782.4 Ay I -f 1832 . ' y 7 'j y -' /A'jz&t ,yz> *s *. yyjy.7 FRA-DI A Y OLO ; OR, THE INN OF TERRA GINA: A COMIC OPERA. IN THREE ACTS. COMPOSED BY AUBER. WRITTEN, AND THE MUSIC ADAPTED BY M. ROPHINO LACY, AUTHOR OF “ THE MAID OF JUDAH,” 44 CINDERELLA,” 44 LOVE AND REASON,” 44 THE TWO FRIENDS,” 44 LOVE IN WRINKLES,” 44 FIEND FATHER,” 44 ISRAELITES IN EGYPT,” &C. PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. LONDON: JOHN MILLER, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN. ( Agent to the Dramatic Authors’ Society .) 1833. LONDON BAYLIS AND LEIGHTON, johnson’s-court, fleet- street. 7W.Y P\ u. J .f It 33 DRAMATIS PERSONS. MEN. ssm^R,H.)Let us, I pray, good lord to rest ! You’ve long’d for your sleep all the day. Of all his comforts, ’tis confest, A husband finds good sleep the best. Lord A. (Aside.) Lady A. (Aside.) But one year in wedlock join’d, But one year in wedlock join’d, And thus rude he dares to be ! Once all fondness, now unkind, Who such a change could e’er foresee ! And no longer to agree ! Once so mild, so soft, so kind, Who such a change could e’er foresee ! Zerlina (Aside.) But one year in wedlock join’d, And yet thus to disagree ! When my fate hymen shall bind. With us the same it ne’er shall be ! FRA DIAVOLO. 35 ( At the end of the trio , Zerlina lights Lord and Lady A. into their room, leaving on the table her own night candle, which gives a very faint light.) {After a while, the Marquis appears at the door, his move - ments silent and cautious .) Marq. All seem to have retired for the night ; a favour- able stillness reigns through the inn, and not a creature, fortune be thanked, has seen me ascend the stairs. So far all is right. As I understood, my Lord’s room is the second chamber on the first floor, at the end of the corridor. This is certainly the first chamber ; but which is the second ? Is it this ? {Having advanced, l. h. he uncloses the glass-door of the closet, which he leaves open.) No. As far as I can discern 'tis a mere lumber-room — trunks, chairs, curtains — {looking towards the other glass door,) then that must be the corridor leading to the English Lord’s bed-chamber. {He goes, opens the right-hand door and looks in.) Yes — I’m right. — There is no other passage, no other outlet whatever, — our prey cannot escape us. Let me now apprize my comrades whom they lodged in the barn. {Opening the centre window .) They ought by this time to be out of it, yet I see them not. The moon has set, and the night grows darker. Perhaps they are on the watch somewhere about the house. ( Perceiving the mandoline that hangs near the window, and taking it down.) Now for the signal agreed upon ; — but should the people hear me? Well, what matter } — I’m not inclined to sleep, so I sing, that’s all. We sing night and day in Italy. Be- sides, my carol will rouse no suspicions. ’Tis the air war- bled by all the tender-hearted damsels who wait their lover’s coming ; so it’s pretty common all through the country ! 36 FRA DIAVOLO. . SERENADE. Young Agnes, beauteous flower, Sweet as blooming May, One evening from her tower Thus pour’d her tender lay : The night now hath spread its shade And ’twill hide thee from all Then haste to thy faithful maid, Darkness, veils bower and hall ; Oh, haste beneath her tower ! Dost thou not hear love’s call ? The silent hour invites thee, No star sheds its ray ; No danger, love, affrights thee, Wherefore then dost thou stay ? When sunbeams illume the sky, Guardians then may appal, But now clos’d is every eye, Let thy steps gently fall, The silent hour invites thee ; Dost thou not hear love’s call ? {At the conclusion of the second verse , Beppo and Giacomo appear at the open window .) Bep. Diavolo ! Marq. Hush ! Enter without noise. Giac. Tfaith, it was no easy matter to get out of that cursed barn into which they crammed us. {He closes the window ,) Bep. {coming forward noisily.) No indeed. — {Captain stops him , and he continues more softly .) They treated us like valuable articles, as we are ; — they were afraid we might be stolen. We are exact though, you see. Captain. Men of honour are always punctual. Marq. Be silent. — My Lord and his Lady are but just gone into their room. FRA DIAVOLO. 3 *j Giac. And where are the twenty thousand ducats worth of diamonds we have been robbed of? Bep. And the bank bills of which they cheated us ? Marq. They are there, along with them. (Giacomo and Beppo half-drawing their knives, are advancing towards the chamber, the Marquis stops them.) Where go ye ? Giac. To get back our property. Marq. Hold a while ; they're not yet asleep. There's also some one in their chamber, who will, however, soon come out ; the young girl there of the inn. Giac. Zerlina? Bep. Good : we've a reckoning with her, too ; forward little devil ! There are clean one thousand ducats properly ours, which she has turned away out of the lump. Marq. They'll come back to us again, fear not. But it isn’t against her that my vengeance burns ; 'tis against that Lorenzo, her lover, who has deprived us of a score of brave fellows ; and by Saint Diavolo, my patron, I will be revenged upon him — or I’m not an Italian. Zerl. [Without.) Good night, my lord ; I will not for- get the hour. Marq. Hush! the girl comes. (Shewing them the gla&s door, l. h.) Into that closet, — quick— behind those cur- tains. Bep. ( Hesitating .) Behind the curtains. Marq. Yes, to be sure— till she's gone. ( They all three enter the closet, l.h. shutting the door after them.) Re-enter Zerlina. Zerl. Good night, my lord ; good night, my lady ; you are sure to rest well ; the house is very quiet, and very safe. Heaven be praised, every body is now in bed and asleep, and I shall not be sorry to be the same. I am dreadfully E 33 fra diavolo. tired with my day’s work ! I must make haste and fall asleep very fast, for it’s very late, and I must be up at dawn. ( She takes the outside day-cover off the couch .) My bed, to be sure, is nothing like my lord’s — far from it. ( While speak- ing, she throws open the glass doors of the closet, l. h. which open out towards the audience , and places upon a chair which is just at the entrance inside, the bed cover which she has folded. She leaves the closet doors open, and continuing her speech, she gets up towards the couch again, keeping her back to the closet. During this, the Marquis and his companions have got behind the loose curtain.) It’s neither so fine, nor so soft ; — but no matter, I rather fancy, for all that, my sleep will be the sweeter. I am so happy ! Giac. ( Appearing at the eritrance of the closet .) Why, zounds! this is her room ! Bep. {Ditto.) What shall we do? Marq. (Ditto.) Wait quietly till she’s asleep. Bep. Well, then, let her make haste. Zerl. To-morrow Lorenzo will return ! He will ask me of my father, who certainly can’t refuse him now ; for he is rich — he’s worth one thousand ducats ! (Drawing the notes from her bosorn.) Here they are ! They are his — stay, stay — they are ours ; they belong to us. Are they all right though ? {Counting them.) Yes ; I am always so in fear of any being missing. Pretty creatures, how I do love them ! {Kissing them.) So much, that they sha’n’t leave me — they shall sleep along with me, under my pillow. ( Placing them under the bolster.) Bep. (From the closet.) Those rascally notes ! (Marq. claps his hand on his mouth.) Marq. Will you hold your tongue ? Zerl. (Drawing forward the table with the mirror.) And FRA DIAVOLO. 39 as to Francesco, whom my father is to bring with him as his son-in-law, why — I'll speak to him frankly. I’ll tell him — I don’t love him; that’ll comfort him; — ( brings down the chair from the side of the bed ,) — and to-morrow, by this time, I shall perhaps be the wife of Lorenzo ! Oh ! ( With delight.) Bep. What a tongue ! Marq. Hush ! Zerl. His wife ? Ah ! I have so long — so long dreamt of it ! — aye, every night going to bed; but now there’s no more doubt about it ; I shall be married to him to-morrow, that’s a sure thing. CAVATINA AND CONCERTED PIECE. (As the symphony begins , she sits before the table , (her back to the closet ), and takes off her ribbon head-dress , her necklace and her ear-rings; then , as indicated in the music , she proceeds to take off \ at different periods , her variegated, apron , her short sleeves , and her outward corset of ribbons , remaining, at last, in a neat, white under-dress.) ’Tis to-morrow — yes, to-morrow, That makes me a happy wife ! Thus ending ev’ry sorrow, I shall now be blest for life ! We shall, I’m sure, ne’er disagree, — ( Takes out her waist-pins.) Nor resemble the great in our love ; F or dear Lorenzo kind will be, And jealous he’ll never, never prove — Ah ! ( Squeezing her finger .)— carefully and slow. Deuce take the pin ! — Bep. ( Peeping through the cabinet. ) How pretty she looks so ! ( The Marquis makes a threatening gesture.) Well, I’m not speaking ; I but look ! Marq. ( Pushing Beppo away , and taking his place.) Begone ! ’Tis my place here to see what’s going on. 40 FRA DIAVOLO. {The Marquis is looking through the panes, r.h. Beppo kneel- ing on his left knee, and Giacomo leaning against the side of the door, l.h.. Zerlina rises, leaving apron and curricle on the chair, which she puts hack a gam near the bed. Zerl. ( Going on with her night-toilet . ) — My Lorenzo’s heart I know ; In his wife he’ll e’er confide ; Oh, how I wish the knot were tied ! Haste, to-morrow f Haste, to-morrow ! And make me a happy wife ; Thus ending ev’ry sorrow, Let me now be blest for life ! What though my figure all the grace Of my lady's may not display, Yet Lorenzo — though such be the case, Is not to be pitied, I must say. ( Standing before the glass in an attitude , and surveying herself with much satisfaction. ) For a servant — there’s no denying, Here’s a shape that’s not much amiss ! There’s no cause, I fancy, for sighing, When one boasts such a figure as this ! I’m sure there are some more amiss. ( In the closet . unable longer to repress their laughter . Ha! Ha! Zerl. (Alarmed al the sound, and listening, while the others precipi- tately draw bach and hide themselves .) — I’m sure — a laugh I heard ! Was’t from the chamber of my lord ? No ; awake he could not keep. — ( Going and listening at his door. ) I hear no noise ; he’s fast asleep. ( Resuming her tranquillity , and going on with her song. ) To-morrow ending ev’ry sorrow, Makes me blest for life ! But now, I must to rest. ( She puts the table back in its place ) FRA DIAVOLO. 41 Z erl. My nightly pray’r be first addrest — (YLneeling by the side of the couch , with her hands clasped . ) Oh, holy Virgin ! whom I adore, Lorenzo’s fate and mine watch o’er ! ( She rises , and seating herself on the side of the bed , she unties the strings of her shoes ) Good night, Lorenzo dear ! Our bliss now is near. Oh, holy Virgin ! whom I adore, Lorenzo’s fate and mine watch o ( Sleep gradually overcoming her during her prayer , her eyes close , and her head falls on her pillow .) [After a pause of deep silence , the Marquis, Beppo, and Giacomo, cautiously advance from their place of conceal- ment.) Marq. Silence befriending, Bep. > Tp aid us conspires ! Giac. y Prudence attending, Vengeance inspires ! Giac. ( approaching Zerlina.) She’s asleep. — * [He blows out the light.) Bep. And now for my lord Marq. Should he wake ? Giac. [Drawing his dagger .) To make him dumb I undertake ! Together. Prudence attending, His death requires ! — Silence befriending, To aid us conspires ! Giac. Come on ! (As they are on the point of entering the chamber , Beppo suddenly stops his companions , and points to Zerlina.) Bep. Hold ! — What if yonder maid By the noise we make alarm’d, Should raise the household to her aid ? Marq. [Smiling.) With Beppo’s prudence I am charm’d ! E 3 42 FRA DIAVOLO. Giac. How act, then ? Bep. Let’s begin by her ! Giac. ( Turning to Marquis.) Is't agreed? Marq. Nay — that were pity ! Bep. Wond’rous indeed I Our captain then, at last, grows tender and repenting ! Marq. I, dog ? — Dar’st think I recede ? (' Giving him his dagger .) Here — strike ! — away all weak relenting ! Together. Prudence attending, Her death requires ! Darkness befriending, To aid us conspires ! (Beppo goi?ig behind the couch with liis face to the audience raises the dagger to stab Zerlina.) Zerl. ( In her sleep repeating her prayer. Oh ! holy virgin whom I adore, Lorenzo’s fate and mine watch o’er ! (Beppo agitated and hesitating , bends down behind the couch.) Bep. She prays ! Giac. Do not pause ! — strike ! Marq. ( Turning away his head.) Go on ! — Delay no more ! (Beppo raises his arm again , and is going to strike , when a violent knocking is heard at the outer door of the inn , and all three remain motionless and astounded .) Marq. Bep. Giac. They knock without ! ’Tis at the entrance gate ! Means then fate our hopes to blight ? ( The knocking becomes louder .) Zerl. ( Awaking , and stretching her arms.) What ! — so soon be awak’d ?— Who’s knocking at that rate In the midst of the night ? [Chorus of Carbiniers, without.) Awake, awake, good people, pray ! We all are honest cavaliers ; — Arise, for soon it will be day, — Rise and let in the Carbiniers ! — FRA DIAVOLO. 43 Bep. Eh ! Carbiniers ? ( trembling .) Captain ! did you hear ? Marq. ( Coolly .) Are you then afraid? Bep. Again what brings them here ? Lorenzo. ( Without ) Zerlina ! Zerlina ! — descend! Dos’t thou not hear ? — ’Tis the voice of thy friend ; Zerl. ( With delight .) ’Tis Lorenzo ! (She hastens to put on the things again which she had taken Marq. 1 Bep. r ( Retiring again towards the closet, l h .) Giac. ‘ Prudence attending Our hearts inspire ! Darkness befriending Bids us now retire ! ( They regain their hiding place . The knocking is renewed .) Zerl. ( Hastily , re-adjusting her dress.) Do wait a little, good folks ! — By'r lady, give yourselves a little patience ! — ( Going to the window and opening it. Daylight is seen.') Is it, indeed, you, Lorenzo ? Loren. I myself, sweet. Zerl. You're very sure it's you ? Loren. 'Tis myself and my comrades, whom you've kept waiting a whole hour. Zerl. People must have time to dress ! — when one is so suddenly knocked up — but here — (throwing a key from the window.) There's the key of the kitchen for you. Come in that way ; — the lamp is still burning ; — and besides, here's day-light already. — ( She returns to the table to com- plete her dress.) Let me make haste, by the aid of a regiment of pins ! — One wouln't like to be caught quite a figure ; especially by a party of smart soldiers. — Oh ! dreadful ! 44 FItA DIAVOLO. Carbs. ( Knocking , and calling without , loudly .) Key ! house ! within ! Zerl. Bless me ! what noisy fellows ! Lord A. [Outside.) Don’t be frightened, Lady A. ! — I’ll go and see what it is. Keep yourself calm, my dear ! [Noise again below.) Enter Lorenzo. Loren. Zerlina! Zerl. [With a half scream, and enveloping herself in one of the curtains.) Ha ! — Fie, sir ! — You shouldn't bolt into people's rooms in that manner. Loren. Forgive me, Zerlina, and affect not such coyness. You are ever beautiful in any guise. [Enter Lord A. from his room. r. h. He has his coat on, but no waistcoat; his shirt- collar is half open, and a pocket- handkerchief tied round his head.) Lord. A. Upon my life it’s shocking, — positively shock- ing to disturb quiet persons in this unconscionable manner. I have paid for a nice comfortable sleep, and this is fairly robbing one of one’s money. — [Seeing Lorenzo.) Ha ! — what, it’s you, Mr. Brigadier, is it? — Pray, what’s all this terrible noise about, and what brings you back at this untimely hour ? (Lorenzo and Lord A. come forward, leaving Zerlina to her dressing.) Loren. ( Crossing to the centre.) Good news, my lord. I believe that Master Diavolo can no longer escape us. Indeed ? Loren. Our information was bad, and we were pursuing him quite in a wrong direction, when about three leagues off, we chanced to fall in with an honest miller, who said to us, “ Signor Cavaliers, I know where the bandit now is FRA DIAVOLO. 45 u whom you are in search of. He's not in the mountain. I “ am well acquainted with his person, having been two whole days his prisoner, and I saw him this very evening Cf pass in an open carriage on the main road to Terracina.” Zerl. Is it possible ? Loren. The honest fellow then offered to be our guide, and made us retrace our steps. Previously, however, to our renewing the pursuit, it was my wish to get the men a few hours rest, for they have marched the whole night, and are dying with hunger. Lord A. Hying with hunger ? — what a shocking death ! Zerl. Holy Virgin ! — And yourself? Loren. Why, I am somewhat in the same predicament too. Brigadiers are not exempt in those cases. Zerl. But there's more than one inn on the road, where you might long ago have found refreshment. Loren. But there was only this one where I could have found Zerlina. Zerl. Oh, sir, your servant! — Was that it? Loren. Just so ; that was it which made me still cry out — “ Gentlemen, — Forward ! March !'' — Those are the occa- sions on which it's delightful to be a commander. Zerl. Poor fellow ! Ill go and get you something to eat directly. Loren. No, no, — begin by my comrades. They're not in love, so they're more in a hurry. Fly, my own Zerlina ! Zerl. My own Zerlina, indeed ! what freedom ! truly the gentleman fancies himself my husband already. Loren. Not to-day ; but, to-morrow r ! — ( Seizing her in his arms.) Zerl. Have done, sir ! — Have done, will you ? — I don't know what you mean by 46 FRA DIAVOLO. Carbs. ( Without , ringing, and beating on the table noisily .) Ho ! within ! somebody ! house ! Zerl. There now ; — there are your comrades growing impatient. ( Disengaging herself,) They’re not like you, — they’re better behaved. — Coming ! coming ! — I’ll give them all there’s in the house, and then I’ll keep the best I can get, and have it ready for you in a few minutes. Carbs. House ! Landlord ! Zerl. ( Running out.) Hey ! what a noisy set ! [/t is now full day-light .[] Lord. A. Signor Brigadier, I’ve scarcely had a blink of sleep the whole night. — Why, you’re a set of barbarians in this shocking land ! Loren. (Smiling.) Our land. Sir Englishman, has its charms — to us, at least ; and a traveller, whose mind is just and liberal, while he prefers his own soil, will yet find in every country something to admire as well as to condemn ; but those, my lord, who travel merely to display their own importance and their narrow prejudices, would do more wisely to stay and be respected at home, than to travel and be ridiculed abroad. Lord A. For my part, I never again will believe what travellers say. I’ve not enjoyed an hour’s comfort, nor relished a morsel since I crossed the sea. All that I have discovered hitherto, is, that every thing out of England is positively shocking, — and now that I’m out of it myself Loren. ( Half aside.) You are shocking, too. Lord. A. Eh? Loren. Only a passing reflection, my lord. Lord A. Oh ! — ’Gad, though, I must go and rejoin my lady, who is half dead with alarm. €c Calm yourself, my love,” — I said to her. — Compose your delicate nerves ; — I’ll go and see.” — ( Mimicking a woman s voice.) — ■“ My lord ! FRA DIAVOLO. 47 “ my dear lord ! don't leave me all alone !” — and she did press me in her arms so tenderly ! — I haven't felt anything like it for a very long while. Loren. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! You see, my lord, in some cases, fear is of some benefit. (He goes up, and looks out at the door to see if Zerlina is returning ; then sits down near the table.') Lord A. Fear? — Ha! Ha! Ha! — Fear may do very well for women, poor, weak-hearted things! — but for us? Signor brigadier, for us who are men ! (A piece of furniture falls with great noise in the closet.) Hey what's that ? ( Alarmed .) Marq. ( Aside to Beppo.) You awkward rascal ! Lord A. Mr. Brigadier ! did you hear that noise? Loren. [Coolly.) Somebody has overturned a chair that's all. Lord A. We're not by ourselves here. Loren. It's I dare say, her ladyship or her maid. Lord A. There's no maid in my wife's room ; and what's more, she's not upon this side, but upon that. There's something wrong. Loren. [Still quietly seated.) D'ye think so, my lord ? Lord A. [Uneasy and still looking towards the closet.) I'm quite sure of it Bep. (Aside.) We're all lost to a certainty! Marq. Hush ! FINALE TO ACT II. Lord A. Would it not be as well, Sir Brigadier, If any one’s in there to ascertain ? Loren. ( Rising .) We may look — Lord A. Bep. Marq. Yes, do look. Our time is come ! No fear. — Leave all to me , while ye conceal’d remain. 48 FRA DIAVOLO. ( At the instant that Lorenzo crosses to enter the closet , the Marquis opening the door , which he immediately shuts again, stands before him.) Amazement ! Lord A. Loren. Marq. ( With his finger to his lips.) Silence, pray ! Lord A. ’Tis the Marquis once more Loren. (To the Marquis haughtily.) We have met, I believe, already once before. Marq. Last night. Loren. (Hastily and loud.) At this hour wherefore here ? Marq. ( With an air of mystery.) Not so high ! I’ve reason good to hide me thus from ev’ry eye. Loren. What reason ? Marq. (Pretending embarrassment.) Nay — I can’t explain thus before two : Say it were for example — a tender rendezvous 2 Lord A.\ ^ Loren, i Great Heaven ! Marq. (Passing between them.) Well then, yes, — I’ll confess it entre nous — But be discreet — it was a rendez vous . — Lorenzo and Lord A. (Aside.) Horrid doubts thro’ me gliding, My tortur’d soul oppress ; Yet my fears longer hiding, All emotion I’ll suppress ! — Marquis. (Aside.) Bep. and Giac. (Aside ) Their agony deriding, My fears are fast subsiding, My joy I can’t repress ! Once more we may escape, I guess. Both their hearts now dividing, In his skill while confiding, Dark fears and doubts possess ! W e are sure of success ! Lord A. (Advancing to the Marquis ) At least, sir, may one know — without offence or strife, To whom you come here by night ? Loren. (In a low voice , and with a threatening air.) Is it to .Zerlina ? Lord A. (The same on the other side.) Is it, sir, to my wife ? FRA DIAVOLO. 49 Marq. Excuse me ; — thus to question me you’ve no right ; — Secrets like these I to reveal am loth. Loren. ) Lord A. f Sa ^ to which of the two. — Marq. ( Laughing lightly.) What if I came to both ? Loren. and Lord A. } The base doubts your vile words would convey, Shall here be full explain’d without evasion or delay. Marq. ( Exultingly aside, and looking at them one after another.) O’er all my foes, at last, revenge will be my own ! (To Lord A. in an under voice, and taking him apart ) As for you , noble lord ! believe me silence were best ; Your lady’s charms, I own, my heart has long confest And this endearing pledge — by which her love is shewn — ( Drawing the miniature from his pocket and exhibiting it.) Lord A. {Furious.) Fire and death ! — We shall meet ! Marq. ( Coolly and in a low voice.) Whenever you please — so be’t. — ( Taking Lorenzo aside and pointing to Lord A.) ’Twas my wish that your shame to you lord should be unknown, — But you insist — Loren. I do. Marq. {Pointing to the cabinet.) I was there, and I came To Zerlina. Loren. {Struck with horror.) Zerlina! Marq. You conceive, — I suppose ? Loren. To be betray’d by her ! And shall I bear my shame ? No ! ( Rushing away.) Marq. ( Catching his hand.) Hold ! Dare not to think you may her fame expose. Loren. You her guilt defend ? Marq. Yes, and will your rage oppose. Loren. ( Stopping , and surveying the Marquis with restrained fury.) When the great dare the heart of a soldier to rive, If brave they be — Marq. ( In a low voice.) Enough ! I’m your’s ? — Alone, — seven the hour, — Beneath the rocks. — F 50 FRA DIAVOLO. Loren. (The same.) ’Tis well. Marq. ( Aside with joy.) He’ll ne’er return alive ! Let but my friends hold him once in their pow’r, To revenge their companions their swords will contrive. ( The Marquis keeps the centre of the stage, Lorenzo and Lord A. at opposite sides, and Beppo and Giacomo ad- vancing their heads from the closet left-hand .) Together . Lorenzo. ( Aside.) Bitter hour ! Horrid thought ! 1 have lost ev’ry joy ; When with woe life is fraught, What remains hut to die ! Marquis (Aside.) Happy hour ! Pleasing thought ! I each fear may defy ! In my toils he is caught ! My revenge now is nigh ! Enter Lady A. from her chamber . Lady A. What dreadful noise pervades the place ? {To Lord A.) To soothe my fears you’ve little car’d. Lord A. ( Aside.) Bitter hour ! Horrid thought ! I have lost every joy ! Thus to shame by her brought ! F rom my rage let her fly ! Beppo and Giacomo ( Aside.) Happy hour ! Pleasing thought ! We each fear may defy ! In the toils they are caught, Our revenge now is nigh ! Enter Zerlina. Zerl. (Running to Lorenzo ) My dear Lorenzo ! — all’s prepar’d. Why, what means that lowering face ? Loren, and Lord A. ( Aside.) Base deceiver ! Lady A. ( Tenderly to Lord A.) Bear lord ! I pray — Lord A. ( Violently.) Touch me not. We must part before another day. Lady A. ( With astonishment. ) Part my lord ! Lord A. I’m resolv'd. Zerl. ( To Lorenzo on the other side anxiously.) Bear Lorenzo ! oh, say Loren. ( Coldly and without looking at her.) Away, deceiver ! away. Zerl. and Lady A. ( Aside.) What mystery is this ? What fears my heart o’ercome ! FRA DIAVOLO. 51 Loren. (To Zerlina aside.) Your falsehood to conceal, I consent to be dumb. Zerl. Can it be ! Loren. But begone ! Zerl. Dear Lorenzo ! Loren. No more. Zerl. Hear me yet ! Loren. *Tis in vain ! All your vows I restore. ( Apart to the Marquis.,) At seven — beneath the rocks — Marq, Be sure I will not fail ! Zerl. ( Much agitated , aside.) My fears prevail ! Lord A. ( To his wife.) Tears wont avail ! Lady A. ( Aside.) Anger and grief my heart assail ! Together. Zerlina and Lorenzo. Bitter hour ! Horrid thought ! I have lost every joy ! Since with woe life is fraught, What remains but to die ! Lord A. ( Aside.) Bitter hour ! Horrid thought ! I have lost ev’ry joy ! Thus to shame by her brought ! From my rage let her fly ! Lady A. ( Aside.) Bitter hour ! Horrid thought ! I have lost ev’ry joy. Who all this can have wrought ? From my rage let him fly ! Marq. Bep. and Giac. ( aside.) Happy hour ! Pleasing thought ! | each fear may defy 1 In our toils they are caught ; Our | R even £> e now * s ■ (Lord A. moves to regain his chamber , his wife hangs upon him , and prevents him. Lorenzo rushing towards the door, is held back by Zerlina, who implores him still to hear her. Beppo and Giacomo half open the closet door to come out ; the Marquis stretching out his hand towards them, commands them by signs to keep back, and wait yet longer. The curtain falls upon the picture, and ends the second act. END OF ACT II. ACT III.— SCENE I. An extensive and romantic landscape. On the r. h. an out- ward door appertaining to the Inn, and stairs ascending to a surrounding gallery. Before it, a tuft of trees. On the L. h. a leafy arbour containing a small table with garden - seats. Towards the horizon, a large mountain with various paths conducting to it. On its summit rises conspicuously a small hermit age- chapel with a belfry . A little behind the table in the arbour, the decayed trunk of a tree ; and be- tween the arbour and the mountain, a patch of arbute-trees. Wood wings. ( During the symphony of the following air, the Marquis, in his Fra-Diavolo costume, enveloped in his dark velvet cloak, and his carbine on his shoulder, descends the mountain- path from l. to R. and comes down the centre .) Recitative — Fra-Diavolo. My companions are warn’d, and our plans fitly laid, My just revenge full soon to aid ! — Each wish’d-for joy thus to share, What station with mine can compare ? Martial Air. Proudly and wide my standard flies O’er daring hearts, — a noble band ! All own my sway ; whilst, for supplies, Each traveler’s wealth I freely command ! .FRA DIAVOLO. 53 My will is law which none gainsay. Whatever I may ordain ; — In silent awe they must obey ; — O’er all, a king I reign! Proudly and wide my standard flies O’er daring hearts, — a noble band ! All own my sway ; whilst, for supplies, Each traveler’s wealth I freely command ! Now a banker I stop ! — 64 Tour gold ! your gold ! your gold !” — And now a lord is brought ! — 44 Your gold ! your gold! your gold !” A lawyer next is caught : — 44 Let justice be done' — Restore your plunder — even three-fold !” Now a pilgrim before me ’s led ! — 44 I have no gold ! — I have no bread !” — 44 Here are both for you, friend, Peace your footsteps attend !” Then a poor simple maid appears ; See how she’s shaking with her fears ! — 44 Oh, dear ! have mercy ! — your pity pray shew ! — Oh! oh ! oh! oh! — Here’s all I have ; spare my life ! let me go ! — Oh ! oh ! oh ! oh ! Mercy, Mr. Robber! — be mild ! I’m, alas 1 — but a poor young child !” Cavatina. We never aught demand from the fair ; All due regard to them we shew ; Tho’ we gratefully accept whate’er Their tender hearts deign to bestow. Ah ! what delights abound on every hand ! Who leads a life like to the bold brigand ? Yet — yet, — swift runs of time the sand ! Rondeau. Then since life glides so fast away, Let’s enjoy it while yet we may ; For fate, so kind to-day, Perhaps to-morrow may betray ! As new dangers our steps surround, Every moment may be our last ; Then, with new pleasures crown’d, Be ev’ry moment gaily past 54 FRA DIAVOLO, Oh! what joys divine, Does the brigand’s station combine ! Still gay and at ease, Just like a king, I do as I please ; — I plunder, rob, take people’s lives, Bear off both husbands and their wives ; And oft their hearts to beat I’ve made, The last with love, the first with dread ! One trembling bows with hat in hand, The other smiles, and says — “ dear, sweet brigand !” Then since life glides so fast away, Let’s enjoy it while yet we may ; For fate so kind to-day, Perhaps to-morrow may betray ! As new dangers our steps surround, Ev’ry moment may be our last , Then, with new pleasures crown’d, Be ev’ry moment gaily past ! Well, grubbing his hands') my plans are fixed, and I think that, this time, Signor Lorenzo will find it somewhat hard to foil them. — Six has just struck by the inn-clock. In an hour more — I shall be rid of him. He is jealous, he is brave ; he will be punctual to his appointment — beneath the black rocks — ( smiling ) — where I have ambushed my bold companions, who are anxiously waiting his coming. They are always delighted at the opportunity of lodging a little lead in the head of a Roman brigadier. Now for my other measures. — Let me see. — If I remember right, Zer- lina's father, old Matteo, returns home this morning with the new bridegroom to conclude the wedding. Well then, while they are all at the chapel, and the soldiers on full march, — my part is easy. I'll possess myself of my lord's bank-notes, his diamonds, — h'm ! — perhaps even I'll take his wife — I think I owe her that much attention. — Yes, I'll invite her to come and pass a little time with us in the FRA DIAVOLO. 55 mountains. Will she be angry ? — She’ll pretend she is ; — - but I shall not believe her. It’s so pleasant to relate one’s adventures in the London circles. — ( Mimicking .) — “ Oh ! “ my dear ! such a horrid thing ! I was run away with by “ banditti ! — but such amiable and polite creatures ! they be- “ haved to me in such a delightful manner !” — “ Did they ?” — “ Upon my honour !” After that, they’ll all be mad to make the tour of Italy. ( After looking round on all sides.) — The most material point is to watch the departure of Lorenzo and his detachment. I see no signs yet of Beppo and Giacomo, whom I left behind as trusty spies; and I dare not seek them within the inn, for the carbiniers are already on foot, — and besides, I might meet that miller who guides them, and wdio knows me. An ungrateful rascal, — whom we contented ourselves with only robbing ! — It’s a lesson for the future. ( Taking out his tablets.) As I see nothing of my spies. I’ll make use of the means of communication agreed on — the hollow of that tree. — ( Pointing to the decayed trunk.) A word or two will suffice for their instruction. {The mu Ac of the following piece begins .) Hark ! — some one approaches ! I must escape unobserved. — There ! — ( After having written , he tears out the leaf folds it, throws it into the hollow of the tree, and exit behind the arbour.) [At the same time a number of villagers, male and female , enter from divers sides right and left, wearing green branches on their heads, and some bearing in their hands knotted sticks ornamented with garlands and ribbons. The Carbiniers ( without caps or arms) and the people of the Inn come out to join them. Soon after, a group of young peasants, dancing, and bearing fowers, descend the mountain, announcing to those below the approach of the bridegroom 56 Fit A DIAVOLO. CHORUS AND CONCERTED PIECE Villagers, Peasants, &c. Hail, blessed morning Nature adorning ! ’Tis Easter day ! Let’s sing and play ! This joyful day, Be grateful and gay ! ( Enter Giacomo, followed by Befpo, from the Inn.) Giac. Loiterer, come ! — always the last ! Bep. ( Stretching his arms.) Good friend, our haste abating, Let’s take an hour’s more sleep ! Giac. What if the captain’s waiting ? What will he say ? {Stopping by the arbour.) Why — here’s all the village, I declare ! Bep. To be sure; ’tis Easter-day ; — yet for all that, see there ! — (Pointing to Giacomo’s head.) Not e’en a single branch upon your head you wear ! Do you want, man, to bring us ill-luck ? Giac. The saints forefend ! ( Plucking a branch and fastening it in his hat.) Pious Giacomo’s holy zeal is well known to transcend ! {A fresh party of peasants descends the mountain preceding Matteo, who comes on with Francesco and a few followers . Another party carrying garlands on long poles , the flowers attached to each other , comes slowly down the mountain , and forms itself into a line filing up the path. Matteo 3 and Francesco, who , as bridegroom , has the marriage bouquet at his side, advance to the front, welcomed by the different parties on the stage, whose greetings they cordially return.) CHORUS. Hail ! blessed morning, Nature adorning ! ’Tis Easter-day ! Let’s sing and play ! FRA DIAVOLO. 57 Let youth and maiden, Of sin unladen, Now deck’d be seen With boughs of green : This joyful day, Be grateful and gay ! Matteo. ( taking Francesco’s hand.) My son ! the Heavens smile as tho’ your happiness befriending; But ere you kneel to love — e’en here now lowly bending, Let us incline At our lady’s shrine, In humble praise our grateful voices blending ! ( Some of the female peasants go up among the garland- hearers on the ascent , where they kneel during the prayer others lower down . All kneel.) GENERAL CHORUS. Oh, holy Virgin ! bright and fair ! Thy sainted favour ever shew ! Oh ! make us worthy of thy care, And on our hearts thy grace bestow ! Matt. May thy goodness, more and more. Bless my child each coming day ! Chorus of Youths. Give us wealth, we implore ! Chorus of Maidens. Give us husbands, we pray ! Together . Oh, holy Virgin ! bright and fair, Thy sainted favour ever shew ! Oh, make us worthy of thy care, And on our hearts thy grace bestow ! ( The prayer over , all rise , and Matteo, shewing them the door of the inn , hy signs invites the wedding tram to enter. They go in , singing their chorus.). Giac. They're gone. ( Looking hy the different paths.) Do you see the Captain ? Bep. ( Sitting down on the seat near the decayed tree.) No ; I suppose he's gone. Giac. Well, and what are you doing there ? 58 F RA DIAVOLO. Bep. What am I doing ? Why, I am doing — nothing. It's a delightful employment this sunny weather. Giac. In case that the Captain could not rejoin us, he said we should find his instructions in the hollow of the rotten tree near the arbour. Bep. ( Turning round, arid putting his hand into the tree.) This is it. Here's something ; a paper — and in his hand- writing. Giac. Read. Bep. Read yourself. Giac. ( Taking the paper and reading ; after looking if they are unobserved.') “ As soon as the girl’s lover shall have “ set off for the spot of meeting where our comrades await “ him, — the carbiniers on their wild-goose chase, and the “ people of the inn to the wedding, be sure to give me notice by ringing the bell of the hermitage. I will then hasten “ with some of my brave fellows, and take charge of my “ lord and his lady. Wait for me." Bep. All clear enough. Giac. Clear or not ; once he says it, it must be done. Let us watch, above all, the departure of the carbiniers. Bep. Oh, they’ll soon be off. We’ve just seen them o’ foot, and ready to take the road. Giac. So much the better. Bep. There’s one thing, though, friend Giacomo, that goes against me, and that is, killing this my lord on a Sun- day, and such a holiday, too. Giac. Pshaw ! That might be a fair scruple of conscience enough if the man were a Christian; but he’s an English- man. It’s enough to bring us good luck for the rest of the year. Bep. You are right. Nay then, the grace of heaven assist us ! FRA DIAVOLO. 59 Giac. Look, look ! — here comes the poor swain, the bri- gadier Lorenzo ; he’s melancholy ; how he sighs ! Bep. Ha ! ha ! ha ! poor amorous fool ! He does well to indulge himself while he can ; for, once he gets to the place of meeting prepared for him by our captain, he won’t have much time to sigh. Giac. Come this way, and let us leave him to himself. — Mind, though, he doesn’t get out of our sight. ( Exeunt be- hind the arbour .) Enter Lorenzo from the Inn. SONG. 44 I’m thine ! I’m thine ! ” she oft would say, 44 For ever thine ! — ‘ 4 Others’ love may fade away, 44 But never mine !” Yet she now leaves my heart to grieve, And break with woe ! I scarce her falsehood can believe, I lov’d her so ! But, love ! farewell. — I’ll now for e’er The false one fly ; Her image from my heart I’ll tear. Then silent die ! I’ll no longer her falsehood regret ; Yet, where’er I go, I fear I never can forget ! — I lov’d her so ! — Yes, I have been able to restrain myself ; I have had the courage to spare her, — while it is in my power, before her father, before them all, to tax her with her guilt, to proclaim her crime aloud, and What have I said? Dishonour her whom I have so loved ! Destroy her for ever ! No : let her marry, — let her be happy if she can ; she shall hear from mij lips neither complaint nor reproach. The hour of my 60 FRA DIAVOLO. appointment is near ; I will go — I will meet death for her ; it shall be my only revenge. Enter Matteo, Zerlina, and two servants from thelnn, r.h. Matt. Come, lads ; put a table out here ; bring the wine. The wedding-party and the carbiniers won’t be sorry to quaff a cup or so before we go. Your soldiers are ever a thirsty race. — (Matteo keeps continually gouig backwards and forwards . Zeiilina, during the above, has approached Lorenzo, who is l. h. Zerl. (Timidly.) Lorenzo, I have been seeking you. — My father is returned. Loren. ’Tis well. Zerl. Francesco is with him. Loren. {With some emotion) Francesco! Zerl. He has presented him to me as my husband. All is prepared for our instant marriage. [After a pause.) In an hour’s time I am going to be another’s if you do not speak, — if you do not explain your strange conduct. Loren. Remember your conduct, and leave me. Zerl. Lorenzo, I cannot bear this ; be generous ; do not oppress me so cruelly ; — if your love has changed, if you hate me, tell me so. Oh ! I beseech you once more, ere too late Matt. (At the table, r. h.) What are you doing there, Zerlina, instead of coming to help me ? Zerl. {Going to him, looking at Lorenzo all the while.) Here I am, father. Loren. {Aside) What deceit ! What hypocrisy ! Matt. {Calling) Roberto! more glasses ! Re-enter Beppo and Giacomo, l. h. Bep. ( Sitting at the table in the arbour, Giacomo, l. h- corner.) From this place we can watch them all nicely. FRA DIAVOLO. 61 Zerl. ( who lias again approached Lorenzo.) Lorenzo, tell me the truth ! Why is it you treat me thus ? What have I done ? What have you to reproach me with ? Bep. and Giac. ( Striking the table and calling loudly.) What ho ! Some wine ! Matt. Why, girl ! how now ? Don’t you hear ? Zerl. [With impatience.} Coming! I shall go distracted. ( The bugle begins to sound.} Roberto ! CONCERTED FINALE. Zerlina makes a sign to Roberto, who carries a flask of wine to the table where sit Beppo and Giacomo. She tries still to speak with Lorenzo ?vhen at that moment , the Carbiniers march in from the inn r. h. Zerlina gains the corner , r. h. Chorus of Carbiniers. Come, Captain ! let’s no longer stay,— The hour is come, we must be gone, Our duty calls us hence away ; To gain fresh laurels let us on ! Matt. What ! so soon to duty again ? Carb. Long the sun has lit up the sky , Sev’n o’clock will shortly strike. Loren. {Starting.} Sev’n ! — the hour so nigh ? Let’s away. {To a subaltern whom he brings forward.) Observe. When yonder rocks we gain, Half an hour my coming wait ; If, to return ’tis not my fate, In my place then command ; guide the men to their prey. Matt. Alone ! among the rocks ? Loren. Honour’s call I obey. Bep. {Aside to Giacomo.) It is to death he hastens on. Giac. He goes at last, and goes alone. Zerl. ( looking at Lorenzo.) Shall I then let him thus begone ? No, No. G FRA DIAVOLO. 62 (She is advancing towards Lorenzo from the r, h. c, when Francesco and the wedding train , villagers , peasants, <^c. with bouquets and crowns of flowers, enter from the inn R. h. and intercept her.') Together . Chorus of Villagers. ’Tis Hymen calls; no longer stay; The hour is come, we must be gone. While pipe and tabor gaily play. To mirth and pleasure let us on! Chorus of Carbiniers. Come, Captain ! let’s no longer stay ; The hour is come ; we must be gone. Our duty calls us hence away ; To gain fresh laurels let us on ! Matt. (Joining the hands of Francesco and Zerlina.) My children, be ye blest, thus link’d in virtuous chains ! (To Francesco). Within this hour her vows thou wilt receive. Z erl. (Aside.) All then, alas ! is lost ; no hope remains ! (Seeing Lorenzo about to depart, she flies towards him.) Oh, Lorenzo ! My tortur’d heart relieve ! What have I done ? Loren. (With intense passion.) Deceiver! Zerl. Explain ! Loren. False betray ’r ! Remember him I saw conceal’d with guilty care Last night within your room ! (Abruptly leaving her, he goes to his soldiers whom he draws up in marching order.) Zerl. (Wildly) What words are these ? With surprise and with horror my heart seems to freeze ! Bep. ( Drinking at the table . ) Will they go? Giac. (The same) Shortly now. Zerl. What hellish plot is this ? Bep. ( Knocking onthe table , and calling ) What, ho ! More wine ! ( Turning round and perceiving Zerlina, who is left alone, in the centre of the stage, and whom he points out to his companion.) I say, see there ! ’Tis that same pretty she, Whom so long at her toilet, last night we chanced to see. FRA DIAVOLO. 63 Giac. ( Laughing ) And who with herself so pleas* d seem’d to be. You remember yet ? Bep. ( Laughing ) Yes; and shall ne’er forget. ( Imitating Zerlina's posture before the glass , and repeat- ing her words .) 44 For a servant there’s no denying, “ Here’s a shape that’s not much amiss ! ( Laughing. ) Giac: ( Mimicking her also .) — 44 There’s no cause, I fancy, for sighing, 44 When one boasts such a figure as this ! Together. ‘ 4 1 am sure there are some more amiss ! Ha! Ha! Ha! ( They resume their seats , laughing ) Zerl. ( Struck with extreme astonishment , and seeking to recal her ideas.) Those words ! What said they ? What horrible plot is this ! {Enter Lord and Lady A. from Inn.) Together. Chorus of Villagers. Chorus of Carbiniers. Come, Hymen calls, no longer stay; Come, Captain, let’s no longer stay ! The hour is come, we must be The hour is come, we must be gone ; gone ! While pipe and tabor gaily play, Our duty calls us hence away ; To mirth and pleasure let us on ! To gain fresh laurels, let us on ! (Lorenzo makes the soldiers fie off before him two by two, and they begin to ascend the centre path leading up the mountain. Matteo, at the same time, comes to Zerlina, and taking her hand, shews her the wedding-party , pre- paring to depart. At this instant, Zerlina sees Lo- renzo on the point of disappearing, when, with a cry of anguish, she rushes to the top of the stage.) Z erl. In mercy stop ! — One moment stay ! Hear me ! Oh. hear ! All. ( Surprised at her emotion ) What would she say ? ( With looks of astonishment they all gather round her ; the Carbiniers return on their steps, and Lorenzo hastily descends to her side. The music ceases.) 64 FllA DIAVOLO. Zerl. (a Seizing Lorenzo’s hand, 9 fixing her looks on him steadfastly, and speaking with mncli emotion.') I know not, — I am ignorant who has created the vile suspicions that assail me, and I seek in vain to discover the dark mystery ; but this I know, that last night I was alone in my chamber, — ( with emphasis, and looking at Lorenzo.) Yes, alone ! I thought of persons dear — most dear to me; and I remember well to have spoken aloud words which I deemed no hu- man ear could have heard ; yet, those words — those very words, breathed only to heaven in pure and guileless inno- cence, have this very instant been repeated, close to me. Loren. By whom ? Zerl. (Suddenly pointing to Beppo and Giacomo.) Those two men, whom I know nothing of; they must consequently have been near me — last night — in my chamber — without my knowledge. Loren. Ha ! Seize them ! FINALE CONTINUED. All. Surprise ! Loren. Seize them both without more delay Caxibs. and C. The Captain’s orders j J obey ; Villagers. 3 Yes, seize them both without delay. [Matteo secures Giacomo, r bile the soldiers seize Beppo.) Loren. Should these the b nclits be whose pursuit brought us here ? (Making the guide come forward.) Say, you who know their chief and have sworn our guide to be — Behold these men, and speak, devoid of fear, — Is he one of these ? Guide. ( After considering them for some time.) No. FRA DIAV0L0. 65 Giac | ( Aside .) Again we may breathe free ! Loren. Their looks suspicious still appear. Mat t . ( Going to Lorenzo , with the arms and paper seized on Giacomo .) These weapons see ! And this paper also, of some ill plot the key. (Music ceases again .) Loren. ( Hastily snatching the paper.) Let ’s read : — “ As soon as the carbiniers and the wedding train shall “ have departed, be sure to give me notice by ringing the