This title is for centering.
(Act I, Don Alfonso and Despina recitative)
What silence, what look of sadness these rooms have!
Poor girls! They are not entirely to blame. I must console them.
While the two fiancés disguise themselves as I instructed, let me think what can be done.
I’m worried about Despina. That sly one might recognize them, and could upset my well laid plans. Let’s see…
If ever it were needed, a gold piece for a maid works wonders. But perhaps letting her in on it… Excellent idea!
Who’s there?
- My Despina, I need you. - I don’t need you.
- I want to do you a favor. - For a young girl, an old man like you can offer nothing.
- Speak softly and observe. - You’re giving that to me?
- Yes, if you’re nice to me. - And what do you want? Gold is quite sweet to me.
- And you’ll have it, but I need your loyalty. - That’s all? I’m yours.
- Take it and listen. You know your ladies lost their lovers. - I know.
- You heard their tears and ravings. - I heard.
Now then, perhaps to console them a bit, and drive out a nail with a nail…
You could introduce to the ladies, two elegant gentlemen who wish to… you see… there’s a tip if you help them succeed.
This proposition pleases me. But those silly girls… Enough, listen: Are they young and handsome?
- And most importantly, are they rich? - They have everything two discerning women need.
- Where are they? - They’re outside. May I let them in? - Of course!
My friends, I introduce you to the lovely Despinetta. The consolation of your hearts depends solely on her.
By this hand I happily kiss, by those gracious eyes, may my treasure turn her serene gaze upon me.
What faces! What clothes! What appearance! What mustachios! I can’t tell if they’re Romanians or Turks.
- What do you think? - Frankly, they have peculiar faces, a true antidote to love.
- What appearances! What mustachios! - Now it’s settled, if she doesn’t recognize them (us)
Hey, Despina! - My mistresses! - Use your wits. I’ll hide over here.
Little brat! What are you doing with such people? Make them leave right now, or you’ll regret it!
Ladies, forgive us! At your lovely feet, see two wretches who adore you!
- Gods, what is this? Who perpetrated this heinous betrayal? - Please calm your indignation…
Dorabella and Gulgielmo’s Act II Duet
I give you this heart, my lovely idol. But I also want yours, give it to me.
Give it to me, I’ll take it, but I won’t give you mine. It’s useless for you to ask for it, for it’s no longer mine.
- If you don’t have it with you, why does it beat here? - If you give it to me, what would be beating there?
It is my little heart that is no longer with me. It came to be with you, it beats like that.
- Let me put it in there. - It cannot stay here.
- I understand you, cunning one. - What are you doing? - Don’t look.
- (I feel as if I have a Vesuvius in my breast.) - (Poor Ferrando! It doesn’t seem possible!)
- Look at me with your dear little eyes. - What do you want?
Look, look… could things be going better?
Happy exchange of hearts! What sweet delight and suffering!