^iiSrVlII'Mfil—ti /■•--•■.': v.»5ji'. .iktJ-JWL^U-- MUSIC LIB. ML 50 S959B6E 1908 SUPPE Oi Oi 0: 1 8 6 5 8 1 o d o BOCCACCIO THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES BOCCACCIO; Fhe Prince of Palermo Vff FRANZ VON SUPPfi. With English Translation and Adaptation by DEXTER SMITH. I ! BOSTON: / OLIVER DITSON COMPANY. I NEW YORK: CHICAGO: PHILA: BOSTON: C, H. litson & Co. Lyon & Healy. J, E. Ditson & Co. Jolin C. Hayiies& Co. Copyright, MDCCCLXXX, by Oliver Ditson & Co. Copyright, mcmviii, by Oliver Ditson Company. BOCCACCIO; The Prince OF Palermo (Siomii; #p^va in ISihxtt ^tU. BT FRANZ VON SUPPfl. Wltb English Translation and Adaptation to| DEXTER SMITH. BOSTON: OLIVER DITSON COMPANY. NEW YORK: CHICAGO: PHILA : BOSTON: C. H. Mtson & Co. Lyon & Healy. ], E. Ditson & Co. lonn C. Haynes & Co. Copyright, MDCCCLXXX, by Oliver Ditson & Co. Copyright, mcmviii, by OliviiR Ditson Company. < ARGUMENT. Ptetro, the Prince of Palermo, goes to Florence, in ftrcordance with the wishes of his father, to marry Fia- METTA, the daughter of the Dm^E or Tuscany. Fiamet- TA, when a child, had been adopted by Lambertuccio, a Grocer, who was not aware of her noble birth. The Duke had caused her to be reared in this humble manner, for rea- sons of his own, intending to wed her to Pietro, to whom she had been in infancy betrothed. Upon Pietro's arrival in Florence, before presenting himself to the Duke and Fiametta, he joins in several adventures with the Stu- dents. Boccaccio, the novelist and poet, who is hated by the men of Florence for having ridiculed them in his novels, is deeply in love with Fiajmetta. Pietro is mis- taken for Boccaccio, and is severely beaten by the indig- nant Florentines. As Pietro is about to be solemnly betrothed to Fiametta, for considerations of state (al- though he does not love her, and she dislikes him), Boc- caccio, knowing that his affection for her is reciprocated, arranges a play which illustrates the follies of Pietro so strongly, that the latter surrenders the hand of Fiametta to Boccaccio. J. Frank Gii.ks. Music Printer. Boston. Music Library DRAMATIS PERSONS Boccaccio, a Novelist and Poet [ I U Leonetto, his friend, a Student Pietro, Prince of Palermo Lotteringhi, a Cooper Lambertuccio, a Grocer Scalsa, a Barber Fiametta, Lambertuccio's adopted daughter. Beatrice, Scalza's daughter Isabella , Lotteringhi's wife Peronella, Lambertuccio's sister Checco, a Beggar Fratelli, a Bookseller • Fresco, the Cooper's apprentice ..••••• The Unknown ..•••• Lo Cascio, Major Domo of the Diik»<«»»M*o To^ano, Chichibio, Guido, Cisti, Federico, Giotto, Rinieri, Lanto, Alberto, Iticciardo, Gerbino, Feodoro, Guidotto, Nostogio, Chiacometto, ") Anselmo, } BeggfeTS. Tito, J Filippa, ") Oretta, \ Lambertuccio's So -rants Violanta, ) Donna Jancofiere ••• Eliza, Donna Jancofiere's daughter ••,« Marietta, a Citizen's daughter ...•••«« Donna Pulci •» Augustina, ) * Elena, > Donna Pulci's Daugbtora. Angelicat j 3074*^60 Florentine Students. Lottereringhi'a JounieyBMB< "BOCCACCIO." ACT I. FCKNE I. Public Square in Florence. On the right, the church of Santa Maria Novella; on the left, house and shop of Scalza, a barbtr. At the back, in the centre, a fountain. It is the 24th of June, St. .Inhn's Day; the houses are gaily decorated in honor of the patron Saint of the city. At the rise of the curtain, the scene is clear, with the ex- ception of Checco, Anselmo, Giacommetto, Tito, and a few other beggars. Hear the Bells. — Checco. Hear the bells, as they now sweetly ring, But no pleasure to our hearts they bring ; Beggars. Sweetly ring, no joy bring. Checco. Young and old, poor, and those with gold, come they to-day ; Here, in honor of St. John, our saint, come they. They will hear us, they will cheer us; Give, Oh, give us, give, we pray ! Have pity, now, we pray ; Pity on Saint's day. Amen! All. Have pity now, we pray, on Saint's day. Amen! Checco. You, Anselmo, stand there, Giacommetto, you here ; Tito, you may come now, and stand beside me near. Quickly, you feMows lazy ; You must have all gone crazy ! In place ! right face 1 Be bold ! get gold ! (.Enter Leonetto, looking mysteriously around.) Leon. Lonely now is my Beatrice, Where no father is beside; Yet so carefully he guards her, She cannot become my bride. She expects me here this morning. While her father is away. Ckorus. La, la, la, la. la, la, la, ra. la, &c, Leon. ( To students otitsidc) While you're singing, [Goes toward Sc A i.x's houst.) Sing for me. Checco. Quickly now follow, o'er hill and hollow I Jhorus. Hasten ! Hasten ! Cmecco. Quickly now follow, follow me now ! ( Enter GmiERAi. ChorusJ General Chorus. Hasten, hasten, fly ! now haste* ! Run to the Festival ! Youth and age gladly meet, And of lirightest joys partake, With sweet smiles each other greet; Out Florence, fair awake, awake! Hail, hail, hail, hail ! Florence, city of our love ! Hail, hail, hail, hail ! Florence, city of our love ! La, la, la, la, la, la, &c. Have no foes drown your woes, On this happy festal day ; Drown your woes, have no foes, On this happy festal day ! Our jubilee, our festival, Come, join our festival ! Youth and age gladly meet, And of brightest joys partake ; With sweet smiles each other greet, ," Our Florence, fair, awake, awake I Hail, hail, hail, hail ! Florence, city of our love, &c. Bring ye buds and blushing flowers, And hang upon yourJofty toweis; Maidens, wives, and lads and men, To-day we'll children be again ! La, la, la, la, la, ra, &c. Come, join us now, come join us now. In Jubilee and festival. Chorus. — Checco and Beggars. Have pity, have pity pity ! Hear us now, Amen ! Pity ! Die we from hunger; Oh, pity, pity ! Other Chorus. Open hearts and open hands, Now knit the golden bands of friendship Lo! they come, the students come — see! Lo ! they come, the students come ! They come, they come — welcome to them ! Chorus speak) Here come the students 1 {Enter students) Song — Students. Vicing for roses fair, Students are here; Let each young heart take care, For Cupid's ever near ! Oh, what pleasure we have to-day ! iVe'll sing the songs of- heroic age departed, We'll praise the bards, who so bravely, grandly sung ; We'll weave a crown for the men so lion-hearted, From such a race have all noble actions sprung, Have all noble actions sprung. General Chorus. — Students, Beggars, &c, Italia ! 'tis our native land, We love it dearly, we love it; We love its sunny skies so grand, We love our dear native, native land ! Checco and Beggars. Give us alms, give, we pray ! General Chorus, Students and Beggars. ♦ Hasten, join us in jubilee ; Let us dance and sing and play, On our Patron's natal day ! Hasten, hasten, hasten, join us ! It is our jubilee ! Youth and age gladly meet. And of brightest joys partake. With sweet smiles each other greet ; Our Florence, fair, awake, awake S Hail, hail, hail, hail ! Florence, city of love. Bring buds and blushing flowers, And hang upon your lofty towers : Maidens, wives, and lads and men, To-day we'll children be again. La, la, ra, la, la, ra, &c. Hasten, join us, come and join us, To-day we hold our Festival ! SnKer Fkatelli, bookseller, pushing a cart filled with books. Three pla- cards, on which ara respectively inscribed the names, " Boccaccio.'' ** Sachetti," and " Fiorenti," are on the cart.) Fratelli {entering. . New novels, come buy ! Buy the latest novels ! New novels buy. Chorus. Novels, new ! Quickly come ! Quickly come ! Fratelli. New novels, buy ! Buy the latest novels ; new novels buy ! Chorus. Quickly come ! Come here and buy ! Fratelli. Interesting stories ; Will you buy those novels thrilling ? New novels come buy ; stories of killing ! (Holds up hook after hook, as he sings.) Chorus. Buy his new novels ; come, buy new novels! See his new novels ; here are new novels ! (As Fratelli reaches the front centre of the stage, he steps upon his cart, and the people crowd around him.) Fratelli. Read ! be astonished ! Come, and buy quickly ! Books by Sachetti ; books by Manetti. Most instructive ; fine tales of fiction, come and buy. Books new and witty, Best in the city — New books for your library buy. Chorus. What is the new book's name ? Fratelli. 'Tis '• The Miller and the Monk." Chorus. " The Miller and the Monk ! " Fratelli. By Fiorentino, the famous author. 'Tis a story sure to please you, will you buy f Here is another. Good as the other; Come here, and my books quickly buy ! Chorus. Tell us the title, then ! Fratelli. 'Tis " The Friend of the Cardinal. " Chorus. " The Friend of the Cardinal 1 " Fratelli. But the best that I have proffered, Of the books that I have offered here to-day, Was written by Giovanni Boccaccio. Chorus. Boccaccio ! Boccaccio ! Fratelli. Much has he to tell you, neighbours, Of adventures here in Florence ; Stories of the men you know. Oh, he does lash those fellows so! Women. What's that ? ( „ i • , Men. Stand back I j Hear him ! Fratelli. Now, come, and buy his latest works, " Spinelloccia " and " Zeppa I " Chorus. Interesting books, indeed 1 Fratelli. Quickly, quickly, come and buy, Quickly, quickly come, and buy ; For he tells of lazy husbands. Drunken husbands here in Florence 5 Women. Nice, no doubt, and quite piquant I Men. Lies, all lies; no lies we want I Fratelli. Ah ! no wonder men are mad, To be told that they are bad; Let them rave and fume and fret, We'll be even with them yet ! Men, It is a falsehood ! Fratklli. Tis no wonder they rage ! Men. Bold and bad-mannered ! Fratelli. They are caught in their own cage ! Men. Oh, it is shameful ! Shame ! I ratelll They are very model men ! Women. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! It is no wonder that they rave, For he tells how they misbehave ! Ha, ha, ha ! Students. Hear them shout in anger now, ha, ha, ha! Men. Oh, for shame ! Women. He has hit them well, surely ! Men. Silence ! Women. It is now for us to lau'^h ! Ha, ha, ha ! Students. Ha, ha, ha ! Lots of fun ! Mischief done ! Ha, ha ha, &c. Women. f Still, we have to chaff. We have to chaff. Ha, ha, ha, &c. Good foa! Men. We shall meet him, sometime, Somewhere and beat him ! Yes ; that is truly so ! Women. Truthful Boccaccio ! Our friend Boccaccio, Writes, as his books show, Truth, not romance. Truthful man, indeed. Is the great Boccaccio ! Ha, ha, ha, &c. Men. The mean scamp shall not mock us. No ! We won't stand that. Just wait ! Students. Pack off ! Pack off ! Be off ! Quick ! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, &c. This matter's most amusing, sure, What men endure ! 'Tis owing to Boccaccio ! How funny ! The men are mad, the women glad. And it is funny for us. Ha, ha, ha, &c. Pack off ! Pack off ! Be off, quick ! Ha, ha, ha, &c 'Tis good enough ! 'Tis good enough ! Believe our words ; beware our rage ! Be quiet now — we've had enough of crying; Let it quickly end ! 'Tis good enough ! 'Tis good enough ! Believe our words, &c. This farce is much too tragical, So quickly end this foolish trouble. And let it perish as a buhble ' Bravi! Bravi End it quickly! Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Both. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Both. Men. Women. Both. Men. Women. We shall meet him sometime, somewhere ! He surely will not heed such threats as yours are ! Somewhere ! Hear our oath that we will kill him ! He surely will not mind such threats as yours are! The knave, we threaten him ! But first you must get him — We will kill him ! Before you can beat him ! We will kill him ! Would we could massacre the wretch now? He is not afraid of such fools as you. No, no, no, no, no ! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! Ah, no ! Truthful Boccaccio, &c. We will revenge ourselves ! No ; we will not spare the rascal I He dies ! He dies! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. ha ! Yes ! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! Keep silence ! Not now ! Adders ! Blockheads! Wildcats ! Dunces ! Believe our words ! Beware our fists, or you'll get the worst of it! Beware, beware, our strong blows, Mind you that ! Beware our nails, or you'll get the worst of It I Beware, beware our sharp nails, Mind you that ! Silence, now ! Not now ! Adders ! Blockheads ! Wildcats ! Dunces ! Wildcats ! Believe our words I Beware our fists, &c. Beware our nails, &c. This farce is all too tragical; Would you have blood .'' Beware our wrath I Come, if you dare ! Come on adders ! Come on, wildcats I Come on, blockheads ! fFRATELLi has, during the quarrel between the men and women, withdrawn behind the scenes to the right, up the stage. As he sings " New Noveto t " thgfutt Chorus rush after him. ) 10 Fratelli. C New novels, come buy ! Buy the latest novels ! Students. Hold the peace, And make no noise ! Women. Spare him, we pray; ' Use no harsh words. We read his books, And we like them too ! Men. We'll punish him ; Let him beware ! We'll burn his books, And we'll take his life ! xExit Fratelli, Students, Beggars, and full Chorus.) Leonetto. Now that Beatrice's father is away, I am going to call upon her. Song. — Leonetto. I will follow where thou leadest me, O thou fond one, wilt thou heed me ! Thou art queen of my heart, I'll follow; say that we shall never part. beloved one — earth's brightest treasure! Thee have I loved without measure ; 1 will follow thee with pleasure ! Yes; I'll love thee forever. With greatest affection, I'll love, I'll follow, blindly, kindly, If thou but call. Yes, blindly, should'st thou call on me, Should'st thou call on me, &c. (Exit Leonetto into Scalza's house.) (Enter Lotter and Lamb., carrying umbrellas. •' LoTTER. {Angrily.) To the gallows with Boccaccio! With his scan- dalous novels he will soon make our heretofore quiet Florence {sneezes) anything but pleasant for us. Lamb. Too true : your sneezing confirms it ! f Enter Checco, leading a dog, round the neck of which is placard on which is printed, conspicuously, the words, "I am blind 1" Checco. A poor blind man. Lamb. {Frightened) Oh, what shall I do .'' LoTTER. What's the matter? Lamb. Matter enough ! Whenever you meet a blind man before mass, it is a sign of bad luck. LoTTER. Rubbish ! Lamb. What's that you say ? Rubbish 1 I tell you, it is no non- sense ! I have tested it. I would rather have given considerable money than to have had it happen to me. I'll bet my lottery ticket don't draw a prize now ! I know the bugs will eat up all my olives. 11 LoTTER. I can change your luck. Lamb. You can ? How ? LOTTER. Give this poor, blind man some money. B» liberaL Lamb. (Dropping coin.) Well ? ('Checco eagerly picks up money.) Lamb. How's this ? Checco. Signor, I am not blind. I can see as well as you can! Lotter. Oh ! Lamb. You vagabond ! Why do you put that placard on your dog J Checco. Because the poor dog is blind ! Thank heaven, I am not'. Besides, they put the wrong tag on me ! I am deaf and dumb ! (Exit Checco. As he runs off. Lotter and Lamb, beat him with their umbrellas.) Lamb. You cheat ! Still, I am glad he is not blind ! Lotter. You are like an old woman ! Stop drinking strong tea, and confine yourself to lemonade. You see too many ghosts now ! Lamb. You are an unbeliever! I'll prove to you that at twelve o'clock to-night that ghosts Lotter. Oh, yes ; you want darkness and mystery. You can't prove your stuff in bright daylight. Populace {outside). Down with Boccaccio ! Lamb. A few nights ago, I dreamed that a big, black bull came after me The next day, a real bull ran after me, and his big horns (At this moment enter Scalza, carrying umbrella, who, not seeing LoTTEU and Lamb., runs against Lamb., who, in his fright, knocks Scalza down, and then assists him to rise.) Lotter. Down with Boccaccio ! Scalza. Boccaccio, indeed ! Yes ; down with Boccaccio ! Lotter & Lamb. Oho ! Scalza. Well, why do you knock me down when I am up, and help me up when I am down? Does it amuse you? What? (//e re- cognizes them.) Why, friends Lotterhinghi and Lambertuccio, have you lost your wits ? Good morning. {They shake hands.) Lotter You have just returned from a journey, Signor Scalza ? Scalza. Yes ; I have been to Pisa, to bleed the mayor of that city, Beatrice, my daughter, does not expect me home until to-morrow (poittts toward his house); but when I was about to leave Pisa, I was permitted to join the suite of the Prince of Palermo, Prince Pietro, who was coming to Florence. So I gained a day. Lamb, The suite of a Prince. Scalza. Yes ; the Prince is here to visit the court of the Duke of Tuscany, in order to meet his affianced. {Is about to enter tht house.) Lamb. What is that ? His affianced ? Our Duke has no daaghter. He has three children, but they are sons. SCALZA. Ah I But it is a great secret. Lamb, and Lotter. A secret ? Well ? SCALZA. {Confide7ttiaUy^ The youngest child of the Duke is a daU'^. ter, but she has not fived at the palace for some years. It v/aa given out at the time of the birth of the princess, that the baoti was a boy. Lotter. This is great news, indeed ! Lamb. But it is true ? ScALZA. I had it from one of the prince's suit. Lamb. I wonder whom she can be ? Lotter. This almost makes us forget that scoundrel, Boccacci« » You will join us, Signor Scalza ? SCALZA. Join whom ? What for.? Lotter. We are going to revenge the insults Boccaccio has htwped upon us We are going to kill him ! Lamb. You'd better wait till you have caught him ! Scalza. Hear me I Don't be so boisterous ! Don't shed any blood ! Banish him ! Let's go at once to the mayor and demand Boccac- cio's punishment. Lamb. I agree to that ! Lottfr. Then you will go without me. I do not believe in any such childish punishment. I want him killed right here, and now ! I'll kill him myself Scalza. My friend, remember your dignity, your position. You are a merchant cooper; I am at the head of a tonsorial palace. We must not join in brutal street rows ! Lamb. Peace, my friends ! Lotteringhi, you had better accept the banishment. Scalza. That will suit us all, I think. For my part, I know that ray daughter, Beatrice never flirts with students, so Boccaccio cannot write about her in his novels. She is very circumspect. Lamb. And my sister, Peronella, is a model of propriety. She is no subject for Boccaccio's pen. Lotter. And, as for my wife, Isabella, the whole city knows that she never even looks at any gentleman but myselL Scalza. That is true. {Calls to his daughter.) Beatrice ! Leonetto. {From Scalza's house.) Good heavens I Her father 1 Lamb. We won't mind what Boccaccio writes. Scalza. Good bye, friends ! {Calls.) Beatrice ! Beatrice. {Aside.) Is it possible ? 'Tis my father 1 Bocc. Your father? What is to be done ? Beatrice. I will tell you what to do. Lotter. I believe Boccaccio should be whipped in the public square before he is banished ! Lamb. {To Lotter.) Don't say a word to Scalza. / believe in that IS Boccaccio ought to receive sojne lashes. (Lamb, and Lotter start to go ) ^CALZA. ( Tries the door of his house.) The door is locked : my daugh- ter is asleep. I will awake her by singing a song. {Calls aftet Lamb, and Lotter.) Will you join me ? ^TTER. and Lamb. {Coming back.) With pleasure. ^ScALZA, Lotter. and Lamb., w A He singing, hold their umbrellas at if they were guitars, and pretend to play upon them. ) Serenade. Trio. — Lotter , Lamb., and Scalza. From thy dreaming, waken, sweet maiden ; Hear my song that with fond love is laden. 'Tis thy father early returning. With deep love for his dear child y^i fling ! Hear my sang — firu-liru-li, firu-'' .-ra! Come out strong — firu-liru 'i, f" lU-le-ra. Hear my song, firu-li-ru-li. Let us sing — firu-li-ru-la. Let us sing till the echoes ' ug! Beatrice. (From Scavza's hotise- ^voken) Father! Scalza. {Spoken) What is thai ^ ^e? Lamb. {Spoken.) Infernal cats . Lotter. Lamb. Lotter. Lamb. Lotter. Lamb. All. Lotter. Lamb. Lotter. Lamb. Lotter. Lamb. All. Beatrice. Scalza. Bea. Scalza. Bea. jCALZA. cJea. 5CALZA. Bea. Scalza. Bea. Dearest maiden, awake from thy slumber, And list now to our sweetest number. 'Tis thy father ^arly, &c. Hear my .cr,g, &c. Come ort strong, &c. Hear my song, &c. Let us sing, &c. Let us sing, &c. (Exit Lotter. and Lamb.) (Beatrice enters from Scalza's house) Help, help me ! Help, help me! Woe is mef That is Be-be-be-a-tri-ce ! I am trembling ! Help ! Help me ! What is it ? Help, help me I Help me — quick ! {Clashing of swords heard inside Scalza's housg^ I must help her; she's in trouble! What is the matter, dearest, say ? Come, help me ! What my child ? Com.e, help me, at once ! What, my child ! Hear me now I What's the trouble ?— tell me ! Dear one, what's the matter ? Tell me quick ! Father, for you Iv'e been waiting, Eagerly anticipating : 14 SCALZA. Bea. SCALZA. Bea. SCALZ V. I'm so glad you are returning I You're returning, just in time ! What's going on ? I'll quickly tell you. What danger's here? I'll tell you everything ; You see, I am so frightened, I can hardly speak ! 'Twas a stranger who sought for shelter In our house, from blinding rain, (Madonna, hear ! ) {Aside crosses herself^ He was followed by a rude fellow, Who struck him down in pain ! I nearly died — I fainted ! Oh, that cruel cavalier ! List'ning, in trembling, I was dissembling; I heard your loving voice, It made me rejoice ; Father, believe me, You must not leave me. Had you not come. Were you not here, My father dear, I should have died with fear! Ah ! see, I am so tearful, It is so fearful ! Oh, I might have been killed ! {Throws Iter arms around her father' s neck.) He is so young, so graceful, and so brave. Oh, would that I his fair young life might save! Ah, yes ! he is so young and fair and brave, would that I his bright young life might save ! You are frightened, my daughter; Surely, there can be no fear of slaughter; Calm your fears, my own dear daughter ; For, surely, there can be no fear of slaughter ! So you must dry your tears, my dearest daughter, You are my own darling child ! Oh, 'twere a pity he should die ! {Clashing of swords again heard behind the scenes.) There they are ! This way they're coming now ! Enter Leonetto and Boccaccio from Scalza's house uearing masks and fencing) Now, I will have your life ! 1 soon will end this strife ! How dreadful ! They are fighting ! 'Tis murder! Now, villian, you must die I Bea SCALZA. Boc. Leon, SCALZA Leon. 16 ,ZA. )N. ) lLZA. Boc. > Leon. ) He's smiting ! Pity! You must defend your life, So, take your place ! Oh, heaven! It is so frightful, is it not? Spare him ! And mind your face ! It is a very cruel thing! Pity I So keep your place ! Some one a stop to this must bring! Spare him ! SCALZA. Bea. Boc. Boc. Leon. Scalza. Bea. Boc. Leon. Scalza. Bea. Boc. Leon. Scalza. Bea. Boc. ) Leon. > Bea. {Asiie.) Both are playing very well! Boc Right face! \ Leon Scalza Boc. Leon. Scalza. Boc. Leon. Boc. Scalza. Leon. Scalza. Bea. Boc. > Leon. \ Scalza. Bea. Scalza. Boc. Leon. Scalza. Bea. Boc. Leon. Scalza. Boc. 4 Now, then, just mind and pay attention! Oh ! this danger who'll avert .? Die, now, you rascal ! Be careful, now, young man ! Oh ! Oh ! You are a villian! Take that, you scoundrel! You must mind when " parry ! " I shall call I What do you mean ? Such a scamp I've seldom seen! Yes ; I must interfere ! Or they will die — One of us must surely fall ! On the ground lie ! That will, surely, be the last ! Come, let us go within the house! I'll kill all who oppose me I They now breathe fast ! Let us go in ! I shall be witness of their death! Yes, I'll have to cut you down ! Yes! Come, my child, we must away 1 Ha! Yes ! come along ! Die now ! Villian ! Horror ! There — take that ! and that, sir ! (Enter two students, who, seeing the quarrel between Boc. and Leon. beckon to the other students. Enter students.) Leon. Die, now, you scoundrel ! Scalza. Qb ! Ok 1 1< Leon. Boc. Leon. SCALZA Boc. Leon. Boc. You are a scoundrel I Take this blow and parry ! Die now, you rascal ! Every blow strikes me I There, take that ! What do you men .'' Spare me ! (During the fighting o/Boc. and Leon, Scalza. has tried to separate them by opening his ximbrella between them, and, in doing so, they have made several thrusts at him.) Students. {Enter Beggars and Chorus.) {Drawing swords and pairijig off.) Here's a fight, and, wrong or right, We'll join in it with all our might, We'll join in it with all our might, Although we live or die, ha ! We are ready now, ha, ha ! Just now, ha, ha ! &c. For any body's row, ha, ha ! And we will show you how ! You see ! They are all mad I Parry — take care ! Beware ! You see ! They are all mad ! My father is afraid, I see, ah ! Good joke ! It is such fun ! Our artful little ruse has won. > Be on your guard ; take that, my man, and falL ) Take care ! Parry ! On guard ! I'll soon disarm you now, my man I Scalza. I must admit, 1 am afraid — ah ! Enough ! Enough ! We've had enough ;^let it end here ! (Boccaccio and Leonetto and Students, in pairs, fencg,) Bea. Boc. > Leon. ) Scalza. Bea. Boc. Leon Bea. Boc. Leon Scalza. Cho. 'When all the bright swords are flashing In the morning light. When all the steel tongues are clashing. Then the student's very happy ! Although in danger, He is to fear a stranger. The music of the sword Is the sweetest in the world to him ! Dreadful are the swords now flashing In the morning light ! So I'm going from the danger, Or else I shall die of fright ! So I will go at once from danger. For to courage I am a stranger. So, I am going right away, I surely can no longer stay. When bright swordsare flashing, &c 17 Bea. Boc. Leon. SCALZA. Bea. Boc. Bea. Boc. Leon Scalza. Leon, Scalza. Students. Chorus. Bea. Boc. > Leon. > Full Cho, Scalza. Yes ! Yes ! Die, now, you rascal ! There ! Take that, sir and that I Oh ! Oh ! He now is trembling ! You are a villian ! Yes ! Yes ! Take that, you scoundrel ! Take this blow, and parry ! Now, 'tis quite clear , There, take that ! Ha ! Yes, with fear ! Die, now, you rascal ! &c. Bright swords are flashing. Steel tongues are clashing! Flashing and clashing ! Sweetest music. Ha ! 'Tis music to them all, Ha ! 'Tis music to them all ! Swords are flashing, &c. I am dissembling ; He's surely now trembling; He is afraid ! What a trick it is that I have played! 'Tis music to them all, ha ! 'Tis music to them all ! Swords are flashing, Clashing, flashing, clashing, In the morning light. Or in the dead of night, As all danger they invite! I cannot call it music ; 'Tis far from being music! Swords are flashing, Clashing, flashing, clashing! See the flashing, hear the clashing! As all danger they do here invite ! (As the ensemble closes, Scalza and Beatrice go into Scalza'8 AottM. The Students drive the people back. All exit except Boccac- cio, Leonetto and the students. Boccaccio, and Leonetto remove masks.) Students. Boccaccio ? Leonetto ? Boc. Two /n'ends, after all ! Chichibio. Two riva/s/ Boc. Yes, gentlemen ; Boccaccio's rival is your friend and mj friend — our friend, Leonetto. I was first on the spot. Leon. I have adored Beatrice for six weeks. Boc. And I have known her just thirty minutes ! Tofano. And what is the moral of this adventute ? Boc. It is that a new love is the old one of another lover! All. He is quite right, Leon. Tell me how you came to know Signorina Beatrice. 18 All. Yes ; tell us ! Boc. I will. I must tell you that I love Leon. Beatrice ? Boc. No ! I love an unknown maiden. Since I first met her, I see her everywhere. Such is the force of a poet's imagination ! In that church I sought her this morning Not finding her, I gave my arm to another, and thus, escorting her home from church TOFANO. You became accquainted with Beatrice Scalza. Boc. Yes. Though she cannot bear comparison with my unknown angel, she, nevertheless, somewhat resembles her ! Leon. Why ? What resemblance ? Boc. In that they are both strangers to me ! Chich. a great reason, truly ! How absurd ! Listen ! Boc. As we wended our way from church, Beatrice suddenly walked into Scalza's barber shop. Thus, Leonetto and I became rivals. While I was chatting pleasantly with my new acquaintance, Leo- netto entered, calling for Scalza. Beatrice, hearing him, told me that her grandfather was coming, as she knew his voice. {To Le- onetto.) You are her grandfather ! Beatrice called down stairs for you to wait Slie shouted, "Wait a moment, please. My sister is making a call upon me ! " Leon. You are her sister ! What a joke ! Boc. Yes, Well, we were talking of student life, when suddenly her father unexpectedly arrived from Pisa, one day earlier than she had expected him ! ToFANO. Is it possible .'' Boc. Not wishing her father to know that she ever received calls from students, or even engaged in conversation with them, she resolved upon a harmless little ruse, which was to make her father believe that two strangers had entered the house, and that one had attacked the other, as if to kill him. She gave me a mask ; told me to draw my sword. She told me to make a mock fight. You know the rest. Is Leonetto satisfied .-' Leon. Quite ! TOFANO. All of which shows us how you obtain materials for yout sensational novels ! You are so fascinating I Boc. True ! I cannot help it if all the ladies adore me ! {Looks into church door.) Song. — Boccaccio. There is a jolly student standing there, He sees a gentle maiden young and fair; She's walking with her father down the street, With smiles fhey greet. She is a blue-eyed girl, with flaxen hair ; She nods anc' smiles, as if to banish care; 19 But on her father's face a frown is see% He does not smile, For he does not like the students ; Yet the student loves the girl. He now asks to wed the maiden — She would like to be his bride. He declares his fixed endeavor, They would happy be for ever, From each other would not sever. Ah ! they should be parted never; See ! Her father, now relenting, Is reluctantly consenting — Happy are all three at last. I take my pen and write again Of romance that around their lives is cast; Old stories and tales new ; False stories and tales true ; Assist me, now, Fancy ! I write, with greatest ease, A chapter every day; I pen whate'er I please, And none can say me nay; I care not for the men, Their threat'nings I defy, So long as I the fair ones please. Who cares ? Not I ! For I write for glory, not for gold ; I am a conscientious man ; And that is why my novels here have sold f Let them read ! I cannot wonder that 'tis so ! There are none who more truth do show I They love Boccaccio. LboH. We will read ! No greater writer do we know ! There are none whom we all love so . We love Boccaccio ! Students Yes ; his stories we will gladly read ' No greater writer, &c. {Exit BocCACCiO tnio church.] Students. {Spokett) Addio, Boccaccio I (Enter Lambertuccio, Lotterenghi, Marietta, Donna Janoo- FiERE, Eliza, Donna Pulci, Augustina, Elena, Angelica, Checco, Anselmo, Chiaccometto, and Tito, all on their way to church.) LOTTER. {To Lamb.) Look at Boccaccio going to church ! Lamb. He knows why ! LoTTER. Let us follow him ! {Exit Loiter, and Lamb into church. Enter ScALZAafid BeA4 20 Leon. ( To Beatrice.) Pray that your falshood may be forgiven ! SCALZA. In future, my dear daughter, do not open the door to strangers. {Exit all into church. Enter Isabe.i,l,A.) ISA. Where is Fresco .'' Fresco, you lazy fellow ! (Enter FRESCO, carrying a large cake behind him) Fresco. Here I am ! ISA. Where is my hymn-book that I told you to bring.? Where have you been loitering .-* Fresco. I came as soon as I could. I stopped to buy me a Saini John's festival cake. ISA. I will punish you for this when we get home. Go into church {Exit Fresco into church.) {Afttr driving Fresco into church., in great rage, Isabella stops.) assumes a very devotional air, a7id slowly exits into church. Enter Fiametta afid Peronella.) Duet. — Fiametta and Peronella. Fiametta. ) The bells are chiming, sweet and low, Peron. ) As to the church we slowly go ; Fiametta. The church is filled to-day ! To the house of prayer come ! As bells so softly ring, Softly, sweetly ringing to-day 1 Peron. Yes ! The church is filled to-day ! Ah, hear! The bells are ringing; As we near the house of prayer, we hear, Hear ! The sweet bells ringing. In yon belfry swinging, us invite ! Come to the house of prayer ! (My new dress seems too long !) Fiametta. Oh, would that I might meet him here ! Peron. I know that there will be a throng! Fiametta. He is to me so very dear ! Peron. Hasten, now ! The bells are ringing! Come, or we will miss the singing ! Fiametta He is my true, fond love, my own ; Ah ! I sigh for him alone ! Both. Come to the house of prayer ! Fiametta. To the blessed house of prayer ! Peron. Yes, come, come to the house of prayer ! Peron. Come, Fiametta, we must go into church. We are very late. This is a double holiday for us. It is just ten years ago to-day, since a stranger brought you, a sweet little child, to our home. My brother agreed to adopt you. FiAM. Ten years ! Alas ! I do not know my parents ! Peron. Which may possibly be just as well ! FiAM. I do not know why. I should like to know them I 21 (Enter "Boccaccio from church. lie stands in the doorway unobserved by them.) Boc. {Aside.) There she is ! She is almost an angel ! She is al ways with that sister. Peuon. I have been told, lately, by the person who brings the money to pay for your support and tuition, that your parents are inclined to have you marry. Boc. {Aside.) Indeed! FiAM. Married ? To whom ? Peron. To a very rich gentleman, holding a high government position. FiAM. Whom I do not love, nor even know ! Never ! Boc. {Aside.) Brava ! Peron. And why not ? You can learn to love him after you are married ! FiAM. Flames after smoke ? Lightning after thunder ? Boc. (Aside.) She is as witty a.^ she is beautiful. Peron. Who told you that matrimony is a home of smoke, thunder, and lightning .? FlAM. True love is like heaven's lightning, flashing from eye to eye, straight to the heart ! Hoc. {Aside.) Poetical too ! What a treasure ! Peron. All illusions : I know ; for I am older than you. Boc. {Aside.) Quite true ! FlAM. I am right. Listen, and I will tell you in song: Song. — Fiametta. O Love ! sweet, tender flower. That blossoms in a day! Beneath's Truth's warm and radiant sua. It never knows decay ; The tender bud will wither. When faith bedews it not; When thro' the cloud no sunshine comes, How sad is then my lot ! May faith and trust keep summer Eternal in my heart Nor let the wintry frost of doubt Bid e'er from my life this hope depart! That I am thine, beloved. And mine alone thou art I Boc. {Aside.) How charming I How pure and sweet ! Pfron. Nonsense! All illusions ! Love is sentimental nonsense! A rich husband is what every young girl should seek. I am look- ing for one myself. Boc. {Aside to Fiametta.) Maiden, I love you alone ! 22 FlAM. It IS the student ! pERON. Who is it, Fiametta ? {To Boc.) Who are you, sir? Boc. I wish to offer you some festival flowers. [^Hands Peron a smell bouquet.) Peron. I thank you, stranger! {Bows and exits into church?^ Boccaccio. {Kneels at Fiametta's feet.) Thou art a tender flower That blossoms in my heart; And every thought of others Before thy presence must depart; Thou art a tender flower, &c. (Boc, as he concludes his song., hands Fiametta a small bouquet., FlAM. {To Boc.) Thanks ! {Bows low atid exits into church.) Boc. {Looking after Fiametta.) We shall meet again ! {Exit to the right tip the stage. Enter Pietro.) PlETRO. Well this is, indeed, a change for me ! I am the first prince at Palermo, and the last student in Florence. And I come as a lover too ! I am sure that I shall not be recognized. The duke, my father, said to me the other day, " Pietro, you are no longer a boy. It is time you took a wife ! Set out at once for Florence. The duke of that city has a lovely young daughter. Marry her. By this act, we shall strengthen our alliance with Florence." The daughter may be a Hebe and the duke an Adonis : I do not care to become acquainted with either of them. I like the society of the young ladies, but I do not propose to marry just yet. I am too fond of wine and flirtation. Song. — Pietro. What tempts the student from studies grand? Wine is the magic none can withstand, For in its sparkle solace is found; Dreams of an Eden in it abound ! Bringing a vision of soft and sweet delight. Pleasure Elysian, and joy complete and bright! Thus doth the student Dream the swift hours away, Heeding no future — Life's but a day ! Wine, wife and song Our joys prolong; Lifs's couleur de rose. As with pleasure it glows, Sing praise to wine, Nectar divine ! As we pledge anew Vow to our love so trua. 23 What loves the student more than his books? Surely, he prizes his fond one's looks ; For when she gazes on him with love, Brighter than sunbeams 'tis from above. Wine and flirtation, these are liis studies choice; These are temptations, making his heart rejoice ; Wine and flirtation, these are his studies choice. These are the temptations that his heart rejoice. PiETRO. If I were not Prince of Palermo, I would like to be Boccac- cio. {Takes book from pocket') Here is his latest novel! ll is jolly ! How he abuses the poor, miserable, lazy, tipphng hus- bands, to be sure ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! {Enter Lh:onetto ) Leon. {Entering, sees Pietro from behmd, and mistakes Iii/n for BOCC. — Aside.) I do not think Boccaccio knows that his angel is in the church. {To Pietro.) Ah. Boccaccio ! You are here I Pietro. {Surprised and turns to V.^O'h) Signer.? Leon. I beg your pardon ! A mistake ! Pietro. You honor me ! Leon. You resemble Boccaccio, at all events ! Pietro. In the back of my head ! {Enter Boc.) Leon, The front of his head looks like that ! {Points to Boc.) Pietro. What ! Is it possible ? Ah ! Boc. Your servant, cavalier. Pietro. (7 Don't let that scoundrel novelist escape us' {Outside) > Enter Pietro. PlETRO. Be careful, gentlemen, And not make a mistake ! Boccaccio. > what is that? What trouble? LEONETTO. >■ ^j^^j jg ^j^^^ p There's trouble ! Students. ) ScALZA. What is that, &c. {Exit all) {Enter '^vsravSi, followed by the principals, except Fiametta, Fra TELLi & Scalza, and then by full Chorus) Lotter., Lamb., > Hold him, and beat him ! Chorus of Men. \ Now we've found him Do not let him gol Pietro. You're wrong ? I told you so ; I am not Boccaccio ! Bea., > ^j^Q jg j^ p ^j^Q jg i^g p LEON. >■ ^j^Q jg j^p What's all this ? Scalza. ) Lotter., Lamb., ) ^ , j^ ^g,^^ caught at last the tellow. Cho. OF Men 3 Pietro. Your' wrong ! Lotter., Lamb., > ^ ,jj ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ yellow. Cho. of Men. \ ■' Pietro. You're wrong! Lotter., Lamb., ) We'll beat him ! We'll kill him ! Cho. of Men. | Yes, put him to death ! Pietro. No ! No ! 'Tis a mistake ! Boc, Leon., ) Ha! The stranger I Yes! Yes! Student. ) For Boccaccio they take him ! They've made a great mistake ! What a mistake I The dunces make a great mistake ! Boccaccio 'tis not ! Lotter., Lamb., ( Take that ! and that ! Cho. of Men. ( Now take that for your for your " Spinelloccio 1 And that now take for " Zeppa " And your other books of lies ! Pietro. I say you're wrong and you must kt me go ; I'm not, I say I'm not Boccaccio! So hear me ! 31 LoTTER., Lamb., > ^ , , . , Chorus of Men. y '■^^^ *"^^- PiETRO. Now, hear me ! LoTTER., Lamb. } ^ ^^^ ^^^^ furthur blows Chorus of Men.) PiETRO. Don't abuse me ! LoTTER., Lamb., } In honor of your " Buffolmaceo," " Calandrin," Chorus of Men. | " Torello, " Carisendi," " Saladin," PiETRO, You'll be sorry men of Florence ! Know that you are my abhorrence ! LoTTER., Lamb., > ™ , , , Chorus OF Men. P^*^^ ^'^^^ • PiETRO. Stand aside I Lotter., Lamb., ) . , , , Chorus of Men. ; ^""^ *^^^ ' PiETRO. Stand aside ! Lotter., Lamb., > And that ! take that ! Chorus of Men. | Take that now, on account. Till we can render full amount! Bea. & Women. Come here ! Come here ! BOC. LEON.Jg J i^j , Student. J PiETRO. This is too much ! Bea. & Women. They have a a prisoner I And he is a stranger ! f?Siiir-J ^--! Take care! PiETRO. I must refuse the honor paid ! Lotter., Lamb., > y ,^j . ,. ^ , Chorus OF Men. 3 ^ ^ Bea. & Women. A stranger, and he is in great danger I Pibtro. I must decline ; I'm not the man ! Lotter. & Lamb. Remember what we say to you I Take that, ere we part ! Enter Scalza. SCALZA. Hold! Hold! Now, be silent alL I sayt Stop, and I'll tell you the reason! You are guilty of high treason ! ^ This man is Palermo's Prince ! AND Chorus. ) Scalza. He is ! Bea., Women, ) ^ ^ p j , j , , AND Chorus. \ "^ *"^ rxmc^ . is t so r . Scalza. 'Tis true ! {All remove hats and bow to Pietro.) PiETRO. I am a f rmce, as now you know ; For Scalza, there, has told you sol Revealed is my incognito. And I am not Boccaccio ! B£A. He is a Prin<»el Boc. ISA. LOTTER. Leon. Bea. Boc. LOTTER. ISA. Leon. Cho. Bea. Boc. LOTTER. ISA. Leon. Bea. Boc. ISA. LOTTER. Leon. He is a Prince i Palermo's Prince I Palermo's Prince ? Incognito, and yet he is a gentle Prince .' He is a Prince ! See ! he is not Boccaccio ! 'Tis not Boccaccio ! I might have told them so 1 Incognito was he? What a mistake ! Incognito was he ? It was such a mistake ! There's only one Boccaccio ! It was a Prince incognito, Yes, he is a Prince ! Yes ! Prince ! This man is not Boccaccio ! And it was not Boccaccio ! Yes; he is a prince ! Oh, if they the Prince had killed, How all the nations would have thrilled! Now, by their temper, I see what fate awaits me, When I am within their power ! They are all mad this hour ! What a dreadful error ! I am plunged in terror ! What are they to do ? 'Twas a mistake I Of that, no doubt ! 'Twas meant for that mean scribbler! Wait till we catch Boccaccio ! They all made a great mistake — Mistake almost fatal, indeed ! He's a Prince I A Prince ! He's a Prince I - Will he forgive I ^j^\^ J all? He is a Prince 1 WeU! weU! ' For what | ^]^^y?^^ \ done ? WiU he forgire, A. > Bea. Boc. 5" Palermo's Prince I ISA PiETRO. Well, well ! LoTTER., Leon. > ScALZA. Lamb. V And let (us ) Hk«? AND Chorus. ) ( them ^ Bea. ) Boc. y Alas ! SA. ) ^OTTER., Leon. ^ oCALZA. Lamb. >- Let (us \ all live I AND Chorus. ) ( them ) Pietro. I am lame ! Bea. He's hurt ! Boc } He's hurt! Yes! LoTTER., Leon. > ScALZA. Lamb. > Will he o'erlook this outrage dreadful? AND Chorus. ) Pietro. I'm sore! Bea. Will he forgive the blows he has received? r, ■ > Will he forgive them those cruel blows ? Pietro. My arms are black and blue ! Lotter., Leon. ^ Scalza. La.mb. > We cannot tell ! \ND Chorus. ) .A^LL. You are a Prince ! Pietro. I am ! Boc. Great Prince, forgive them ! Graciously forgiv« ! il . y Palermo's Prince ! ISA. ) LoTTER , Leon. > f us, > Scalza. Lamb. > Great Prince forgive j them, \ graciously forgive ! and Chorus. ) Pit-Tko. Oh, yes! Lotter., Leon.^ [madel Scalza. Lamb. [• Forgive f us ) for the great mistake (we've \ and Chorus. ) | them ] } they've \ Pietro, Oh, yes! I will forgive! Bea. Oh, yes, yes ! He's willing to forgive them ! Yes ! they are all forgiv'n ! Noble Prince 2 Boc. a. ! He will forgive them ! They are forgiven I Noble Prince ! IsA. I am sure that harwill forgive them ! They are forgiven ! Noble Prince! Lotter., Leon. ^ Scalza. Lamb. [■ ( ^ve > are forgiven I AND Chorus. ) ( they ) Pietro. I'll forgive I Bea. Palermo's Prince ! He does forgive? The people now are all forgiven 1 All. Noble Prince ! Noble Prince ! We're forgiven ! LoTTER., Leon ScALZA. Lamb. ^ Sir, you forgive ! ON ) MB. >■ Sir, 5. > Women. Students. Lamb. Scalza. Leon, Pietro. AND Chorus. Pietro. I graciously forgive ! Enter Fratelli. Fra. New novels, come buy! Here's the latest novels ! Will you not buy .-' Lotter. {Recit) Boccaccio's books ! Tis shameful! He shall not sell those books ! All. Here he comes with his books ! Lotter. {Recit.) You will help me destroy them ! I know that by your looks ! Bea., Isa., Boc. They'll burn the new novels. Burn up his new novels ! They'll burn the new novels I Lotter. {Recit.) Go, therefore, and the bookseller bring ! Bea., Isa., Boc. T Women, Students. I His thrilling books they will now confiscate ! Lamb. Scalza. [ His dreadful books we will now confiscate! Leon., Pietro. J His thrilling books they will now confiscate ! Lotter. {Recti.) We'll burn his lying stories in our hate ! Bea., Isa., Boc. His stories now will all be burned in hate. We'll burn his lying stories in our hate! His stories now will be burned in hate ! Fra. These are my property ; I pay my tax. Be careful, now, and use no violence ; For I im not guilty of an offence ! {The bookseller's cart is taken away from him, and its conttnta piled up in the square) W^'.;en rsx'i'SNTS. \ H=- *- ' They rage I Lotter. Hold him ! Hold him ! PIETRO. } ^^^^ ^^'^^ ' '^^^^y '■^S^ • All. Hold ! and leave the noveh V^ their fate I {Exit Fratelli hustled by the crowd.) Lotter. Quickly come, before we lose our ir«, Bea., Isa., Boc, } p..i„npp i Women, Students. { ^ "^'^""^^ • Lotter. Come on ! Leon. > p-Hgnce ! Women, Students. Lamb , Scalza. Leon, Pietro. 35 Bka., Isa., Boc, Women, Students. LoTTER., Leon, and PlETRO. Before ( t^ey ? lose I Ave S ( They'll I \ We'll ; let some beggar their > h>e, our )" [firel go and light the Boc. LorTER. Lamb. SCALZA. IJiJNlS. ER.^ ,ZA. ) They may burn up all my novels, Yet, in palaces and hovels, My truths remain — Purified, they rise again ! Thus do we burn them ! Thus do all good people spurn them ! Thus we shall punish the author by and by, Soon as we shall find him — yes ! He shall not write lies ! He shall perish, as his new books do, in flames I See now the people ; What a mighty bother ! Let the bad novels burn I Boc, Leon.^ PlETRO AND > Students. ) LOTTER Lamb SCALZA Boc. Le'on.^ PlETRO AND >- Can they imagine he will write no other? Students. ) Lotter. ) Let the bad novels bum I Tho' books may burn, Yet the truth lives fore'er ; The truth can never bum ! Lamb, y SCALZA. ) Boc, Leon. I'lEl RO AND Students. Lotter. V Lamb, and y Thus ht the vile books burn ! SCALZA. ) ., ) The truth can never burn. The truth can never burn I It rises purified from fires ! Thus let the vile books burn ! Let them burn ! Nevermore will they annoy our sight! Now join your voices, While every heart rejoices ! That never perished the works of Boccacda We'll find it no warning. He now will write some more ! Truth evermore ! Surely, he will write some more ! That thus have perished the works of Boccacci*! He'll find it a warning, tie now shall write no more ! Surely, he now will write no morei Let the flames consume ! Let that be their doom! He who does of scandals dare to write, Boc, Leon PlETRO and Students. Chorus. All. Boc, Leon., PlETRO AND Students. i 1 Lotter. Lamb. SCALZA. Chorus. I Chorvs. Shall perish this night — to ashes turn; Let flames consume ! 'tis his aoom ! See the flames now rising ! All. Now let them burn ! Let all the paper burn, And into ashes now return, The poet's name, and the poet's , ' Bea , ISA., Boc. ") And tho' books may burn, Leon. Students. > To ashes turn, AND Women. ) Truth can never die ! No ! Chorus. See, now they perish, and to ashes turns All the author's fame ! Yes ! All. Truth, the mighty truth, shall rise at last; 'Tis purified by every blast ! ACT IL Scene. — T/ie houses and gardens of Lotteringhi and Lambertuc- CIO. The stage is divided by a high wall, separating the two estates, hi front ..and Peron.) Peron. & Isa. It rains ! {Separately.) It is a quick change of wea- ther. It rains stones! {They pick up letters. Enter Fiametta. Boc. throws letter down at her feet.) FiAM. What is that ? {Picks up letter) {Exit Boc, who has been unseen by all) Trio. — Fiametta, Isabella, Peronella. {During the singing of this Trio, Fiametta, Isabella and Peronella are each reading letters) Fiametta. ^ I have a welcome letter here, Isabella . >- It is from one I hold most dear; Peronella. ) I wish to read it once thro' now, If they the privilege will allow. This letter is from him ; My tears the sweet, sweet words bedim*! Ah 1 my poor heart is fluttering so ! How he loves me, these lines will show I «1 FlAM. ) ISA. ) Peron. FlAM. ) ISA. ; Peron. FlAM. FlAM. ISA. Peron. IsA. ) FlAM. I FlAM. ISA. Peron. IsA. Peron. All. FlAM. Peron. Is A. FlAM. I.SA. Peron. FlAM ISA Peron FlAM. ISA Peron All. ION. \ ■M. > FlAM. ISA. Peron FlAM. Is A. Peron FlAM All. .} Oh, 'tis charming ! Oh, 'tis delightful ! Charming ! Should they know it — oh, it would be frigbtfai ■ Charming ! He is true to me ! He tells me that he loves me — Oh, so dearly, dearly loves me — Ah I He sends these lines to me — These lines to me — Ah ! He tells me that he soon is coming! Gladly, sweetly Hope's song I am sing^n.i? He is dear to me ; he is faithfu! to me ' Ever faithful to me ! Hope's song I'm singing, He tells me he is coming! He is coming ! coming! coming! here too^.- My heart, fast beating. Tells time is fleeting to bring him here ! He'll soon appear to meet me here ! He will be disguised, and yet I shall know hif» I'll be sure to know him ! He swears he will be true ! Oh, I will flirt, and make my husband jeaio"- To pay him for drinking ! When I shall see him I This letter is so nice ! His letter is so nice! This letter is very nice ! Yes ; it is so nice ! It is beyond all price, It is so nice ! It is so nice ! It is so nice ! (Each ktss^^ ,,*; It is charming ! Oh, it is delightful ! Should they know it, Oh, it would be frightt^j; He is true to me I He tells me that he loves me. Oh ! so dearly, dearly loves me ! Ah ! he tells me here that he soon is comiD^ Gladly, sweetly Hope's song I am singing ! He is coming ' Should my husband be coming, coming ! Yes ! he is coming, coming soon! He is coming, He will come to-day ! Oh y«s He is coming to-day I Yes, to-day, Ah ! Yes, he will come to-day ! Now heart, keep your secret well I Never, never tell it, never! 42 All. Would he were here! FlAM. (To ISA. and Peron ) Why are you so happy this morning ? ISA. You are a mere child, and cannot understand it. Peronella is in love ! FiAM. And so am I ! {Exit Fiam.) Is A. {Aside) And I ! He said he would come to-day. I mean to flirt with him a little, just to pay off my drunken husband ! Peron. {Aside) He tells me in his letter that he shall be here soon. What joy ! I hope he will not delay. . I hate to lose a minute at my time of life ! IsA. Why does he linger ? {Enter Leon.) Leon. Sh — ! Peron. Some one comes 1 Lkon. Hush ! Peron. It is he ! Leon. Are you alone? Peron. No — yes ! Leon. How fortunate! (£"«/^r Pietro.) PlETRO. Sh — ! ISA. 'Tis he! PlETRO. Is it Isabella? Are we alone Is A. We are ! PlETRO. Behold your slave ! ISA. Oh, Prince! PlETRO. Don't call me " Prince." I am only the Jtian to my friends. IsA. I would like a prince to woo me. It is more romantic. Peron. {To Leon.) Whence come you? Leon. From my study, to offer you my friendship— my love. {Aside) What a humbug I am. {Exit Leon and Peron.) PlETRO. {To Is A.) I will ever be your slave ! {Kneels at her feet) ISA. Rise, I pray! PlETRO. I will worship you as long as the stars shine ! ISA. And when they cease ? PlETRO. The light of your eyes will do as well ! LOTTER. {Aside) This gate's always locked. {To IsA.) Open the gate ! IsA. Heaven ! Lotteringhi's voice ! PlETRO. Your uncle ? [SA. Get into the barrel ! ['lETRO. [Gets into barrel.'] I am in! [Enter Lotter.] ISA. (r^ Lotter.) This is a fine time to come home! And the worse for 'iquor too ! Lotter. I am not a bit drunk. I've only been talking with Lam- bertuccio. Lambertuccio is tlie one who is dnmk! 43 fSA. Go away ' Go over to the public house, and gtt your journey- men, and set them to work again. Don't you ever get liquor enough ? LoTTER. Oh, yes; there was liqaor enough, but there were too many fellows to drink it. PiETRO. I call this acting a novel ! LoTTER. I've sold that barrel to the grocer. Is A. Which barrel ? LoTTER. That barrel. {Pointing to that in which is Pietro ) PiETRO. This barrel ! LoTTER. He has made me a small deposit {aside.) which I spent iui wine. PiETRO. I'm sold ! I go with the barrel. ISA. How much is the grocer to give you? LoTTER. Three pieces of gold. ISA. Why didn't you give it away ? Why, / sold it for six pieces. LoTTER. You ! To whom .? ISA. Tell the grocer he can't have it. You are an idiot ! Go, get your men. Pietro. {Aside.) Quite a stirring chapter in my novel ! LoTTER. No, Isabella; I must keep my word. The barrel is sold to the grocer. IsA. Why need you? I tell you I have sold it for double what the grocer is to pay you. LoTTER. Is it really true ? To whom? Is A. A fine young man. LOTTER. For cash ? ISA. Yes. (PiETRO hands ISA. money unseen.) LOTTER. And the grocer wanted credit ! {Aside.) Except the smaL' deposit. ISA. Here is the money. LoTTER. Wait a moment. {Rolls barrel^ Pietro. Oh, my back ! LoTTER. What was that? Who is this man ? (Pietro comes out oj barrel.) Pietro. Who is the man, sir? I am the man, sir ! 'Tis I ! Lotter. (71? ISA.) Who — is — this — man ? ISA. Intoxicated badly this time, are you not? It is the young man who bought the barrel. He got in to examine it; to see if it is perfect, as he wishes to take it immediately to Afghanistan with him. Pietro. {Aside.) Delightful ! The uncle is a dupe. Another chap ter in my novel ! {To Lotter.) Yes; that is true, Lotter. I beg your pardon, sir. PlETRO. You are forgiven. LOTTER. Does the barrel suit you ? PiETRO. Well — well — 1 — ISA. I heard you say the seams wanted pitching, »ir, PiEi RO. Quite right. LOTTER. I'll fix it. IsA. Go and pitch it ! PiETRO. {Aside.) Pitch it into the street ! LoTTER. Is there any fire, Isabella? IsA. No. LoTTER. Get some wine for the gentlemen. The best. I'll light the fire. {To PiETRO.) Honor us by remaining, signor. PiETRO. Yes ! LOTTER. Come, Isabella. ISA. What about the grocer ? LOTTER. I don't care for that silly grocer ! He's an old cheat ! He sells plaster-of-Paris fig-paste, and he sands his sugar I ISA. {To PiETRO.) Remain here, sir. {Exit Lotter. and I? A.) PiETRO. I am living a delightful romance, truly ! Everything seems to be real enough, certainly. Her uncle nearly broke every bone in my body, rolling me about in that barrel. Song. — Pietro. It's so nice to be in love When a novel's to be written ; " Love " so neatly rhymes with "dove," When the story-writer's smitten. He can live his own romances, And translate soft, tender glances. That is what I'd like to do- Weaving into pages ! Persons of all kinds and stages — yes! For I worship youth and beauty. They're the charm of life to me ; Yet I ne'er forget my duty. Nor a faithful prince to be ! He can paint his loved one's face; In his heroine's fair features, Then he easily can trace, " Loveliest of earthly creatures ! " Living e'er amid Hope's splendor, He can be severe or tender, As it is his mood to woo. Weaving into pages, &c. {Ejcii PiETRO into Lotteringhi's house.) 45 \_Enter Lamb., Filippa, and tino other servant girls.'] LAM15. Come! Time is money! 1 must gather my olives to-day. Oh! Ai.L. What's tl;e matter ? I,aa:ii I can see the shape of a hay-fork in that tree! It points to me! A very bad sign. Now, Filippa, gather the olives from that tree ! Ku.iPPA. That tree? I will not I Lamb. Why not? FiL. That tree is bewitched ! Lamb. Explain. FlL. Last night, when I was sitting under that tree, something reached down from it and kissed me I Lamb. Strange ! Did it smell of brimstone ? FiL. No ; more like cosmetique ! Lamb. Horrible ! A ghost smelling of cosmetique ! \_Entcr Boc, disguised as a simpleton^ Girls. A ghost ! Lamb. A ghost ? {Enter Fiam.) FlAM. 'Tis a peasant boy. {To Boc.) What do you want? Boc. (Playing the simpleton. To Lamb.) Are you Lambertuccio. {Aside.) Long, lank, crooked back, stupid appearance — yes, it is he Lamb. I am I Boc I was ordered to call on you. Lamb. By whom ? Boc. Signor Nautilio ! Fiam. {Aside.) It is his voice ! Lamb. Do you bring me any news ? Boc Do not ask me stupid questions. Do you take me for a sphinx ? Song. — Boccaccio. When foolish questions you ask me, Of course, I silly answers give — Ha ! ha ! ha ! So take it not as an offence, If I'm not gifted witli good sense — Ha! ha! ha ! Whene'er 1 go along the way, I hang my head for very shame ; '* There goes a simpleton," they say, " But he, poor fellow's not to blame ! " I know I'm but a simple dolt; I laugh when nothing witty's said — Ha! ha! ha! But I have some philosophy — I smile when others frown on me — Ha! ha! ba ! So, don't ask me the news, I pray; For I know not wliat I should say; And you would me a blockliead call — I don't know what to say at all ! 46 Lams. Now, go work quickly ! Boc. Very soon. Who are those ? Lame. My servant-girls, who are to help me get the olives. Boc. Girls are dangerous, I've been told. I don't like girls ! Keep them away ! {Looks at Fiam — starts.) Lamb. Well, what now ? Boc. That is a saint ! Lamb Fool! It's my daughter. Boc. No ; you are too ugly for that. Look at that tree ! Lamb. Well, what of it? (Lamb, looks. Boc. kisses Fiam. behind his back.) Fiam. {To Boc.) You are too bold ! Lamb. {To Boc.) Now, climb up that tree quickly. Boc. Well, if I must! Lamb. That boy's very stupid ! (Boc. climbs tree. Exit FiL. and two other servants^ Boc. Oh ! Lamb. Well, what is it now ? Boc. You mustn't kiss your daughter ! Lamb. I kissed my daughter ? No such thing ! Boc. Yes, I saw you, just now ! And she kissed you too ! I shall not stay a minute longer. \Co7nes down from tree.) Lamb. You scamp ! I did not kiss Fiametta. I will whip you if you if you say I did ! Boc. I saw you. I am not blind. I tell the truth. Lamb. Is it true ? Boc. Climb the tree. It is bewitched. Come, and see for yourself. Lamb. I will. If the tree is bewitched, I will cut it down ! [Lamb, climbs into the olive tree] Finale ii. Boc. Auspicious hour, so sweet, is here, in Cupid's bow'r we linger dear! Fia. You are too bold ! Boc. I swear now love eternal, holy affectioo true ! Fia. Stay, stay ! Boc. I love — Fia. Oh, stay ! Boc. I love you, dearest, only you ! Fia. No, no! I pray you, hold! (Boc. embraces FlA.) {Enter IsA., Pietro and Lotter.) Lamb. {On. the tree) It is a miracle ; I see This is a real wonder tree ; If 'twere not, I'd swear he placed His arm round Fiametta's waist. 47 [X)TTER. {To IsA ) iSA. (To LOTTER. LOTTER ISA. LOTTER. (To ISA.) Pour out, pour out the win* t For our dear guest is tliirsty I {To PlETRO.) Do us the honor, please, To take agla-s of wine ! Places bottle on table ) Will you go and pitch the cask ! Me to quarrel do not ask. Surely, 'tis not water-tight! I will go and fix the cask ! Tho' I know 'tis vain, I'll creep into it again. {Crawls into Barrel!^ PlETRO. { Tenderly.) We are alone ; now, my love, my own, You are the queen on my heart's throne! Is A. {Points to barrel.') Beware ! Take care ! PlETRO. Nectar your wine is truly, But sweeter is your smile I ISA. The wine — PlETRO. Dearest ! IsA. Is fine; PlETRO. Oh, may it not my life beguile ? ISA. The compliment's not mine? Lamb. {From tree) Another pair of lovers see ! LoTTER. {In barrel.) Inside this barrel it is ni2;ht ! FlAM. In vain have I endeavored To keep my love from thee; Old bonds now severed, I love thee, only thee ! For now, at last I truly know my heart, And bid all doubts depart ! It cannot be amiss For me to give thee one, just one kiss ! I long have loved thee, gentle one. Loved with a sweet and pure devotion ! I love thee, and only thee ! With all the ardor of my inmost loving heart ! It cannot be amiss — Give me just one kiss ! ISA. {^Aside.) Tho' I dearly love my husband, Yet I like to make him jealous ; Therefore, I mildly flirt : I hope it is not wrong I No, it is not amiss To give you one kiss ! Can I hope that you, dear one, Will give me a kiss ? Say that you return my love I That would, indeed, be greatest bliss I It cannot be amiss. Give me just one kiss. {They kus.) Lamb. (On tree.) It is most curious, dear me ! The view from this enchanted tree 1 Boc PlETRO. FlAM. ISA. Now, do not go away I 48 PlETRO. Is A. {To PlETRO.) LoTTER. {In barrel , PlETRO } I must go! LoTTER. {In barrel) There is no crevice, nor a seam; There is no seam — No; I cannot get a gleam! The barrel must be water-tight! I pray that you will look again! It is just as dark as n\^h\. ; There is not a ray of light I [^Enter L.Y.O'i^E.'VTO, followed by Peronella.] Peron. {Takes Leon's ar?n.) Do not go ! I'll no longer stay! Do not go away from me ! I must go away ! Do not thus away from me now hasten so ! I'll no longer stay ! I cannot see, my friend, why you thus should go J 'Tis duty's sway! I'll not believe ! I must obey ! Do not deceive I Lamb. {On tree.) My sister ! I begin to fear I'm losing fast my senses here ! Do not go ! Stay you here I In vain I would my love restrain ', Ah, it is, indeed, in vain! Vain my endeavor ! Love will e'er its ground retain ! I will no longer try to love defy ! But bid Hope's pinions try to wing their way to bliss. It cannot be amiss — just one kiss ! I will be thine ! And wilt thou not be mine ? I will always faithful be ! Wilt not trust me? My love is not in vain ; Bid me hope again ! We'll seal our vow with one kiss now — Just one sweet kiss ! just one kiss ! Peron. Oh, how brief the hour that Cupid gives to me ! Leon. Happy hour! Peron. Oh, to think that I must part so soon from theel Leon. Pity it must pass away ! Peron. Never, never leave my side ; I will yet become your bride; Realize my hope and pride ! Peron. Oh ! how long have I pined for such sympathy I Leon. She talks of love— love for me ! Peron. Therefore, do not go from me ; My hopes are all in thee — Give me your sweet sympathy! Leon, Peron. Leon. Peron. Leon. Peron, Leon. Peron. Leon. Peron. Peron FlAM. I ISA. Boc 49 Leon. It really must be Peron. To be your bride were sweetest bliss f Leon. That she needs sympathy ! Peron. Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! One kiss — just one ! just one kiss ! Leon. It is such bliss to her, I'll give her one kiss I PiETRO. 'Tis charming ! and so int'resting ! It is a page from life — She must become my wife ! 'Twould be such bliss — such bliss ! Give me but one kiss ! Lamb. 'Tis a devil's tree ! Lotter. This cask is water-tight ! All right ! Lamb. , It will kill me ! A devil's tree ! It will kill me ! It will kill nae ! Such fear ! Such fear ! 'Tis too much ! Lotter. There is no light ! It is all right 1 &c. Lamb. This tree makes every one appear To bill and coo, like turtle doves I Fiam. Isa. ) Boc. Peron. > Oh, that we now must part ! Leon. Pietro. ) Lotter. I have got my head full ! Fiam. Isa. ) Boc. Peron. >• Farewell! Lamb. Pietro. ) Lotter. Surely, this is dreadful ! Fiam. Isa. ) Boc. Peron. > Yes, we now must sadly part — farewell ! Lamb. Pietro.) Lamb. ) This, surely, is the devil's tree ! — Yes ! Lotter. ) 'Tis tight ! ScALZA. {Outside.) Lambertuccio I Lotteringhi ! {Enter ScalzaO Here is news ! Now, to listen, don't refuse ! Boccaccio is now within your house ! Isa. {To Pietro.) Fly qui<;kly ! Fiam. {To Boc.) Leave this place! P ■ y You are in greatest danger! [£"jr?V Fiam. /«/tf Lamb.'s house.'\ [Exit IsA. into her hou^e.'] Pietro. } Where shall we go ? Peron. (To Leon.) Fly quickly; or else you will be lost! [£"jr?V Peron. ?«/^ Lamb.'s house. Viktko ^ets behind cask in cooper's yard.'\ Leon. I must go ? Pray, whither can I go ? [Hoc. & Leon, conceal themselves behind barrels in cooper's yard."] Scalza. Lotteringhi ! Lambertuccio ! Where are you ? [Lamb, cofnes down from tree.] 50 Lamb. LOTTER SCALZA LOTTER Lamb SCALZA LOTTER Lamb. SCALZA LOTTER Lamb SCALZA } I •I LOTTER. Lamb. SCALZA. LOTTER SCALZA. Lamb. SCALZA. LOTTER. SCALZA. Lamb. LOTTER. Lamb. SCALZA. Cho. LOTTER. Lamb. •iCALZA. Lamb. Lamb. I was upon that tree. [LoTTER. comes out of barrel.'] And I was in that cask. Lotteringhi ! Lambertuccio ! Do you hear ? O Scalza, speak again ! And tell us who has been slain ! Come with me! Where's Boccaccio ? Can you say ? Come with me ! Lead us to him right away ! Come, follow me ! Now, Boccaccio, we'll see ! He shall perish ! He's disguised in some strange fellow's blouse ! The students told me that he was now secreted in youi house ! So, lose no time ! Come on ! We've tracked the rascal to your house ! Can it be that fine young man? Certainly ! Was it that simpleton ? You are right ! Now, I am no longer blind ! After all ! Ah, the rascal fooled us well ! Our vengeance now he'll surely find ! The wretch has dared at us to mock ! And now his rioting we'll quell ! The wretch, &C. He cannot be far from sight ; He, surely, cannot escape us now! Disguised in stranger's blouse, He now is in that house ! [Men Chorus behind scenes, R.] At last, at last, now we have the scoundrel ! Tell us what is that noise ? I'll tell you! 'Tis the shout of your friends, who have no fright ! They have watched through the night. [Men's Chorus behind the scenes, l.] Catch him ! Catch him ! and give him no quarter ! Ah, yes, they have him now ! See ! At last we have triumphed ! We will put him to death ! [Enter citizens^ ivith Unknown in their midst.] 51 Citizens. LOTTER. ) SCALZA. >• Citizens. ) LOTTER. Unknown. Citizens. ) Cho. ^ Unknown. Citizens. ? Cho. i Unknown. Citizens. ) Cho. ) Unknown. Citizens. } Forward, on men ! Come on, come on ! Forward I Let us beat him soundly ! No-.v that we have found the rascal ! It is £occaccio ! [ T/ie men beat the Unknown.] Hear me ! We'll teach you not to ridicule us ! Take care ! We'll teach you not to fool us ! No ! No ! Don't spare the fellow now ! 'Tis not for me ! Do not spare him now ! Cho. [Enter Fiam. Isa., Beatrice, Peron., Students, and Full Cho.] LOTTER. Take that for your vile " Spinellocia," rascal ! And that for " Zeppa," and your other trash ! SCALZA. Citizens. Cho. Unknown Fiam. Isa. Bea. Peron. Students. Lotter. SCALZA. Citizens. Cho. Unknown, Fiam. Isa. Bea. Peron. Students. Lotter. SCALZA. Citizens. Cho. Unknown. Unknown. Women Cho. I cannot tell why you are beating me ! Leave off your blows, I say, and let me be. Lamb. . Ah ! 'tis a stranger ! > Yes ! for Boccaccio they take him ! ) Who is the man they have ? Whom can it be ? Take that ! and that ! That is now given you in honor of Your " Buffolmaco," " Calandarin," '• Torello," " Carisendi," " Saladin ! " 'Tis not I ! 'Tis not I ! Beware ! Nay, do not trifle with me now ! Beware ! When you know me, you will take care ! ) Who is the stranger they have got? >• Boccaccio it is not. 'Tis not ! ) Alas ! whom can it be .'' Take that ! Take that ! Take that ! For every copy of your trash We'll give you now at least a lash. We'll make you an example— 'Tis not I ! 'Tis not I ! Take that, take that, for an example 1 Take you that ! 'Tis not for me! And I do not such honor want It is not he. 'Tis not Boccaccio ! 'Tis not he ! {Enter Lamb, with lantern.) Hold now ! 'Tis a blunder; him I know. 52 Lamb. Chorus. Unknown. Chorus. Unknown. Chorus. Bea. Isa Peron. Unknown. All. Unknown. Fiam. {Recit. Unknown. Fiam. {Recii. Unknown. Fiam. Bea Isa. Peron. Chorus. ' Unknown. Fiam. Bea. Isa. Peron. Cho Unknown. Fiam. Chorus. Hoc. Leon. PlETRO Boc. Leon. ) PlETRO. ) Boc. Leon PlETRO Boc. Leon PlETRO, I ^^Holds lantern to UNKNOWN's/af^.] Yes; this man whom you have beaten, And would not to his words listen For Fiametta brings me gold. You are not Boccaccio ; 'Tis not my name. You are not a poet ? Not that I know. You're not a scribbling fool? Oh, never mind ; leave talk behind, And tell us what you came h-ere for — What do you here ? I am the trusted bearer Of a quite important commission. {Recit.) A commission ? Tell us what it can be. I come to carry Fiametta off; Make no opposition 1 Oh, heavens ! how your words have frightened me ! Soon you must be ready to go. Must I go ? Say farewell to all your friends now. Oh, no, no ! Don't detain me, Fiametta. Must I go? > Let her stay ! For we must both depart to-day. Let me stay ! How sad is parting ! Must I leave them? Tears now are starting ! I cannot go ! Oh, must I part from friends so true ? [too ! And from him to whom my heart is pledged — my lover No ; 'tis too hard, indeed, for me to bear ; If we must part, for life I do not care ! Oh, sad this sudden parting ! From our eyes the tears are starting; It is not right that she must from us go now ! They'll suspect me, it is clear ! We must go way from here. I'm sure they're on my track — Yes, they must have found a trace — Though I do not courage lack — And have followed to this place ! I will quickly take my leave ; Clouds are gathering overhead ! 63 Boc. Leon PlETRO Boc. Leon PlETRO Boc. Leon PlETRO Boc lO. I ■ \ '■ \ RO. j Leon. PlETRO. Boc. Leon. ) PlETRO. J Boc. FlAM. ISA. Bea. Students. Chorus. Leon PlETRO Boc. Leon PlETRO Boc Leon. PlETRO Boc. Leon. PlETR Boc. Leon. PlETRO. :i .1 Stay ! I'll all of them deceive ! It is time that we had fled ! Yes, yes ; I will them deceive ! And whichever way it go — For before I go away — We'll side with Boccaccio f I must have a word to say. To Fiametta I must at once A true lover's blessing give ; Now we must away from here, Ere we're discovered, that is clear. Perhaps 'twill cheer her sad heart. Now it is no longer safe — It is not safe ! One word — one word ! Oh, 'tis sad — yes, it is sad'ning ! Oh, it is sad ! •< TT ^ >• heart is breaking. It is so sad — alas ! so sad ! Must < , [■ then leave all < /"^ [• dear old friends How can < > bear the pain? ( we ^ ^ Oh, fate is so unkind ! 5 What am > O K^ ,^ p I What is llsher^^^- Shall I gj^g I not see again I JJ^^. [ lover true ? [ Must we say farewell forever? I Oh, 'tis hard to say farewell ! Ever hard to say farewell ! Yes, to say farewell ! She must now, alas ! depart ! Take courage, dear, accept your lot, •Be brave ! Forget not your friends ! We must very careful be ! ( I have > X • 4. L tHehas['»°^^tn^°S*^''- I must wear a demon's mask ! He must wear a demon's mask! Should my new plan not succeed — Should his new plan not succeed — I shall be exposed, indeed ! He will be exposed, indeed I 54 Boc. Leon. PlETRO Boc. Leon. PlETRO. Boc. Leon. PlETRO. Boc. ■\ FlAM. ISA. Peron. Bea. LoTTER. Lamb SCALZA. ChO Boc. While I wear the devil's mask, I'll frighten them to death — He'll frighten them to death ! But I must caution my good friends, That they may speak in softest breath. Oh, should he be discovered, He is surely lost forever ! 1 must speak one word to her ! One word to her! We must make a masterstroke — A masterstroke ! Soon for a piece of strategy, And then a demon they shall see. Then, Farewell ! Farewell ! Farewell ! Unknown. FlAM, Unknown. FlAM. Unknown. FlAM. Unknown. FlAM. Unknown. FlAM. Unknown, FlAM. Unknown. FlAM. Unknown. FlAM. Unknown. Bea. Isa. Peron. Lamb, Students. LOTTER. SCALZA Boc. FlAM. Boc. FlAM Soon for a piece of strategy, &c. Have care ! Do not give way to bitterness ; You have in store great happiness ! I am plunged in deepest woe ! Be calm ! 'Twill break my heart to go ! Take heart ! No, no ! 1 cannot go ! Do not despair ! For your future will be fair ! More welcome, far, were death! Do not despair ! I pray with every breath. We must away ! Oh, heaven ! What shall I do? We must away 1 'Tis death to me ! You're very fortunate ! 'Tis death to me ! Oh ! You ought to bless kind fate ! Say good bye ? Be brave ! Take heart ! It is good luck ! Farewell ! Farewell ! It surely is good luck ! You're fortunate ! What blissful fate ! Fiametta ! Boc. [ W^o has gone up the stage behind the tree.] Have courage now, for I am near ! FlAM. [ 14 'tth great change of manner — delighted!] Who is that 1 Let me give you a word of cheer ! 'Tis his voice ! Cho. 55 Boc. FlAM. Boc. Cho. FlAM. Boc. Cho F'lAM. Boc. Cho. FlAM. FiAM. Bea. IsA. Peron. Where'er your lot may be, I'll ever follow thee ! Oh, what magic — magic most enchanting f Hear me ! How strange ! 'Tis his voice — such blessed hope implanting I Hear me I How strange ! 'Tis his thrilling voice ; Dear one, wher'er thoi may'st be, I will follow thee ! How strange ! what change can it be ? For sorrow now gives place to joy. Ah ! Joy has come to take the place of sorrow; { she ( "° longer I | j^^^^ | from pain to borrow, No more sighing, care defying, Hope has dawned on ■] |^ [■ at last ! Open gates ! Good fprtune waits ! All care is banished ! All clouds have vanished ! Now sunbeams bright Shed golden light! Now skies are clear! There is joy here ! Life's bright treasure Is Love's sweet measure f Ecstatic measure ! Hope is here. And the skies at last are clear ! Yes I Boc. Have care ! Be brave ! Be careful ! Have courage ! I'll follow ! Be faithful ! I'll love thee ever! Dearest, keep your courage Grieve never, hope ever ! I'll be near I From me thy love none can sever ! I'll love thee forever ! I'll protect thee evcw ^ I'll fondly thee cherish Till life's breath shall perish — forever ! forever ! Cho. Good luck attend you ever ; Do not forget your old-time friends. Do not forget us ; think of us ever ! When far away, let your thoughts stray Back to the home and tl^ friends Of your sweet childhood. Yes, yes ! Back to the old home of childhood — To the home of childhood sweet we hold dear. Yes I FlAM. Bea. > Oh, blissful vision, and pleasure el'ysian — Peron. Isa. ^ A foretaste of heaven is given us now; Fiam. a dream of Paradise below ! FlAM. & Cho. A dream of Paradise below! Boc. [On the wall, disguised in deviPs mask.) 56 Boc. Obey me well, or you to Hades go ! [A// except Leon and Pjetro /a// to the ground in terror 7vhen Boc. appears on the wall.'] 'Tis Satan ! A demon ! Boc. Obey me, or I will take you down below LOTTER. Lamb. Bea scalza. isa, Peron. Cho. Boc. The demon now soon will leave the house ! LOTTER. Lamb SCALZA. Cho. Boc. Leon PlETRO. Students. {During the last of the Ensemble, the unknown leads Fiametta to the back of the stage."] Have mercy ! Have mercy mon now soon will leave i ► Now, heaven its mercy to ws show ! Heigh-ho ! ACT III. Scene. — Garden of the Ducal Palace at Florence. Fite given by Prince Pietro in honor of Fiametta, his affianced.] [Chorus discovered at rise of curtain^ Chorus. How pleasing the novels of jolly Boccaccio! Refreshing are they ; Dovoted to pleasure — to fun without measure ; We gladly would have him continue writing. We'll read them to cheer us, And drive away care ; They banish our sorrow, Relieve our despair! He is our fav'rite writer; He is of stories rare inditer. Exit Chorus. Etiter Pietro, r., Enter Boc. l.) Pietro. Ah, my dear Boccaccio, I am glad to see you at court. I wish to present you to the Duke, and to my future bride. This is our bethrothal festival. '^oc. {Aside.) Fiametta! (Tb Pietro.) Prince, you honor me I \_Enter Major Domo.] Pietro. (J!? Major Domo.) How is the Princess, this mornioj:? 57 Major. H'm. Ha ! Quite well. She is constantly at the bedside of his highness. You can imagine Boc. {Aside.) That is why I do not see her. Major. H'm. Ha! It is the wish of tlie Duke that tlie festivities shall not be interrupted by his sliglit illness. Here is the pro gramme for the day. You can imagine PiETRO. Let us see. {Enter Leon.) Boc. At last ! Leon. Dear Prince ! PiETRO. Welcome, dear Leonetto ! Leon. (TV Boc.) What news? Boc. (7b Leon.) Fiametta is the daughter of the Duke. She is to become Pietro's bride. I cannot think of such a thing ! PiETRO. {To Boc.) Cavalier Boccaccio, if you please, you may ar range a comedy to be played previous to the supper. Major. H'm. Ha ! An extempore comedy. Understand .? N'oii can imagine PiETRO. (7^ Boc.) There is no one so familiar with the manners and customs of Florence as yourself ! Boc. I ? {Exit Major.) Leon. {Aside, to Boc.) Accept the management. It will aid your plans. Fiametta will, of course, take part ! Boc. (Aside to Leon.) You are right. {To Pietro.) With pleasure. PiETRO. Thanks, Giovanni. The entire management is in your hands. I must marry a lady I do not love at all, just to please my father. Boc. The maiden is said to be a paragon of grace and beauty. PiETRO. Well, she is not so bad, after all ! Boc. {Aside.) Indeed? The idiot! (To Pietro.) But does the girl consent to marry you ? PiETRO. Yes ; although she declared yesterday that she did not care for me. She was jesting, of course ; for it would be simply im- possible for any girl not to like me ! Qoc. {Aside.) What an insufferably conceited fellow ! (rB6 ^yH I YFACILI Musicians Library Ideal Music Books for Music Lovers ^The Masterpieces of Song and Piano Music in a Series of Splendid Volumes Edited with Authority, and Engraved, Printed, and Bound with Surpassing Excellence. Prices Each Volume in heavy paper, cloth back, ;^i.5o In full cloth, gilt --- - - 2.50 Booklets giving full particulars free on request Oliver Ditson Company, Boston CHAS. H. DITSON & CO., New York LYON & HEALY J. E. DITSON & CO. 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