Libretto: Le Nozze di Figaro

The Marriage of Figaro Cast: CONTE DI ALMAVIVA (baritone) LA CONTESSA DI ALMAVIVA (soprano) SUSANNA (soprano) FIGARO (bass) CHERUBINO (soprano or mezzo-soprano) MARCELLINA (mezzo-soprano) BARTOLO (bass) BASILIO (tenor) DON CURZIO (tenor) BARBARINA (soprano) ANTONIO (bass) CHORUS peasants and the count's tenants Overture ACT ONE SCENE ONE A partly furnished room, with an easy-chair in the centre. Figaro with a measure in his hand, Susanna at the mirror, trying on a hat decorated with flowers. Duettino FIGARO measuring the room Five ... ten ... twenty ... thirty ... Thirty-six ... forty-three SUSANNA to herself, gazing into the mirror Yes, I'm very pleased with that; It seems just made for me. Take a look, dear Figaro, Just look at this hat of mine. She continues to gaze at herself FIGARO Yes, my dearest, it's very pretty; It looks just made for you. SUSANNA and FIGARO On this morning of our wedding How delightful to my (your) dear one Is this pretty little hat Which Susanna made herself. Recitative SUSANNA What are you measuring, My dearest Figaro? FIGARO I'm seeing if this bed Which the Count has put aside for us Will go well just here. SUSANNA In this room? FIGARO Of course; his lordship's Generously giving it to us. SUSANNA As far as I'm concerned, you can keep it. FIGARO What's the matter? SUSANNA tapping her forehead I've my reasons in here. FIGARO doing the same Why can't you Let me in on them? SUSANNA Because I don't choose to. Are you my slave, or not? FIGARO But I don't understand Why you so dislike The most convenient room in the palace. SUSANNA Because I'm Susanna and you're a dolt. FIGARO Thanks, you're too flattering: just see If it could go better anywhere else. Duettino FIGARO Supposing my lady Calls you at night: Ding ding: in two steps You can be there from here. Or if it should happen That his lordship should want me, Dong dong: in three bounds I'm there at his service. SUSANNA And supposing one morning The dear Count should ring, ding ding, and send you Three miles away, Dong dong, and the devil Should lead him to my door? Dong dong, in three bounds ... FIGARO Hush, hush, Susanna. SUSANNA Listen. FIGARO Quick, tell me! SUSANNA If you wish to hear the rest, Banish those suspicions Which do me wrong. FIGARO I burn to hear the rest: Doubts and suspicions Freeze my blood. Recitative SUSANNA Well then, listen and keep quiet. FIGARO Speak: what's there to tell? SUSANNA The noble Count, Tired of scouring the countryside For fresh beauties, Wants to try his luck again In his own palace, Though, let me tell you, it's not his wife Who wets his appetite. FIGARO Well, who then? SUSANNA Your little Susanna. FIGARO You? SUSANNA The very same, and he's hoping That being so close will be most useful To his noble project. FIGARO Bravo! Go on. SUSANNA This is the gracious favour, this the care He bestows on you and on your wife. FIGARO Have you seen such condescension! SUSANNA Wait though: there's better to come. Don Basilio, my singing teacher and his Factotum, repeats this same theme daily When he gives me my lesson. FIGARO What, Basilio? The scoundrel! SUSANNA Did you imagine He gave me a dowry For the sake of your beaux yeux? FIGARO So I'd flattered myself. SUSANNA He intends it To obtain from me certain half?hours ... Which feudal privilege ... FIGARO What! Didn't the Count Abolish that in his domain? SUSANNA He did, but now regrets it; and it seems He wants to bring it back for me. FIGARO Well! Very pretty: How charming of his lordship! He wants some fun: he'll get it ... A bell rings FIGARO Who's ringing? The Countess. SUSANNA Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. Figaro, my dear. FIGARO Courage, my dearest. SUSANNA And you be wary. Exit SCENE TWO FIGARO feverishly pacing up and down the room, rubbing his hands Well done, my noble master! Now I begin To understand the secret ... and to see Your whole scheme clearly: to London, Isn't it, you go as minister, I as courier, And Susanna ... confidential attachée ... It shall not be: Figaro has said it. Cavatina FIGARO If, my dear Count, You feel like dancing, It's I Who'll call the tune. If you'lI come To my school, I'll teach you How to caper. I'll know how... but wait, I can uncover His secret design More easily by dissembling. Acting stealthily, Acting openly, Here stinging, There mocking, All your plots I'll overthrow. Exit SCENE THREE Bartolo and Marcellina enter. Recitative BARTOLO And you waited until the day Appointed for his wedding To tell me this? MARCELLINA with a contract in her hand Oh, my dear doctor, I'm not giving up: To break off engagements Even later than this A pretext has often sufficed, and besides This contract he has certain pledges to me I could mention ... but enough; now We must frighten Susanna; we must somehow Make her reject the Count's advances. To revenge himself, He'll take my part, And so Figaro will become my husband. BARTOLO taking the contract from Marcellina's hand Well, I'll do all I can, without reserve. Tell me everything. aside I'd enjoy Giving him my old servant for a wife For having stolen my intended from me. Aria BARTOLO Revenge, yes, revenge Is a pleasure meant for the intelligent; To forget insults and outrages Is always low and base. With astuteness and acuteness, With judgment and discernment, I can do it ... The case is serious; But, believe me, I'll bring it off. If I have to search the whole legal code, If I have to read through the whole statute book, With a quibble or a paraphrase I'll find some obstacle. All Seville knows Dr. Bartolo: That rascal Figaro will lose the day! Exit SCENE FOUR Recitative MARCELLINA All is not lost yet; I still have hopes. Susanna enters, carrying a lady's cap, a ribbon, and a dress. But here comes Susanna: I'll make a start. Let's pretend not to see her. aside, loudly And that's the pearl of virtue He intends to marry! SUSANNA holding back, aside She's talking of me. MARCELLINA But, after all, from Figaro One can't hope for anything better: Money means everything. SUSANNA aside A spiteful tongue! It's lucky Everyone knows the worth of what she says. MARCELLINA Bravo! such discretion! And those modest eyes And demure expression, As well as ... SUSANNA aside I'd better go. MARCELLINA What a charming bride! Both make to leave at the same time, and meet near the door. Duettino MARCELLINA making a curtsey After you, Gracious lady. SUSANNA making a curtsey I'd not be so bold, Worthy ma'am. MARCELLINA No, you go first, pray. SUSANNA No, no, after you. SUSANNA and MARCELLINA I know my place, I'd not so presume. MARCELLINA A bride?to?be first. SUSANNA A lady in waiting. MARCELLINA The Count's favourite. SUSANNA The toast of Spain. MARCELLINA Your qualities. SUSANNA Your dress. MARCELLINA Your position. SUSANNA Your age. MARCELLINA aside I'll fly into a rage If I stay here any longer. SUSANNA Decrepit old witch, She's a laughing?stock. Exit Marcellina in a fury SCENE FIVE Recitative SUSANNA Get away, you old frump! Putting on high and mighty airs Because you've read a couple of books And used to torment my lady in her youth … She puts the dress over the easy?chair CHERUBINO entering hurriedly Susanna dear, is it you? SUSANNA Yes, it's me. What do you want? CHERUBINO Oh my dearest, what a misfortune! SUSANNA Your dearest! What's happened? CHERUBINO Yesterday the Count, Because he found me all alone With Barbarina, dismissed me: And if the Countess, My lovely godmother, doesn't intercede To get me pardoned, I'll have to go away And never see my dear Susanna again! SUSANNA Never see me again! Well then! But isn't your heart secretly sighing Any longer for the Countess? CHERUBINO Ah she fills me with too much respect! How lucky you are, to be able To see her whenever you wish! You dress her in the morning And undress her at night; you fix Her pins, her laces ... sighing If only I could be in your place ... What have you got there? Let me see ... SUSANNA imitating him Oh what a pretty ribbon, and the nightcap Of so lovely a godmother ... CHERUBINO Oh give me it, my dear. Give me it, I beg. He snatches the ribbon from her hand. SUSANNA Give it back at once. She tries to take it back: he dodges round the easy-chair. CHERUBINO O dear, sweet, fortunate ribbon! I'll not give it up except with my life. He kisses the ribbon again and again. SUSANNA beginning to run after him, but then stopping as if tired What is this insolence! CHERUBINO Go on, don't be angry! In exchange for it I'll give you This little song of mine. He pulls a song from his pocket SUSANNA And what am I to do with it? CHERUBINO Read it to my lady, Read it for yourself, Read it to Barbarina, Marcellina, Read it to every woman in the palace. SUSANNA Poor Cherubino, have you gone mad? Aria CHERUBINO I no longer know what I am or what I'm doing, Now I'm burning, now I'm made of ice ... Every woman makes me change colour, Every woman makes me tremble. At the very word love or beloved My heart leaps and pounds, And to speak of it fills me With a longing I can't explain! I speak of love when I'm awake, I speak ofit in my dreams, To the stream, the shade, the mountains, To the flowers, the grass, the fountains, To the echo, the air, the breezes, Which carry away with them The sound of my fond words ... And if I've none to hear me I speak of love to myself. SCENE SIX Cherubino, seeing the Count appoaching, hides behind the easy?chair. Recitative CHERUBINO Ah, I'm lost! SUSANNA Heavens ... SUSANNA The Count! She tries to conceal Cherubino. Woe is me! COUNT entering Susanna, you seem to be Agitated and confused. SUSANNA My lord ... pray excuse me But ... suppose someone caught us ... I beg you to leave. COUNT One moment and I'll leave you. Listen. He seats himself in the easy?chair and takes Susanna's hand, which she withdraws with an effort. SUSANNA I mustn't listen. COUNT Just two words. You know That the king has appointed me Ambassador in London: I planned To take Figaro with me ... SUSANNA My lord, if you'd allow me ... COUNT rising Speak, speak, my dear, and with that right Which today you may assume of me as long as you live, tenderly, trying to take her hand again Ask, require, demand. SUSANNA Let me go, my lord; I claim no right, Nor wish, nor intend to ... I'm so unhappy! COUNT But no, Susanna, I want to make you happy! You well know how much I love you: Basilio has already told you; now listen. If you'll give me a few minutes In the garden at dusk ... For that favour, ah, I'd pay ... BASILIO off?stage He's just gone out. COUNT Who spoke? SUSANNA Oh, heavens! COUNT Go out, and see no one comes in. SUSANNA I’m to leave you here alone? BASILIO as before He'll be with my lady: I'll go and look for him. COUNT indicating the easy?chair I'll get behind here. SUSANNA Do not hide there. COUNT Hush, and get rid of him. The count goes to hide behind the chair: Susanna interposes herself between the page and him. The Count pushes her gently aside. She withdraws; the page steals in front of the chair and curls up inside it. Susanna covers him with the dress. SUSANNA Alas! What are you doing? SCENE SEVEN BASILIO entering Susanna, Heaven be with you: Have you by any chance seen the Count? SUSANNA What should the Count be doing here With me? Please go away. BASILIO Just a moment, listen; Figaro's looking for him. SUSANNA aside Oh heaven! aloud He's looking for the one Who, after you, hates him most. COUNT aside We'll see how I am served. BASILIO I've never heard the proposition That one who loves the wife must hate the husband. To tell you how the Count loves you ... SUSANNA Begone, base agent for another's lust: I don't need Your propositions, Your Count and his love ... BASILIO There's no harm done: everyone To his own taste: I'd have thought That for a lover you'd prefer, Like any other woman, A generous, prudent, and discreet nobleman To a youngster, a page?boy ... SUSANNA To Cherubino? BASILIO To Cherubino, that amorous cherub Who at daybreak this morning Was prowling about here Trying to get in ... SUSANNA Slanderer! It's an invention! BASILIO To you, anyone who keeps his eyes open Is a slanderer. And that little song? Tell me in confidence: I'm a friend and won't let it go any further; Was it for you, or for my lady ... SUSANNA bewildered, aside Who on earth told him about that? BASILIO By the way, my daughter, It would be wise to warn him: At table he gazes at her so often And with such avidity, That if the Count noticed ... On that point, You know, he's ferocious. SUSANNA You wretch! Why do you go around Spreading such lies? BASILIO I? You wrong me: I sell only what I buy. I don't add a jot To what everyone is saying. COUNT Emerging from his hiding?place Really, what is everyone saying? BASILIO Very pretty! SUSANNA Oh heaven! Trio COUNT to Basilio What do I hear? Go at once And send the seducer packing. BASILIO My presence is ill?timed. Pray excuse me, my lord. SUSANNA almost fainting Unhappy me, I'm ruined! I'm overcome with misery. BASILIO and COUNT supporting Susanna Ah! the poor child's fainted! Lord, how her heart is beating! BASILIO Gently, gently, on to this seat. They draw her towards the chair to let her sit down. SUSANNA reviving Where am I? What's going on? How dare you! Go away! She repulses them both. COUNT We're only helping you; Do not be alarmed, my dear. BASILIO We're only helping you; Your honour is quite safe. to the Count What I said about the page Was only my suspicion. SUSANNA It's a plot, it's quite untrue; Don't believe this deceiver. COUNT That young fop must go. SUSANNA and BASILIO Poor boy! COUNT Poor boy! I've found him out again. SUSANNA How so? What? BASILIO What? How so? COUNT Yesterday I found Your cousin's door locked; I knocked, and Barbarina opened it More flustered than usual, My suspicions aroused by her appearance, I looked and searched in every corner, And very, very softly Lifting the tablecloth, There I saw the page ... He illustrates his actions with the dress and discovers the page. Ah, what do I see? SUSANNA Oh, cruel heavens! BASILIO laughing Better and better! COUNT You paragon of virtue! Now I see how it is. SUSANNA Nothing worse could come about. Heavens above, what's to happen? BASILIO Every woman's alike! There's nothing new about it. Recitative COUNT Basilio, go off To Figaro at once. I want him to see... pointing to Cherubino, who does not move SUSANNA And I want him to hear: go on. COUNT to Basilio Wait! to Susanna What assurance! What's your excuse When your guilt is obvious? SUSANNA Virtue has no need of excuses. COUNT But when did he come in? SUSANNA He was with me When you came in here, And was asking me to beg my lady To intercede for him: your arrival Threw us into confusion, And so he did himself in there. COUNT But I sat down there myself When I came into the room! CHERUBINO Then I hid myself behind it. COUNT And when I placed myself there? CHERUBINO Then I quietly crept round and hid here. COUNT to Susanna Heavens! Then he heard All that I was saying to you? CHERUBINO I did everything I could not to hear. COUNT Deceitful boy! BASILIO Restrain yourself: someone's coming. COUNT to Cherubino And you're still there, you little viper! dragging him out of the chair SCENE EIGHT Enter Figaro with a white veil in his hand; villagers dressed in white scatter before the Count flowers arranged in little baskets. Chorus VILLAGERS Blithe maids, Scatter flowers Before our Noble lord. His generous heart Has preserved intact for you The chaste purity Of a still fairer flower. Recitative COUNT in surprise to Figaro What's all this nonsense? FIGARO aside to Susanna Here we go: Back me up, my dear. SUSANNA aside to Figaro I'm not hopeful. FIGARO to the Count My lord, do not disdain This humble expression of our affection. Now that you've abolished A privilege so painful to lovers... COUNT That privilege exists no more: what now? FIGARO Today we've come to gather the first fruit Of your generosity: our wedding Is already arranged: may it please you To crown her, whom this gift of yours Has preserved spotless, with this White veil, symbol of virtue. COUNT aside Devilish sly! But I must dissemble. aloud My friends, I thank you For your honest feelings, But for this I do not deserve Any tribute or praise: It was an unjust privilege, And by abolishing it in my domain I have restored to nature and duty their rights. ALL Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! SUSANNA What nobility! FIGARO What justice! COUNT to Figaro and Susanna To you I promise To perform the ceremony, But give me leave a while. I wish to complete your happiness Before my closest friends and in richest style. aside Marcellina must be found. aloud Leave me, friends. Chorus VILLAGERS scattering the remaining flowers Blithe maids, Scatter flowers Before our Noble lord. His generous heart Has preserved intact for you The chaste purity Of a still fairer flower. Exeunt villagers. Recitative FIGARO Hurrah! SUSANNA Hurrah! BASILIO Hurrah! FIGARO to Cherubino And you're not cheering? SUSANNA He's unhappy, poor boy, Because my lord has dismissed him from the palace. FIGARO On this happiest of days! SUSANNA On a wedding day! FIGARO When everyone applauds you! CHERUBINO kneeling Forgive me, my lord.. COUNT You don't deserve it. SUSANNA He's still a child. COUNT Less so than you think. CHERUBINO I did wrong, I know; but I'll never mention... COUNT raising him Enough, enough: I pardon you. Nay, I'll do more: there is a vacancy For an officer in my regiment; I nominate you; go at once; goodbye. He turns to go; Susanna and Figaro stop him. SUSANNA and FIGARO Ah! just until tomorrow... COUNT No, he must go at once. CHERUBINO I'm ready, my lord, and will obey you. COUNT Then embrace Susanna For the last time. aside That took them by surprise. Exeunt the Count and Basilio. Cherubino embraces Susanna, who stands confused. FIGARO to Cherubino Well, captain, won't you give me your hand? aside Before you go I want a word with you. aloud, with assumed joy Goodbye, master Cherubino! How your fate changes in a moment! Aria FIGARO No more, you amorous butterfly, Will you go fluttering round by night and day, Disturbing the peace of every maid, You pocket Narcissus, you Adonis of love. No more will you have those fine feathers, That light and dashing cap, Those curls, those airs and graces, That roseate womanish colour. You'll be among warriors, by Bacchus! Long moustaches, knapsack tightly on, Musket on your shoulder, sabre at your side, Head erect and bold of visage, A great helmet or a head?dress, Lots of honour, little money, And instead of the fandango, Marching through the mud. Over mountains, through valleys, In snow and days of listless heat, To the sound of blunderbusses, Shells and cannons, Whose shots make your ears sing On every note. Cherubino, on to victory, On to military glory! Exeunt omnes to the sound of a march. ACT TWO SCENE ONE A handsome room with an alcove, a dressing-room on the left, a door in the background - leading to theservants' quarters - and a window at the side. The Countess, alone. Cavatina COUNTESS O love, bring some relief To my sorrow, to my sighs; O give me back my loved one Or in mercy let me die. Enter Susanna SCENE TWO Recitative COUNTESS Come in, dear Susanna, And tell me the rest ofthe story. SUSANNA There's no more to tell. COUNTESS So he tried to make love to you? SUSANNA Oh, his lordship Doesn't pay such compliment To girls like me; He came to offer me money. COUNTESS Cruel man, he loves me no longer! SUSANNA Yet how Can he be jealous of you? COUNTESS That is the way Of modern husbands: on principle Unfaithful, by nature fickle, And by pride all jealous. But if Figaro loves you ... Only he could FIGARO singing off-stage La la la ... La la la ... entering SUSANNA Here he is! Come in, friend: My lady's getting anxious ... FIGARO You've no cause To be worried about that. After all, what's it all about? My bride attracts his lordship. And so he'd like Secretly to revive His feudal right: It's all possible and natural. COUNTESS Possible! SUSANNA And natural! FIGARO Very natural! SUSANNA Have done with you! FIGARO I've done. That's why he decided To choose me as courier, and Susanna As confidential attachée to the embassy; And because she persistently refuses The post of honour he had planned for her, He threatens to favour Marcellina. That's the whole story. SUSANNA And you're so bold as to treat lightly So serious a matter? FIGARO Aren't you glad I can Treat it lightly? Here's my plan. to the Countess By Basilio I've sent a letter Warning his lordship About an assignation Which you've made with a lover For the time of the ball. COUNTESS Oh heaven! what do I hear? To so jealous a man! ... FIGARO All the better; The more easily can we harass him, Confuse him, embroil him, Foil his designs, Fill him with suspicions, and make him Realise that this new game which He's trying to play on me can be played on him; So let him waste his time in fruitless search. Then, without him having made any plan To prevent us, the time of our wedding will suddenly be upon us, and in your presence indicating the Countess He 'd not dare to oppose it. SUSANNA That's true, but in his stead Marcellina will oppose it. FIGARO Wait: quickly let the Count know That towards evening You'll be waiting in the garden: We'll get young Cherubino, Whom I advised not to leave just yet, To go there in your place, Dressed as a woman. If monsieur is caught by milady, This is the only way by which He can be made to grant her wishes. COUNTESS to Susanna What do you think? SUSANNA Not bad. COUNTESS In our situation ... SUSANNA When he's determined ... COUNTESS Have we time enough? FIGARO The Count has gone out hunting, And won't be back for some hours; He is about to go I'll go and send Cherubino To you at once; I leave to you The task of disguising him. COUNTESS And then? FIGARO And then ... If, my dear Count, You feel Ii ke dancing, It's I Who'll call the tune. Exit SCENE THREE Recitative COUNTESS I'm grieved, Susanna. That that youth should have overheard The Count's follies: you just don't know … But why ever did he Not come straight to me? Where's his song? SUSANNA Here it is: and when he comes Let's make him sing it. Hush, someone's coming: it's he. Enter Cherubino Come in, my gallant captain. CHERUBINO Oh don't call me by that Horrid title! It reminds me That I am forced to leave A godmother so kind. SUSANNA And so beautiful! CHERUBINO sighing Ah ... yes ... indeed! SUSANNA imitating him Ah ... yes,... indeed ... hypocrite! Make haste, sing to my lady The song you gave to me This morning. COUNTESS Who wrote it? SUSANNA indicating Cherubino Look: he's blushing All over his face. COUNTESS Take my guitar And accompany him. CHERUBINO I'm all a-tremble ... But if my lady wishes ... SUSANNA Yes, indeed she does … don't keep her waiting. She plays the introduction on the guitar Arietta CHERUBINO You ladies Who know what love is, See if it is What I have in my heart. All that I feel I will explain; Since it is new to me, I don't understand it. I have a feeling Full of desire, Which now is pleasure, Now is torment. I freeze, then I feel My spirit all ablaze, And the next moment Turn again to ice. I seek for a treasure Outside of myself; I know not who holds it Nor what it is. I sigh and I groan Without wishing to, I flutter and tremble Without knowing why. I find no peace By night or day, But yet to languish thus Is sheer delight. You ladies Who know what love is, See if it is What I have in my heart. Recitative COUNTESS Bravo! a charming voice! I didn't know you sang so well. SUSANNA Oh, I must say Everything he does, he does well. Come along, handsome soldier; Figaro will have told you ... CHERUBINO He's told me everything. SUSANNA Let me see: this will do splendidly. We are of equal height … Off with your jacket. She takes off his jacket COUNTESS What are you doing? SUSANNA There's nothing to fear. COUNTESS But if someone should come in? SUSANNA Let him, what harm are we doing? But I'll lock the door. She does so But how am l To dress his hair? COUNTESS Take one of my caps From my dressing-room. Quickly! Susanna goes into the dressing-room to get a cap: Cherubino approaches the Countess and shows her his commission, which is sticking out of his breast pocket. The Countess takes it, opens it and notices that the seal is missing. What is this paper? CHERUBINO My commission. COUNTESS They're in a hurry! CHERUBINO I've just had it from Basilio. COUNTESS In their haste they've forgotten the seal. She returns it to him SUSANNA coming back What seal? COUNTESS Of his commission. SUSANNA What, so soon! Here's the cap. COUNTESS to Susanna Hurry! That's right. Woe betide us if the Count should come. Aria SUSANNA She takes Cherubino with her and makes him kneel before her, a little way from the Countess who sits down. Come ... kneel down ... Stay still here ... Keep quiet; now turn round ... Bravo ... that's very good. Now turn and face me, Cherubino looks tenderly toward the Countess. Here! your eyes towards me ... Look straight in front at me ... My lady isn't here. That collar a bit higher. Those eyes cast down, Your hands folded before you ... Then let's see how you walk When you're on your feet. aside to the Countess Look at the little rascal, Isn't he handsome? What roguish glances, What airs, what graces! If women fall in love with him, They have good reason why. Recitative COUNTESS This is too silly! SUSANNA I'm almost inclined To bejealous myself. taking Cherubino by the chin You little scamp, You've no right to look so pretty! COUNTESS No more of this childishness! Now pull these sleeves up Above the elbow, Then the dress will go on More comfortably. SUSANNA doing so There! COUNTESS Still higher, Like that ... She discovers a ribbon tied round his arm. What's this ribbon? SUSANNA That's the one he stole from me. COUNTESS untying the ribbon And this blood? CHERUBINO Blood? ... I don't know how ... I slipped a little while ago And grazed myself against a stone So I tied up the scratch with this ribbon. SUSANNA Let's see: it's nothing much. Look! His arm's whiter than mine! Like a girl's ... COUNTESS Are you still chattering? Go into my room, and fetch a piece Of plaster which is on my desk. Exit Susanna. The Countess looks hard at the kneeling Cherubino. As for this ribbon ... I'd say ... examining the ribbon By the colour ... I'm sorry to have lost it ... SUSANNA re-entering with the plaster and scissors Here you are. Now what to tie his arm with? COUNTESS Bring another ribbon Along with my dress. Exit Susanna by the rear door, taking with her Cherubino's mantle. CHERUBINO Ah! that one would have healed me faster. COUNTESS Why? This one is better. CHERUBINO But when a ribbon Has bound the hair, or touched the skin Of some ... COUNTESS interrupting him ... other person, It's good for wounds, is that it? That's a virtue I was not aware of! CHERUBINO My lady mocks me when I must leave her. COUNTESS Poor boy, it's hard! CHERUBINO I'm so unhappy! COUNTESS What, crying? CHERUBINO Oh heaven! would that I could die now! Perhaps near the final moment These lips would dare ... COUNTESS Be sensible: what is this nonsense? She wipes his eyes with her handkerchief. A knock at the door is heard. Who's knocking at the door? SCENE FOUR COUNT outside the door Why is this locked? COUNTESS My husband! Oh heavens! I'm lost! to Cherubino You here without a coat on! In this state; he'll have had that letter ... And he's so jealous! COUNT What is delaying you? COUNTESS I'm alone ... yes, all alone. COUNT To whom were you talking? COUNTESS To you ... of course, to you. CHERUBINO After what's happened, he'll be furious ... I don't know what to do! Cherubino runs into the dressing-room and locks the door; the Countess takes the key. COUNTESS Heaven protect me in this danger! She hurries to open the door to the Count. SCENE FIVE COUNT entering What does this mean? You never used To lock yourself in your room! COUNTESS I know; but I ... I was in here trying … COUNT Go on, trying ... COUNTESS ... some clothes on ... Susanna was with me ... But now she's gone to her room. COUNT In any case, You seem perturbed: Look at this letter. COUNTESS aside Heavens! it's the letter Figaro wrote him! Cherubino noisily knocks over a table and chair in the dressing-room. COUNT What is that noise? Something fell in your room. COUNTESS I heard nothing. COUNT You must have weighty matters on your mind. COUNTESS Of what? COUNT There's someone there. COUNTESS Who do you think it could be? COUNT I'm asking you ... I've only just come in. COUNTESS Ah yes, Susanna ... of course. COUNT But you told me she went to her room. COUNTESS To hers or mine, I didn't notice ... COUNT Then why, if it's Susanna, Are you so agitated? COUNTESS with a forced smile About my maid. COUNT I don't know; But certainly you're agitated ... COUNTESS Rather than agitating me, Which she doesn't, my maid is agitating you. COUNT That's true indeed, as you'll see. SCENE SIX Susanna enters by the door through which she went out, but slops on seeing the Count, who is talking by the dressing-room door. Trio COUNT Susanna, come out of there, Come out, I command you. COUNTESS distressed, to the Count No, stop ... listen ... She can't come out. SUSANNA aside What's this row about? Where has the page got to? COUNT And who dares forbid it? COUNTESS Decency forbids it. She's in there Trying on her wedding dress. COUNT aside It's all too plain: There's a lover in there. COUNTESS aside It's all too horrible: Whatever will happen? SUSANNA aside I think I understand: Let's see how things work out. COUNT Well, at least speak, Susanna, if you're there ... COUNTESS No, no, you're not to. towards the door I order you, be silent. Susanna hides in the alcove. COUNTESS and COUNT Be careful, pray! Try to avoid An open scandal. SUSANNA aside Oh heaven! There's bound to be A catastrophe, An open scandal. Recitative COUNT Then you won't open it? COUNTESS Why do I have To open my own room? COUNT Very well then; as you please ... We'll open it without the key ... Ho there! COUNTESS What? Would you hazard A lady's reputation? COUNT That's true; I was in error. I can go myself and bring the tools Without any outcry Or scandal before the servants. Kindly remain here ... But so that my suspicions Shall be completely quieted, First of all I'll lock the other doors. He locks the door leading to the servant's quarters. COUNTESS aside What folly! COUNT You will have the goodness To come with me. Let me offer you my arm. Let's go. COUNTESS Let's go. COUNT indicating the dressing-room Susanna will have to stay there till we return. Exeunt SCENE SEVEN Susanna hurries out of the alcove. Duettino SUSANNA at the door of the dressing-room Open quickly, open; Open, it's Susanna. Come out of there ... You must get away at once. Cherubino comes out of the dressing-room. CHERUBINO Oh dear, what a terrible scene! What a dreadful thing to happen! They try first one door, then another, but find them all locked. SUSANNA Leave without delay! That way, that way. SUSANNA and CHERUBINO The doors are locked. Whatever shall we do? CHERUBINO We can't give up. SUSANNA He'll kill you if he finds you. CHERUBINO He'll kill me if he finds me. Just let me look outside here. He goes to the window overlooking the garden. It gives on to the garden. He is about to jump out; Susanna stops him. SUSANNA Stop, Cherubino! She goes to look, but steps back. Don't, for pity's sake! CHERUBINO Let me go: rather than harm her I'd leap into the fire. I embrace her through you. freeing himself from Susanna. Farewell; so be it! SUSANNA He'll kill himself, for certain. Stop, for pity's sake! Cherubino jumps out; Susanna lets out a shriek, sits down for a moment, then goes to the balcony. Recitative Just look at the little demon! How he runs! He's a mile away already. There's no time to lose, though. I'll go into the dressing-room: Let the blusterer come: I'm ready for him. Susanna goes into the dressing-room and locks the door behind her. SCENE EIGHT Re-enter the Countess and the Count with tools for opening the door: he examines all the doors. COUNT All is as I left it; so will you Open it yourself, or must I ... He is about to force the door open. COUNTESS Alas! Stay And hear me for a moment. The Count throws the hammer and pincers on a chair. Do you think me capable Of failing in my duty? COUNT As you please. I'm going into that room To see who's locked in there. COUNTESS Yes, you'll see ... But listen to me calmly. COUNT So it's not Susanna! COUNTESS No, but it's someone else Whom you could not reasonably Allow yourself to suspect: for tonight I was preparing a harmless Diversion ... and I swear to you In honour ... in honesty ... COUNT Who is it? Tell me ... I'll kill him. COUNTESS Listen. Oh, I dare not. COUNT Speak out. COUNTESS He's a child ... COUNT A child? ... COUNTESS Yes, Cherubino. COUNT aside Has destiny decreed that I'm to find That page wherever I go? aloud What! Hasn't he gone? The scoundrels! This explains my doubts, the confusion, The plot of which the letter warned me. Finale COUNT vehemently, at the dressing-room door Now out you come, you imp of Satan, You villain, without delay. COUNTESS restraining the Count by force Oh my lord, your anger Makes my heart tremble for him. COUNT You still dare to cross me? COUNTESS No, listen ... COUNT Go on, speak. COUNTESS I swear to heaven that your suspicions ... The state in which you'll find him ... His collar untied ... his chest bare ... COUNT His collar untied? ... his chest bare? ... Pray continue ... COUNTESS So as to dress him up as a woman. COUNT Ah, I see; you shameless creature, I'll punish him for this! He goes to the dressing-room, then turns back. COUNTESS Your anger does me wrong, Your suspicion is an insult. COUNT Give me the key! COUNTESS He is innocent, And you know it ... She hands him the key. COUNT I know nothing of the sort. Hence from my sight! You are faithless, wanton ... You've sought to disgrace me. COUNTESS I'll go ... yes ... but... COUNT I'll not hear you. COUNTESS I am guiltless. COUNT I can read it in your face. He shall die, die and I'll be rid Of the source of all my torment! COUNTESS Oh, to what extreme will His blind fury lead him? The Count opens the dressing-room and Susanna steps out, staying in the doorway. SCENE NINE COUNT and COUNTESS Susanna! SUSANNA My lord! Why this astonishment? You've drawn your sword To kill the page, Well, here you see That imp of Satan. COUNT aside What do I see? My head is spinning. COUNTESS aside What can have happened? Susanna in there? SUSANNA aside They're both baffled And can't understand. COUNT to Susanna Are you alone? SUSANNA Look and see Who can be hidden there. COUNT Let's see, let's see, Who is hidden in there. He goes into the dressing-room. COUNTESS Susanna, I'm fainting; I can't breathe. SUSANNA gaily, showing the Countess the window from which Cherubino jumped Don't worry, take heart now, He's already in safety. COUNT coming out in confusion How could I make such a mistake! I can hardly believe it. If I did you wrong, I beg your forgiveness; But to play such a jest Is sheer cruelty. SUSANNA and COUNTESS The Countess holds a handkerchief to her lips to cover her perturbation. Your wild accusations Do not deserve to be pardoned. COUNT I love you! COUNTESS Do not say that! COUNT I swear it! COUNTESS That is untrue! I'm a faithless, wanton creature Who's always deceiving you. COUNT Help me, Susanna, To calm her anger. SUSANNA This is the punishment For your suspicions. COUNTESS So this is the reward I can expect For the loyalty Of my faithful heart! SUSANNA pleading My lady! COUNT Rosina! COUNTESS Cruel man! I am no longer she, But the wretched object Of your neglect, Whom you delight To make suffer. SUSANNA and COUNT Confused and repentant, I’m (he's) sufficiently punished; Have pity now. COUNTESS Cruel man! My heart cannot bear So great a wrong. COUNT But the page locked in there? ... COUNTESS It was only to test you. COUNT And all your trembling? ... COUNTESS Only to tease you. COUNT But this cruel letter? ... SUSANNA and COUNTESS Figaro wrote it, And sent it by Basilio ... COUNT The traitors! I'll ... SUSANNA and COUNTESS He who can't forgive others Doesn't deserve to be forgiven. COUNT Well then, ifyou will, Let's make peace all round; Rosina, do not be So harsh to me. COUNTESS Oh Susanna, How soft-hearted I am! Who would ever believe In a woman's fury? SUSANNA With men, my lady, You turn and turn about, But you see it always Ends like this. COUNT Look at me ... COUNTESS Ungrateful! COUNT I wronged you, and I repent it! He kisses the Countess's hand repeatedly. ALL THREE From this moment My (his) heart will learn To know you (me, her) better. SCENE TEN FIGARO entering My lord and lady, The musicians are outside: You can hear The trumpeters and the pipers. With the singing and dancing Of your vassals, Let us hasten To celebrate our wedding! He takes Susanna by the arm and is about to lead her off; the Count detains him. COUNT One moment: not so fast. FIGARO The crowd is waiting. COUNT Before you go, Remove a doubt of mine. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO aside This is getting difficult; How will it end? COUNT aside Now I must Play my cards carefully. showing the letter received from Basilio Master Figaro, do you know Who penned this letter? FIGARO pretending to examine it I've no idea. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and COUNT to Figaro You've no idea? FIGARO No, no. SUSANNA Didn't you give it to Don Basilio? COUNTESS To deliver? COUNT You're deceiving me. FIGARO No, no. SUSANNA And you don't know about the gallant ... COUNTESS This evening in the garden ... COUNT You know now ... FIGARO I've no idea. COUNT In vain you seek a defence or an excuse. Your very face accuses you; I can se you're trying to lie. FIGARO My face is the liar, not I! SUSANNA and COUNTESS to Figaro You sharpen your wits in vain; We've revealed the secret, There's no more to be said. COUNT What's your answer? FIGARO Nothing, nothing. COUNT So you admit it? FIGARO No, I don't, sir. SUSANNA and COUNTESS to Figaro Hold your tongue, stupid, This comedy must be ended. FIGARO taking Susanna by the arm Then to end it happily According to theatrical practice, Let a marriage ceremony Now follow. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO to the Count Oh my lord, do not refuse; Grant my (their) wishes. COUNT aside Marcellina, Marcellina, How slow you are in coming! SCENE ELEVEN Antonio the gardener comes in furiously with a broken pot of carnations. ANTONIO Oh my lord ... mylord ... COUNT What's the matter? ANTONIO How dare he! Who did it? What was it? COUNTESS, SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO What's he saying? What's wrong? What's happened? ANTONIO Listen. COUNTESS, SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO Go on, then, speak. ANTONIO Every day I see all kinds of things thrown From the balcony overlooking the garden; But just now (it couldn't be worse) I saw a man, my lord, thrown down! COUNT From the balcony? ANTONIO D'you see these carnations? showing them the broken flower-pot COUNT Into the garden? ANTONIO Yes! SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside to Figaro Figaro, think quickly! COUNT What do I hear? SUSANNA, COUNTESS, and FIGARO aside He's taken aback. aloud What's this drunkard doing in here? COUNT to Antonio So you saw a man: where did he get to? ANTONIO The scroundrel took to his heels And was out of sight at once. SUSANNA aside to Figaro You must know it was the page ... FIGARO aside to Susanna I know, I saw him. laughing loudly Ha, ha, ha! COUNT to Figaro Be quiet,sir. ANTONIO to Figaro What's there to laugh at? FIGARO to Anionio You're drunk from morn till night. COUNT to Antonio Now tell me again, a man from the balcony? ANTONIO From the balcony. COUNT Into the garden? ANTONIO Into the garden. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO My lord, it's the wine in him talking! COUNT Go on though: didn't you see his face? ANTONIO No, I didn't. SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside to Figaro Figaro, did you hear that? FIGARO to Antonio You whining old fool, do be quiet Making such a fuss over nothing! scornfully touching the carnations Since the fact can't be concealed, It was I who jumped down from there. COUNT and ANTONIO What? It was you? SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside What presence of mind! FIGARO Why so surprised? COUNT I just can't believe it. ANTONIO to Figaro How have you grown so tall, then? After the jump you weren't so big. FIGARO Jumping does that to one. ANTONIO Who'd have thought it? SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside The fool is persistent! COUNT to Antonio You, what do you say? ANTONIO It looked like that boy to me. COUNT Cherubino! SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside Wretched man! FIGARO Of course, it was he, Back on horseback from Seville, From Seville where he'd been. ANTONIO No, no, that's not so. I didn't see any horse jump down. COUNT Give me patience! Let's have done with this nonsense. SUSANNA AND COUNTESS aside Merciful heaven, how will this end? COUNT violently, to Figaro So it was you ... FIGARO ... who jumped down. COUNT And why? FIGARO I was afraid ... COUNT Afraid of what? FIGAR0 indicating the servants' quarters I was shut up in there Waiting for that dear little face ... There was an unusual coming and going And noise ... you were shouting, there was That letter ... I lost my nerve and jumped Down in terror and wrenched a muscle in my foot! rubbing his foot as if he had hurt it ANTONIO Then these letters which you dropped Will be yours? He hands some folded papers to Figaro: the Count seizes them. COUNT Here, give them to me. FIGARO aside to Susanna and the Countess I'm caught in a trap. SUSANNA AND COUNTESS aside to Figaro Figaro, think quickly! COUNT opening the paper, then promptly refolding it Well, tell me, what's this paper? FIGARO Wait just a moment ... I've so many. He takes some letters from his pocket and pretends to look through them. ANTONIO I expect it'll be a list of his debts. FIGARO No, alist ofthe tavern-keepers. COUNT to Figaro Speak up. to Antonio And you, let him be. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO Let him (me)be and go away! ANTONIO All right, I'll go, but if l catch you again! … Exit FIGARO Oh go away: I'm not afraid of you. COUNT opening the letter again and then refolding it; to Figaro Well? COUNTESS aside to Susanna Oh heavens! the page's commission! SUSANNA aside to Figaro Good Lord! the commission! COUNT ironically to Figaro Take courage! FIGARO as if recollecting something Oh what a head! it's the commission The boy gave me a while ago. COUNT What for? FIGARO It lacked... COUNT It lacked? COUNTESS aside to Susanna The seal! SUSANNA aside to Figaro The seal! COUNT to Figaro, who pretends to be thinking Well, answer! FIGARO It'susual ... COUNT Go on, why hesitate? FIGARO It's usual to seal it. COUNT seeing the paper lacks the seal and tearing it up This rascal's driving me mad. throwing the paper aside in a fury The whole thing's a mystery to me. SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside If I survive this storm I'll fear no further shipwreck. FIGARO aside In vain you fume and stamp, sir, You'll get nothing out of me. SCENE TWELVE MARCELLINA, BASILIO and BARTOLO entering, to the Count Oh my just and noble lord, Hear us now, we pray. COUNT aside They've come to work my vengeance. I feel consoled. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO aside They've come to foil me. What solution can there be? FIGARO They're three stupid blockheads. What are they doing here? COUNT Now quiet: without interruption Let each say what he wishes. MARCELLINA This man has made a contract Promising to marry me; And I request that the contract Shall be ratified. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO What'sthis? COUNT I will have silence. This is for me to judge. BARTOLO I represent this lady And appear here as her counsel; I come to argue Her legitimate plea. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO He s a rogue! COUNT Keep quiet, there; This is for me to judge. BASILIO As a man of standing, I come here as a witness Of the promised marriage, On which she lent him money, SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO They'reall mad. COUNT Let's see it, Let us read the contract. Everything must be done in proper order. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO aside I'm stunned and bewildered, Stupefied and desperate! he devil in hell for certain Has brought them here. MARCELLINA, BASILIO, BARTOLO and COUNT aside What a blow, what a splendid stroke, Everyone is baffled; Providence, that smiles on us, Has brought us (them) here. ACT THREE SCENE ONE A rich hall, with two thrones, prepared for the wedding ceremony. Recitative COUNT pacing up and down What a mix?up this is! An anonymous letter ... The maid locked in the dressing?room ... My lady flustered ... a man jumping down From the balcony into the garden ...then Another who claims it was he... I don't know what to think: it might Have been one of my vassals ... such rabble Are bold enough ... but the Countess ... No, to doubt her is an insult ... She has too much respect for herself And for my honour ... my honour ... In which, dammit, human frailty exists! SCENE TWO Enter the Countess and Susanna; they stay in the background, unseen by the Count. COUNTESS Go on, tak c courage: tell him To meet you in the garden. COUNT to himself I'll find out if Cherubino Went to Seville: I've sent Basilio to enquire ... SUSANNA Oh heavens! if Figaro ... COUNTESS Say nothing of it to him: I myself Intend going in your place. COUNT Before this evening he should be back ... SUSANNA Oh Lord! I dare not. COUNTESS Reflect that my happiness is in your hands. She hides COUNT And Susanna? Who knows if she Has betrayed my secret? ...If she's spoken I'll make him marry the old woman. SUSANNA aside Marcellina! to the Count My lord I. ... COUNT What do you want? SUSANNA I believe you're angry! COUNT What have you come for? SUSANNA My lord ... my lady Has the vapours, as usual. And requests your smelling salts. COUNT Take them. SUSANNA I’ll bring them back at once. COUNT No, you may keep them For yourself. SUSANNA For me? Such ailments are not For girls in my position. COUNT A girl who loses her bridegroom On the point of winning him ... SUSANNA Paying Marcellina off With the dowry you promised me … COUNT That I promised you? When? SUSANNA That's what I understood. COUNT Yes, if you had cared To come to an understanding. SUSANNA It's my duty, And my lord's wish is my command. Duettino COUNT Cruel one, why have you Caused me thus to languish? SUSANNA My lord, a woman always Needs time before she says „Yes“. COUNT Then you'll come into the garden? SUSANNA If it pleases you, I'll come. COUNT You won't fail me? SUSANNA No, I won't fail you. COUNT You'll come? SUSANNA Yes. COUNT You'll not fail? SUSANNA No. COUNT You'll really come? SUSANNA No! COUNT No?! SUSANNA Yes!! If it pleases you, I'll come. COUNT In contentment I feel My heart full of joy. SUSANNA aside Forgive my deception, You who truly love. Recitative COUNT Then why were you So distant to me this morning? SUSANNA With the page there ... COUNT And to Basilio, Who spoke on my behalf... SUSANNA But what need have we Of a Basilio ... COUNT That's true, indeed. Promise me again ... If you fail me, my dear ... But the Countess Will be waiting for the smelling salts. SUSANNA Oh, that was just a pretext; I couldn't Have spoken to you without one. COUNT taking her hand Dearest! SUSANNA Someone's coming. COUNT aside She's mine, I'm sure now. SUSANNA aside Wipe off that smile, my cunning master. She is about to leave and near the door meets Figaro SCENE THREE FIGARO Susanna, where are you going? SUSANNA Hush. We've won our case Without a lawyer. Exit FIGARO What's happened? He follows her SCENE FOUR Recitative and Aria COUNT We've won our case! What do I hear! I've fallen into a trap! The traitors! I'll punish them so! The sentence Will be at my pleasure ... But supposing He has paid off the claims of the old woman? Paid her? How? ... and then there's Antonio Who'll refuse to give his niece in marriage To a Figaro, of whom nothing is known. If I play on the pride Of that half-wit ... Everything favours my plan ... The dice is cast. Must I see a serf of mine made happy While I am left to sigh, And him possess a treasure Which I desire in vain? Must I see her, Who has roused in me a passion She does not feel for me, United by the hand of rlove to a base stave? Ah no, I will not give you The satisfaction of this contentment! You were not born, bold fellow, To cause me torment And indeed to laugh At my discomfiture. Now only the hope Of taking vengeance Eases my mind And make me rejoice. Exit SCENE FIVE Recitative DON CURZIO Entering; to Marcellina, Bartolo, the Count, and Figaro who follow him. The case is decided. "Pay up, or marry her." That's all. MARCELLINA I breathe again. FIGARO And I'm done for. MARCELLINA aside At last I'll be married to the man I love. FIGARO to the Count My lord, I appeal ... COUNT The judgment is fair: "Pay up, or marry her." Quite right, Don Curzio. DON CURZIO Your lordship is too kind. BARTOLO An excellent judgment! FIGARO In what way excellent? BARTOLO We are all avenged. FIGARO I won't marry her. BARTOLO Oh yes, you will. DON CURZIO "Pay up, or marry her. " She lent you Two thousand pieces of silver. FIGARO I am of gentle birth, and without The consent of my noble parents ... COUNT Where are they? Who are they? FIGARO Let me goon looking fort hem; For ten years I've been hoping to find them. BARTOLO Were you a founding? ... FIGARO No, lost, doctor, or rather stolen. COUNT Stolen? MARCELLINA What's that? BARTOLO Your proof? DON CURZIO Your witness? FIGARO The gold, the jewels and the embroidered clothes Which, in my infancy, The bandits found upon me Are the true indications Of my noble birth, and moreover This mark upon my arm. MARCELLINA A spatula on your right arm? FIGARO Who told you that? MARCELLINA Great heaven! It's he ... FIGARO It's I, indeed. DON CURZIO Who? COUNT Who? BARTOLO Who? MARCELLINA Raphael. BARTOLO And robbers stole you? FIGARO Near a castle. BARTOLO There stands your mother. FIGARO My nurse? ... BARTOLO No, your mother. COUNT and DON CURZIO His mother! FIGARO Do I hear aright? MARCELLINA And there stands your father. She runs to embrace Figaro Sextet MARCELLINA Dearest son, in this embrace Recognise your mother. FIGARO to Bartolo Father dear, do the same, Do not leave me longer here to blush. BARTOLO Do not let conscience Stand in the way of your desire. He embraces Figaro DON CURZIO He's his father, she's his mother: The wedding can't go forward. COUNT I'm astounded, I'm amazed: To leave here would be for the best. MARCELLINA Beloved son! BARTOLO Beloved son! FIGARO Beloved parents! The Count makes to leave, but Susanna, entering with a purse in her hand, detains him. SUSANNA Just a moment, pray, my lord. I have the money ready here. I've come to pay for Figaro And set him free. COUNT and DON CURZIO We don't know where we are. Just look over there. SUSANNA turning and seeing Figaro embracing Marcellina Already reconciled to her as wife? Great heaven, how faithless! to Figaro Leave me, wretch! She starts to go FIGARO Detains her; she struggles Stay a moment. Listen, my dearest. SUSANNA Listen to that! boxing Figaro's ears MARCELLINA, BARTOLO and FIGARO It's the result of her full heart; What she did, she did for love. COUNT and DON CURZIO I rage, I burn (he rages, he burns) with fury; Fate has overcome me (him). SUSANNA I rage, I burn with fury; This old woman has overcome me. MARCELLINA to Susanna Dearest daughter, Calm your bitterness, And embrace his mother, Who now will be yours too. She runs to embrace Susanna SUSANNA His mother? ALL His mother. SUSANNA Your mother? FIGARO And this is my father, Who'll tell you it's true. SUSANNA His father? ALL His father. SUSANNA Your father? FIGARO And this is my mother, Who'll tell you it's true. All four embrace SUSANNA, MARCELLINA, BARTOLO and FIGARO My heart Scarcely can support The bliss Of this moment. COUNT and DON CURZIO My heart Scarcely can support The raging torment Of this moment. The Count and Don Curzio exeunt SCENE SIX Recitative MARCELLINA to Bartolo And t here, my dear, is t he sweet pledge Of our old love ... BARTOLO Let's not talk now Of so remote a past: he's my son, You are my consort; And we'll get married when you wish. MARCELLINA Today; it can be a double wedding. giving the paper to Figaro Take this; it is the contract for the sum You owe me; let it be your wedding present. SUSANNA throwing down a purse of money Take this purse too. BARTOLO doing the same And this as well. FIGARO Thank you; I'll take all I'm given. SUSANNA Let's go and tell my lady And my uncle all that's happened; Who could be as happy as I am? FIGARO I am. BARTOLO I am. MARCELLINA I am. ALL And I don't care how furious the Count is! Exeunt arm in arm SCENE SEVEN Enter Barbarina and Cherubino. BARBARINA Come, dear page, come to our house. here you'll find All the prettiest girls of the estate. And you shall be the prettiest of them all. CHERUBINO But woe betide me if the Count Should find me; you know He thinks I've left for Seville. BARBARINA Oh well, ifhe does find you It won't be anything new. Listen! We're going to dress you like one of us And then all go To present flowers to my lady. Cherubino, have faith in Barbarina. Exeunt SCENE EIGHT Enter the Countess. Recitative and Aria COUNTESS Susanna's not come! I'm impatient To know what the Count said To her proposal; the plan seems to me Somewhat rash, and with a husband So impetuous and jealous ... But where's the harm? To change my clothes With those of Susanna, and hers with mine, Under cover of darkness ... Oh heavens! To what humiliation am I reduced By a cruel husband, who after having First loved me, then neglected and finally Deceived me, in a strange mixture Of infidelity, jealousy and disdain, Now forces me to seek help from my servant! Where are those happy moments Of sweetness and pleasure? Where have they gone, Those vows of a deceiving tongue? Then why, if everything for me Is changed to tears and grief, Has the memory oft hat happiness Not faded from my breast? Ah! if only my constancy In yearning lovingly for him always Could bring the hope Of changing his ungrateful heart! Exit SCENE NINE Enter the Count and Antonio. Recitative ANTONIO whith a cap in his hand I tell you, sir, that Cherubino Is still in the castle; Look, here's his cap to prove it. COUNT But how? By this time He ought to be in Seville. ANTONIO If I may say so, all Seville's in my house. There he's been dressed as a girl, And he's left his other clothes there. COUNT The traitors! ANTONIO Let's go, and you can see for yourself. Exeunt SCENE TEN Enter the Countess and Susanna. COUNTESS What things you're telling me! And what did the Count say then? SUSANNA You could read in his face His indignation and anger. COUNTESS Gently now: it will be the easier to catch him, Where is the rendezvous That you suggested? SUSANNA In the garden. COUNTESS Let's fix a place for it. Write to him. SUSANNA I write? ... but ... my lady ... COUNTESS Write, l tell you, And I'll take it all upon myself. Susanna sits down and writes A song to the zephyr... Duettino SUSANNA To the zephyr ... COUNTESS dictating "How sweet the breeze SUSANNA repeating the Countess's words The breeze ... COUNTESS "Will be this evening... SUSANNA Will be this evening ... COUNTESS "In the pine grove. SUSANNA questioning In the pine grove? writing In the pine grove. COUNTESS The rest he'll understand. SUSANNA I'm sure he'll understand. Together they re?read what has been written. Susanna folds the letter. Recitative SUSANNA The letter's folded … how shall I seal it? COUNTESS taking out a pin and giving it to her Here ... take this pin. It will serve as seal. Wait ... write On the back of the letter, „Send back the seal.“ SUSANNA It's stranger than The seal on the commission. COUNTESS Quick, hide it … I hear people coming. Susanna puts the note in her bosom SCENE ELEVEN Enter Cherubino dressed as a peasant girl, Barbarina, and other village girls dressed in the same way, with bunches of flowers. Chorus PEASANT GIRLS Accept, noble lady, These roses and these flowers, Which we have picked this morning To show you our affection. We are only humble girls From the village, But the little that we can give We offer with all our hearts. Recitative BARBARINA These, my lady, Are the girls of the district, Who have come to offer what little they have And beg your pardon for being so bold. COUNTESS How kind! I thank you. SUSANNA Aren't they pretty! COUNTESS indicating Cherubino And who, tell me, Is that charming girl Who look so shy? BARBARINA That's one of my cousins, who came Yesterday evening for the wedding. COUNTESS We should honour this fair stranger. to Cherubino Come here ... let me have your flowers. She takes the flowers from Cherubino and kisses his forehead. Aside. How she blushes! to Susanna Susanna, don't you think ... She resembles someone? SUSANNA To the life! SCENE TWELVE Enter the Count and Antonio. Antonio, holding Cherubino's cap, enters very quietly, pulls off Cherubino's head?dress and puts the cap on him. ANTONIO There you are! there's your officer! COUNTESS aside Mercy on us! SUSANNA aside The scamp! COUNT to the Countess Well, madam? ... COUNTESS My lord, I am as annoyed And surprised as you are. COUNT But this morning? COUNTESS This morning ... We wanted to dress him up As he's dressed now For this evening's party. COUNT to Cherubino And why have you not left? CHERUBINO quickly pulling off his cap My lord ... COUNT I shall know How to punish your disobedience. BARBARINA Your lordship, your lordship, You've told me so often When you've kissed and caressed me, „Barbarina, if you'll love me I'll give you whatever you want“. COUNT I said that? BARBARINA Yes, you did. So please give me, sir, Cherubino for a husband, And I'll love you as I love my kitten. COUNTESS to the Count Well, now it's your turn ... ANTONIO to Barbarina Well done, my girl! You've learnt your lesson well. COUNT aside What man, demon or god is it That turns everything I do against me? SCENE THIRTEEN Enter Figaro. FIGARO My lord ... if you keep All these girls here, There'll be no party, no dancing ... COUNT Indeed! You're wanting to dance With an injured foot? FIGARO He pretends to stretch his leg and then tries to dance. Oh, it doesn't hurt any more. He calls to the girls and tries to leave, but the Count calls him back. Come, my pretty ones ... COUNT By good fortune, The flower?pots were only earthenware. FIGARO That's right, Come along now, come along ... He tries to leave, but Antonio calls him back. ANTONIO Meanwhile the page Was galloping off to Seville? FIGARO Galloping or trotting, off he went. Come along, my dears. He is about to leave COUNT again bringing him back And his commission Was left in your pocket ... FIGARO Yes indeed, What a lot of questions! ANTONIO to Susanna, who is making signs to Figaro Stop making signs to him, he doesn't understand. taking Cherubino by the hand and presenting him to Figaro Here's someone who claims That my nephew?to?be is a liar. FIGARO Cherubino! ANTONIO There you are. FIGARO to the Count What's this story of his? COUNT No story; but he says it was he Who jumped on the carnations this morning ... FIGARO He says so! ... well, if I jumped down It's possible that he too Could have done the same. COUNT He too? FIGARO Why not? I never dispute what I don't know. A Spanish march is heard in the distance. Finale FIGARO There's the march ... let's go. Take your places, ladies, take your places. Susanna give me your arm. SUSANNA Here it is. Figaro takes Susanna's arm; exeunt omnes except the Count and Countess. COUNT aside Such presumption! COUNTESS aside I feel like ice. COUNT My lady ... COUNTESS Say no more now. Here are the two couples: We must receive them; One especially has your protection. Let us sit down. COUNT Let's sit. aside And plan my revenge. They sit. SCENE FOURTEEN Enter hunters with rifles on their shoulders; villagers; two young girls carrying a bridal head?dress with white feathers; two others, a white veil; two more, gloves and bouquet; Figaro with Marcellina, Bartolo with Susanna. Two girls begin the chorus, which the others take up. Bartolo leads Susanna to the Count, and she kneels to receive the head?dress etc. from him. Figaro leads Marcellina to the Countess: similar business. TWO GIRLS Faithful and Honourable girls, Sing praises To our wise lord. By renouncing a right Which outraged and offended, He leaves you pure For your lovers. ALL Let us sing praises To our wise lord. Susanna, while kneeling during the chorus, pulls the Count's coat, shows him the letter, then lifts her hand on the audience's side to her head, where the Count takes the letter under cover of adjusting her headdress. He puts it furtively in his breast pocket. Susanna rises, making him a curtsey; Figaro comes to receive her, and a fandango is danced. Marcellina rises slightly after; Bartolo comes to receive her from the Countess's hands. The Count moves aside, takes out the letter, and pricks his finger; he shakes it, presses it, sucks it; seeing the letter sealed with a pin, he throws the pin down. COUNT Just like a woman, To stick a pin in everywhere. Ha, ha! I see her meaning. FIGARO watching it all; to Susanna Some flirt, in passing, Has slipped him a billet doux Sealed with a pin, On which he's pricked his finger. The Count reads the letter, kisses it, looks for the pin, finds it and puts it in his sleeve. Our Narcissus is looking for it ? what fun! Recitative COUNT Now go, friends, and let the wedding Celebration be arranged for this evening With the richest ceremony. I wish there To be splendid entertainment, with singing And fireworks, a grand banquet and ball; You shall see how I treat those dear to me. The chorus and march are repeated. Exeunt omnes ACT FOUR SCENE ONE The garden, with two pavilions. Night. Cavatina BARBARINA Searching for something on the ground Oh dear me, I've lost it ... Oh, wherever can it be? I can't find it ... my cousin And my lord... what will they say? SCENE TWO Recitative FIGARO entering with Marcellina What's the matter, Barbarina? BARBARINA Oh cousin, I've lost it. FIGARO What? MARCELLINA What? BARBARINA The pin His lordship gave me To take back to Susanna. FIGARO To Susanna? The pin? Even at your age You know the practices ... Do you do everything so well? BARBARINA Why are you getting angry with me? FIGARO Can't you see I'm joking? Look ... this searching the ground fo ra moment, after having dexterously taken a pin from Marcellina's dress or cap, and giving it to Barbarina is the pin the Count gave you To take back to Susanna: It was used to seal a note. You see, I know all about it. BARBARINA Then why ask me if you know it all? FIGARO I wanted to hear how his lordship Sent you on this errand. BARBARINA Nothing remarkable! "Here, my girl, take this pin To pretty Susanna, and say This is the seal oft he pine?grove. FIGARO Aha! The pine?grove! BARBARINA Oh yes, and then he added: "Take care no one sees you! But you won't tell? FIGARO Trust me. BARBARINA It can't concern you at all. FIGARO Oh, not at all. BARBARINA Well, goodbye, cousin: I'm going to Susanna and then to Cherubino. She dances off SCENE THREE FIGARO Mother... MARCELLINA My son? FIGARO All is over. MARCELLINA Calm yourself, my son. FIGARO All is over, I say. MARCELLINA Patience, patience and yet more patience; Things are serious and we must think them out. But wait, you don't know whom the joke is on. FIGARO Oh mother, that pin was the one He picked up a little while ago. MARCELLINA That's true ... but this only Justified your being on your guard And keeping your eyes open: But you don't know if in fact ... FIGARO I'll be on the alert! I know Where the meeting has been arranged for. MARCELLINA Where are you going, my son? FIGARO To avenge all husbands. Farewell. Exit furiously SCENE FOUR MARCELLINA Quickly, I must warn Susanna .. I believe her innocent: that face ... That air of modesty ... And yet even Were she not ... Ah! when her heart Is not personally involved, Every woman is drawn to the defence Of her own poor sex, So unjustly oppressed by these ungrateful men. Exit SCENE FIVE The depths of the garden. Enter Barbarina alone, with some fruit and sweetmeats. Recitative BARBARINA "In the left-hand pavilion," he said: this is it. Suppose he doesn't come? Oh, these tiresome people! I could hardly get them to give me an apple, A pear and a pastry. " Who's it for, my dear? "It's for someone, sir." " We know that." Oh well, his lordship hates him, but I love him; It cost me a kiss, but what does it matter? Someone's bound to pay it back. She hears someone coming. Mercy on us! She flees in fright into the left pavilion. SCENE SIX Enter Figaro alone, with a cloak and dark lantern. FIGARO aside That's Barbarina. He hears people coming,? aloud Who goes there? BASILIO entering with Bartolo and a group of workmen Those whom You invited to come. BARTOLO What a sinister scowl! You look like a conspirator; What on earth is all this mystery about? FIGARO You'll soon see. In this very spot There'll be celebrated the union Of my virtuous bride And our feudal lord ... BASILIO Ah, good, good! I see now how it is. aside They've settled it without me. FIGARO Do not go away From hereabouts: meanwhile I must go and give some instructions; I'll be back very shortly; When I whistle, all of you rush out. Exeunt all SCENE SEVEN Recitative and Aria FIGARO re?entering alone, in a cloak Everything is ready; the hour Must be at hand; I heard someone ... Is it she? ... no, no one ... it's very dark Tonight ... and now I begin To learn the foolish art Of being a husband. Traitress! at the very moment Of our wedding ... He reading with pleasure, and I, Watching him, unwittingly laughing at myself. Oh Susanna, Susanna, What anguish you have cost me! With that sweet face And those innocent eyes ... Who would have believed it! Ah, to trust women is sheer folly. Just open your eyes, You rash and foolish men, And look at these women; See them as they are, These goddesses, so called By the intoxicated senses, To whom feeble reason Offers tribute. They are witches who cast spells For our torment, Sirens who sing For our confusion, Night owls who fascinate To pluck us, Comets who dazzle To deprive us of light. They are thorned roses, Alluring vixens, Smiling she?bears, Malign doves, Masters of deceit, Friends of distress Who cheat and lie, Who feel no love And have no pity. The rest I need not say, For everyone knows it already. SCENE EIGHT Enter Susanna and the Countess, both in disguise, and Marcellina. Recitative SUSANNA Marcellina told me, my lady, That Figaro would be coming. MARCELLINA He's here already; Lower your voice a little. SUSANNA So one's listening, the other Should be coming to find me. We can begin. MARCELLINA I'll hide myself in here. Enters where Barbarina went. SCENE NINE SUSANNA Madam, you are trembling; are you cold? COUNTESS The night is rather chilly ... I'll go in. FIGARO aside Now comes the climax of the drama. SUSANNA If your ladyship will allow me, I'll stay among the pine?trees To take the air for half an hour. FIGARO aside To take the air! COUNTESS Stay, and take your time. She hides herself. SUSANNA aside The rascal's watching, So we'll have some fun. We'll reward him for his doubts, Recitativ and Aria SUSANNA At last comes the moment When, without reserve, I can rejoice In my lover's arms: timid scruples, Hence from my heart, And do not come to trouble my delight. Oh how the spirit of this place, The earth and the sky, seem To echo the fire of love! How the night furthers my stealth! Come, do not delay, oh bliss, Come where love calls thee to joy, While night's torch does not shine in the sky, While the air is still dark and the world quiet. Here murmurs the stream, here sports the breeze, Which refreshes the heart with its sweet whispers. Here flowers smile and the grass is cool; Here everything invites to the pleasures of love. Come, my dearest, and amid these sheltered trees I will wreathe thy brow with roses. SCENE TEN Recitative FIGARO aside The traitress! this is how She was deceiving me. Am I awake or dreaming? CHERUBINO entering singing La la la ... COUNTESS aside The page! CHERUBINO I hear someone: I'll go Where I can find Barbarina. discovering the Countess Ah, I see a woman! COUNTESS Woe is me! CHERUBINO Surely not! By that hat I thought I recognised Susanna in the darkness. COUNTESS If my lord should come now! Cruel fate! Finale CHERUBINO aside Very softly I'll approach her, My time will not be wasted. COUNTESS Oh, if the Count should arrive now What confusion there will be! CHERUBINO Dear Susanna ... she doesn't answer … She hides her face with her hand ... Now I'll really tease her. He takes her hand and caresses it while the Countess tries to free herself. COUNTESS disguising her voice Impudent fellow, Be off from here at once. CHERUBINO Affected flirt, I know why you're here. COUNT from afar, in the attitude of a watcher There is my Susanna. SUSANNA and FIGARO distant one from the other Here's the bird?catcher. CHERUBINO to the Countess Don't be so hard on me! SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO aside How my heart beats in my breast! Another man is there with her. COUNTESS Go away, or I'll call for help. CHERUBINO still holding her hand Give me a kiss, or you'll do nothing. SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO By his voice, that's the page. COUNTESS What, a kiss? What insolence! CHERUBINO And why can't I do What the Count's about to do? SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT and FIGARO each aside What effrontery! CHERUBINO Don't be so prudish! You know I was behind the sofa. SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT and FIGARO as above If the wretch persists in being obstinate, He will ruin all our plan. CHERUBINO Take a kiss then ... He tries to kiss the Countess, but the Count intervenes and receives the kiss himself. COUNTESS and CHERUBINO Oh heavens! The Count. The page slips into a recess. FIGARO I must see what's going on there. COUNT Since you won't behave, Take that, then. He goes to slap Cherubino; but Figaro approaches at this moment and receives it himself. FIGARO and SUSANNA Susanna, who has seen the slap, laughs. Ah! That's the reward My (his) curiosity has brought me (him). COUNTESS and COUNT Ah! That's the reward His temerity has brought him. COUNT to the Countess At last that impudent fellow's gone; Come nearer, my dear, COUNTESS As you wish. Here I am, my lord. FIGARO What an obliging girl! What an open?hearted bride! COUNT Give me your little hand. COUNTESS Here it is. COUNT My dearest? FIGARO His dearest? COUNT What slender fingers, What delicate skin! They pierce me through and through And fill me with new ardour. SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO aside His blind infatuation Deludes his reason And deceives all his senses. COUNT Besides your dowry, my dearest, Take this jewel too, Which a lover gives you As token of his love. He gives her a ring. COUNTESS Susanna owes everything To her benefactor. SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO aside Everything is going splendidly! But the best is yet to come. COUNTESS to the Count My lord, I see the glow Of kindled torches. COUNT Come then, my Venus, Let us conceal ourselves in here. SUSANNA and FIGARO aside Foolish husbands, Come and learn your lesson. COUNTESS In the dark, my lord? COUNT That's what I would have: You know I'm not going there In order to read. FIGARO aside Now she's followed him, I cannot doubt her deceit. SUSANNA and COUNTESS aside The rogues are in the trap; The play is going well. Figaro passes; the Count disguises his voice. COUNT Who's there? FIGARO What's it to you? COUNTESS softly, to the Count That's Figaro; I'm going. COUNT Go on: I'll rejoin you soon. He retires among the trees; the Countess goes off to the right. FIGARO All is quiet and peaceful; Fair Venus has gone in; To take her with her lover Mars, Like a modern Vulcan I'll catch them in my net. SUSANNA disguising her voice Hey, Figaro! Keep quiet! FIGARO Ah, that is the Countess ... to Susanna You came in time. There you'll see for yourself The Count and my bride; You can touch them With your own hand. SUSANNA forgetting to change her voice Speak a little softer: I shall not stir from here, But I will be avenged. FIGARO aside Susanna! to Susanna Be avenged? SUSANNA Yes. FIGARO How can you do this? SUSANNA aside I'll trap the villain, Then I'll know what to do. FIGARO aside The vixen wants to trap me, I'll lead her on. with comic exaggeration Ah, if my lady wishes it! SUSANNA Go on, don't waste words. FIGARO as above Here I kneel at your feet My heart full of fire. Look at this spot, And think how you were betrayed. SUSANNA aside How my hand tingles With impatience and fury! FIGARO aside How my bosom heaves With impatience and fire! SUSANNA altering her voice a little Without any love? FIGARO Let my indignation be sufficient. Let's waste no more time in vain; Give me your hand ... SUSANNA Speaking in her own voice, and slapping his face Take it, sir. FIGARO What a blow! SUSANNA And that too, And that, and that as well. FIGARO Don't beat me so fast. SUSANNA Still slapping his face And that, you rascal, And that again. FIGARO How sweet these blows! How happy is my love! SUSANNA That'll teach you, false one, To play the seducer. FIGARO kneeling Now peace, my dearest treasure: I recognised the voice I love And which keeps my heart in thrall. SUSANNA laughing, in surprise My voice? FIGARO The voice I adore. SUSANNA and FIGARO Then peace, my dearest treasure, Peace, my sweetest love. COUNT aside, re?entering I can't find her, though I've been through all the wood. FIGARO and SUSANNA That's the Count, I recognise his voice. COUNT Susanna… are you deaf… are you dumb? calling towards the recess into which the Countess went SUSANNA to Figaro Oh lovely! He didn't recognise her! FIGARO Who? SUSANNA My lady. FIGARO My lady? SUSANNA My lady. SUSANNA and FIGARO Let's end this comedy, my dearest. And console this strange lover. FIGARO aloud, at Susanna's feet Yes, my lady, you are my love. COUNT My wife, and I unarmed! FIGARO Grant some solace to my heart. SUSANNA Here I am: do what you will. COUNT How dare they! SUSANNA and FIGARO Let us hasten, love, And let pleasure make up for our pain. Figaro stands and they go towards the left recess. SCENE ELEVEN COUNT Ho there! Bring your swords! He stops Figaro. FIGARO The master! I'm lost! Susanna goes into the recess; Figaro feigns extreme fright. COUNT Ho there, I say! Help! Enter Antonio, Basilio and the servants with lit torches. BASILIO and ANTONIO What's amiss? COUNT The scoundrel: He's betrayed me, he has shamed me, And with whom, you shall see. BASILIO and ANTONIO aside I'm astounded, I'm bewildered, I can't believe it's true. FIGARO aside They're astounded, they're bewildered. What a scene! oh what joy! COUNT In vain you resist: Come forth, my lady, And receive the reward Or your virtue. The Count pulls out by the arm Cherubino, who attempts to resist and is only half seen; then follow Barbarina, Marcellina, and Susanna, who, dressed in the Countess's clothes and holding a handkerchief to her face, kneels at the Count's feet. COUNT The page! ANTONIO My daughter! FIGARO My mother! BASILIO and ANTONIO My lady! COUNT The plot is discovered, The traitress is here. All kneel one after the other SUSANNA Forgive me, forgive me. COUNT No, no, do not hope for it. FIGARO Forgive me, forgive me. COUNT No, no I will not. ALL Forgive us, forgive us. COUNT No, no, no, no, no. The Countess emerges from the other recess and tries to kneel, but the Count prevents her. COUNTESS At least let me plead Forgiveness for them. BASILIO and ANTONIO Oh heavens! What do I see? A delusion, a vision, That I can't believe. COUNT My Countess, forgive me. COUNTESS I am kinder: I will say "Yes." ALL Then let us all Be happy. This day of torment, Of caprices and folly, Love can end Only in contentment and joy. Lovers and friends, let's round things off In dancing and pleasure, And to the sound of a gay march Let's hasten to the revelry.