1828.] The Plays of Gherardo da Rossi. 511 



Count S. (observing Giacinto). That is a fine figure of a woman that mask ! 

 If I could get her, I should not mind that cursed Marquis having carried 

 away Rosina. 



Gia. Volpino ! do you observe how that cavalier is watching us ? Do you 

 think he knows us ? 



Vol. It is because he does not know us : he takes you for a woman. It is 

 the Count Spasimo, one of your mistress's lovers. 



Count S. (still watching Giacinto). I wish that fellow were away I'd speak 

 to her. 



Gia. Volpino ! he looks as if he was going to talk to us. 



VoL Let him. I'll speak first. If we can get into conversation, we shall 

 hear all Rosina' s history. 



During this part of the scene, Susanna wakes, from time to time, in 

 her box ; and calls for fresh wine and cakes then goes to sleep eat- 

 ing. Volpino accosts Count Spasimo, by his name ; and affects to know 

 him. The Count enters into the frolic, and desires to be introduced to 

 Giacinto, whom he takes to be a woman. Volpino then tells him that 

 the lady is his niece. 



Vol. Young lady ! this gentleman does you the compliment to desire to be 

 introduced to you. 



Count S. I shall be the happiest man in the world in knowing so fair a 

 form. 



Gia. You jest, Sir. Besides, I could have but little hope against the lady 

 Rosina from whom you just now parted. (Aside} How he will speak 

 of her] 



Count S. Ah, Rosina ! Why you could not think me capable seriously of 

 throwing myself away upon her ! Pardon me : young men visit such women 

 for fashion's sake, or to divert themselves for an hour, but never for any thing 

 farther. Indeed, Rosina is going to be married shortly, I believe to a lad 

 a very good boy a simpleton one named, I think, Giacinto. 



Gia. (aside). The devil damn him ! 



Vol. Indeed ! And have you ever seen this Giacinto. 



Count S. I think I have seen him in her house. But I'm not sure : because 

 when these citizens come where we men of rank are, they of course are either 

 sent away again or go into the kitchen or 



Gia. (aside). Volpino ! I can't stand this. 



VoL (aside). Patience ! (Aloud) And this Giacinto, I suppose, is the 

 mask that Rosina is now dancing with ? 



Count. S. No, poor boy : no. He is not at the masquerade at all. They 

 made him believe Rosina was not coming. I was just coming in at her door, 

 when I heard the lad go away, wishing her a very good night. But will you 

 take a turn in the dancing-room ? 



Gia. (aside to Volpino). Let us go that I may meet this perfidious woman ! 

 Oh ! if I was at home now, what sonnets could I write against infidelity ! 



\^The three go off. 



JSus. (calling in her sleep). More patties ! 



Pistac. (looking out). Why, her hands are full of them still ! 



Enter Signor Gerlino. 



Ger. Praised to the heavens ! I have at last found somebody to give the 

 Marchioness Clarissa up to. Bottega! (A lad presents himself.) No, my 

 good child I don't want you : I want Pistacchio if he is within. Ah, Pis- 

 tacchio ! Good night, good boy ! Do you know me ? 



Pistac. Oh ! yes, my Lord : I have often observed your spectacles under 

 the masks. 



Ger. Aye, well I want a half glass of lemonade. You don't make quarters 

 of glasses now, do you ? 



Pistac. No, my Lord nor yet halves : on masquerade nights, nothing but 

 whole glasses. That is my master's order. 



