Original subtitles

My dear, have no doubts.

Put on a semblance of calm.

Soon the distress that perturbs your heart

will be at an end.

My dear,

my dear, you give me hope.

I'll put on a happier face.

But your secret bride

will be hiding her grief.

Do you perhaps regret it?

Oh, no, my husband, my life.

Then why don't you show your former happiness?

Because I fear still more

what lies ahead.

If you love me, oh, hasten and reveal our secret.

Yes, beloved wife, I want to set your mind at rest.

If love is enjoyed in peace there's no greater happiness.

But there's no torment so great if it always has to go in fear.

No, we mustn't deceive ourselves:

our marriage cannot remain secret for long.

And if it's revealed before

what must be revealed,

what a disturbance in the house, what gossip outside it, O beloved husband!

And no transport of love will excuse it.

What you say is true, it's very clear.

But listen:

today fortune offers me a suitable occasion

to reveal the secret with less cause for fear.

Oh, tell me, quickly! You bring my heart comfort!

I've finally succeeded in satisfying

the ambition of Signor Geronimo,

who's always shown himself fanatical to link his family with someone of title.

Your elder sister, with her dowry of a hundred thousand scudi,

is to be the bride of my protector, Count Robinson.

Then, having furthered the interests of both sides, I hope thus

to have put them under obligation to me.

Yes, good, very good.

The Count will be the pledge for disclosing our secret to my father.

- But when is he coming? - He's not far away.

I'm expecting him today, even at any minute.

Here's his letter, which I have to present to Signor Geronimo.

Hi there, Raffaele!

But I think I hear his voice now. He has awoken.

That's right, he has. Then I'll hope very soon to be reassured.

I'll leave you, because it would be unwise for us to be found together.

Ah, you know I live in torment if I'm not near you!

Yes, go. lt would be imprudent to let ourselves be found alone together.

Ah, you know you steal my heart from me when you go far away.

No, he's not coming.

Yes, yes, now he is.

Embrace me once more.

No, he's not coming.

Ah, we shall find pity unless heaven is cruel.

Hi, Raffaele! What terrible service!

Here he comes.

But now I'll have to get used to speaking up loudly

so as to make myself fully understood.

He very often suffers from deafness,

but he insists he can hear even when he can't.

Don't get it wrong, you ignorant fellows.

What do you mean, plain "Signor Geronimo"?

In Italy, merchants with ready money are given the title "Your honor".

I'm "Your honor". And that's right and proper.

Oh! My dear Paolino!

Here's a letter from Count Robinson,

sent express and enclosed in one to me, which has just come.

Yes, I've just come.

And that letter -who's it from? Who sent it?

Count Robinson.

Count Robinson: yes, yes, I understand.

I'll read it with pleasure.

Aha... it starts well.

Oho... it goes on even better.

Hey hey! My heart leaps for joy within me!

Aha, oho, hey hey! Is that how he's read it?

Come here, Paolino.

Come and let me embrace you. This happy outcome is due to you.

I'll be obliged to you as long as I live.

Soon my son-in-law the Count will be here to sign the marriage contract.

Elisetta is a countess - it's all arranged.

So go and be in readiness for the Count's arrival.

And prepare everything you think appropriate

to receive him fittingly.

Now let there be no more delay in giving such joyful news to the family.

Elisetta! Fidalma! Carolina!

My daughters, my sister, friends and servants,

everyone in the house, come out here.

-Yes, father? - Sir? - Dear brother?

-What's the matter? -What is it? -What's happened?

Listen, everyone, listen! Open your ears

and jump for joy.

A noble marriage has been arranged for her.

This very day she'll become "my lady the Countess".

Come, my dear, kiss your papa's hand.

Let money flow

and the feast be prepared:

let everyone rejoice at my good fortune.

Sister, what do you say?

And Elisetta, what say you?

Why do you stand there

with your lips tightly pursed?

What say you?

Come, come, your father has thought about you, too.

Another man of title shall make you his bride.

You stand with eyes cast down and still don't say a word?

How foolish! Oh, how foolish! You really make me cross.

You make it clear there is envy in your heart.

A noble marriage has been arranged for today.

Let everyone rejoice at my good fortune.

This very day she'll become "my lady the Countess".

Madam, my little sister,

will perhaps allow me to remind her

that I'm the elder, she the younger,

and therefore this envy she shows is most unbecoming,

and that on this occasion she'd do better to seek my favour.

Indeed! In truth I wouldn't know what to do with your favour,

remarkable though it may be.

Do you hear that insolent creature?

I'm a countess and you're a nobody.

There we go again! It's always the same between one sister and the other:

with one putting on airs, the other too pert.

We don't have a single day in peace.

What airs do I have? Tell me.

What pertness of mine do you condemn?

Am I not right?

-Yes, she must pay you respect. -Am I wrong then?

- No; she shouldn't stir you up. -What? Do I really stir her up?

What? Do I rail at her?

No, not at all. No, don't make such an uproar.

I don't envy her.

I don't mind her rising in the world.

I only regret that this event

has given her too good an opinion of herself.

Turning her back on me like that is another impertinence.

Pray forgive me if I've been lacking in respect towards Your Excellency.

I drop you a curtsey, gracious Countess.

It's clear you were born to be a lady;

yet you make me laugh nonetheless.

Scream till you burst: I'm a lady and a countess.

Mock if you wish, mock at yourself.

Yet nonetheless

you've no manners.

This haughtiness, my dear, is a little excessive.

And you, my dear, are rather insolent.

Fie! For shame! Let's have done with it.

I'm not her servant.

I'm older than you.

We're both daughters of the same father.

- Bad-tempered! - Stuck-up!

No more of this: be quiet now.

I drop you a curtsey, gracious Countess.

I can't abide her rudeness.

This squabbling between you is most unseemly.

Calm yourself and forgive her.

Soon you'll be going to a husband and she'll be staying here,

and so will trouble you no longer.

Meanwhile I'm very pleased about your marriage, and soon you...

But hush, I'll let you into a secret.

You can be pleased at my marriage, too.

Yours?

Yes, my own mistress,

rich through my first husband's will and still young,

I don't think you'd call me a fool if I wanted to marry again.

No, my dear aunt.

On the contrary, you're doing very well and I praise you for it.

May I know to whom?

No, it's too soon.

I haven't yet spoken to the man of my choice.

Tell me this at least: is he young?

Yes, indeed, he's young.

-And handsome? - He's the very picture of Cupid.

And nobly born?

I don't want to say any more.

And rich? Do answer that!

You're too inquisitive, my dear.

If she probes just a little more

I'll let out that it's Paolino.

It's true that in this house I'm the mistress,

that my brother loves me and all respect me;

it's true that I enjoy my liberty.

But with a husband it's better by far.

It's true that it creates a certain disturbance;

women don't always find themselves happy:

they have to suffer something, they know.

But with a husband it's better by far.

My dear child, you

who are about to try it

will very soon know

if I'm telling you the truth.

And then you'll say - I'm already certain of it -

that with a husband it's better by far.

Before the Count arrives I want to raise your spirits.

I want congratulations today from every side on my good fortune.

Listen... But first laugh, and laugh loudly!

If I were to laugh I'd only be doing so under duress and without pleasure.

But you'll in fact be pleased, for you, too, are to be the wife of a Cavaliere.

So laugh, girl, laugh!

Oh, woe is me!

Disaster is at hand unless Paolino hurries.

Sir, the Count is here.

The Count?

Oh, quickly, quickly... Let's postpone this discussion.

Let's go downstairs to meet him.

Here he is: he's beaten us to it.

Without standing on ceremony

I'll simply come in.

My respects to one and all.

Do not disturb yourselves, I beg of you.

I'm not accustomed to paying compliments,

but I must just embrace my father-in-law.

Your humble servant, ma'am.

I'm not unmindful of my duty,

I kiss your fair hand.

I come to you, yes, I come to you

who have such beautiful eyes.

Paolino, my friend, here grace and spirit rule alone.

Esteemed father! Honoured daughters! You are marvels, prodigies!

You are delights. But forgive me...

Let me at least take breath,

or my lungs will burst.

Yes, do take breath,

then you can continue.

Truly, it seems to me like the beating of a drum.

I'm listening and can hear him, but I can't make him out.

Without standing on ceremony!

Do take breath, then you can continue.

Esteemed father! Honoured daughters! You are marvels, prodigies!

You must surely be tired, I think, Count and beloved son-in-law.

No, I'm not tired. I'm fresh and strong, and running about doesn't hurt me.

Do sit down!

You'll need to raise your voice a bit.

With your permission I'll approach the bride

to pay her a suitable compliment.

Oh, feel free to do so!

For this, dear Count, is your right.

I know that at such meetings fathers become superfluous,

and so I'll go off with Paolino

and draw up the contract.

The bride's sister and aunt will stay as chaperones.

Then allow me, my dear little bride...

Oh, no, sir, you're mistaken! I'm not the one.

It's my sister who's so honored.

- Mistaken? - Emphatically.

You should turn that way.

- This way, this way. - Forgive me, madam.

- So you... - No, sir, you're mistaken again.

Mistaken again?

Yes, indeed.

But I suspect he's doing it to tease.

I'm the one whom heaven has selected for you.

I'm the one who deserves the honor of taking your hand

- and giving you my heart. - Damnation!

You're the bride?

Yes, sir, I am she, and perhaps you think I...

No... but... Excuse me...

It's definitely you?

- Definitely. - Quite certainly. - No doubt about it.

My heart has deceived me,

and I'm left sad

and disconsolate.

In my breast I feel an icy chill,

which is seeking out my heart.

Only the other sister, O gracious heaven,

can inspire in me a sweet passion.

I find it hard to understand

what this surprise of his can mean.

In my breast I feel a deadly poison,

which is about to consume me.

He's been struck deadly cold.

She stands perplexed.

Her pride will thus be punished a little.

Everyone here is silenced,

and I well know what that means.

A raging tempest

seems about to burst upon us.

In my breast there's a turbulence,

which makes my heart flutter.

I can no longer see the clear sky;

I no longer know what will happen.

Ah, my Paolino.

My darling bride.

To be alone with you I couldn't wait.

You must know that any delay would now be rash:

my father wants to marry me to a Cavaliere.

This was all that was lacking to make him more hostile to the situation!

I'll go at once to the Count to ask his help.

But what if the Count disdains to get involved?

I'm not at all worried about him.

But if everything goes wrong, my dear, I'll throw myself at your aunt's feet.

She knows what love is and has her brother's heart.

However you do it, you mustn't put it off.

There's the Count. Seize the moment, take courage.

I'll withdraw meanwhile, terribly agitated.

May you have the help of Love, who's been the cause of all this.

My friend, I've been looking for you. I have great need of you.

And I of you.

You know I've already arranged to summon you home in a few months,

and give you the capital to become a good merchant.

Well, sir, it's up to you to hurry it up.

Well, listen.

I don't fancy the bride, and I won't have her.

What's that you're saying?

I tell you flatly I don't want her.

And how on earth can you disentangle yourself today?

Perfectly simply.

Instead of marrying the elder sister, I'll marry the younger.

Instead of her dowry of a hundred thousand, I'll be content with only fifty thousand.

There, everything's arranged in a moment.

The other is the one who pleases me, with whom I've fallen in love.

So be a good fellow:

make haste, go and put this to her father.

Break it off, fix it up and then let me know.

Woe is me!

What's the matter?

Nothing, sir.

Go on then, go and get it done quickly.

Alas! What a misfortune this is!

Sir!

Pray allow me...

I wouldn't wish to offend you...

But think, reflect...

How upset she'd be...

Sir, pray, think.

What are you talking about?

What's troubling you?

Don't stand there discussing it any further.

Courtesy, honor...

The shock to everyone...

Think...

Oh, I'm all confused!

I don't know what to say.

What are you talking about?

What's troubling you?

Don't stand there discussing it any further, I beg of you.

The charming younger sister stirs me, excites me.

I can't resist her, I feel myself on fire.

That fire which inflames you may perhaps hurt someone else.

The fire which inflames me is out of my control.

Ah, I feel my own heart

languishing in my breast.

I wouldn't marry the elder even if I thought I was dying.

Paolino is late with the answer,

and I await it with anxiety.

Oh, Carolina!

Fortune is kind to me,

for, away from the presence of others, I can speak to you in confidence.

Oh, that's exactly what I've been wanting, too.

You wanted it, too?

That's a comfort.

Really, Paolino, he should have told you.

But finding a good opportunity now,

what he would tell you I'll tell you myself.

Go on, go on, speak.

And may heaven grant your words

may give my heart a ray of hope.

This lady already loves me, too. Come on, courage.

I came here to marry Elisetta,

but what's the good of my having come when for her I feel only distaste,

and when, with your first glance,

you made me your conquest?

I? What are you saying?

Yes, you! What did you think?

Is this all you have to say to me?

Yes, that is it.

And at the very moment when you're due to fulfill a sacred pledge

you're wanting in good faith?

I readily forgive one overwhelmed by love

but not one lacking in personal honor.

Honour can be restored by marrying you instead of her.

I couldn't agree to that.

Forgive me, sir,

if I take my leave of you.

I feel no urge

to become an "Excellency".

Such an honor is reserved

for those of special distinction,

for those who know how to comport themselves in company

with dignify and gravity.

I, poor girl, act simply.

I slouch along,

I'm short of stature, I'm not self-possessed;

I've no conversation, I'm not well informed,

I would really not do justice to your noble standing.

If I'm spoken to in French, what would you have me answer?

I can say only "monsieur".

If someone speaks to me in English I'll be confused, for sure.

All I understand is "how do you do".

Then if some German comes along

he'll be in a fix, for I don't understand a word.

In fact, I'm just a good-natured

young girl, and nothing more.

I'm still astonished.

Was she mistaken?

Am I mistaken?

But I want to follow her,

I want to know from her,

so that I can attend to my affairs better.

You tell me you're dissatisfied

with the arrangement with the Count?

He's a very absent-minded man. I know him and know this is so.

But I didn't receive even a single gracious look.

Indeed, to a bride there could be no worse manners.

You believe that noblemen behave like common people.

You believe that husbands behave like gallants.

No, ladies.

So many things,

said flirtatiously,

that's not the way of it, indeed no.

Sir, would you please look at the arrangements:

everything has been prepared with great splendour and style.

Let's go at once and see

the great table and the desserts,

which will do you honor.

Leave me, sir, and do not importune me.

I beg you only to tell me if your heart is free.

I can assure you I do not have a lover.

Then you can relieve my ardent longing.

Leave me, I beg you.

Oh, let me go!

I won't let you leave this room, my beauty,

if you don't grant my heart a ray of hope.

- Come back to your senses. - I already love you to the limit.

Think of my sister.

If I marry you instead of her

I shall not be failing in my honor.

No, faithless betrayer.

No, base villain.

No, brazen hussy, this shall never be.

I will set the house and the town whispering

about this betrayal you've brought on me.

What's all this noise?

What's this noise?

This faithless man is making love to her.

And I...

He's making love to her, and I caught them right here.

Ah! How deceitful! I can't believe my ears.

I want to find out how matters stand.

Oh! Calm her down, for she doesn't know the truth.

- I've committed no crime. -What black infidelity!

Hush, silence! My brother's coming.

It would be better to use your brain.

The matter is too delicate in itself.

I thought I heard a noise, a din!

What are you doing?

Has everyone here been struck dumb?

Be so good as to tell me what the devil's going on.

My dear wife seems to be trembling

from head to foot: oh, poor me!

What an awkward silence!

- This won't do. - It's most suspicious.

- Someone should speak. - Something is afoot.

- Someone must speak. - I must know what.

Now then, I must know what it was.

What's happened?

The whole thing has arisen from a misunderstanding.

She got it wrong,

and the Count started it all.

The Count started it all!

That's totally untrue, the facts are different:

talk to my aunt, then I'll speak, too.

Then I'll speak, too!

You must know, brother, that there's a mix-up here.

But I'd rather say nothing for the moment, for I don't yet fully understand it.

I don't yet fully understand it!

I certainly don't understand it.

You must know, saving her presence,

that the bride doesn't appeal to me.

Her younger sister

seems more beautiful to me.

But later on, at our convenience,

I'll tell you all.

All of you go to the devil!

All this jabbering, it's a babel!

All this jabbering, it's a babel! Who can understand it?

You're making my head reel.

Don't weary your ears.

- My head is splitting. -What a confusion this is!

Don't weary your ears. Don't trouble yourself:

from me you'll learn what the truth really is.

Be quiet, do,

and get out of here.

This really is very strange.

They seem to be at one in mumbling their words so that I shan't understand.

But I'm set on uncovering this affair.

Come in, do.

Will you, dear Count, now please tell me what this is all about?

I've come forth at reason; I'll tell you everything, without holding anything back.

No, no one's coming back.

Without holding anything back, I said.

I needn't go into detail but will speak frankly.

Let me say straightaway, to put it bluntly,

that I no longer intend to marry Elisetta.

You no longer want my daughter?

She for whom the contract was drawn up?

You no longer want her?

You're crazy.

You emphatically shall want her and shall marry her, yes indeed, sir.

Geronimo's not to be treated like that.

And Geronimo's not a man who can be taken in by such a booby.

And Geronimo says, and repeats to you,

that you shall want her and shall marry her.

And to Signor Geronimo I say and repeat

that I won't marry her.

But I beg him to be satisfied

that we should reach a compromise.

And I in turn tell you, to put it briefly,

that there's no question of a compromise.

If you have breath in your body,

then yes, you shall marry her.

I'm not an infant, I'd have you know.

If you'll hear me for a moment

your passion will be calmed.

But if you persist I'll be persistent, too.

You'll marry her, my friend.

I won't marry her.

Yes, yes, I say.

I tell you, no.

With this raving madman

I won't waste my breath.

Just look at this roguery!

Who would have imagined it?

This is the action of a scoundrel,

and he shall not break his word.

Just look at this irascible old man!

How he flares up, how impetuously!

He won't listen to what I want to say

and won't discuss an adjustment.

Let's see if he has thought it over.

Let's see if he has calmed down.

Well, sir, will you marry her?

Well, sir, will you listen to me?

-What I have to say -Well, say

- may calm you. -what you have to say.

What I have to say may calm you.

If instead of Elisetta you give me your younger daughter,

I'll give you back fifty thousand scudi.

And this, if I understand you,

is the compromise you wanted to make?

Allow me, my dear sir, allow me to think it over.

Certainly I'll let you think it over.

Here's a saving of precious money, and this way honor is preserved, too.

This exchange just proposed, yes, sir, will work out well.

My old friend is turning it over and thinking of the saving.

The bribe tempts his greed, and he won't let it slip.

I've considered it, I've considered it.

Let's hear, let's hear.

Yes, we'll make the exchange,

but on condition that Elisetta, too, will agree.

If that's the case, I'm off at once

to make her hate me.

Having reached agreement, let us resume our even temper.

Let us heartily embrace and wish each other happiness.

So the matter has now burst open by itself. I'm ruined!

I'll be turned out with my wife, and in despair.

But no. One hope for me remains:

Fidalma's kind heart.

I'll go to her at once, though I'm all a-tremble.

But here comes Fidalma.

Now's the moment!

Here he is, alone.

She seems to be mulling over some troublesome thought.

Come now, courage!

Time is passing, and I'll approach her.

- If I may... -Adieu, dear Paolino.

Have you only just seen me?

I saw you thoughtful, and didn't think I should disturb you.

You aren't disturbing me.

If I don't deceive myself, though, you were thoughtful, too.

That's quite true.

- Paolino? - Madam?

May our thoughts perhaps be due to the same cause?

- That's impossible. -Weren't you thinking of me?

I can't deny it.

And I was thinking of you.

Come, don't be bashful.

You can speak to me in complete confidence.

Ah, madam...

You'll find me sympathetic and not cruel.

Your kindness outstrips my deserts and gives me comfort.

But your brother...

My brother will have to give his consent to what I want.

And won't he make a fuss?

What fuss? He must show himself content even if he isn't.

Oh, what a comfort! Then...

When?

Immediately.

Right, without delay.

Well, this moment I give you my promise

that you shall be my husband...

Husband?

Yes, my dear.

I?

Yes, my love, rejoice.

But you change colour? What's the matter?

What new complication is this?

Alas!

I feel ill.

I can scarcely breathe!

It is nothing, dearest husband; this is the effect of joy.

Have pity,

for I feel I am fainting.

It's the effect of happiness.

It'll pass, don't be afraid.

My dear Paolino!

But he has indeed fainted; we must bring him aid.

Is anyone there?

See what love and happiness have done!

But what’s the matter? Whatever's happened?

But, oh, my God! What has happened?

The poor young man, in love with me,

you see has swooned for joy.

I'll go and fetch a certain cure.

Don't go away: you stay here.

For me, I don't know what to think or say.

Merciful heaven! What anxiety,

what suspicion batters at me!

Get up, shake yourself, speak! I feel in torment.

Carolina!

Please go away!

You've fallen in love with my aunt and are trying to deceive me.

Hush, hush: at the moment here I can't explain.

This was all I lacked to make my head reel more.

Here I am, back already.

But I find you already on your feet.

For the joy I feel at this I give you my hand to kiss.

I would not presume to be so bold.

Gently, madam, gently.

Kiss it, Paolino, kiss it.

This is nothing to do with you.

I can show such intimacy to the man I'm going to marry

in anybody's presence.

It doesn't seem proper to show such intimacy.

Go on, then follow her.

No, stay here.

Tell me, you wretch, just tell me

how many women you're thinking of marrying?

Now I understand why you haven't thought

of revealing the secret knot that binds us.

Why seduce an honest girl

totally without experience and shrewdness

to make her then die of bitterness?

Listen to me, have pity.

What do you want me to listen to?

I understand at this moment the weight of my fault.

Hear me:

I'm going to run to my father's feet and reveal what I've done.

I'll accept whatever punishment follows.

To you, seducer, wicked, forsworn,

whatever may happen, I don't care.

- Stop, stop, I beg you. - Shame on you, leave me alone.

- Listen, I say. - I want to go...

I think I'm dying!

Calm yourself a little.

Then you'll be free and be able to marry her.

Oh, no, you're deceived, you won't hear reason.

What could you tell me?

Tell you that your aunt just now revealed her love for me.

And I was so surprised I lost my senses.

Now go and proclaim me a seducer.

Ruin me.

But didn't she herself say you loved her?

Fidalma misunderstood.

You must know, dear wife,

that I can find no further manoeuvre against discovery to save appearances,

that nothing remains for us but to fly.

Before dawn breaks in the sky,

very quietly and stealthily

so that no one will hear us,

we'll go downstairs.

Very softly we'll go out by the garden gate.

A carriage will be waiting in readiness for us.

Once we're safe inside, the coachman, to avoid any interception,

will drive his horses at a gallop without respite.

We'll go, dear wife,

to an old relative of mine,

a good and very kindly lady, and we can be at peace there.

Then we can calmly consider what will have to be done.

Dear wife, do be cheerful, for Love will aid us.

Before dawn breaks in the sky, dear wife, listen well,

very softly we'll go out by the garden gate.

Very quietly and stealthily

so that no one will hear us,

we'll go downstairs.

A carriage will be waiting in readiness for us.

Nothing has been arranged.

Everyone stays silent

while I swallow this bitter wormwood.

I've found her here at last. I want to see if I can make her reject me.

Your servant, your most humble servant.

Have you come as a husband or as one who breaks his word?

I come as whatever you want.

First of all, you must believe that I'm the most sincere and straightforward of men,

that I wear my heart on my sleeve,

and that about myself I tell both the good and the bad.

Let's see a proof of that. For example,

what about making love to my sister when you had given your promise to me -

do you call that bad

or good?

Bad. Very, very bad,

and I confess it.

In certain situations I'm of a nature that is prone to slip.

Since you acknowledge it, it's easy for you to correct yourself.

Oh! I think it's impossible.

You would appeal me if I fully believed you.

Enough, believe only what you want to.

I treat you as a man of honor.

And in very clear terms I warn you

that I have great defects.

I'm eccentric, irascible,

I'm subject to migraines

and often suffer from certain crazes

that send me delirious.

I'm a chronic somnambulist, walking in my sleep.

Then, if I'm in bed, I dream of kicking and fighting.

Is that all?

They're mere trifles,

and roll off my back.

I can look after myself.

Wait, wait: that's not all.

I take great delight in love affairs.

I'm crazy for women.

What do you think of that?

It's a very bad vice,

but you'll be able to abandon it one day.

But wait, madam.

I still haven't told you all.

I'm a wicked gambler, glutton, drinker.

I frequently get drunk and become quite incapable:

I fall down or stagger about,

I'm wilder than a horse

and abuse everyone.

- This is too ugly a vice. - That's not all.

I fall down or stagger about,

I'm wilder than a horse

and abuse everyone.

I don't believe a word of it.

You're saying this for a joke.

Though you don't believe it,

I say this and swear to it:

that you don't appeal to me at all,

that I don't love you, don't care for you,

and can't abide you.

My dear Elisetta, I find you very upset!

If we can't quickly get Carolina out of the Count's sight,

there'll be a disaster.

But if you think she's fallen for the Count,

I'll tell you, I think she's in love with Paolino.

- I'm not bothered about that. - But I am bothered.

I don't think I can keep quiet about it any longer.

So let's see to it she has to go into seclusion.

So she doesn't bother us.

Excellent.

Well? Have you agreed to give up this marriage?

It will never be the case that I give it up

in order that my sister should marry the Count.

An exchange can be made that is very much to our advantage.

You see, your aunt is of my opinion.

Indeed I'm not.

The cause of this upset must be removed.

Carolina is fanning the Count's passion;

so we must get rid of her, send her to a convent.

And once the gossip has finally died down,

then, yes, then she'll come out again.

Did you understand that properly?

Yes, yes, go on.

And if you don't do this, my dignify requires

that I no longer stay in this house.

You will restore my capital to me,

and so every issue will be dealt with.

In a convent? Why?

And if my interests require that I should let the Count marry her?

No.

Gently now.

Is my sister so indignant about it

that she'll withdraw her capital from my shop?

That is such a blow that today if I can stand it I don't know.

Then she shall go into a convent.

Ah, sir! Behold your daughter at your feet...

What's the matter? What is it? What's happened?

- Get up, and speak standing up. -Ah, no, sir.

Get up, and obey your father.

But I can anticipate what you want to say to me.

Your sister and your aunt have already told you

that you're to enter a convent tomorrow morning.

I'm to enter a convent? Oh, sir...

You must obey my wishes.

A convent for me is quite untimely.

Only a couple of months you'll stay there, no longer.

- Oh, Father! - Now come, you're making me cross,

madam minx.

You shall enter the convent tomorrow morning.

How can I keep silent if I'm forced to enter a convent?

Wretched me, in what a conflict of thoughts I find myself!

I'm bewildered.

O heaven, show me, I beg, the best counsel;

bring to my heart some hope.

But my heart - O God! - replies:

Unhappy Carolina,

cruel heaven feels no pity for you.

Ah! In despair

I'll die of distress.

Where, where, my darling, in such distress?

Alas! Speak! What is it? What are you asking?

I'm yours with my heart, my blood, with my life itself.

Nothing in the world matters to me more now than you.

Ah, if only I could speak!

What holds you back?

This calamity can only be

that of revealing I have a rival.

But listen, my dear: I'm a man of the world.

If he came before me, I pardon you,

and for my late arrival I'll blame my unkind fate.

Yes, I love you;

and this love, if you wish it,

would be capable of every noblest action.

Swear that to me, Count.

I swear it on my honor

on this fair hand, which I'll kiss.

Now let us hear your secret.

-We've caught you! - Caught you in the act!

Do you see the hussy?

Do you see the minx? She entices all the men,

and lets her hand be kissed by anyone who declares his love for her.

Now, no doubt is left me.

- But sir... - Be quiet!

- But you don't know... - Be quiet.

Tomorrow into the convent with you!

And you, sir, either tomorrow you marry the girl to whom you are promised,

or we'll see if I can't settle accounts for your insult.

- But if... - I won't listen to you.

- But I... - Into a convent with you!

Ah, I'm going mad! This is a nightmare!

Ah, let me breathe,

unhappy, wretched creature that I am.

I my sister's rival?

No, heaven knows I'm not.

For pity’s sake, I beg you

for three days' grace before I go.

Something will reveal

my innocence to you.

No, the convent has been decided on.

No, the convent has been decided on.

No, the convent it shall be.

I'll fly into a fury...

- Even if the world should fall -Ah, I'm lost, I'm bewildered,

...if I stay here a moment longer.

-You must go, and go you shall. - I'm losing my mind.

- I beg you for three days' grace. - No, no!

For pity's sake.

No, madam!

But you're like raging dogs

without love or charity.

Come here, Paolino.

Send this letter by express

to the Mother Superior of the convent which you see written here.

- Eh? What did you say? - I said nothing, sir.

Good. Do it. I'll withdraw now.

Go then.

I'm wearied today by so many bothers.

And to decide now on an immediate escape

will my bride perhaps still delay?

No, she'll decide.

To hurry her on, I'll go into her room.

There's no more time, no more hope.

Carolina's words have pierced my bosom.

Ah, could I but know the secret of her heart!

For so charming a girl I don't know what I wouldn't do.

And I would dearly like to save her

from this family discord.

I thought he'd retired, and now I find him wandering about here.

A wild suspicion springs up in my breast.

I'd go and find her if I thought it would do any good.

My lord...

Your humble servant, my lord.

What does it mean that I find you here?

It means that I'm walking about.

It's not right that you should be alone.

I thank you, madam.

Please go, and I'll be on my way.

It's time now to rest.

Goodnight, your lordship.

Sleep well, dear lady.

I must remain suspicious until morning dawns.

I'll not rouse the suspicions of this cunning serpent.

Oh, take comfort, my love.

Follow me very softly.

Just give me your hand,

for my feet are faltering.

Ah, what a moment of anxiety and fear this is!

Hush...

Hush, I thought I heard...

Hush...

I heard a door open.

Someone might be coming.

Let's put off going for a moment.

I'm sure I heard voices talking furtively hereabouts.

Then I heard a door shut extremely quietly.

I was suspicious... Now I'll discover...

I can hear very soft voices.

The Count is in there for sure.

I'll put them to shame.

Come out, come out, come here quickly!

Who's knocking?

Who's calling?

It is I, Elisetta.

Open the door and come out, sir.

Who's knocking so loudly?

Who's making such a noise?

Come out here.

- It's a matter of honor. -What's happened?

What is it now?

I'm all a-tremble.

I'm baffled.

The Count's shut in there with my sister.

We must foil that betrayer.

Count, you treacherous, ill-born!

Count, you base scoundrel, we call on you to come out,

for you've been discovered.

What's wanted here of the Count?

What were those insulting words?

Here's the Count, here he stands.

What a mistake, what a blunder!

How has this happened?

Forgive us, your lordship.

There's been an error here.

You must be drunk.

Not I, certainly. It was her doing.

No, sir, I swear to you:

someone else will turn out to be you.

She's dreaming on her feet.

But we must confound Carolina,

and her blushes will give her away.

Carolina, come out, come out.

She, too, must show herself.

What do I see? I'm stunned!

Here's something else new.

Ah, sir! At your feet we come to beg for mercy.

What's the meaning of this?

What does this mean?

We implore you to forgive us,

for, having fallen in love,

we were married two months ago.

Married!

Yes, sir.

Ah, you wretches! What infamy!

Get out, you scoundrels. I feel no pity.

I'm no longer your father but your foe.

I cast you out, I curse you. Go far away from me, without a roof over your heads.

Pray calm yourself! Pray be appeased!

What's done can't be undone.

Listen to a man of the world!

This shouting has no effect,

but instead prudence recommends that everything should be settled.

My love for Carolina disposes me in her favour.

Pardon them from your heart, for I will marry Elisetta.

I, too, take their part, sir. Pray be appeased!

What do you say?

What can you do?

Grant your pardon!

You rogues! You rascals!

Grant your pardon!

You rogues! You rascals!

Since the situation is desperate, we must reconcile ourselves to it.

I'm affronted. I'm furious.

But...

But I'll forgive you.

Oh, what joy! What pleasure!

Now we all are happy!

Let us celebrate the weddings

with great festivity.

Let relatives be called in,

let friends be invited,

let there be playing and singing.

Everyone must rejoice!