Molière's The Sicilian

Nicolas Billon

CHARACTERS

DON PEDRO
A Sicilian gentleman, in love with Isidore.

ISIDORE
Don Pedro's betrothed.

ADRASTE
A French gentleman, in love with Isidore.

CLIMÈNE
Adraste's sister.

HALI
Adraste's servant.

JUDGE

FIRST MUSICIAN
SECOND MUSICIAN

TWO SERVANTS

SCENE I: A PIAZZA IN MESSINA.

Enter Hali and two musicians.

HALI
Shh! Come no further; stay here until I call you. The sky wears a cloak tonight; there's not a single star in the firmament.
(to audience)
Being a servant is an unfortunate condition; to live not for myself but always fully committed to the passions of my master, to be ruled by his fancies and burdened with his worries! And now, because he's in love, I must serve him night and day without a moment's rest. Ah, there's a torch: no doubt it's him.

Enter Adraste.

ADRASTE
Is that you, Hali?

HALI
Who else would it be? What are the chances, at this hour, of meeting someone in the streets?

ADRASTE
As unlikely as meeting a man who feels in his heart the despair that I feel. To struggle against the indifference of a beautiful woman is one thing, for we can sigh to the Heavens; but to find no occasion to speak to the one we adore, to not know if the love inspired by her gaze will please or displease her, that is a hardship few can bear... Yet this is what I am reduced to by the jealous villain who dotes and watches over his intended -- my beloved! -- and doesn't dare leave the house without her firmly at his side.

HALI
But there are, in love, many ways to speak; and it seems to me that your eyes and her eyes have said many things to each other in the past two months.

ADRASTE
It's true, but how do I know if we are speaking the same language? How do I know if she understands everything that my looks are saying to her, and if hers are saying to me what I sometimes think they're saying?

HALI
We must find another way for you to speak to her.

ADRASTE
Are the musicians ready?

HALI
Yes.

Hali hails the musicians, who come forward.

ADRASTE
I want them to sing here until dawn again. I hope their music will inspire my beloved to appear at her window.

HALI
What should they sing?

ADRASTE
What they judge best.

HALI
They can sing the song they sang the other night.

ADRASTE
No. That is not what I want.

HALI
It has a wonderful melody!

ADRASTE
Yes, but does it have enough passion?

HALI
But sir, B flat is the key of passion! You know that I have an ear for music.

ADRASTE
I want something tender yet passionate, something that will induce a state of sweet reverie.

HALI
Ah, so you're changing your tune. Perhaps they can sing a little comedy that I have seen them rehearse. It is about two lovelorn shepherds who lament their fate in the woods -- quite passionately -- and reveal to one another the cruelty of their mistresses; that's when a happy shepherd arrives and mocks their weakness.

ADRASTE
Very well. Let's have it.

HALI
This piazza shall serve as our stage; and these two torches will shed light on our comedy.

ADRASTE
Stand by the door: warn me of any noise, so that I may put out the lights.

FIRST MUSICIAN
If by my sad tale of woe
I trouble the sweet repose of your solitude,
Stones, be not angry:
When you understand the weight of my sadness,
Stone that you are,
You will be touched.

SECOND MUSICIAN
The joyful birds, at the first sign of dawn,
Fill this vast forest with their songs;
And I, I begin to despair again:
Languid sighs and melancholy tears.
Ah! My dear Philène!

FIRST MUSICIAN
Ah! My dear Tirsis!

SECOND MUSICIAN
How my heart is full of sadness!

FIRST MUSICIAN
How my mind is full of worries!

SECOND MUSICIAN
The ungrateful Daphné is always deaf to my wishes.

FIRST MUSICIAN
Cloris has no soft looks for me.

FIRST MUSICIAN
The hard laws of love!
Cupid, if you cannot force them to love,
Why must you leave them the power to charm?

SECOND MUSICIAN
The hard laws of love!
Cupid, if you cannot force them to love,
Why must you leave them the power to charm?

HALI
(as the shepherd)
Poor lovers, what a mistake
To vainly love vain women!
Never have healthy souls
Suffered so needlessly.
Why bind your hearts
To such poor custodians?
There are a hundred women in these parts
Whose presence fills me with glee;
I vow to them my tenderness
In a most delicate sotto voce;
But if they prefer a bolder approach,
I will prove up to the task.

FIRST MUSICIAN
Who can love thus?

SECOND MUSICIAN
Who can love thus?

HALI
Sir, something stirs within!

ADRASTE
Hide quickly, and put out the torches.

Don Pedro opens the door of his house. He wears a dressing gown and a nightcap, and a sword is nestled under his arm.

DON PEDRO
I've heard singing at my door, and no doubt there is some purpose to it, as 'twas in B flat. I'll discover who's behind this.

Don Pedro slinks along the wall.

Moment.

ADRASTE
(whispers)
Hali!

HALI
(whispers)
What?

ADRASTE
(whispers)
Do you hear anything?

HALI
(whispers)
No.

Don Pedro eavesdrops on them.

ADRASTE
All our efforts in vain? Might I not obtain one moment to speak with my beloved? A curse upon that jealous villain, that treacherous Sicilian who keeps her shut away!

HALI
I wish, with all my heart, that the devil would take him for all the trouble he has given you and for all the sleep he has deprived me of, the scoundrel! Ah! If he were here now, what a joy it would be to wring his neck for the trials and tribulations his jealousy has caused us!

ADRASTE
We must find a way, some ruse or device to dupe the swine. I am far too far in love to turn back now; I will be steadfast in /

HALI
Sir, I don't know what it means, but the door is wide open; if you want, I'll sneak in to find out who opened it.

Don Pedro hides behind the door.

ADRASTE
Yes, all right; but don't make any noise. I won't be far behind you. By Heaven, let it be my charming Isidore!

Hali peeks into the house. Don Pedro steps out and slaps him across the face.

DON PEDRO
Who goes there?

Hali slaps Don Pedro.

HALI
A friend.

Don Pedro screams.

Hali dives into the bushes.

DON PEDRO
Guards! Guards! Francesco, Domenico, Ferdinando, Luigi, Enrico, Carlo, Battista, Dario, Amedeo! Quick, my sword, no, my ax, no, my halberd, no, my pistols, my musket! Intruders!

Don Pedro waits for help. When no one appears, he returns inside the house and shuts the door behind him.

Moment.

Adraste tip-toes to the door and puts his ear against it.

ADRASTE
I don't hear anyone stirring. Hali! Hali?

HALI
Sir?

ADRASTE
Where are you?

HALI
Have the guards come out?

ADRASTE
No. No one stirs.

Hali rolls out of the bushes.

HALI
The better for them, for I would give them a sound thrashing!

ADRASTE
Alas! All our schemes have been in vain! And so this jealous villain will mock us.

HALI
Hold me back, sir: my honour is up in arms! It will not be said that he got the better of me. I am indignant, and I daresay that it is time to unleash my God-given talents upon the situation.

ADRASTE
Perhaps by some letter or by word of mouth, we may inform my beloved of my feelings for her, and in return know her feelings for me. Then we could easily find the means /

HALI
I will take care of it. I will try one trick, then another, and another, and another; inevitably one will work out. Come, dawn is at hand; I will gather my people and return here to wait for the villain to come out.

Hali and Adraste exit.

Lights shift as night turns to dawn. A rooster crows.

Don Pedro cracks the door open and peeks out; once he's satisfied the coast is clear, he comes out followed by Isidore, who hastily finishes pinning her hair.

ISIDORE
What pleasure do you take in having me woken so early? It seems at odds with your plans to have me sit for a painting today. You wish me to have a fresh complexion and sparkling eyes? To wake me up at the first sign of dawn is not favourable to such things.

DON PEDRO
I have business that requires me to go out at this hour.

ISIDORE
This business, I believe, could take place without my presence. You could have let me savour a few more moments of my morning slumber with little inconvenience to yourself.

DON PEDRO
Yes. But I rather enjoy having you with me at all times. It's not unreasonable to guard oneself against prying eyes; again last night I found men singing beneath your window.

ISIDORE
The music was beautiful.

DON PEDRO
Was it intended for you?

ISIDORE
If you say it was, I will believe it.

DON PEDRO
And do you know who provided this serenade?

ISIDORE
No; but, whoever it was, he has my gratitude.

DON PEDRO
Your gratitude?

ISIDORE
Of course, since he seeks to cheer me up.

DON PEDRO
So you find it pleasant to be courted?

ISIDORE
Quite. There's something touching about it.

DON PEDRO
You are grateful and touched by all this attention!

ISIDORE
Why, yes.

DON PEDRO
You are too candid with your thoughts.

ISIDORE
Why should I conceal them? Whatever countenance women put on, we are always pleased to be courted. Tributes to our charms never displease us. Whatever we may say, the great ambition of women is to inspire love. All our efforts are for that very thing; no woman is too proud to rejoice in her heart for the conquests her eyes have made.

DON PEDRO
But while you take pleasure in being loved, do you know that I, who loves you, takes no pleasure in it at all?

ISIDORE
I don't know why that is. If I loved someone, I would find great pleasure to see him loved by everyone. Is there no better sign that confirms our choice? Do we not congratulate ourselves when the one we love is found agreeable to others?

DON PEDRO
To each his own; but that is not my wont. I would be quite happy were you not thought so beautiful, and I would be obliged if you ceased being so in the eyes of others.

ISIDORE
Jealous of such things?

DON PEDRO
My love wants you all to myself. Its delicate nature is offended by every smile or look you bestow on others; the precautions I take are to shut the door to all suitors, to ensure the possession of a heart whose theft, even for an instant, I would be unable to bear.

ISIDORE
Let me give you some advice, as you are going about this the wrong way: The possession of a heart is poorly assured when it is held hostage. Were I the suitor, I would direct all my energy to make you so jealous that you would watch over me day and night. It would be an excellent way to gain the upper hand; it wouldn't be long before my resentment and anger bears fruit for the suitor.

DON PEDRO
So if a suitor were to woo you, you'd be disposed to receive him?

ISIDORE
Women do not like to be smothered; it is risky to treat them with suspicion and keep them under constant watch.

DON PEDRO
You speak little of the gratitude that you owe me: you were once my servant, a woman of limited prospects, yet nonetheless you'll soon be my wife...

ISIDORE
What gratitude do I owe you if you've moved me from one prison to another, if you allow me no freedom, and keep me, as you have, under lock and key?

DON PEDRO
It is all because I love you. So much!

ISIDORE
If that is how you love me, then I beg you to hate me!

DON PEDRO
You are in a rather disagreeable mood today. I shall forgive these words, as I know you've suffered from being woken so early.

Hali enters, dressed as an artiste. He makes numerous reverences to Don Pedro.

DON PEDRO
Yes, enough, I pray you. What do you want?

Hali places himself between Don Pedro and Isidore. He turns to Isidore with each "with the permission..." and pantomimes to let her know of Adraste's plan.

HALI
Signor -- with the permission of the signora -- I came to tell you -- with the permission of the signora -- that I come to find you -- with the permission of the signora -- to entreat you -- with the permission of the signora -- to be kind enough -- with the permission of the signora -- /

DON PEDRO
With the permission of the signora, move over here.

Don Pedro places himself between Hali and Isidore.

HALI
Signor, I am a virtuoso.

DON PEDRO
I have nothing to give you.

HALI
That is not what I am asking for. But, as I dabble a little in music and dance, and as I know you are a person of great standing, I wish to present my newest creation for your entertainment, a song with ballet for two Muses. If it pleases you, perhaps one of your friends may be able to provide for my patronage.

ISIDORE
That is a thing to see, and will divert us. Bring them in.

HALI
Chala bala... Here is a new song, one for our times. Listen closely. Chala bala.

The first musician, dressed as the muse Erato, enters. He is sartorially challenged and keeps tripping over his costume.

FIRST MUSICIAN
(to Isidore)
With an ardent heart, a lover
Follows his beloved wherever she may go;
But she's watched like a hawk
By a jealous villain,
So only his eyes
May speak to her.
Is there a crueller punishment
For a heart full of love?
(to Don Pedro, with ridiculous gesticulations)
Chiribirida ouch alla,
Walla walla ki ki rah,
Raga raga cha-cha-cha,
Ouba ouba blah blah blah.

The second musician enters, dressed as the muse Terpsichore, and performs a "ballet".

SECOND MUSICIAN
(to Isidore)
Pity this lover who suffers
Under such misfortune!
But if, with a soft look,
The beloved sees her martyr,
And consents to his request
His sighs will be of joy,
And soon they will laugh about
The jealous villain's vigilance.
(to Don Pedro)
Chiribirida ouch alla,
Walla walla ki ki rah,
Raga raga cha-cha-cha,
Ouba ouba blah blah blah.
The first and second musician perform another "ballet".

DON PEDRO
(sings)
You know, on second thought,
I do not care for your song.
Will it cost your shoulders
Several lashes with a cane?
Chiribirida ouch alla,
We shall see about that!
How dare you!?
(to Isidore)
Come, let's go in; I've changed my mind. It looks like it will rain.

Don Pedro and Isidore exit.

HALI
Go, go... But over my dead body will you win the day!

Adraste enters, dressed as a painter.

HALI
Sir, I've put some plans in motion, but I /

ADRASTE
Do not be sad; I've come upon the perfect plan, quite by accident; I will soon enjoy the privilege of seeing my muse in her house. I ran into Damon, who told me that later today he was to paint the portrait of my beloved; and as we are friends, he wished to help me; and so he is sending me in his stead, with a letter of introduction. You know that I enjoy painting, and that I've occasionally picked up a brush -- against the French custom that gentlemen should know how to do nothing -- and this way I shall see my lovely... Perhaps even speak to her, though no doubt the jealous villain will be present to frustrate any attempts at conversation. But I have concocted a stratagem. If I obtain her consent to marry me, then with the help of my sister /

HALI
Ah, Climène of the graceful limp!

ADRASTE
With her help, I hope to tear my darling from the clutches of her captor.

HALI
Leave it to me; I'll create an occasion for you to speak to her. No one will say that I was of no use in this affair. When are you going?

ADRASTE
I'm on my way there now; everything's been prepared.

HALI
And I'll go prepare as well.

ADRASTE
I don't want to waste another minute. My eyes can hardly wait to feast upon her beauty once again.

DON PEDRO'S HOUSE

A servant brings in Adraste, who makes a reverence to Don Pedro.

DON PEDRO
What is your business here, signor?

ADRASTE
I'm looking for Signor Don Pedro.

DON PEDRO
He stands before you.

ADRASTE
If it pleases him, he will take the trouble to read this letter.

DON PEDRO
"I send you, Signor, this French gentleman, who, in the curious habit of helping honest men, has agreed to undertake the portrait of your betrothed in my stead. He is, without doubt, first among men for this kind of work, and I believe that I can provide no greater favour than to send him to you for the portrait of the one you love. Do not, under any circumstance, speak to him of any recompense; for he is the kind of man to take offense at such things; he works only for glory and reputation."

Signor, it is a great honour you bestow upon me, and I am grateful.

ADRASTE
My whole ambition is to serve men of distinction and merit.

DON PEDRO
I will summon the lady in question.

Don Pedro signals the servant, who fetches Isidore. She enters.

DON PEDRO
Here is a gentleman sent by Damon, who will undertake your portrait.

Adraste makes a reverence to Isidore and kisses her hand.

Don Pedro yelps.

DON PEDRO
Signor, such greeting is not customary in this country.

ADRASTE
It is the French custom.

DON PEDRO
The custom of France is good for French women; but, for our own, it is a little too familiar.

ISIDORE
I'm honoured by your presence, sir; I did not expect the visit of such an illustrious painter.

ADRASTE
I know no painter who would decline the opportunity to touch upon such glory. My ability is but modest; the subject, however, will make up for my shortcomings, for I cannot fail to achieve beauty when working from such an original.

ISIDORE
The subject is a modest one; the skill of the painter will compensate for its imperfections.

ADRASTE
The painter sees none; and all that he wishes is to do justice to the grace and beauty before him.

ISIDORE
If your brush flatters as well as your tongue, your portrait will not resemble me at all.

ADRASTE
Earthly portraits can hope to capture no more than a whisper of the beauty that Heaven hath made...

ISIDORE
Heaven, as you may say, has not /

DON PEDRO
That's enough, I pray you. Let us put our minds to the portrait.

ADRASTE
Come, bring everything.

The servant exits and brings everything needed for the portrait.

ISIDORE
Where would you like me to sit?

ADRASTE
Here. This is a suitable location; there is a most favourable light.

Isidore sits.

ISIDORE
How's this?

ADRASTE
Yes. Straighten up a little bit, please. More to the left. The body turned this way. The head up a little, so we can see the grace of your neck. This needs to be a bit more uncovered.

Adraste goes over to Isidore and provides a bit more, ahem, "ventilation" for her cleavage.

ADRASTE
Well. There, a little more; a little bit more even.

DON PEDRO
He has much trouble getting you to sit correctly; can you not hold yourself properly?

ISIDORE
This is all new to me; it is up to the gentleman to set me as he desires.

Adraste brings the easel and canvas to Isidore, and sits very close to her.

ADRASTE
There, that's it; you are holding yourself up perfectly. No, this way, please. Everything depends upon the attitude of the subject.

DON PEDRO
Quite right.

ADRASTE
A little more to the side. Your eyes turned towards me, please; maintain eye contact at all times.

ISIDORE
I am not like those women who want a portrait that is affected and who are not satisfied with the painter unless he depicts them as beautiful as Aphrodite herself. The same portrait would content them all, for they request the same thing: a lily-white complexion, rosy cheeks, a perfect nose, a small mouth, pouty lips, lively, almond-shaped eyes; and, most important, a face no larger than one's hand, even if it is the size of one's foot. I would request a portrait that is me, truly me, so that no one will need to ask whose portrait it is.

ADRASTE
I can't imagine anyone would ask that of yours, for your features are so soft and delicate that I do not know who you could be mistaken for. I hesitate for I fear being seduced by the mere act of painting them.

DON PEDRO
The nose has always seemed a bit large to me.

ADRASTE
I've read that Apelles once painted one of Alexander's mistresses, a woman of stunning beauty, and that as he painted her, he fell so madly in love that he lost the power of speech: Alexander was moved by this and surrendered his mistress to the painter. I could do here what Apelles did then; but you would not, I suspect, do what Alexander did.

Don Pedro grimaces.

ISIDORE
(to Don Pedro)
Ah, the French! As always the gentlemen of France are fond of gallantry, and enjoy sharing their gift whenever the occasion arises.

ADRASTE
Yes, you are right, of course; but your intelligence allows you to read between the lines and understand my true meaning. Because were Alexander here, I would not refrain from telling him that I have never beheld anything as beautiful as you, and that /

DON PEDRO
Signor, I think you should not talk so much; it distracts you from your work.

ADRASTE
Not in the least. I am always in the habit of talking as I paint; conversation raises the spirit and keeps the face of our subject attentive and alert.

Hali, extravagantly dressed in the manner of a Spaniard, enters. During Hali and Don Pedro's exchange, Adraste takes the opportunity to whisper to Isidore.

DON PEDRO
What do you want? And who let you enter without warning?

HALI
I enter here freely; but, between gentlemen, such liberty is permitted. Signor, am I known to you?

DON PEDRO
No, Signor.

HALI
I am Don Gilles d'Avalos; my merit, Signor, you will find scattered throughout the illustrious history of Spain.

DON PEDRO
Do you require something of me?

HALI
Yes, Signor: advice on a subject of honour. I have heard that in such affairs it is difficult to find a gentleman of greater authority than yourself; but I must ask, perdóneme, that we speak in private.

Hali moves away, forcing Don Pedro to follow him.

DON PEDRO
This is far enough.

Don Pedro turns and catches Adraste gazing at Isidore.

ADRASTE
(to Don Pedro)
Her eyes are cornflower blue.

Hali pulls Don Pedro further away.

HALI
Signor, I was struck. You know what it is like, when it is given with an open palm on one's cheek. This blow weighs heavily upon my heart: and I am uncertain if, to avenge the affront, I must fight with the man or have him assassinated.

DON PEDRO
Assassination is the quickest remedy. Who is your enemy?

HALI
Speak lower, I beg you.

Hali holds Don Pedro so that he cannot see Adraste; the latter kneels by Isidore.

ADRASTE
Yes, my lovely Isidore, my eyes have been speaking to you for more than two months. I love you more than anything that one can love, and I have no other thought, no other passion, than to be yours all my life.

ISIDORE
I do not know if you speak the truth, but you are persuasive.

ADRASTE
Have I persuaded you enough to inspire some requite of my love?

ISIDORE
I only fear that I have too much.

ADRASTE
Do you have enough, beautiful Isidore, for the stratagem I have spoken of?

ISIDORE
I cannot say yet.

ADRASTE
What are you waiting for?

ISIDORE
My courage.

ADRASTE
Is courage not a virtue of love?

ISIDORE
I believe it is; therefore yes, I consent.

ADRASTE
But tell me, do you consent that it happen at this very moment?

ISIDORE
Love has many virtues, but patience is not one of them.

DON PEDRO
That is my advice, and I kindly take your leave.

HALI
Signor, when you shall receive some offense, I shall be your good counsel, and so return the favour you have done me here.

DON PEDRO
I will let you see yourself out; between gentlemen, such liberty is permitted.
Hali exits.

ADRASTE
There is nothing that could erase these sweet testimonies from my heart...
Adraste notices Don Pedro observing them.

ADRASTE
I was looking at this small dimple on her chin, which I mistook for a blemish. But that is enough for today; we shall finish some other time.
Don Pedro moves in to look at the portrait.

ADRASTE
No, Signor; do not look yet.
(to servant)
Put this away, please.
(to Isidore)
I entreat you, in faith, to remain in good spirits; for our work here will soon be completed.

ISIDORE
Rest assured, I shall not falter.

Adraste exits with a flourish.

ISIDORE
That gentleman struck me as most civil; you must agree that the French are inherently polite and gallant -- qualities that other nations lack.

DON PEDRO
Perhaps; but they have the troublesome habit of courting every woman they meet, and insist on paying them the most outrageous compliments.

ISIDORE
It would appear they know how to please women.

DON PEDRO
Yes; but by pleasing women, they displease men. We do not appreciate having our mistress wooed under our very nose.

ISIDORE
It is nothing more than a harmless game.

Climène enters, limping gracefully.

CLIMÈNE
Ah! Signor, I beg you, save me from the clutches of my furious husband! His jealousy turns him into a raging beast. He insists that I be veiled at all times; and he just now found me with my face uncovered, and drew his sword; I am forced to seek refuge in your house, to ask for your assistance against his injustice. I see him coming! For heaven's sake, Signor, save me from his fury!

DON PEDRO
Go with her into the next room.

Climène and Isidore exit. Adraste enters, sword drawn.

DON PEDRO
What? Signor, is it you? Such jealousy for a Frenchman! I thought only we Sicilians were capable of such passion!

ADRASTE
The French excel in everything they do; and, when we become jealous, we are twenty times more so than any Sicilian. That trollop believes she's found safe harbour with you, but I know you are a reasonable man who understands my feelings. I pray you, bring me the wench.

DON PEDRO
By heavens, stop! The offense is too small for such anger.

ADRASTE
The offense itself matters little; it is her defiance of my orders that justifies my anger, for to disobey my wishes is the greatest sin of all.

DON PEDRO
From what she told me, the offence was unintentional; I beg you, reconcile yourself with her.

ADRASTE
Can this be? You are taking her side, Signor? But you are known to be so delicate in these matters...

DON PEDRO
Yes, I'm taking her side; and, if you would oblige me, forget your anger and make peace with your wife. It is a favour that I ask of you, and I shall receive it as a token of the friendship that I wish between us.

ADRASTE
Under these conditions, it is not possible to refuse such a request. I will do as you will.
Adraste sheathes his sword.

Don Pedro opens the door to the next room and speaks to Climène.

DON PEDRO
Come now, I have brokered a peace between you. You could not have found a better ambassador than myself.

CLIMÈNE
I am much obliged, Signor, more than you would believe. But I must put on my veil before I see him again.

Don Pedro closes the door and turns back to Adraste.

DON PEDRO
She's coming. Her soul, I daresay, seemed to lift when I told her I had resolved everything between you.

Isidore, under Climène's veil, enters.

DON PEDRO
As you were kind enough to give me your friendship, allow me to join your hands and beseech you both, with my blessing, to live together in happiness.

ADRASTE
I promise, Signor, that with your blessing, I will live a long, happy life with this woman.

DON PEDRO
Your words touch me, and I shall not forget them.

ADRASTE
I give you my word, Signor, that with your blessing, I will treat her better and respect her more than she's ever been before.

DON PEDRO
You do me too much honour.

Don Pedro bows; Adraste and Isidore bow and then exit.

DON PEDRO
It is good to make peace between lovers. Isidore, join me, I pray you.

Climène enters.

DON PEDRO
What is the meaning of this?

CLIMÈNE
What is the meaning? It means that a jealous man is a monster hated by everyone; it means that there isn't a soul who wouldn't think twice to cause him grief (just for the sake of it); it means that all the locks and bolts of the world cannot keep honest women imprisoned; it means that the heart must be kept with kindness and affection; it means that Isidore is now with the man she loves, and that you have been made a fool.

Climène runs out. A shaft of light falls over Don Pedro while the rest of the stage fades to darkness. The following dialogue is a voiceover that Don Pedro pantomimes.

DON PEDRO
Will Don Pedro suffer this injury? No, never! I have much resolve, and I'll seek the support of the law to bring the villain to justice. Aha! Here is the house of a judge.

Lights up and the set is now back to the public square. Don Pedro knocks on the judge's door. A servant answers, and a few moments later the judge emerges from his house.

JUDGE
Signor Don Pedro! You've come at an opportune moment.

DON PEDRO
I've come to submit a complaint; I've been wronged.

JUDGE
I'm holding a most beautiful masquerade tonight.

DON PEDRO
A treacherous Frenchman cast me as a fool.

JUDGE
You have never seen anything so delightful in your life.

DON PEDRO
He stole the girl betrothed to me.

JUDGE
A troupe of actors will be entertaining...

DON PEDRO
Tell me, is this an injury to be suffered?

JUDGE
...in exquisite costumes made specially for the occasion.

DON PEDRO
I've come to ask for justice against this villain.

JUDGE
I want you to watch the rehearsal; they are about to begin.

DON PEDRO
What are you talking about?

JUDGE
My masquerade.

DON PEDRO
What about my complaint?

JUDGE
Today I will entertain no affair but pleasure. Come, gentlemen! Let us see your comedy!

DON PEDRO
A plague upon your masquerade!

JUDGE
To hell with your complaint!

Enter three actors, dressed in commedia outfits; they perform a complete re-enactment of "The Sicilian" at breakneck speed, while Don Pedro and the Judge bicker.

At the end of the re-enactment, two of the actors shadow Don Pedro and the Judge, copying their movements. The third actor steps forward and reveals himself: it is Hali. He speaks to the audience.

HALI
Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the end of our modest comedy;
The moral I need not give away; suffice to say it concerns jealousy.
To the men, I say this: caged birds do not sing because they are happy,
Best let them free; and if they return, then you know they love thee.
Now to the women, here's my advice: be yourself at every opportunity,
For the simple truth, you know it so, is that a man is duped rather easily,
And too oft a woman is loved for what he imagines her to be.
Thus ends our modest comedy; good-night, good people, and thank you for your company!

CURTAIN