Translation of Italian Words & Phrases

An English translation of the Italian words and phrases is provided immediately after in square brackets. The actors may choose the Italian or English text. If the choice is to say the text in both languages, it is recommended, as a general rule, to say the Italian first.

Signor: ‘Sir’ in Italian

Signora: ‘Madam’ in Italian

Beatrice is pronounced [bea’trit∫e].

This play went to press before the end of rehearsals and may differ from the play as performed.

ACT ONE

SCENE ONE

A room in the house of Pantalona.

PANTALONA, CLARICE, SILVIO, DOTTORE, SMERALDINA.

SILVIO: Here is my hand and with it I give you all of my heart.

PANTALONA: Come on, don’t act shy. Give him your hand.

CLARICE: Caro [Dear] Silvio, here is my hand, and with it I promise to be your wife.

SILVIO: And I promise to be yours.

PANTALONA: Viva gli sposi! [Long live the bride and groom!]

DOTTORE: Bravissimi! [Very good!] Now there is no turning back. Soon you will be a man.

SILVIO: A man?

DOTTORE: A man.

SILVIO: A man!

DOTTORE: A homo sapien erectus maximus.

SILVIO: A homo erectus man!

PANTALONA: Now, for the celebration, we don’t need to invite friends or relatives … I’m sure Signor Dottore agrees. We do things without bells and whistles here. Let’s keep it simple, okay?

SILVIO: I desire nothing more than to be next to my dear bride.

SMERALDINA: [aside] Of course, where else would you be?

DOTTORE: My son is not a vain boy. He has a good heart and he loves your daughter.

PANTALONA: I must say this wedding was truly made in heaven, because if Signor Federigo Rasponi of Turin, my business associate, hadn’t died, Clarice would be marrying him and not [gesturing towards SILVIO] my dear son-in-law.

DOTTORE: Misfortune comes on horseback and returns on foot.

SILVIO: One man’s misfortune is another’s … fortune.

CLARICE: Oh, Silvio, you have such a way with words.

SMERALDINA: [aside] Yes, he’s a real Goldoni.

SILVIO: Grazie, mia cara. [Thank you, my dear.]

A knock is heard.

PANTALONA: Smeraldina, see who that is.

SMERALDINA: [shouting] Come in!

TRUFFALDINO enters.

TRUFFALDINO: Your humble and reverent servant at your service for all you good signori [sirs and madams]. Ah, what fine-looking people!

PANTALONA: Who are you? What do you want?

TRUFFALDINO: Scusi. [Excuse me.] I don’t want to interrupt, but who is the master of the house?

DOTTORE: I am.

PANTALONA: I am.

TRUFFALDINO: [to DOTTORE] You are the master of the house?

DOTTORE: Sì. I’m the master … but not of this house.

PANTALONA: I am the master of this house! What do you want?

TRUFFALDINO: I don’t want to interrupt, but [to PANTALONA, referring to CLARICE] who is this fancy lady?

PANTALONA: My daughter.

TRUFFALDINO: I don’t want to interrupt, but … wow!

SMERALDINA: She’s engaged.

TRUFFALDINO: Oh. [To SMERALDINA] And who are you?

SMERALDINA: I’m her mistress, Signor.

TRUFFALDINO: Are you engaged?

SMERALDINA: Not yet.

TRUFFALDINO: That’s good. [To SILVIO] And who are you?