Part 10

[_All surround him, overwhelm him with caresses, and repeat his praises._]

_Ger._ [_Trying to rid himself of them, shouts_] Peace! peace! Piccardo!

_Enter_ Piccardo.

_Pic._ Here, sir.

_Ger._ We shall sup in my room; all are invited. Dorval, in the meantime we'll have a game of chess.

THE FAN

(_IL VENTAGLIO_)

A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

COUNT ROCCA MARINA. BARON DEL CEDRO. SIGNOR EVARIST. SIGNORA GELTRUDE, _a widow._ CANDIDA, _her niece._ CORONATO, _an innkeeper._ MORACCHIO, _a peasant._ NINA, _his sister._ SUSANNA, _a small shopkeeper._ CRISPINO, _a shoemaker._ TIMOTEO, _an apothecary._ LIMONATO, _a waiter._ TOGNINO, _servant to the two ladies._ SCAVEZZO, _boots to the innkeeper._

_Scene of action, a little village near Milan._

THE FAN.

## ACT I.

[An open space bounded at the back by a house bearing the inscription _Osteria_ (_Inn_). Houses to right and left; on the left a gentleman's mansion with a low projecting terrace. The foremost house has the word Cafe upon a swinging shield; before its main door and windows stand small tables and chairs. It has also a back door which adjoins a little pharmacy. At the end of the right-hand side of houses, a small general store. The inn has a restaurant on the ground-floor, and on the left a small shoemaker's workshop. Right and left, between the inn and the side houses, runs the street.]

## SCENE I.

[_Evarist_ and the _Baron_ sit towards the front at a little table drinking coffee. _Limonato_ serves them. _Crispino_ is cobbling in his booth, near to him _Coronato_ sitting beside his door, writing in a note-book. The _Boots_ cleans the restaurant windows. In the middle of the stage sits the _Count_ reading a book. He is dressed in a white summer costume, while the _Baron_ and _Evarist_ are in shooting dress, with their guns beside them. _Geltrude_ and _Candida_ on the terrace, knitting. To the right _Tognino_ is sweeping the square, _Nina_ is spinning before her house door, beside her stands _Moracchio_ holding two hunting dogs by a cord. Every now and again _Timoteo_ puts his head out of the pharmacy; in the background _Susanna_, sewing before her shop. A pause after the rise of the curtain. All absorbed in their occupations. _Crispino_ hammers energetically upon a shoe at which he is working. _Timoteo_ is pounding loudly in a mortar, therefore invisible.]

_Evarist._ How do you like this coffee?

_Baron._ It is good.

_Evarist._ I find it excellent. Bravo, Limonato! to-day you have surpassed yourself.

_Limonato._ I thank you for the praise, but I do beg of you not to call me by this name of Limonato.

_Evarist._ I like that! Why, all know you by that name! You are famed by the name of Limonato. All the world says, "Let us go to the village and drink coffee at Limonato's." And that vexes you?

_Limonato._ Sir, it is not my name.

_Baron._ Eh, what! From to-day onwards I will call you Mr. Orange.

_Limonato._ I will not be the butt of all the world.

[Candida _laughs aloud._]

_Evarist._ What think you, Signorina Candida? [_He takes up a fan which_ Candida _has put down on the parapet of the terrace and fans himself, replacing it._]

_Candida._ What should I think? Why, it makes one laugh.

_Geltrude._ Leave the poor creature in peace; he makes good coffee, and is under my patronage.

_Baron._ Oh, if he is under the patronage of the Signora Geltrude, we must respect him. [_Whispers to_ Evarist.] Do you hear? The good widow protects him.

_Evarist._ [_Softly to the_ Baron.] Do not speak evil of the Signora Geltrude. She is the wisest and most reputed lady in all the world.

_Baron._ [_As above._] As you like; but she has the same craze for patronizing as the Count over there, who is reading with the very mien of a judge.

_Evarist._ Oh, as regards him, you are not wrong. He is a very caricature, but it would be unjust to compare him with the Signora Geltrude.

_Baron._ For my part, I think them both ridiculous.

_Evarist._ And what do you find ridiculous in the lady?

_Baron._ Too much instruction, too much pride, too much self-sufficiency.

_Evarist._ Excuse me, then you do not know her.

_Baron._ I much prefer Signorina Candida.

[_After having carried on this talk in half tones, they both rise to pay. Each protests to the other, the_ Baron _forestalls_ Evarist. Limonato _returns to the shop with the cups and money._ Timoteo _pounds yet louder._]

_Evarist._ Yes, it is true. The niece is an excellent person. [_Aside._] I would not have him as a rival.

_Count._ Hi, Timoteo!

_Timoteo._ Who called me?

_Count._ When will you cease pounding?

_Timoteo._ Excuse me. [_Pounds on._]

_Count._ I cannot read, you crack my skull.

_Timoteo._ Excuse me, I shall have done directly.

[_Continues yet louder._]

_Crispino._ [_Laughs aloud as he works._] Hi, Coronato!

_Coronato._ What would you, Master Crispino?

_Crispino._ [_Beating hard on a sole he has in hand._] The Count does not wish us to make a noise. [_Beats yet louder on his shoe._]

_Count._ What impudence! Will you never end this worry?

_Crispino._ Does not the Count see what I am doing?

_Count._ And what are you doing?

_Crispino._ Mending your old shoes.

_Count._ Quiet, impudent fellow! [_Continues to read._]

_Crispino._ [_Beats on and_ Timoteo _also._] Host!

_Count._ Now, I can bear it no longer. [_He rises from his seat._]

_Scavezzo._ Hi, Moracchio!

_Moracchio._ What is it, Boots?

_Scavezzo._ The Count.

[_Both laugh and mock at the_ Count.]

_Moracchio._ Quiet, quiet! after all, he is a gentleman.

_Scavezzo._ A strange one.

_Nina._ Moracchio!

_Moracchio._ What do you want?

_Nina._ What did Scavezzo say?

_Moracchio._ Nothing, nothing. Attend to your own affairs, and spin.

_Nina._ [_Turns away her chair with contempt, and goes on spinning._] My good brother is truly as amiable as ever. He always treats me thus. I can hardly await the hour when I shall marry.

_Susanna._ What is the matter, Nina?

_Nina._ Oh, if you knew! In all the world I don't think there is a greater boor than my brother.

_Moracchio._ I am as I am, and as long as you are under me--

_Nina._ [_Pouts and spins._] Not much longer, I hope.

_Evarist._ [_To_ Moracchio.] Now, what is it all about again? You are always teasing that poor child, and she does not deserve it, poor thing.

_Nina._ He makes me wild with anger.

_Moracchio._ She wants to know everything.

_Evarist._ Come, come, it will do now.

_Baron._ [_To_ Candida.] Signor Evarist is kind-hearted.

_Candida._ [_With disdain._] It seems so also to me.

_Geltrude._ [_To_ Candida.] Look to yourself, child. We do nought but criticise the actions of others, and do not take care of our own.

_Baron._ [_Aside._] There, these are the sort of doctrines I can't abide to hear.

_Crispino._ [_Aside while he works._] Poor Nina! But once she is my wife, he won't tease her any more.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] Yes, I will marry her, and if it were only to free her from the brother.

_Evarist._ Well, Baron, shall we go?

_Baron._ To tell you the truth, this morning I do not feel like going shooting. I am tired from yesterday.

_Evarist._ Do as you like. You will excuse me if I go?

_Baron._ Do not let me detain you. [_Aside._] So much the better for me. I will try my luck with Signorina Candida.

_Evarist._ Moracchio! we will go. Call the dogs and take your gun.

_Baron._ [_To_ Evarist.] You come back to dinner?

_Evarist._ Certainly. I have ordered it already.

_Baron._ Then I will await you. _Au revoir_, ladies. [_Aside._] I will go to my room, so as to rouse no suspicions.

## SCENE II.

_The above._ Moracchio _comes back._

_Moracchio._ Here I am, sir, with the dogs and the gun.

_Evarist._ If you allow, ladies, I will go shooting a while.

_Geltrude._ Pray do as you please, and enjoy yourself.

_Candida._ And good luck.

_Evarist._ Accompanied by your good wishes, I must be lucky. [_He busies himself with his gun._]

_Candida._ [_Aside._] Signor Evarist is really amiable.

_Geltrude._ Yes, amiable and well-mannered. But, niece, distrust all strangers.

_Candida._ Why should I mistrust him?

_Geltrude._ For some time since I have had my reasons for this.

_Candida._ I have always been reserved.

_Geltrude._ Yes, I am content with you. Continue to be reserved towards him.

_Candida._ [_Aside._] This warning comes too late. I am deeply enamoured of him.

_Evarist._ All is right. Come, Moracchio. Once more, ladies, your humble servant.

[Geltrude _bows_. Candida _the same. In doing so her fan falls into the street._ Evarist _picks it up._]

_Candida._ Oh, never mind.

_Geltrude._ Do not trouble.

_Evarist._ The fan is broken. How sorry I am!

_Candida._ What does it matter?--an old fan!

_Evarist._ Well, if you allow. [_Gives the fan to_ Tognino, _who takes it into the house._]

_Candida._ There, aunt, you see how it vexes him that the fan is broken.

_Geltrude._ Good manners demand this. [_Aside._] Here love is in play.

## SCENE III.

_The above._ Tognino _on the terrace. He hands the fan to_ Candida.

_Evarist._ I am vexed that this fan broke on my account, but I will make it good. [_To_ Susanna.] I should like to speak to you, but inside the shop. [_To_ Moracchio.] Go on ahead, and wait for me at the edge of the wood. [_With_ Susanna _into the shop._]

_Moracchio._ [_To himself._] I call this waste of time. Out upon these gentlemen sportsmen. [_Exit._

_Nina._ [_To herself._] So much the better that my brother has at last gone. I can scarcely await the moment to be alone with Crispino. But this tiresome man, the host, is always around. He follows me perpetually, and I can't abide him.

_Count._ [_Reading._] Oh, beautiful, beautiful! [_To_ Geltrude.] Signora!

_Crispino._ What have you read that is interesting, Count?

_Count._ What does that matter to you? What do you understand about it?

_Crispino._ [_Hammering._] Who knows who knows most?

_Geltrude._ You called me, Count?

_Count._ You a lady of taste, oh, if you heard what I have just read! A masterpiece!

_Geltrude._ Something historical?

_Count._ Bah!

_Geltrude._ A philosophical discussion?

_Count._ Bah!

_Geltrude._ A poem?

_Count._ Bah!

_Geltrude._ What then?

_Count._ Something astonishing, unheard of, translated from the French! A fable.

_Crispino._ A fable! Astonishing! Unheard of! [_He hammers hard._]

_Count._ Would you like to hear?

_Geltrude._ Gladly.

_Crispino._ Why, he reads fables like little children! [_Hammers._]

_Count._ Will you at last leave off your noise?

_Crispino._ [_Hammering on._] I am putting a patch on your shoe.

[Timoteo _pestles._]

_Count._ The devil's own noise! And you too?

_Timoteo._ [_Puts his head outside the pharmacy._] It is my business.

_Count._ [_Reads._] "There was once a lovely maiden"--[_To_ Timoteo.] Go to the devil with your mortar! It is not to be borne.

_Timoteo._ I pay my rent, and have no better place in which to pound. [_Goes on._]

_Count._ If you will allow, signora, I will take the liberty of coming up to you. You will then hear the beautiful fable. [_Goes into the house._]

_Geltrude._ This chemist is too tiresome. Let us go and receive the Count.

_Candida._ I don't care to hear his fables.

_Geltrude._ But good manners demand it.

_Candida._ Out upon this Count!

_Geltrude._ Niece, honour that you may be honoured. Come. [_She goes into the house._]

_Candida._ [_Rising to follow her._] To please you.

## SCENE IV.

_The above without the_ Count _and_ Geltrude. Evarist _and_ Susanna _come out of the shop._

_Candida._ What! Signor Evarist still here? Not gone shooting? I should like to know the reason. [_Watches him from the back of the terrace._]

_Susanna._ Do not complain, sir, the fan is cheap.

_Evarist._ [_Aside._] Candida is no longer here. [_Aloud._] I am sorry that the fan is not more beautiful.

_Susanna._ That was the last of those of the first quality. Now my shop is emptied. [_Smiling._] I suppose it is a present?

_Evarist._ Certainly. I do not buy fans for myself.

_Susanna._ For Signorina Candida, because hers broke?

_Evarist._ [_Impatiently._] No; for some one else.

_Susanna._ All right, all right. I am not curious. [_Reseats herself in front of the shop to work._]

_Candida._ He has great secrets with the draper. I am curious to hear some details. [_Approaches to the front._]

_Evarist._ [_Approaching_ Nina.] Nina!

_Nina._ Your wishes, sir?

_Evarist._ A favour. I know Signorina Candida loves you.

_Nina._ Yes, she has pity on the poor orphan. But alas! I am subjected to my brother, who embitters my life.

_Evarist._ Listen to me.

_Nina._ [_Spinning on._] Spinning does not make me deaf.

_Evarist._ [_To himself._] Her brother is full of whims, but neither does she seem free of them.

[Susanna, Crispino, _and_ Coronato _stretch out their heads to observe the couple._]

_Candida._ Business with the shopwoman; business with Nina. I do not understand. [_Comes forward yet more._]

_Evarist._ May I ask you a favour?

_Nina._ Have I not already answered you? Have I not told you to command? I am not deaf. If my spindle disturbs you, I will throw it aside. [_Does so._]

_Evarist._ But how impetuous!

_Candida._ What does her anger signify?

_Coronato._ It seems to me they are getting hot. [_Creeps to the front, his note-book in hand._]

_Crispino._ She throws aside her spindle. [_Does the same with his shoe and hammer._]

_Susanna._ Would he give her a present were she less angry? [_She too approaches from out the background._]

_Nina._ I am at your orders.

_Evarist._ You know that Signorina Candida broke her fan?

_Nina._ Why, certainly.

_Evarist._ I have bought a new one at the shop.

_Nina._ As you please.

_Evarist._ But Signora Geltrude must not know.

_Nina._ There you do wisely.

_Evarist._ And I wish that you should give her the fan secretly.

_Nina._ I cannot serve you.

_Evarist._ How unkind of you!

_Candida._ [_To herself._] He told me he was going shooting, and he is still here.

_Crispino._ [_Approaches, pretending to be at work._] If I could only hear something!

_Coronato._ [_Approaches also, pretending to do accounts._] I can scarcely contain myself for curiosity.

_Evarist._ Why will you not do me this favour?

_Nina._ Because I want to know nothing about this matter.

_Evarist._ You take the matter too seriously. Candida loves you so much.

_Nina._ True, but in such matters--

_Evarist._ You told me you wanted to marry Crispino. [_Turns and sees the two listeners._] What do you want here, you rogues?

_Crispino._ [_Seating himself hastily._] I am working, sir.

_Coronato._ [_Does the same._] Can I not reckon and walk around at the same time?

_Candida._ They are discussing important secrets.

_Susanna._ What is there about this Nina that all men are after her?

_Nina._ If you want nothing else of me, I will go on spinning. [_Does so._]

_Evarist._ But listen, do! Candida has begged me to give you a dowry that you may wed your Crispino.

_Nina._ [_Suddenly grows friendly._] Really?

_Evarist._ Yes; and I gave her my word that I would do all--

_Nina._ Where is the fan?

_Evarist._ Here.

_Nina._ Quick, quick, give it to me, but so that no one sees.

[Evarist _gives her the fan._]

_Crispino._ [_Advancing his head, to himself._] Ho, ho, he gave her something!

_Susanna._ [_The same._] In very truth--he gives her the fan!

_Coronato._ [_Ditto._] What could he have given her?

_Candida._ [_Ditto._] Yes, he deceives me. The Count is right.

_Evarist._ But, mind, quite secretly.

_Nina._ Let me act, and do not fear.

_Evarist._ Addio.

_Nina._ My respects.

_Evarist._ Then I rely on you?

_Nina._ And I on you. [_Seats herself and resumes her spinning._]

_Evarist._ [_About to go, sees_ Candida _on the terrace._] Ah, there she is again! I will tell her to be attentive. [_Calls._] Signorina Candida!

[Candida _turns her back to him and goes away._]

_Evarist._ What does this mean? Is it contempt? Does she despise me? Impossible! I know she loves me, and she knows my passion for her. And yet--no, now I understand! Her aunt will have seen and observed her, and she would not show before her. Yes, yes, it must be that, it cannot be anything else. But I must at last give up all this secrecy and talk with Signora Geltrude, and obtain from her the precious gift of her niece.

_Nina._ In truth, I owe the Signorina thanks that she interests herself in me. Shall I not repay her? These are little services one exchanges without any base thoughts in the rear.

_Coronato._ [_Gets up and goes to_ Nina.] Hm, great secrets, great consultations with Signor Evarist?

_Nina._ What does not concern you, does not matter to you.

_Coronato._ Were that the case I should not interfere.

[Crispino _approaches the couple quietly to listen._]

_Nina._ I am not subservient to you, Master Host.

_Coronato._ Not yet, but I hope soon.

_Nina._ Indeed! and who says so?

_Coronato._ He has said it and promised it and sworn it, and he can and may dispose of you.

_Nina._ [_Laughing._] Perchance my brother?

_Coronato._ Yes, your brother; and I will tell him of all the secrets, the confidence, the presents--

_Crispino._ [_Comes between them._] Ho, ho! what right have you to this girl?

_Coronato._ I owe you no answer.

_Crispino._ And you, what have you to discuss with Signor Evarist?

_Nina._ Leave me in peace, both of you.

_Crispino._ I will know!

_Coronato._ What, you will? Command where you may command. Nina is my betrothed, her brother has promised her to me.

_Crispino._ And I have her word, and the word of the sister is worth a thousand times more than that of the brother.

_Coronato._ She is as good as engaged to me.

_Crispino._ We will speak of this again. Nina, what did Signor Evarist give you?

_Nina._ Go to the devil with you!

_Coronato._ No answer! But stop, I saw him come out of Susanna's shop. She will tell me. [_Goes towards_ Susanna.]

_Crispino._ He bought her a present. [_He too goes to_ Susanna.]

_Nina._ [_To herself._] I shall reveal nothing. But if Susanna--

_Coronato._ Neighbour, I beg you, what did Signor Evarist buy of you?

_Susanna._ [_Laughing._] A fan.

_Crispino._ Do you know what he gave the girl?

_Susanna._ What could it be but the fan?

_Nina._ That is not true.

_Susanna._ Why, certainly it is!

_Coronato._ [_To_ Nina.] Produce the fan.

_Crispino._ [_Pushing him away._] Here I command! I must see the fan.

_Coronato._ [_Raises his fist towards_ Crispino.] Wait a while.

_Crispino._ [_Ditto._] Yes, you wait too.

_Nina._ [_To_ Susanna.] It is all your fault.

_Susanna._ Mine?

_Nina._ Chatterbox!

_Susanna._ Oh ho! [_Threatens her._]

_Susanna._ I go. Peasant girl, consort with your likes. [_Retires into her shop._]

_Crispino._ But now I will see the fan.

_Nina._ I have not got one.

_Coronato._ What did the gentleman give you?

_Nina._ Your curiosity is impertinent.

_Coronato._ I will know.

_Crispino._ [_To_ Coronato.] I tell you that does not concern you.

_Nina._ This is not the way to treat a respectable girl. [_Goes towards her house._]

_Crispino._ [_Approaching her._] Tell me, Nina.

_Nina._ No.

_Coronato._ I must know. [_He pushes_ Crispino _aside._]

[Nina _hurries into the house and shuts the door in both their faces._]

_Coronato._ It's your fault.

_Crispino._ Impudent fellow!

_Coronato._ Do not excite yourself.

_Crispino._ I do not fear you.

_Coronato._ Nina will be mine!

_Crispino._ We shall see about that. And should she be, I swear--

_Coronato._ What, threats! Do you not know to whom you speak?

_Crispino._ I am an honest man, as all know.

_Coronato._ And what am I, pray?

_Crispino._ I know nothing about it.

_Coronato._ I am an honoured innkeeper.

_Crispino._ Honoured?

_Coronato._ What! you doubt it?

_Crispino._ Oh, it is not I who doubt it.

_Coronato._ Who, then, may I ask?

_Crispino._ All the village.

_Coronato._ My good man, it is not about me that all talk. I do not sell old leather for new.

_Crispino._ Nor I water for wine; nor do I trap cats at night to sell them as lamb or hare.

_Coronato._ I swear to Heaven--[_Raises his hand._]

_Crispino._ What! [_Does the same._]

_Coronato._ The devil take me! [_Feels in his pocket._]

_Crispino._ His hand in his pocket! [_Runs to his booth to fetch an implement._]

_Coronato._ I have no knife.

[Crispino _seizes the apothecary's chair and threatens to hurl it at his adversary._ Coronato _takes up a bench and swings it at_ Crispino.]

## SCENE V.

_The above._ Timoteo, Scavezzo, Limonato, _the_ Count.

[Timoteo _hurrying out of his shop, pestle in hand._ Limonato, _out of the cafe with a log of firewood._ Scavezzo, _out of the inn with a spit._]

_Count._ [_Coming out of_ Geltrude's _house._] Peace, peace! quiet there, I command!--I, you villains, the Count Rocca Marina! Ho there, peace, I say, you rogues!

_Crispino._ [_To_ Coronato.] Well, to please the Count.

_Coronato._ Yes, thank the Count, for but for him I would have broken all the bones in your body.

_Count._ Quiet, quiet, it is enough! I would know the reason of the strife. Go away, you others. I am here, no one else is needed.

_Timoteo._ Is no one hurt?

[Limonato _and_ Scavezzo _depart._]

_Count._ You wish that they had cracked their skulls, contorted their arms, disjointed their legs, is it not so, Apothecary, to show us a specimen of your talents and powers?

_Timoteo._ I seek no one's ill; but if there were wounded to heal, cripples to succour, breakages to bind up, I would gladly help them. Above all, I would with all my heart serve your worship in such an eventuality.

_Count._ Impertinent fellow! I will have you removed.

_Timoteo._ Honest men are not removed so easily.

_Count._ Yes, one removes ignorant, impudent impostors of apothecaries like you.

_Timoteo._ I am astonished to hear you talk thus, Count--you who without my pills would be dead.

_Count._ Insolent fellow!

_Timoteo._ And those pills you have not yet paid for. [_Exit._

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] Here the Count might be of use to me.

_Count._ Well, now, my men, tell me what is the matter, what is the reason for your quarrels?

_Crispino._ I will tell you, sir--I will tell it before all the world. I love Nina.

_Coronato._ And Nina will be my wife.

_Count._ [_Laughing._] Ah ha! I understand: a love quarrel; two champions of Cupid, two worthy rivals, two pretenders to the lovely Venus of our village.

_Crispino._ If you think to make fun of me--[_Moves to go away._]

_Count._ No, stay.

_Coronato._ The matter is serious, I assure you.

_Count._ Yes, I believe it. You are lovers, you are rivals. By Jupiter, what a combination! Why, the very theme of the fable I was reading to Signora Geltrude just now. [_Points to his book._] "There was a maiden of rare beauty"--

_Crispino._ I understand. With your permission--

_Count._ Where are you going? Come here!

_Crispino._ If you will allow me, I go to finish cobbling your shoes.

_Count._ Yes, go, that they may be ready by to-morrow.

_Coronato._ And be careful that they are not patched with old leather.

_Crispino._ I shall come to you when I want a fresh skin.

_Coronato._ Thank Heaven I am no cobbler nor shoemaker!

_Crispino._ It does not matter, you will give me a horse's skin or a cat's.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] I know I shall kill that man.

_Count._ What did he say of cats? Do you give us cats to eat?

_Coronato._ Sir, I am an honest man, and this person is a rogue who persecutes me unjustly.

_Count._ The effect of love, of rivalry. So you are in love with Nina?

_Coronato._ Yes, sir, and I was about to seek your protection.

_Count._ My protection? [_Gives himself an important air._] Well, we will see. Are you sure she loves you in return?

_Coronato._ To tell the truth, I fancy she loves him better than me.

_Count._ That is bad.

_Coronato._ But I have her brother's word.