Chapter IX: Act I: CAPTAIN SPAVENTO, FLAVIO and later FLAMINIA

Spavento relates to his friend Flavio that he is in love with
Isabella, a widow of quality and Orazio’s sister. Knowing
him to be a friend of Orazio’s, he begs him to speak to the
latter and to endeavour to obtain for him the hand of his
sister Isabella. Flavio promises to do his best and in his
turn discovers to the Captain that he too is in love and that
he has just written a love letter. Flaminia shows herself at
her window, calls her brother the Captain and bids him come
inside, telling him that letters have just arrived for him;
thereupon she withdraws. Flavio, having observed that she had a
book in her hand, asks the Captain what it is that his sister
studies so assiduously. The Captain replies that from morning
till night she does nothing but read romances of chivalry and
histories of love. Flavio begs the Captain to correct the
letter, which he has written, before despatching it to his
beloved. The Captain takes it, saying that he will give it
for correction to his sister Flaminia, who is better educated
than himself. He goes indoors after reminding Flavio of his
promise to speak of him to Orazio. Flavio rejoices at the good
fortune which thus places his letter in the hands of his adored
Flaminia. (_He goes off._)

_PANTALOON and PEDROLINO_

Pantaloon confesses to his lackey that he is in love with
Isabella and asks his advice as to how to go about making
her his wife. “The way would be to marry her,” replies
Pedrolino. Pantaloon then relates how, after having betrayed
his waiting-woman Franceschina, he married her to Burattino the
innkeeper with a dowry of 500 livres and that further he has
promised to present her with 1000 ducats on the birthday of her
first boy. Pedrolino highly praises such a work of charity and
extols the generosity of his master. Knowing him so munificent,
he will gladly assist him in his endeavours to obtain Isabella
in marriage. Whereupon they go off.

_FRANCESCHINA, BURATTINO, and then ISABELLA and the CAPTAIN_

They enter chatting of their little household affairs, of their
position, which is none too brilliant, but which would be
greatly improved if Franceschina were to give birth to a boy,
since Pantaloon has promised to pay her 1000 ducats on that
day. Burattino tells his wife that this depends upon herself.
Franceschina replies that the fault is his, etc. They mutually
reproach each other and end by quarrelling. The noise they
make brings Isabella to her window. She rebukes Franceschina
for quarrelling thus with her husband. But Burattino answers
her insolently, bidding her to mind her own business. The
Captain, entering at this moment, takes up the defence of his
adored Isabella and threatens to strike Burattino. Isabella
implores mercy for Burattino and sends him away together with
Franceschina after giving them money so that they shall cease
quarrelling.

_The CAPTAIN, ISABELLA, then HARLEQUIN and FLAVIO_

The Captain, after extravagantly saluting Isabella, craves news
of her brother and of Flavio. Isabella replies that she has
not seen them and receives the homage of the Captain, who is
extremely gallant, and utters a thousand honeyed phrases. But
the amorous interview is interrupted by Harlequin, the servant
of the house, who becomes angry with Isabella and compels her
to go with him, threatening to divulge everything to her
brother Orazio, who cannot tolerate the Captain. The Captain in
a rage threatens Harlequin, who strikes him. Flavio separates
them, dismissing Harlequin, who goes off hurling frightful
threats at the Captain. The Captain in a furious rage runs
after him.

_FLAVIO, then FLAMINIA, HARLEQUIN, the CAPTAIN and ORAZIO_

Monologue of Flavio on his love for Flaminia. She appears at
her window. After the customary greetings Flavio asks her
if she has received a love letter of which her brother took
charge, to the end that she might correct it. Flaminia replies
that she has received the letter and that she has not failed
to perceive that it is addressed to herself. Flavio confesses
the truth and declares his passion, but they are interrupted by
the Captain and Harlequin, the latter armed with a cudgel. They
make a deal of noise shouting and fighting. Orazio is between
them seeking to separate them. Flavio runs to his assistance;
and, pushing, shouting and insulting one another, they all go
off.

_BURATTINO and then two thieves_

Burattino, having gone to buy provisions for the inn, with
the money received from Isabella, returns with a basketful of
victuals. But he wishes first to eat four mouthfuls before
going home. He sits down in mid-stage and begins to eat; two
thieves arrive and greet him very politely, seating themselves
without ceremony one on each side of him. One of them opens
the conversation by stating that he is from Cucagna, a country
where the people eat well and copiously. During this time his
companion consumes part of Burattino’s provisions. Having
finished, he begins to talk, and, attracting the attention of
Burattino, who listens to him with gaping mouth, he delivers
himself of a speech in three parts upon indelicacy, and the
rigorous punishment awaiting thieves. Whilst he is talking
the first orator from Cucagna devours the remainder of the
basket’s contents. Thereafter they take their leave with
extreme politeness, and depart. Burattino, recovering from
the bewilderment caused him by their flow of speech, disposes
himself to resume his eating; discovering, however, nothing but
emptiness, he enters his inn weeping. This closes the first Act.