms!
FENISA
1378
I know how to manage that trick.
LUCINDO
1379
How can you do that?
FENISA
By pretending to slip.
1380
Then you can come to pick me up.
1381
While I'm in your arms, we'll manage a hug.
FENISA falls and LUCINDO picks her up in his arms.
LUCINDO
My mother tripped
1384
and I am helping her back on her feet.
CAPTAIN
1385
That's my job as you can see.
1386
Get out of here now, get out of my sight!
LUCINDO
1387
But she was falling and it's only polite...
BELISA
1388
Did you hurt yourself, my dear?
CAPTAIN
1389
Clear out of this room, now! Did you hear?
LUCINDO
1391
Why are you throwing me out?
LUCINDO
1392
(Oh divine Fenisa, sweet comprehension!
1393
Such extremes of heavenly discretion!
1394
You have shown us the marvelous feats
1395
performed by a woman IN LOVE BUT DISCREET.)
LUCINDO exits.
FENISA
1396
I'm not at all hurt as you can see.
CAPTAIN
1397
Now that I can believe.
FENISA
1400
I'm sorry about that.
BELISA
1401
Did you want to see more of him? Beatriz,
1402
go quickly and call him.
FENISA
1403
No, not on your life.
CAPTAIN
1404
That clumsy ox must have caused your fall.
1405
I won't let him stay around here any longer.
1406
He'll never come into this house again as
1407
long as I'm alive.
BELISA
1408
How little love you must have for your son!
1409
I thought he was a very nice young man. If
1410
I were as young as I was once, I'd certainly
1411
like to have him for a husband.
FENISA
1412
(Opportunity, I've got a hold on you!)
CAPTAIN
1413
You liked that idiot?
FENISA
1414
Mother, listen to me for a minute.
BELISA
1415
Since you are a captain, you think everyone's
1416
after your hide.
To FENISA.
1417
You're always asking me to listen.
FENISA takes her mother aside to talk with her.
FENISA
1418
The note I told you about...It really had nothing to
1419
do with dresses and... the Captain didn't give it to me.
BELISA
1420
What are you saying?
FENISA
1421
It came from Lucindo.
BELISA
1422
He has his nerve, writing to you!
FENISA
1423
It's enough to make you want to laugh.
BELISA
1424
Well, don't keep me in suspense.
FENISA
1425
He says that he want to get married.
BELISA
1428
To me? What do you mean?
FENISA
1429
Just what I said. He says that he likes your
1430
looks. Your seriousness and wisdom please
1431
him more than my qualities do his father.
1432
What's more, if you get married. the property
1433
will then all stay in the family and your
1434
children will both be rich. If only you could
1435
read, you'd see that he says even more. But
1436
most important of all, he asks you not to let
1437
his father send him off to Portugal. He's
1438
sure that he'd be killed.
BELISA
1439
To Portugal? Never! Child, it's clear you
1440
know that good, honorable children find their
1441
pleasure in pleasing their parents. You also
1442
know that I'm not too old. I would be better
1443
off with a husband of my own and you certainly
1444
have found one for me! One that nearly pulls
1445
my eyes out of my head whenever I look at him.
1446
How pleasant! How sweet! How gallant! And,...
1447
(What a body!)
FENISA
1448
(That kind of reaction to the hope for a
1449
chance! What would she do if it were for
1450
real?)
BELISA
1451
What are you saying?
FENISA
1452
You have to keep him from leaving.
BELISA
1453
Leaving? What leaving? Just you get Lucindo
1454
to come talk to me tonight —but secretly now.
FENISA
1455
You go and let me talk to my husband-to-be.
BELISA
1456
(I wasn't prepared to that, but it doesn't
1457
matter. I'll take off these widow's weeds.
1458
I'll check myself in the mirror. Oh, Lucindo!
1459
If only you do love me, you can have all that
1460
I own.)
BELISA exits.
CAPTAIN
1461
A real miracle has happened, Fenisa.
1462
We've been left alone by Belisa.
1463
Since there's nobody here to see,
1464
sweet, generous Fenisa, please let me
1465
hold your hand.
FENISA
(That'll be the day!)
1466
You presume too much for a mere fiance.
CAPTAIN
1467
I'm sorry my jealousy got you upset.
1468
Won't you give me your hand as a friend?
FENISA
1469
Not without witnesses to our vows.
CAPTAIN
1470
We have three of them present right now:
1471
Jealousy, Love, and Desire are all here.
FENISA
1472
The jealousy's truly warranted, I fear.
CAPTAIN
1473
Is Lucindo continuing in his pursuit?
FENISA
1475
Las night, at my window, I hear a noise.
1476
I was afraid and lost my poise.
1477
I got out of bed as best I could.
1478
Without lights I couldn't find my robe,
1479
but I finally found my manto all right.
1480
I went to the window and there...but why
1481
are you trembling so?
CAPTAIN
It's anger, dear wife,
1482
at my son's indiscretion.
FENISA
...and what did I find
1483
in the space between the shutters and bars?
1484
A note!
CAPTAIN
Now that's really going too far.
1485
I'll have to become a rabid beast
1486
to deal with him.
FENISA
1487
You catch that disease
1488
by being a father. Please calm down.
CAPTAIN
1489
I can't. I have to go find him now.
The CAPTAIN exits.
FENISA
1490
How nicely I've succeeded in letting him know
1491
just where to come and find my note.
1492
I'll take this chance to write a letter
1493
so he can be warned about my mother,
1494
how I've managed to get her to say
1495
that he's to be her husband. That way,
1496
his planned departure will be delayed.
1497
My mother will arrange a trade
1498
that'll calm the storm, and impede the anger
1499
that's at the root of his departure.
1500
Because, if my lover goes away,
1501
my happiness also swiftly sets sail.
FENISA exits.
Locale 5:The street
HERNANDO and LUCINDO enter.
HERNANDO
1502
Did all that really happen?
LUCINDO
1503
If you had only seen!
1504
I was on my knees
1505
before Fenisa, and then...
1506
You surely would have said
1507
it was a pretty sight.
HERNANDO
1508
No doubt I would have died
1509
from laughing.
LUCINDO
Just reflect
1510
on Tantalus in chains
1511
standing in the water.
1512
You should be able to gather
1513
how we are the same.
1514
He could never reach
1515
either fruit or water;
1516
the lips for which I hunger
1517
were there for me to see
1518
but not for me to touch.
HERNANDO
1519
But you held her hand!
LUCINDO
1520
My love's fiery blast
1521
starts to cool somewhat
1522
as her snowy hand
1523
approaches my eager lips.
1524
My soul, from deep within,
1525
arises in eager demand
1526
of the moisture it needs
1527
to quench the flames of desire.
1528
Love's volcano sends its fire
1529
in search of final peace.
1530
What do you think occurred
1531
as my lips touched her fingers?
LUCINDO
How do you figure?
1533
Don't be completely absurd.
1534
Ivory from the Indies?
1535
Or crystal? I should bite?
1536
It's enough I'm sure I'm right
1537
since this is all an image,
1538
that we should say "a kiss".
HERNANDO
1539
Your father is coming here.
LUCINDO
1540
Be quiet as he comes near.
1541
He mustn't know about this.
The CAPTAIN enters.
CAPTAIN
1542
You ought to hang your head when you see
1543
me! As if you didn't know that I was [coming.]
LUCINDO
1544
If I thought that I meant that little to
1545
you..., I'd have gone to Japan rather than [to Portugal.]
CAPTAIN
1546
I shouldn't wonder, but worse is yet to
1547
come. Didn't I tell you that Fenisa was [to be my wife?]
LUCINDO
1548
Didn't you also tell me to kiss her hand,
1549
to greet her as my mother? Are you still
1550
upset because I said that her hand was [beautiful?]
CAPTAIN
1551
You said "beautiful and white! "What a
1552
sly dandy you've turned out to be!
LUCINDO
1553
Such little things get you going! It's as
1554
if you were hunting for a shady spot under
1555
a twig. Good God! What have I done to offend [you?]
CAPTAIN
1556
Do you think what you've done is nothing?
1557
Fenisa told me that you were at her window
1558
last night and that you left a note there for
1559
her between the bars and the shutters.
LUCINDO
1562
Didn't you ask her to let you see it so that
1563
you would know if it were in my handwriting [or not?]
CAPTAIN
1564
Just stop and think how much worse it would
1565
be if it weren't.
HERNANDO and LUCINDO speak aside.
HERNANDO
1569
I understand. Undoubtedly she wants to write
1570
to you and is letting you know to look between
1571
the bars and the shutters of her window.
CAPTAIN
1572
Come over here and listen to me. Somebody
1573
is coming this way and I wouldn't like to
1574
have my marriage become the subject of gossip
1575
all over Madrid.
DORISTEO and FINARDO enter.
DORISTEO
1576
He's talking to his father.
FINARDO
Fine,
1577
but this is important. Call him aside.
To LUCINDO.
DORISTEO
1578
I'd like to have a word with you.
LUCINDO
1579
I'm with my father now, but look...
1580
Tell me what it is that brought
1581
you here in anger, why you sought
1582
me out as if I were surely to blame.
To the CAPTAIN.
1583
Later we'll have to find a place
1584
where we can be alone together
1585
and I can furnish you with my answer.
LUCINDO goes off to talk with DORISTEO.
CAPTAIN
1586
Hernando, what do those men want?
CAPTAIN
Could it be he's lost
1588
at cards?
HERNANDO
That's just what I suspect.
CAPTAIN
1589
No good ever comes of such a debt.
To LUCINDO.
DORISTEO
1590
I owed you nothing, not even knowing you.
1591
You had just arrived and were quite new.
1592
So having set foot in Gerarda's place,
1593
I felt no need to guard my face.
LUCINDO
1594
If Gerarda's your only complaint,
1595
she's yours alone after today.
LUCINDO
What do you mean?
1597
Is there another?
DORISTEO
So I believe,
1598
one who means the world to me.
1599
One thing alone keeps me on my leash:
1600
your venerable father standing here.
LUCINDO
1601
You've been tricked by that woman, I fear.
DORISTEO
1602
You were gored when you thought you saw
1603
my love win over yours, and thought
1604
to get revenge attacking my honor.
1605
Then you thought of using my sister
1606
and she, not being overly smart
1607
and still somewhat young, played her part
1608
by going to the Prado with you last night.
LUCINDO
1609
What a strange story you have devised!
1610
Your sister and I have never met,
1611
nor would I ever make an attempt
1612
to ruin your honor, nor do I know
1613
where you live. Good God! And so...
FINARDO
1614
The source is suspicious. You were deceived,
1615
by God!
DORISTEO
Deceived! What do you mean?
1616
It was my sister Estefania she named,
1617
widow of a soldier killed in New Spain.
LUCINDO
1618
Now I understand your mistake.
1619
That lady, sir, has a different name.
1620
She's the one I'm planning to marry
1621
and so we wouldn't have to worry
1622
about gossip before the wedding is done,
1623
I christened her with the first name to come
1624
into my mind. To me it made no difference
1625
what she was called in Gerarda's presence:
1626
Inez, Francesca, Antoni[a], or Ruth.
1627
As God is my witness, that's the truth.
DORISTEO
1628
You have said it, and that is fine;
1629
but I'd be more clearly satisfied,
1630
I'd be happier, if the truth were known,
1631
to hear the name she calls her own.
LUCINDO
1632
We're to be wed soon. Fenisa's her name.
1633
I love her. She feels the same.
1634
We are neighbors on the Street of the Vines.
1635
My father is getting restless. It's time
1636
for me to join him. Please excuse me.
DORISTEO
1637
The demands of honor, as you must agree,
1638
force us to make such investigations.
1639
My good wishes and congratulations.
LUCINDO exits.
HERNANDO
1643
You could ask those two.
CAPTAIN
1644
Just a minute, gentlemen. If my intuition
1645
is telling me the truth, I think you are
1646
looking for a fight. You should know that
1647
the man who just left here is my son. He's
1648
gone off alone and I see that you two are
1649
armed and going off after him. I'll join
1650
you and we can have at it, two on two. He
1651
and I were soldiers together in Flanders.
1652
I was Captain and he was my Lieutenant.
1653
Let's go.
FINARDO
1654
We'd both be happy to serve you, sir, as
1655
soldiers who've returned from the field;
1656
but from today on we're the best of friends.
1657
We did come to see him on a matter of some
1658
importance, but he told us that he wasn't
1659
after the lady we had thought. We know now
1660
who the lady is that he's courting. He told
1661
us that her name is Fenisa.
CAPTAIN
1662
Fenisa? What's that you say?
FINARDO
1663
He said that they love one another and
1664
that he wants to marry her.
CAPTAIN
1665
(You'll see him dead at my feet first!)
DORISTEO
1666
Is there anything else we can do for you?
CAPTAIN
1667
That lady is to be my wife, not his.
DORISTEO
1668
The coward lied to us!
FINARDO
1669
It's your fault if he did.
DORISTEO
1670
By heaven above! He is after Estefania.
FINARDO
1671
Let's cover this up and then go after him.
DORISTEO
1672
To think that
1673
a soldier could be such a coward!
FINARDO
1674
To think he's the son of an honorable father!
DORISTEO and FINARDO exit.
CAPTAIN
1675
To think that the traitor is after my wife!
1676
He knew that our marriage had been arranged,
1677
and still he's bragging about marrying her
1678
himself.
HERNANDO
1679
(To think he said that! How strange!)
CAPTAIN
1680
Right now! You pack his things. He can't
1681
stay here even one more day. He's off to
1682
Portugal tonight.
HERNANDO
1683
(To think that Lucindo was so indiscreet!)
CAPTAIN
1684
To think that he kept on trying! Bothering
1685
her by night at her window! Kissing her
1686
hand and saying “mother” out loud. I'll
1687
bet he was whispering “my love”. (I can't
1688
take it any more.) Hernando, you tell him
1689
he's to leave immediately. Get your traveling
1690
boots on.
HERNANDO
1691
He can't even stay for your wedding?
CAPTAIN
1692
I don't want to give him any reason for
1693
delaying his departure. I want him to serve
1694
the King (not Fenisa). He's not to return
1695
to Madrid as long as I'm alive.
HERNANDO
1696
Please calm down, for you own sake.
CAPTAIN
1697
Get going or I'll give you a good one. I
1698
know how to take care of fools.
Act III
Locale 1:The street near BELISA's house, at night.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO enter.
LUCINDO
1699
My father told them she was his wife,
1700
not mine?
HERNANDO
Why should I tell a lie?
1701
Wasn't I Estefania?
LUCINDO
His sister's name!
1702
So that fool thinks I'm to blame.
HERNANDO
1703
Your father is so mad he's almost blind;
1704
he's about to disown you. Their minds
1705
are made up; they're out looking for you.
1706
They're absolutely sure, those two,
1707
that you told that story out of fear,
1708
as a way of escaping the trouble that's near.
1709
Why did you say Fenisa?
LUCINDO
To reassurethe man.
1710
How he knew the name I didn't understand.
HERNANDO
1711
Are you that ready to go to Portugal?
LUCINDO
1712
But Fenisa tells me it's possible
1713
her mother Belisa will be able to help.
HERNANDO
1714
You went to her window?
HERNANDO
And then?
1715
You found the note?
LUCINDO
It was there.
1716
I found it between the bars, just where
1717
she told my father it would be
1718
when she tricked him into telling me.
1719
I read it quickly. It says that I
1720
should pretend to love her mother, and why...
LUCINDO
There's more
1722
she said I must do.
LUCINDO
Ask for...
1723
...her hand as my wife.
LUCINDO
1724
Calm down!
1725
She's almost certain to come out now.
1726
She'll hear you.
HERNANDO
It was a way to impede
1727
your departure. The woman is discreet!
LUCINDO
1729
You go in my place; you be the master.
1730
While you are talking of love with Belisa,
1731
as the note says, I'll be with Fenisa.
HERNANDO
1732
What will I talk about?
HERNANDO
1733
She knows too much! Good heaven above!
1734
Sometimes I wonder. Could she be...
HERNANDO
1735
...the witch of Endor?
LUCINDO
Today will try you.
1736
We'll soon see if you know how to speak.
HERNANDO
1737
After today you can call me unique.
LUCINDO
1738
I'll admit you are smarter than I
1739
if you manage to succeed in this lie.
HERNANDO
1740
My clothes are really nothing but rags.
1741
What's the use of being a man
1742
if you can't dress for the role?
HERNANDO
1743
Give me your cape. It’s edged with gold.
LUCINDO
1744
Hernando, I'd give you a treasure.
1745
Take my hat too.
HERNANDO
You can have the pleasure
1746
of my hat and cape.
HERNANDO
1747
See how clothes make for worth and shape!
LUCINDO
1748
They're on the balcony. Quiet now, please.
FENISA and BELISA come out.
BELISA
1749
Fenisa, I want Lucindo to feel free
1750
to speak his mind, so leave us alone.
FENISA
1751
What has he done to let you know
1752
he's here?
BELISA
I see two men who've stopped
1753
to look our way.
FENISA
Yes, they've paused
1754
to make a sign. Now, I'll go,
1755
with your permission. You know I hope
1756
you get your wish. If it's all right,
1757
I'd like to talk with Hernando a mite.
BELISA
1758
You know he's crazy.
FENISA
That may be,
1759
but his silliness pleases me.
1760
I want to give him a message for the Captain.
BELISA
1761
You go to your window.
FENISA exits.
HERNANDO
They can listen
1762
from where they are standing.
HERNANDO
1763
Belisa sent her off.
HERNANDO
1764
I don't know who I am, since I made you mine.
1765
But I have adored you for a very long time.
1766
Madam, the love you've showered upon me
1767
has had the effect, as you can see,
1768
of lifting me above my humble station.
1769
(How am I doing so far?)
LUCINDO
(Damnation!
1770
I do believe you speak with discretion!)
HERNANDO
1771
(A Cicero reborn, a great rhetorician.)
BELISA
1772
I must admit it doesn't seem right,
1773
as Fenisa's mother to make you mine.
1774
She's to marry your father; I love you.
1775
If you love me as you say you do,
1776
I'll confess an attraction to your youth.
1777
Can you want me? Please tell me the truth.
FENISA appears at the street-level window.
FENISA
You know.
1779
The one who gave you her heart and soul.
1780
You come closer, let Hernando entertain
1781
that silly mother of mine.
HERNANDO
If indeed,
1782
my elderly father can be pleased
1783
by Fenisa's tender years and levity,
1784
I can certainly adore your gravity,
1785
your seriosity...
FENISA
(My sides will split.
1786
I'll die of laughing just thinking of this!)
HERNANDO
1787
That reverend manner of dress;
1788
those stupendous widow's weeds;
1789
those virile, manly breasts
1790
whose form is proof of their deeds;
1791
those clogs whose darkened depths
1792
know the size of the feet
1793
whose greatness is only compared
1794
with those of a Belgian mare;
1795
that voice, composed and fine;
1796
that breath, a spur to love,
1797
whose odor is sugar and spice
1798
to the rice of the weeds above;
1799
those glasses shading the eyes
1800
covering what they will become:
1801
a home to passions reign
1802
once love has set them aflame;
1803
that manto within whose folds
1804
Cupid consents to be stilled;
1805
that ruddy, incarnate nose
1806
through which love distills
1807
amber, pitch, and pills,
1808
the Arabian myrrh that flows:
1809
weeds, feet, nose and dress,
1810
voice, clogs, manto and breast
1811
I have as you might say
1812
collected in a literary way.
FENISA
I'm almost afraid
1814
she's smart enough to understand the play.
LUCINDO
1815
If he makes a mistake, I lose;
1816
I win if he does it right. You too.
1817
But what's to become of our love, sweetheart,
1818
if my father succeeds in keeping us apart?
1819
Tell me you won't be careless at least.
1820
He's really pushing for me to leave.
FENISA
1821
Don't worry or let your fears upset you.
1822
My silly, vain mother knows what to do.
1823
She's so much in love, she'll find a way.
LUCINDO
1824
Yes, but I'm threatened by your wedding day.
1825
As you can see, it's coming near
1826
and if that happens, isn't it clear
1827
that I'll have to go, to fight and to die?
1828
Even knowing your discretion and wiles,
1829
not even you can bring new life
1830
to a dead man after he's gone.
FENISA
You're right.
1831
But I'm all yours, for you I was born.
1832
That is true, I'm meant to be yours,
1833
and you must be mine. We'll find a way out.
1834
We should elope. Have no doubts.
1835
You've got the money and the friends we'll need.
1836
I'll go with you wherever you lead.
1837
She's IN LOVE BUT DISCREET,
1838
is what I've heard you say about me,
1839
but a woman determined's all I want to be.
LUCINDO
1840
If you have decided, it's all right with me.
1841
I'll arrange things so we can elope,
1842
my love. I have what it takes; my hope.
1843
You pack your clothes and jewels for tonight.
1844
I could even come in broad daylight
1845
in spite of how your mother might fume,
1846
in spite of my father, though it meant my doom.
FENISA
1847
Lucindo, if first you make me your wife,
1848
later my mother can have my life.
BELISA
1849
Has he finally decided to send you away?
HERNANDO
1850
To Portugal he says. He must be insane.
1851
The old man won't let up on the theme
1852
of my love for Fenisa. He says I scheme,
1853
and he complains I'm here all the time;
1854
to keep him from sleeping. He says that I
1855
follow her to church and even write letters.
1856
He's so jealous he'll have me in fetters.
BELISA
1857
Do you love her, my sweet?
HERNANDO
Fenisa? My soul!
1858
May God order the earth to swallow me whole,
1859
or get six villagers to hack me to bits.
1860
There's no worse death. Just stop to think!
1861
May He have me shot while cleaning my gun
1862
or fall on my sword (that is if I had one),
1863
if ever I've had the slightest intention
1864
of chasing, loving or paying her attention.
1865
I've never spoken of love, I swear,
1866
nor offered her marriage, nor would I dare.
LUCINDO
1867
He sure knows how to swear an oath!
BELISA
1868
I'm satisfied, my love.
HERNANDO
Let's drop that bone.
1869
Is there anything around for me to eat?
1870
When I swear an oath or anger takes me,
1871
I suffer a hunger that burns like fire.
1872
Right now I feel pregnant with rabid desire.
BELISA
1873
Really, you want to eat?
BELISA
1874
There's nothing in the house fit to carve.
1875
Tomorrow I'll cook you something fine.
1876
I'm good at making sweets. What kind
1877
of conserve or dessert do you like most?
1878
My cherry preserves yield a fine compote,
1879
my pears are tasty and easy to take,
1880
and the melon is ready. What shall I make?
HERNANDO
1881
Nothing's as good as a well-cleaned tripe
1882
served with parsley.
BELISA
It's tripe you'd like?
1883
Why mine's the cleanest and tastiest of all.
HERNANDO
1884
Now that we've agreed on what we want,
1885
let's have some in the morning.
BELISA
1886
I'll make some tripe. You'll like it I hope.
HERNANDO
1887
Something to enjoy that won't make you fat!
BELISA
1888
You really eat tripe?
HERNANDO
(No doubt about that.
1889
Anyone who loves a widow is obliged,
1890
since she comes second-hand, to eat tripe.)
LUCINDO
1891
Psst! They're coming!
HERNANDO
Hernando,
1892
my servant, talking to Fenisa.
BELISA
Ah, so!
1893
What a rogue!
HERNANDO
Tremendous! Someone's here,
1894
he says, and so good-bye.
BELISA exits.
LUCINDO
1895
People are coming and it's getting late.
1896
Good-bye.
FENISA
Until tonight. You were great!
1897
You kept her busy.
FENISA exits.
LUCINDO
1898
Come on. What did you ask for, you sot?
LUCINDO
How gruesome! But I guess it's all right.
HERNANDO
1900
You got the meat, so I settled for tripe.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO exit.
Locale 2:At GERARDA's house.
DORISTEO and GERARDA enter.
GERARDA
1901
Calm down! I'll find out if it's true.
1902
We'll know much more after I do.
DORISTEO
1903
I suspected he was afraid
1904
of what we might do; so he said
1905
he'd invented Estefania by chance.
1906
His father let the cat out of the bag
1907
when he told me that Fenisa was to be his.
GERARDA
1908
Perhaps the Captain was thinking of him,
1909
thinking you wanted Fenisa for yourself.
GERARDA
And in order to put you on the shelf,
1911
to save Lucindo from an open fight,
1912
he told you she was to be his wife.
GERARDA
Why not? If he thought
1914
it was a duel with Lucindo you sought,
1915
how wise it would be for him to claim
1916
Fenisa as his own.
DORISTEO
So that was his game!
1917
You are right. But I need some proof.
GERARDA
1918
And my love demands that we know more too.
DORISTEO
1919
That thought leads me from worry to fear.
GERARDA
1920
Don't you agree that the two of us here
1921
should find out which is to be her spouse?
GERARDA
Let's go together to her house.
DORISTEO
1923
Won't the two of us look like fools
1924
if we come right out and ask for the truth?
GERARDA
1925
Did I say we'd do that?
GERARDA
1926
I'll rush in like I'm running away.
GERARDA
From you, who are after my life
1928
as a jealous husband. You pull your knife...
GERARDA
They'll try to calm things down.
1930
I'll stay behind and tell her how
1931
I fell in love with Lucindo; that's why
1932
you're out to kill me. And then I'll try
1933
to get her to help me.
DORISTEO
What a plot!
1934
Only a woman could pull it off.
GERARDA
1935
That's high praise of what women can do.
DORISTEO
1936
You women really are like demons.
GERARDA
1937
That you can say about Spanish women.
GERARDA
I know she'll tell me the truth.
DORISTEO
1939
"A woman who wants to get something done,
1940
is as constant in motion as waves on an ocean".
DORISTEO and GERARDA exit.
Locale 3:A room in BELISA's house.
The CAPTAIN, FENISA, and BELISA enter.
CAPTAIN
1941
If I had known why he was hanging around,
1942
I wouldn't have sent him away.
BELISA
But now,
1943
I've told you about it.
CAPTAIN
I'm very pleased
1944
about the marriage. Can't you see?
1945
I'd like to offer congratulations.
BELISA
1946
Instead, you'll offer consolation
1947
if he's already gone. What did you do?
CAPTAIN
1948
If I'd only known that he loved you,
1949
I didn't dream he was ready yet
1950
to settle down I'd have tried myself
1951
to arrange the marriage. Such an exchange
1952
is welcome, Belisa, as is plain,
1953
since it would most surely bring
1954
our families closer by increasing our holdings.
1955
If my son is to marry the mother of my wife,
1956
as you've told me he would like,
1957
my son will become my father-in-law;
1958
stepfather and stepson, if I'm not wrong,
1959
to your daughter Fenisa. The world will treasure
1960
the happy exchange of ages and pleasures.
BELISA
1961
I'm truly upset that you sent him away.
1962
Get word to him now. Please don't delay.
1963
Bring him back home.
CAPTAIN
1964
I couldn't help myself.
FENISA
What did you fear?
1965
What was behind it? Jealousy? Good Lord!
CAPTAIN
1966
Worry for his life. I give you my word.
1967
Two men were after him with blood in their eyes.
1968
A girl, Estefania, has him so blind
1969
he didn't see them. It's lucky I was there.
BELISA
1970
He loves another woman?
FENISA
(He wouldn't dare!)
1971
What did I hear?
CAPTAIN
That's what I heard.
1972
It must be a lie. It's too absurd.
1973
I forgot you love him, Belisa.
1974
Pardon me. Excuse me now, Fenisa,
1975
and I'll go get him.
The CAPTAIN exits.
FENISA
1976
You're thinking the same thing I am too.
BELISA
1977
If, already, he's showing interest
1978
in a woman for a little love nest,
1979
we've let ourselves in for a lot of trouble.
FENISA
1980
(You don't know the half. My problem is double.
1981
If he tricked you, he had me fooled,
1982
pretending to love me and tell me the truth.)
BELISA
1983
What was that you said?
FENISA
We shouldn't believe
1984
what the old man said, he's so jealous of me
1985
that he'd make up a thousand such tales.
BELISA
1986
Wouldn't that be a very strange way
1987
for Lucindo to give offense? But how...
1988
Someone is coming into our house!
FENISA
1989
The Captain must not have shut the door.
BELISA
1990
Another woman! And after he swore...
GERARDA enters fleeing from DORISTEO who has his dagger in hand.
GERARDA
1991
Help me! Ladies, help me please!
1992
That wild man is trying to kill me.
DORISTEO
1993
Who'd want to help you, you cheating whore?
BELISA
1994
Stop! Don't kill her. No blood, I implore...
FENISA
1995
Why are you after her? Calm down, sir.
BELISA
Don't kill her.
1997
Please show respect for these widow's weeds.
DORISTEO
1998
If your noble presence weren't here to see...
1999
To reclaim my honor, if only in part,
2000
I'd already have put this through her heart.
GERARDA
2001
And you'd be killing a part of yourself.
DORISTEO
2002
Now you talk of love, but then...
2003
you vile, false, foresworn witch...
2004
God in heaven!...
FENISA
Please, just quit!
2005
You're obviously out of control, and it seems
2006
a green-eyed monster, a real fiend
2007
has taken charge of your tongue and hands.
BELISA
2008
You can't stay here and be a man.
2009
Come to my room and you can speak
2010
about it and put your mind at ease.
DORISTEO
2011
I do want to obey you and even to talk
2012
about it to ease my troubled thoughts.
BELISA
2013
This lady will stay here with my daughter.
2014
What is her name?
BELISA and DORISTEO exit.
FENISA
2015
Heaven delivered you from a very great danger.
GERARDA
2016
I'm still shivering, I'm trembling all over.
2017
Where can I go?
FENISA
Don't be afraid.
2018
Tell me what's wrong.
GERARDA
I will if I may.
2019
Dear lady, I am an unfortunate souls,
2020
but that is something you already know.
2021
I was born in the noble city of Burgos.
2022
My parents, may they rest as suits God's purpose,
2023
brought me to Madrid while still a babe
2024
in my nurse's arms. Once here they raised
2025
me well and took care of all my needs
2026
until that man whom you have seen,
2027
taken by my looks and carriage
2028
insistently asked for my hand in marriage.
2029
They gave me to him against my wish.
2030
In marrying me to one I couldn't relish,
2031
they put a burden on me beyond all measure.
2032
My life was completely lacking in pleasure,
2033
so terrible that often I was on the verge
2034
of suicide.
FENISA
How dare you say that word?
GERARDA
2035
Such things do happen.
FENISA
Nothing's that bad.
2036
A Christian woman, unless she's mad,
2037
can't even think of it.
GERARDA
You lack experience.
2038
You don't know what it is to feel the offense
2039
of an enemy at your table in broad daylight,
2040
a frightening phantom in your bed at night.
2041
My despair was somewhat tempered
2042
by the sight of a bright young soldier,
2043
a gallant lieutenant whose looks were such
2044
my eyes burned as if staring at the sun.
2045
It occurred to me to remedy the trouble
2046
my husband was giving me, if possible,
2047
be getting the lieutenant to take his place.
2048
He liked me and my love was repaid
2049
in word and deed. We did as we pleased
2050
for nearly two years. But whenever he sees
2051
Love marching by, Envy beats his drums.
2052
My husband heard the resulting commotion
2053
and, afraid of damage to his reputation,
2054
he became wary. To our consternation
2055
he set up an owl to watch over the house,
2056
to keep his eyes open and frighten the mouse
2057
nibbling away at the master's cheese.
2058
To solve the problem, I searched for a key
2059
to open the door, or the heart of of neighbor.
2060
If a couple wants and is willing to labor,
2061
they manage. Things can be arranged.
2062
But to shorten my story, there was no way
2063
to keep someone from spoiling my hope.
2064
The sight of my husband's sword, I was told,
2065
had made Lucindo —the lieutenant's name—
2066
change his mind about playing the game.
2067
I recently heard he was to wed
2068
a certain Fenisa whom they have said
2069
is beautiful, wealthy, and quite discreet.
2070
I lost control and went out to see
2071
if I could find the snake. As you saw,
2072
my husband found me. I ran off.
2073
He followed me here near where she lives.
2074
Do you know her house or where she is?
2075
Is she at the root of my distress?
2076
I hope you can help get me out of this mess.
2077
Now that I've taken refuge with you
2078
and you've saved my life, what can I do?
FENISA
2079
You say that Lucindo loved you well?
FENISA
I wish we'd never met.
2081
I wish to God I didn't know him,
2082
that he didn't know me. I wish...
GERARDA
2083
It's you? How strange, how unexpected
2084
to find by chance what I'd only suspected.
FENISA
2085
You can't know the trouble you've caused.
2086
I am Fenisa. It's only because
2087
I was not aware of what he had done
2088
that I was deceived and gave him my love.
2089
That ingrate! I am the one who agreed,
2090
in secret, to marry him. I didn't believe
2091
he could be so evil. But I found out,
2092
in plenty of time. Believe me now
2093
when I say I'm grateful that you have come.
2094
I'll marry the Captain and not the son.
2095
You can have him. I'll make him feel
2096
the heat of the fire he set for me.
2097
He's yours, I hope you enjoy him forever.
GERARDA
2098
You did this to me? Well, I never!
2099
It's you who made me want to die?
2100
You are Fenisa?
FENISA
I'm sure that I...
2101
Lucindo's all yours! I want nothing to do...
GERARDA
2102
Let my example be a warning to you.
2103
He's the most treacherous man, I believe,
2104
the most fickle the world has seen.
FENISA
2105
I don't need more warnings about his game.
2106
Farewell to pleasure! What was your name?
FENISA
(The Captain knew! That's clear!
2108
He told me that before leaving here.)
2109
You were right to worry. Your name I knew.
2110
Now I know the rest of it too.
GERARDA
2111
If you're as smart as you seem to be,
2112
you'll never see him again. Be discreet.
2113
He'll ruin your reputation for sure.
FENISA
2114
Don't worry about that. I've taken the cure.
GERARDA
2115
I can escape from my husband now.
2116
May I leave to go to my sister's house?
FENISA
2117
Would you like to come back and see me again?
GERARDA
2118
I hope that we can become good friends.
2119
Is there another way out?
FENISA
If you want to play
2120
with Lucindo, there's always a way.
GERARDA
2122
(How easy it was to learn what to do!
2123
How simple to stop his upcoming marriage!
2124
Beautiful woman! What heart and courage!
2125
I'm dying of envy. Heaven help Lucindo.
2126
When I find him, I'll lay him low.)
GERARDA exits.
FENISA
2127
When love's violent flame finally goes,
2128
quitting my soul, leaving cold ashes behind,
2129
it will be as if this verdant hope of mine
2130
were a tall palm tree under mountain snows.
2131
It was in full bloom when the wind that blows
2132
bringing northern cold came to shatter its pride;
2133
a change in the weather takes so little time
2134
to turn once glorious hopes to wilted woes.
2135
No more sweet pleasures. They are the charm
2136
with which our hearts and our reason are teased.
2137
My soul must no longer endure their harm.
2138
Give me no goods for which I pay such a fee!
2139
But how can I refuse love, in spite of my alarm,
2140
if Cupid's treasure is enriched by such means?
LUCINDO enters.
LUCINDO
2141
Now that we have made up our minds,
2142
Fenisa, you to become my wife,
2143
and I your husband Oh, happy
2144
I having given the promised security,
2145
have come to your room, leaving the coach
2146
that I ordered in the street below
2147
where it will soon become a chamber,
2148
a nest, molded to fit your figure.
2149
Come to that coach without delay
2150
because on this my happiest day
2151
I want you to become Proserpina
2152
as I play the role of Pluto. Fenisa,
2153
what's wrong? Why do you hesitate?
FENISA
2154
Why shouldn't I? What do you mean to say?
2155
Are you joking? Who are you talking to?
LUCINDO
2156
Sweet heart of my soul, isn't it you?
2157
What are you aiming at? Who is here
2158
that needs your help? I want to hear.
2159
Isn't it time right now that we go
2160
as we agreed last night?
FENISA
Oh, so?
2161
Tell me who agreed to what.
2162
Tell me again. Can't you talk?
LUCINDO
2163
Last night, didn't you talk to me?
LUCINDO
Then tell me what we agreed.
FENISA
2165
That you were to marry my mother
2166
since I am the wife of your father.
LUCINDO
2167
Your mother? But that was just a pretext!
FENISA
2168
No longer. There's no such thing as pretend.
2169
There are witnesses to your marriage offer.
LUCINDO
2170
Then you were deceiving me about your mother?
FENISA
2171
You're the one who was practicing deception.
2172
You can't continue your attentions
2173
to me since I'm your father's wife;
2174
my mother is yours. For your whole life!
LUCINDO
2175
How can your mother be my wife?
2176
You must be a devil in disguise.
2177
Don't you remember you first loved me?
2178
You made my father the go-between.
2179
He brought me the news at your behest
2180
and I came to talk on your request.
2181
It was only to achieve our ends
2182
that we talked of marriage and pretense.
2183
What are you saying now about your mother?
FENISA
2184
I am now the wife of your father.
2185
I'm sorry but that is the real truth.
2186
If my mother isn't pleasing to you,
2187
remember, she is more of a lady,
2188
much more honorable in every way,
2189
than your mistress Estefania!
2190
Go look for her and keep on trying.
2191
Stolen fruit is so much sweeter.
2192
But keep your eyes open if you meet her,
2193
her husband is loose and looking for you.
LUCINDO
2194
You sound as if you're jealous, too.
2195
Someone deceived you with that silly name.
2196
Hernando, my servant, was Estefania. A fake!
2197
I took him to the Prado to play that role.
2198
My love, don't refuse any longer to show
2199
you return my love. I swear it's the truth!
2200
If I've seen Estefania or been under her roof,
2201
may heaven strike me dead, the sun never shine,
2202
may day never come, may I be buried alive,
2203
may I lose all hope of gaining your love.
2204
They fooled you. You see what they've done?
2205
Hernando in disguise is the Estefania I know.
FENISA
2206
You're too late. I know you Lucindo.
2207
An hour from now, you'll be my stepfather.
2208
Don't make me lose the respect or honor
2209
I feel I must hold for my mother's spouse.
2210
You'll replace my father here in this house.
LUCINDO
2211
What are you saying?
LUCINDO
2212
Have you lost your mind?
LUCINDO
2213
One of us is out of his head. Dear Lord!
FENISA
2214
That's it. Stamp your foot and roar.
2215
My husband's coming soon.
LUCINDO
Can't you see that I love you?
2219
Can't you see how fickle you are?
2220
Can't you see how I came so far,
2221
how I did as we had agreed?
2222
Can't you see how the woman you used to be
2223
was a real woman, but not for me?
2224
Can't you see how right we men must be
2225
when we say all women are fickle?
2226
Can't you see that I've been faithful,
2227
prepared, and compliant in our agreement?
2228
I hope to God you soon repent,
2229
and then your anguish will be my revenge.
2230
Since, when it comes to my defense
2231
my life is yours, do as you wish.
2232
Enjoy my father, enjoy and relish.
2233
He is my father and, therefore, my better.
2234
How discreet it is for me to render
2235
the woman I love to become my mother.
2236
He's sending me off so I can suffer
2237
for committing the sin of loving you.
2238
I'm off to Portugal where, it's true,
2239
I should regain the freedom I lost.
2240
I loved you, indeed, but look what it cost!
LUCINDO exits.
FENISA
2241
Oh, God! Please stop! But no...but no...
2242
He's the traitor, so let him go.
HERNANDO enters.
HERNANDO
So cold?
2244
On this occasion? Didn't Lucindo
2245
come here like he said, to get you?
2246
Why be that way with me?You two...
FENISA
2247
Right now we aren't getting along very well.
FENISA
He has a married mistress,
2249
and that doesn't suit my fancy.
2250
Who is that Estefania he's been seeing?
HERNANDO
2251
So the plot has come that far?
HERNANDO
I can tell you. In the park,
2253
I was that lady for just one day.
HERNANDO
In disguise, in skirt and veil,
2255
I sat beside a woman in the dark
2256
to make her jealous...Don't repeat this part
2257
since Lucindo can't know I told about her.
2258
He loved her... before he met you I swear.
2259
Since then she's like a dog on his trail;
2260
following, begging, and wagging her tail.
FENISA
2261
I'm only sure that someone's been deceiving me.
HERNANDO
2262
I know there's no one he cares to see
2263
but you, Fenisa. What else can I say?
FENISA
2264
I don't know. Here's my mother. Away
2265
with you.
HERNANDO
I'll get out going this way.
HERNANDO exits. BELISA enters.
BELISA
2266
Finally, Fenisa, I got rid of that man.
BELISA
I don't know if I can,
2268
without laughing, tell you what happened.
FENISA
2269
Tell me, mother, everything he said.
BELISA
2270
He saw you and fell in love.
BELISA
2271
He said he wanted to marry you.
FENISA
2272
He's already married!
BELISA
A plot by those two.
2273
The woman planned it.
BELISA
2274
She probably is. He said they came here
2275
after they had agreed that he'd pretend to be her husband.
2276
There was reason to suspect
2277
a man was after his younger sister,
2278
the very same man who had tricked her.
FENISA
2279
Who were they after?
FENISA
Do tell!
2280
They were jealous of Lucindo?
FENISA
2281
Her jealous feelings were put to rest
2282
by her truth and by my contempt.
2283
(I lost that chance for a life of pleasure
2284
but I'll plan another inventive measure.
2285
I'll marry Lucindo with her blessing today,
2286
right here at home and without delay.)
2287
Pay attention, mother, to what happened here.
2288
After that cunning woman appeared,
2289
running for her life, and jealous of me,
2290
to ruin our hopes for a chance to be happy,
2291
Lucindo came to say it's you he adores.
FENISA
Such things have happened before.
2293
But, he tells me that talking to his father
2294
about you, he felt the Captain was bothered
2295
by your marriage and so he felt a need
2296
for a secret wedding.
BELISA
I thought that might be!
2297
The Captain certainly wouldn't want his son
2298
to marry me. The gossips would say the one
2299
he was after had the youth and the beauty,
2300
and to get you, Lucindo did obnoxious duty.
2301
Well, Lucindo will be my husband and soon.
FENISA
2302
He wants to spend the night with you.
2303
In your room.
BELISA
How do you feel about that?
FENISA
2304
How do I feel? Do what you can!
2305
You will be his wife.
BELISA
It's getting dark.
2306
You work it out.
FENISA
You get ready. (What a lark!)
BELISA
2307
(My good fortune is driving me mad.
2308
You'd be envious of the fun I'll have
2309
if I were t tell you what we'll do.)
2310
I'll go now and ready the room,
2311
put on perfume and get done up right.
FENISA
2312
That's just what you should do. Good night!
BELISA exits.
2313
Now you'll see how I manage my affairs.
2314
With a new deception, I'll end my cares.
The CAPTAIN enters.
FENISA
2316
Yes, I am here, and at your service.
2317
Where's Lucindo? My mother wants to settle
2318
the matter of marriage now.
FENISA
2320
Yours, mine and theirs.
CAPTAIN
2321
Good! Let's not wait another minute; life
2322
isn't getting any longer.
FENISA
2323
You should also know, Captain, I've found
2324
out that it wasn't Lucindo who was coming
2325
to my window at night.
CAPTAIN
2326
What are you saying?
FENISA
2327
Today I found out that it was a certain
2328
friend of his; and so, I would like you to go
2329
find Lucindo and ask him to watch our door
2330
tonight along with Hernando. Last night, at
2331
ten, the friend I was telling you about got
2332
in through the garden and knocked on the door
2333
of my bedroom. I got up, thinking that it
2334
must be my mother coming to talk for a bit.
2335
If I hadn't locked the door, something terrible
2336
could have happened.
CAPTAIN
2337
Have you ever heard of such a thing? By God,
2338
I'll be the one waiting outside tonight.
FENISA
2339
No, my love, because this time I want you to
2340
be inside with me.
FENISA
2342
In my room, but nobody else must know.
FENISA
2344
And I want you to come well prepared. Put
2345
on your best clothes and trim your beard. I
2346
don't like it when you wear it so long. You
2347
look so much younger when it's properly shaped.
CAPTAIN
2348
Anyone with a chance at such glory would,
2349
undoubtedly, come properly prepared in every
2350
way. My beard will be trimmed just as you
2351
wish. Every new husband must watch his
2352
grooming, and I'll soon enough be yours.
FENISA
2353
It's getting late already, so talk to your son.
CAPTAIN
2354
My heaven guard you well.
The CAPTAIN and FENISA exit.
Locale 4:A room in the CAPTAIN's house.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO enter.
LUCINDO
2355
She's changed her mind.
HERNANDO
2356
Don't you believe it.
HERNANDO
2357
In order to hide something good from me
2358
you're using rhetorical colors, I see.
2359
By any chance, did you take her to bed?
2360
You look love-sick.
LUCINDO
I'm really dead
2361
as you can see.
HERNANDO
Are you telling the truth?
LUCINDO
2362
I went to get her and entered her room.
2363
The way she acted I wanted to scream
2364
so I came back down letting off steam.
2365
I dismissed the coach and my friends went home.
HERNANDO
2366
She's really burned up. Her anger has grown.
2367
I call on my eyes as credible witness.
LUCINDO
The woman is savagely jealous.
LUCINDO
2370
Is that still going on? Good Lord!
2371
Don't keep picking on me as you usually do.
LUCINDO
No matter, he's jealous too.
The CAPTAIN enters.
CAPTAIN
2373
You're getting ready to leave?
LUCINDO
Tomorrow
2374
I'm on my way, sir.
CAPTAIN
That's a good one, Lucindo!
2375
Marrying Belisa and taking off so soon?
LUCINDO
2376
That was all a joke, a game for fools.
CAPTAIN
2377
I know your wedding is set for today,
2378
but be that as it may, I want you to stay.
CAPTAIN
Because I found out now
2380
who's bothering Fenisa by hanging around
2381
and I also learned it's a good friend of yours.
LUCINDO
2382
So they tricked you, too!
CAPTAIN
She told me more.
2383
Fenisa explained it was all her mistake.
2384
Last night someone came, climbed over the gate
2385
and through the garden to get to her room.
2386
She went to open the door when he knocked,
2387
and realizing her error, she turned the lock.
LUCINDO
2388
That was an odd mistake to have made!
CAPTAIN
2389
She screamed; he ran. She asked me to say
2390
that you must guard her house tonight.
2391
Will you do it?
LUCINDO
I will, all right.
2392
It's enough for you to give the command.
CAPTAIN
2393
I'm in an awful rush; but you're a man
2394
so arm yourself and God keep you well.
The CAPTAIN enters.
LUCINDO
2395
We're getting married tonight!
LUCINDO
2396
I understood Fenisa's suggestion:
2397
I'm to come to her room through the garden.
HERNANDO
2398
You're right! And she'll be waiting for you.
2399
Jealousy spurred her on to the deed.
2400
Today you'll get just what you need.
LUCINDO
2401
The cure for my troubles has been achieved.
2402
But by what strange, roundabout means!
2403
Let`s go get our arms, you'll come along too,
2404
to stand in the garden and guard the room.
HERNANDO
2405
(Beatriz, up to now, has been under cover.
2406
Exactly where I expect to find her.)
LUCINDO and HERNANDO exit.
Locale 5:The street in front of BELISA's house.
DORISTEO and FINARDO enter.
FINARDO
2407
I'm not sure it was worthwhile finding out
2408
about your sister, because I see it turned
2409
out badly when you fell in love with Fenisa.
DORISTEO
2410
Gerarda planned that plot very well. I went
2411
in after her, pretending to be her husband;
2412
but as soon as I saw Fenisa, I was blinded,
2413
I was set on fire as if by lightning. I went
2414
off to the other room with her mother and, to
2415
tell you the truth, I told her what was going
2416
on. Then I asked for Fenisa's hand in marriage.
FINARDO
2417
These are their windows, so speak softly now.
DORISTEO
2418
Oh, divine, fortunate lodging of that tenth
2419
muse of Parnassus, the most beautiful woman,
2420
the most brilliant Phoenix that Apollo ever
2421
saw flying in swiftest flight.
FINARDO
2422
What's that? Are you still thinking of marriage?
FINARDO
2424
Are they from a good family?
DORISTEO
2425
So virtuous that the younger one is better
2426
than any woman around here and, Finardo, the
2427
mother is a real saint.
DORISTEO
2429
Be that as it may, a dowry in virtue is better
2430
than most. Their virtue and their carefully
2431
guarded reputation is truly the only dowry I want.
The CAPTAIN enters, trimmed and well-dressed, with FULMINATO.
CAPTAIN
2432
You can go home now.
DORISTEO
2433
They don't want to be seen.
FINARDO
They're stopping.
2434
I didn't see them get any closer.
FULMINATO
2435
Shall I wait here, or call the others?
CAPTAIN
2436
No, my guards are over there in the shadows.
2437
I'm going in now, so you can go home.
The CAPTAIN exits.
FULMINATO
I'll see.
2439
I'll go over to talk.
FINARDO
Who's he?
2440
The first one went in!
FINARDO
2441
Such virtue! A real saint!
FULMINATO
I thought I knew you, you see.
FULMINATO exits.
DORISTEO
2444
Now I'm getting angry. Good Lord!
FINARDO
2445
Great dowry! Virtue is its own reward!
DORISTEO
2446
I really hope God will even the score.
LUCINDO and HERNANDO enter.
LUCINDO
2448
Feet, help me to carry out my intention.
FINARDO
They're already climbing.
DORISTEO
Damnation!
2450
What kind of house is this anyway?
FINARDO
2451
I don't really know. A fort you might say
2452
since it seems that now it's about to fall
2453
to enemies who've gone over the wall.
DORISTEO
2454
They both went over!
DORISTEO
2455
There must be hordes of women inside.
FINARDO
2456
More men are coming now; but then,
2457
the house must not be glutted yet.
GERARDA enters dressed as a man.
GERARDA
2458
(I've come to see if my enemy is set
2459
to hang around here. I've come dressed
2460
as a man, with love as my only witness.
2461
I don't believe that I'm in error;
2462
that must be he and Hernando over there
2463
on the corner. I've arrived in time!)
2464
Is that you, you monster, you unkind...
GERARDA
You fool!
2467
I'm no longer yours. I love Doristeo.
GERARDA
I didn't know.
2469
Why are you here?
FINARDO
You want the same thing, you two.
2471
You came looking for Lucindo probably,
2472
and you wanted to see Fenisa.
DORISTEO
Today we've been acting as spies.
2474
But see what happened in front of our eyes:
2475
they've got three men in there.
FINARDO
2476
They could be expecting five or ten.
GERARDA
2477
(That Fenisa is an honorable woman,
2478
but what she's done is only human.)
2479
Let's call them out. She's gone too far.
2480
Let's find out just who they are.
FINARDO
2481
A fire! We'll yell their house is on fire.
DORISTEO
2482
And not without reason.
Voices from offstage.
BELISA
A fire in the house?
2484
Somebody, help!
BELISA
Right now!
2485
Fenisa, get up! Somebody, help!
2486
Fenisa, hurry!
DORISTEO
2487
The house is on fire!
The CAPTAIN, BELISA, LUCINDO, FENISA, HERNANDO and BEATRIZ enter.
CAPTAIN
2488
There's a fire in the house?
LUCINDO
2489
A fire in the house?
HERNANDO
2490
Tell me, sir, where's the fire?
GERARDA
2491
Look around. Do you need to inquire?
2492
Obviously among you, but none can see
2493
since love is blind. Will you tell me
2494
why these two men are in the house
2495
of such an honorable woman?
DORISTEO
Now,
2496
only two? There are three!
BELISA
2498
But I thought that you...
CAPTAIN
I've been made
2499
husband to a woman not to my taste.
BELISA
2500
Fenisa, what is all this you've done?
FENISA
2501
I've married Lucindo.
BELISA
How did you come
2502
to fool me that way? Tell me, don't stall.
2503
But then your smile is telling me all.
CAPTAIN
2504
Tell me, Lucindo, can this be true?
2505
Do good children now turn parents into fools?
LUCINDO
2506
I adore Fenisa, and she loves me.
2507
What she said to you, as strange as it seems,
2508
was a ruse she invented to arrange our marriage.
2509
All those present here can manage,
2510
though they be enemies, to judge our case.
2511
Isn't it better he marry, at his age,
2512
this honorable lady, the mother of my wife?
2513
She's his equal in quality and in life.
2514
That we marry, too —souls and bodies entwined?
2515
Forgive me Gerarda and now, speak your mind.
GERARDA
2516
Although I was jealous when I got here, Lucindo,
2517
together with Doristeo and Finardo,
2518
who came with me as judges to your trial,
2519
you're right, your father is properly styled
2520
for Belisa, I hope that you and your lady
2521
enjoy many happy years. Amen.
DORISTEO
And I say:
2522
A well-delivered sentence and I confirm it.
CAPTAIN
2524
You can give me your hand, too.
BELISA
2525
It's an honor. Of course I do.
HERNANDO
2526
("One saddle's as good as any other
2527
for a horse of his age and condition".)
GERARDA
2528
And you two can come to my house.
DORISTEO
2529
We'll take you there.
CAPTAIN
Hernando, right now,
2530
warn them at my house we'll eat over there.
HERNANDO
2531
Congratulations to you all!(But later beware!)
LUCINDO
2532
I beg you believe, if this farce seems too sweet,
2533
Fenisa's the one IN LOVE BUT DISCREET.
END OF ACT THREE
