Part 16

_Aram._ By no means! You try in vain to persuade me against conviction. Respecting my daughter--I have promised--we shall see--but for myself it is different. Not all the gold on earth should induce me to make such an arrangement, with a man who does not know the use of money, but lets it slip through his fingers faster than flour through a sieve. [_Exit._

_Count._ This is admirable! I never imagined I should pass for a prodigal. [_Exit._

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

## ACT III.

## SCENE I.--_The_ Count _and_ Frontino.

_Count._ Frontino.

_Front._ Signor?

_Count._ Go and inquire how Eleonora is.

_Front._ One of your guests is without, and desires to speak with you.

_Count._ Who is he?

_Front._ The young gentleman who lately read you a comedy written by himself.

_Count._ Oh! Signor Giacinto. Bid him enter.

_Front._ Please to come in, Signor. [_Exit._

## SCENE II.--_Enter_ Giacinto.

_Count._ Good morning, Signor Giacinto. I am very sorry that the messenger, sent by me, did not find you at home; he came to inform you that an accident has caused me to put off the dinner, but that I hoped to see you at supper.

_Giac._ It is just the same to me, Signor. Meanwhile, permit me the honour to--

_Count._ I hope to see you without fail this evening.

_Giac._ I am infinitely obliged to you; but, having now the good fortune to find you alone, and at leisure, I wish to lay before you certain alterations made in the dedicatory epistle; as I have nothing so much at heart as your satisfaction.

_Count._ Well, Signor Giacinto, since you are absolutely resolved to dedicate your comedy to me, I have thought--it would be best to inform you--of certain particulars respecting myself. Not from vanity--oh no! Heaven preserve me from that!--but solely to give an opportunity to your eloquence, and lustre to your work.

_Giac._ You see, Signor, I have made a good use of the materials which you have so kindly furnished; but I have done something more.

_Count._ Have you mentioned my pictures?

_Giac._ Oh yes.

_Count._ And my library?

_Giac._ Certainly.

_Count._ Including the books which I told you I intend to purchase?

_Giac._ But--Signor--a catalogue of books in a dedication--

_Count._ Where is the difficulty? You may say, in a note at the bottom of the page, the Count of Casteldoro possesses a superb library, of not less than ten thousand volumes. A man of wit, like you, knows how to take advantage of everything. The supper of this evening, for example, may furnish some new ideas--something animated, witty, poetical.

_Giac._ That may be possible; but I have been employed on a subject more essential: I have written your genealogy.

_Count._ [_Coldly._] My genealogy? No, no, friend. I have no taste for that science. You might, I grant, say things that should happen to do me honour; but I am an enemy to vanity, and would prefer reticence, especially on the question of genealogy.

_Giac._ As you please; but I have made discoveries that have cost me much time and study, of which I thought you might wish to be informed.

_Count._ [_With curiosity._] Discoveries that relate to me?

_Giac._ That relate to you, Signor.

_Count._ My dear Signor Giacinto, let me hear.

_Giac._ Your true family name is not Colombani.

_Count._ I grant it may have been changed.

_Giac._ Do me the favour to listen. The great Columbus, who discovered America, and who was ennobled by the king of Spain, had two brothers, and various relations. Now, in looking through authors to discover annotations for my Life of Petrarch, I found that one of the relations of Christopher Columbus went from Genoa, his native place, to the city of Avignon, in France. By corruption of the termination, I find the name of Colombo or Columbus, has been changed to Colombani; and I demonstrate, beyond all doubt, that you are a descendant of that ancient, illustrious family.

_Count._ [_Much pleased._] You have demonstrated it?

_Giac._ Here are my proofs. [_Presenting papers._]

_Count._ [_Receiving them._] From the little I can now recollect, I believe you are right. Ay, ay; it might be. I do not love ostentation, as you perceive, but I shall be highly pleased if your discovery can do yourself honour; I therefore have not the courage to forbid the publication. Have you presented your comedy to the comedians?

_Giac._ Yes, Signor.

_Count._ And they certainly received it with approbation?

_Giac._ On the contrary, Signor, it has been peremptorily refused.

_Count._ Refused!

_Giac._ You have heard it read: does it deserve such a reward?

_Count._ If the comedy be good, why is it refused? Their interest should oblige them to accept it, with thanks.

_Giac._ What can be expected from such ignorant judges? But I will have my revenge! It shall be printed! The public shall decide!

_Count._ Bravo! You are right; have it printed. It might not be greatly successful on the stage, but in the closet it will delight. Your sale will be prodigious.

_Giac._ Since you approve and encourage me, Signor, would you but have the goodness to pass your word for the expense of printing, and--

_Count._ [_With a determined tone._] There is no need of that. Apply to a good bookseller; let him have his profits, and he will answer for the whole.

_Giac._ To speak the truth, Signor, I have in vain applied to more than one. At last, a bookseller has agreed that, if the Count of Casteldoro will make himself responsible, he will undertake to publish it on my account.

_Count._ How! Have you mentioned my name?

_Giac._ I could not avoid it.

_Count._ You have done very ill. Should it be known that I take an interest in the comedy, it would be said I did so because of the dedication; and I should then appear ridiculous. Drop all thoughts of the press at present; a more favourable opportunity may occur.

_Giac._ But, Signor--

## SCENE III.--_Enter_ Frontino.

_Count._ Well, Frontino, what answer?

_Front._ The young lady is rather better, Signor.

_Count._ Rather better! But is she well enough to--I will go and inquire myself.--[_To_ Giacinto.] You see, Signor, a young lady is ill in my house, and the supper must be deferred. Another time. [_Going._]

_Giac._ Then if the manuscript be useless, Signor--

_Count._ True; it shall be returned. [_Going._]

_Giac._ I beg you to recollect the time and trouble it has cost me.

_Count._ [_Returning the manuscript._] Very right! You are fond of your own works: I am glad they give you satisfaction, and cannot but thank you for any labour taken on my account. Whenever I can serve you, pray command me.

_Giac._ Infinitely obliged to the generosity of Signor Count Casteldoro.--[_Aside._] What ingratitude! Sordid fellow! He shall pay for this, or I am mistaken. [_Exit._

_Count._ One guest the less. But I must inquire after Eleonora. [_Going._]

_Fior._ [_Without._] Ho, there! Is nobody to be found?

_Front._ This is Fiorillo, the servant of the Marquis.

## SCENE IV.--_Enter_ Fiorillo, _in a travelling dress._

_Fior._ [_Bows._] Signor Count, my master, the Marquis del Bosco, is coming. I rode before, as you perceive, to inform you that his carriage will soon arrive.

_Count._ [_Coldly._] Arrive! What, here? And in his coach? Does he come to make any stay?

_Fior._ No, Signor. To-morrow morning he must be gone to Versailles; for he has affairs at court.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I am glad of it!--[_Aloud, pompously._] I hope the Marquis will do me the honour to remain with me to-night, in company with his son, the Chevalier. With respect to the Marchioness--I'll speak to my sister, and hope she may also be accommodated, as becomes her rank.

_Fior._ The Marchioness del Bosco does not come with her father; she is with the Countess d'Orimon, her aunt, and is to remain at her house.

_Count._ [_Aside._] So much the better.--[_Aloud._] That is unfortunate. I hope, however, I shall have the pleasure of seeing her. [_Exit._

## SCENE V.--Frontino _and_ Fiorillo.

_Fior._ Your master, like your kitchen, smells well!

_Front._ We are to have a magnificent supper to-night; no less than thirty guests.

_Fior._ Indeed! Your master is superb. A rare service! Much to eat, and little to do! Then, as to wages, you will make your fortune, Frontino!

_Front._ Fortune! I can't say--perhaps!

_Fior._ You have been long with this master.

_Front._ Very true; I have an attachment to him.

_Fior._ And so have I to mine, but without the hope of saving a farthing in his service. If it were not for the profits of the card-tables, I should certainly leave him.

_Front._ Then you have much play?

_Fior._ A great deal.

_Front._ And no less profit?

_Fior._ Hum--tolerable; but not equal to you.

_Front._ I! Shall I speak plain to a fellow-servant? I have little wages, and no tips.

_Fior._ Then you are foolish, Frontino. In Paris, so clever a fellow as yourself may find a hundred services, in which he might profit in a hundred different ways.

_Front._ Do you know any _one_?

_Fior._ Certainly; but you are attached to your master?

_Front._ To part with him would not break my heart.

_Fior._ If he pays so ill, he does not like you.

_Front._ That's a mistake; I am his prime minister and favourite.

_Fior._ What do you mean? Were he miserly, so be it; but a generous--

_Front._ Generous! You little know my master.

_Fior._ How so? A supper for thirty guests--

_Front._ Ah, did you know what it will cost me!

_Fior._ You! Cost you!

_Front._ Me. Grumbled at, cross-questioned, put to the torture, almost afraid of my life, when I give in my bill. I tremble but to think of it!

_Fior._ So, so! Very different with us; our master is easily satisfied, and always gay and good-humoured. He has an odd manner of speaking, indeed, and never tells you more than half what he means. He has favourite words, which, right or wrong, he always uses. Everybody laughs at _him_, and he laughs at himself.

_Front._ I wish I had such a master!

_Fior._ The worst of it is, he is poor, and seldom has any money.

_Front._ Yet you say he plays?

_Fior._ Very true; he always finds money for that. I hear a coach.

_Front._ Which way does he--

_Fior._ [_At the window._] Be quiet! Yes, they are here.

_Front._ I want to hear more.

_Fior._ Run and tell your master.

_Front._ [_Aside._] I shall hear it all; he can't hold his tongue. [_Exit._

_Fior._ Frontino is a good fellow, but he talks too much; that's his fault.

## SCENE VI.--_Enter the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ Where is he? Where is the Count?

_Fior._ His servant is gone to tell him you are here.

_Marq._ Go, go; see--Good, good, excellent!--His servant?

_Fior._ Will soon be back.

_Marq._ Meanwhile--My horses--Nothing to eat--Poor devils--They have done--Good, good, excellent! You might go and see--

_Fior._ Yes, at once.--[_Aside and going._] I defy all the servants in the world to understand him as I do. [_Exit._

## SCENE VII.--_Enter the_ Chevalier.

_Chev._ My dear father! How can I thank you for all your kindness?

_Marq._ Say no more--father to be sure--But with you, in truth--You are strange sometimes.

_Chev._ Most true! Had you not discovered my passion, I scarcely should have dared to own it.

_Marq._ Keen eyes--Why not, dear boy? Why not? and then I know that Eleonora--Do you know her mother?

_Chev._ I am slightly acquainted with her, but not enough to speak on such a subject.

_Marq._ A lady that--Are you at least sure of the daughter?

_Chev._ Perfectly. I have met her at her cousins, and--we have corresponded.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent! We shall want--The Count is my friend.

_Chev._ And I am acquainted with his sister, Madame Dorimene. I will beg her to entreat for me. Here comes the Count.

## SCENE VIII.--_Enter the_ Count.

_Count._ Pardon me, Marquis, but--

_Marq._ Ah, Count! Good day--Good day--Your health--Mine--you see--splendidly well, at your service.

_Count._ Still the same! Always courteous!

_Marq._ Oh, I ... Good, good; excellent!

_Count._ And you, Chevalier?

_Chev._ Always your humble servant.

_Count._ Is the Marchioness with you?

_Marq._ My daughter? She has come with--You know her aunt?

_Count._ Yes, I have the pleasure of knowing her, and will call and pay the ladies my respects--I hope to have the honour of their company at supper.

_Marq._ Always obliging--Good, good, excellent!--Ought to apologise--Come suddenly--No ceremony, I beg.

_Count._ None on earth. I shall only give you my ordinary supper.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent! Family meals--friendly.

_Count._ Your apartments are here, on the right. They tell me you go to Versailles to-morrow.

_Marq._ Yes--because--

_Count._ I am sorry to lose you so soon: but, as I was saying, these apartments shall be yours.

_Chev._ Permit me, Signor Count, to pay my respects to your sister.

_Count._ You will do me an honour, and give her pleasure.

_Chev._ [_To his father._] Have I your leave, sir?

_Marq._ Certainly.--[_Aside._] Poor fellow! He is--but when I was like him--yes, I did as he does.

_Count._ We may all go together, if you please.

_Marq._ Ha!--[_Aside._] No; must not spoil sport.--[_Aloud._] Go by himself.

_Chev._ [_Going._] I know my way.

_Count._ You will meet a young lady there, with whom perhaps you are acquainted.

_Chev._ [_Eager to go._] Indeed? So much the better!

_Count._ I have something to tell you concerning her, which perhaps you do not know--

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Too well! I am on the rack!

_Count._ But which you will be glad to hear.

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Heavens! Perhaps Eleonora may have discovered our passion to her mother--I rush to see. [_Exit._

## SCENE IX.--Count _and the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ [_Looking round._] Now we are alone--Have you time?

_Count._ I am at your disposal.

_Marq._ You are my friend.

_Count._ The title does me honour.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ [_Aside._] He is sometimes very ridiculous.

_Marq._ I should like to beg you--but--a friend, unceremoniously, freely.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I bet he wants to borrow money.

_Marq._ You know my family--

_Count._ Perfectly.

_Marq._ I have two children, and must think--a daughter too--Good, good, excellent!--The Chevalier is at an age--you understand me?

_Count._ I believe I do. You are seriously thinking of establishing your family, which is highly commendable. And, talking of establishments, I think it but right in me to inform you of my approaching marriage.

_Marq._ Oh, oh!--that way inclined--you too--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I am this day to sign the contract, and think myself fortunate that you, Signor Marquis, will be present, and--

_Marq._ Very happy--but, at the same time, if you would be so kind--

_Count._ You well know, Signor Marquis, the various expenses of these occasions; they are endless. To own the truth, I find my pocket empty.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ Good! I find it exceedingly ill.

_Marq._ Listen--You are the friend of Madame Araminta.

_Count._ True; and she, for example, is remarkably rich; she might be of service to your house.

_Marq._ Precisely so--my very thought--would you but speak to her, but without--What is her daughter's name?

_Count._ Eleonora.

_Marq._ True--bad memory--Eleonora.

_Count._ [_Aside._] If I had not a great deal of penetration, I could never guess what he means.--[_Aloud._] I will speak privately to Madame Araminta.

_Marq._ Ay, but--in a particular manner--so that--you understand me?

_Count._ I will speak with all possible caution, and hope she will comply--provided she has good security.

_Marq._ By Jove! If she gives me--I have not--I am not--but--my estates--

_Count._ What sum do you wish?

_Marq._ I heard that--ay--a hundred thousand crowns--quite satisfied!--would not wish for more!

_Count._ [_Aside._] A hundred thousand crowns! the loan is too great! She will scarcely consent to that.

_Marq._ When will you speak? Because when I have a project--no sooner said than done--it is in my nature.

_Count._ I will inform her to-day.

_Marq._ And you hope she--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I think Madame Araminta will comply, if possible; first out of regard to yourself, and next to me, who am on the point of becoming her son-in-law.

_Marq._ Ha!--what?--you?--

_Count._ I am to marry her daughter.

_Marq._ Marry!--when?--that true?--that possible?

_Count._ Why so excessively surprised, Signor Marquis? Do you see any reason to the contrary?

_Marq._ I--no--[_Aside._] My son!--Fine affair!--Stupid folly!

_Count._ Madame Araminta intends indeed to give a hundred thousand crowns with her daughter, but do you think she will therefore not have so large a sum to lend you?

_Marq._ Lend me!--Zounds!--Lend me!

## SCENE X.

_The_ Chevalier, _making signs of disappointment and silence to the_ Marquis, _enters and goes off without being seen by the_ Count.

_Count._ But, if you please, I will speak to her.

_Marq._ [_To the_ Chevalier.] Yes, yes, I understand.

_Count._ [_Supposing the answer was to himself._] And will tell her--

_Marq._ By no means--don't think--no, no.

_Count._ Yes and no! I do not understand you, Signor.

_Marq._ Lend me!--to me?--I am--it is true--but then I am not--Good, good, excellent!--I am not--

_Count._ If you will excuse me, I have business. Those are your apartments.--[_Aside._] I never met such a ridiculous man. [_Exit._

_Marq._ The devil take him--he doesn't know what he is talking of. [_Exit._

END OF THE THIRD ACT.

## ACT IV.

## SCENE I.--_The_ Chevalier _and_ Fiorillo.

_Chev._ While my father rests, I will visit my sister; tell him this, when he wakes.

_Fior._ Yes, Signor.

_Chev._ Do you know whether the Count is at home?

_Fior._ Yes; I saw him just now going to speak with Madame Dorimene.

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Surely he is not a rival to be feared. At least, I am secure of the heart of Eleonora, and will not yet despair of gaining her mother. [_Exit._

_Fior._ So, young gentleman! I see how it is with you. I pretty well guess your intentions, and how they are thwarted. Ay, ay, I shall have enough to satisfy the curiosity of Frontino. [_Sits down near the door of his master's rooms._]

## SCENE II.--_Enter_ Count.

_Count._ [_Not seeing_ Fiorillo.] I am tired, bored! Nothing but indifference; and, instead of perfect satisfaction, something like contempt. A man like me, who had but to choose! so advantageous a marriage! [_Seeing_ Fiorillo.] Is the Marquis at home?

_Fior._ Yes, Signor; being rather fatigued with travelling, he is taking a nap.

_Count._ [_Aside._] How amiable is his daughter! How charming! I felt affected and confused at the courtesy and kindness with which she and her aunt received me. The visit made me cheerful, happy, and reconciled to myself. What difference between the politeness of these ladies and the common and trivial manner of Araminta and her daughter; who neither understand civility nor good breeding. Ah! were the young Marchioness but as rich as she is handsome and engaging--who knows? I have a thought--should her father but be reasonable and easy to manage--Here he comes.

## SCENE III.--_Enter the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ [_Rubbing his eyes and calling._] Fiorillo!

_Fior._ Signor?

_Marq._ My son?

_Fior._ He is gone out.

_Marq._ Why did not he--where is he gone?

_Fior._ To visit the Marchioness, his sister.

_Marq._ I too wish--my coach!

_Fior._ The horses, Signor--

_Marq._ [_Angry._] Good, good, excellent! My coach!

_Fior._ I will go and see. [_Exit._

## SCENE IV.--_The_ Count _and the_ Marquis.

_Count._ Do you wish to go out, Signor Marquis?

_Marq._ See my daughter--much to say--tell her--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I have just had that honour. It was long since I had seen her. She fully answers the charming promise of her childhood; her sweetness has increased with her years, and the progress of her talents is wonderful. Permit me to congratulate you on possessing such a treasure.

_Marq._ Oh, Count--ay, ay; a good girl. She has not, let us confess it--but--character, manners--good, good, excellent!

_Count._ With such talents, so much merit, and blooming eighteen, you should think of a husband for her.

_Marq._ No doubt. For my part, I--_apropos_: what has just passed--what did you mean to say when--Did you not say _lend me_?

_Count._ It appears to me that you suddenly changed your opinion.

_Marq._ I tell you, no--it was not so. You have not--And yet I spoke plainly.

_Count._ In any case, Signor Marquis, I shall be happy to serve you. I have not spoken to Madame Araminta; for, to own the truth, I am not quite pleased with her daughter. I begin to feel a certain dislike.

_Marq._ Oh, oh!--That means--Well, why not?

_Count._ I have done everything to gain their esteem and friendship. A house so richly furnished, carriages and horses the most rare, diamonds worth a hundred thousand livres--

_Marq._ Is it possible?

_Count._ 'Tis true; they were shown. Madame Araminta was amazed.

_Marq._ Grand!--Superb!--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ Injustice and ingratitude have been my reward.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ [_Aside._] Curse the phrase!

_Marq._ [_Aside._] In that case--if Eleonora--if my son--[_Aloud._] If so, Signor Count--candour--frankly and freely tell them--You understand me? Cut matters short.

_Count._ Had I paid these attentions to a lady of rank and merit, I should have acted much more wisely.

_Marq._ Ay, ay--if--certainly.

_Count._ Do you think a man of rank and fashion, a man like yourself for example, would refuse me the hand of his daughter?

_Marq._ On the contrary. A person of worth--a person that--oh, what do you mean? Certainly not.

_Count._ Signor Marquis, you encourage me.

_Marq._ Oh, I--If so--I'll go this moment!

_Count._ Where, signor?

_Marq._ To my daughter. [_Calls._] Fiorillo!

_Count._ And may I hope?

_Marq._ [_Calls louder._] Fiorillo!

## SCENE V.--_Enter_ Fiorillo

_Marq._ My coach.

_Fior._ The coachman is not here, Signor.

_Marq._ How so? [_To the_ Count.] Can you lend me--? Soon return.

_Count._ It is not a hundred yards; you can easily walk.

_Marq._ Walk!--Hundred yards!--Enough--Adieu--Soon be back. [_Going._] Diamonds! A hundred thousand livres! [_Exit with_ Fiorillo.

## SCENE VI.--_The_ Count, _then_ Frontino.

_Count._ Courage! The Marquis is enraptured; the daughter's won. All goes well. But I must not lose sight of--[_Calls._] Frontino! No, no; she must not get possession of the jewels. Frontino! I say!

_Front._ [_Entering._] I was busy in planning the dessert.

_Count._ Go immediately, and tell my sister I beg her to come here; I have something interesting to communicate. And add, but in a whisper, that I request she will bring me the jewels which I committed to her care.

_Front._ But the supper, signor? I must be everywhere, and look to all!

_Count._ True. Is everything prepared?

_Front._ According to your wishes; two essentials excepted.

_Count._ Which are----?

_Front._ Coffee and liqueurs.

_Count._ Liqueurs inflame the blood.

_Front._ But coffee?

_Count._ Blockhead! Coffee at night! It prevents sleep.

_Front._ Surely, Signor!--Not give coffee! Forfeit your character as a liberal host, for such a trifling expense?

_Count._ Go, Mr. Liberality; do what I bid you.

_Front._ [_Aside._] No coffee! I would rather pay for it out of my own pocket. Yet no; he would even swear I had filched the money from other articles. [_Exit._

## SCENE VII.--Count _alone_.

_Count._ Dreadful! Luxury is come to such a height! Thank Heaven, I have not spent one farthing from whim or caprice. I always pay money with prudence and circumspection. I do not yet know the character of the Marchioness; but, being once the Countess of Casteldoro, I will teach her my method; which is to esteem myself, and to despise and laugh at other people.

## SCENE VIII.--_Enter_ Dorimene.

_Dor._ I am told you want me, brother.

_Count._ Pardon this liberty. Where are the diamonds?

_Dor._ Here. Do you want them back?

_Count._ [_Taking them._] Yes, yes; you shall know why.

_Dor._ You need not take the trouble to tell me, for it is not possible to persuade Eleonora to accept them.

_Count._ So much the worse for her; she will repent. I have a secret to tell you.

_Dor._ You know how greatly I am interested in your happiness.