The Comedies of Carlo Goldoni. Goldoni Carlo

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      Cost. Yes, and mortify me no more. Be assured I should never have spoken with the boldness I have done, had you not led me to do so. I do not comprehend your meaning; there is an inconsistency in your conduct; but, be it as it may, time will bring the truth to light. And now permit me to take leave.

      Gian. My dear friend, pardon my inattention to you on first coming. You are mistress to go or remain as you please.

      Phil. What delightful company! But why are you on your feet? why do you not sit down?

      Gian. Costanza is just going.

      Phil. [To Costanza.] Why so soon?

      Gian. Her aunt expects her.

      Phil. No, my dear young lady, do me the favour to remain; we may want you, and in affairs of this kind moments are often precious. I have sent to your father, to say I desire to have a conversation with him; I am certain he will come. We will have a private interview, and, however little he may be inclined to give his consent, I shall press him so as not to leave him time to repent; if we agree, I will call you both immediately into my room.

      De la Cot. [Aside.] Our situation is becoming more critical every moment.

      Phil. [To De la Cotterie.] You seem to me to be agitated.

      Gian. It is the excess of joy.

      Phil. [To Costanza.] And what effect has hope on you?

      Cost. I have more fear than hope.

      Phil. Rely on me. For the present, be content to remain here; and, as we do not know exactly when your father will come, stay to dinner with us.

      Gian. She cannot stay, sir.

      Phil. Why not?

      Gian. Because she promised her aunt to dine with her to-day.

      Cost. [Aside.] I see she does not wish me to remain.

      Phil. The aunt who expects you is your father's sister?

      Cost. Yes, sir.

      Phil. I know her; she is my particular friend. Leave it to me. I will get you released from the engagement, and, as soon as Monsieur Riccardo comes here, I will send word to her where you are, and she will be satisfied.

      Cost. I am grateful, Monsieur Philibert, for your great kindness; permit me for a moment to see my aunt, who is not well. I will soon return, and avail myself of your politeness.

      Phil. Very well; come back quickly.

      Cost. Good morning to you; you will soon see me again.

      Gian. Good-bye. – [Aside.] If she does not come back I shall not break my heart.

      Phil. Adieu, my dear. – One moment. Lieutenant, for a man who has been in the wars, you do not seem quite as much at your ease as you should be.

      Cost. Why do you say so, sir?

      Phil. Because you are letting Mademoiselle go away without taking notice of her – without one word of civility.

      Cost. Indeed, he has said but few.

      De la Cot. [To Philibert.] I ought not to abuse the privilege you have given me.

      Phil. [Aside.] I understand. – Giannina, a word with you.

      Gian. Yes, sir?

      Phil. [Aside to Giannina.] It is not right for a young lady to thrust herself between two lovers in this manner; on account of you, they cannot speak two words to each other.

      Gian. [To Philibert.] They spoke in whispers together.

      Phil. [To De la Cotterie.] Well, if you have anything to say to her —

      De la Cot. There will be time enough, sir.

      Phil. [To Giannina.] Attend to me.

      Cost. [Aside to De la Cotterie.] At least assure me of your affection.

      De la Cot. [Aside to Costanza.] Excuse me, Mademoiselle. [Giannina coughs aloud.] [Aside.] I am exceedingly embarrassed.

      Cost. [Loud enough for all to hear.] Is it possible you will not say once that you love me?

      Gian. [To Costanza, with asperity.] How many times do you want him to tell you so? Did he not say so before me?