The Project Gutenberg eBook of Zanetto; and Cavalleria Rusticana

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Title: Zanetto; and Cavalleria Rusticana

Composer: Pietro Mascagni

Librettist: Guido Menasci

Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti

Translator: Willard Gibson Day

Release date: December 16, 2004 [eBook #14370]

Most recently updated: December 18, 2020

Language: English, Italian

Credits: E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Linda Cantoni, Joseph E. Loewenstein, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZANETTO; AND CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA ***

E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Linda Cantoni, Joseph E. Loewenstein,

and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team

ZANETTO

and

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

Music by PIETRO MASCAGNI

Libretto by G. TARGIONI-TOZZETTI and G. MENASCI

English translation by WILLARD G. DAY

MASCAGNI GRAND OPERA

UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF MITTENTHAL BROS. AND S.S. KRONBERG

SOUVENIR LIBRETTO

PRICE, 35 CENTS

Published by

F. Rullman

Theatre Ticket Office

111 Broadway—New York

THE ONLY CORRECT & AUTHORIZED EDITION

WEBER PIANOS USED EXCLUSIVELY

CONTENTS

ZANETTO

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

ZANETTO

CHARACTERS

PLOT OF THE OPERA

LIBRETTO

CHARACTERS

ZANETTO

Mezzo-Soprano

SILVIA

Soprano

PLOT OF THE OPERA

Silvia is the rich and beautiful hostess of a country hotel, who has been besieged by lovers of almost every description, she repulses them all, because although they may be well-to-do and even wealthy and powerful, they have not pleased her fancy or awakened her heart. At last she forswears love entirely, being convinced that her destiny is to remain single.

Still, she remembers a youth she once saw, and believes that he lives near by, in Florence, toward which city she idly looks out in the summer evening from the veranda of her hotel, placed on the side of a steep mountain.

As she looks she hears the voice of a roving minstrel who is approaching. She conceals herself. He comes near, and not venturing to enter the hotel, lies down to sleep on a bench. He is soon asleep; and Silvia comes near to see him. She recognizes in him her ideal; and at once loves him. She wakes him up, and he sees in her the madonna of his dreams.

He is fond of his freedom, and of his own way of living; but thinks it would be nice to have a home, and a sister. This does not suit Silvia; who then conceals her identity; and says that she is a widow, and very poor; and cannot possibly entertain a wandering poet. After several refusals, he tells her that he has heard of Silvia, who is also beautiful, as well as rich, and liberal. He asks his newly-beloved to help him find her. She advises him not to go, that she would do anything to save him from his danger. Although both love each other she is unwilling to let herself be known. He believes in her sincerity; and offers to go in any direction she may point out. She points toward the dawn; he dashes toward it; she watches him till out of sight; then burying her face in her hands exclaims:

Blessed art thou, O Love!

Now can I weep again!

The allegorical sense of the plot is that the sweet minstrel, love, comes once; and if not frankly and honestly received, he goes away; and may never come again. Another is, that true love is willing to sacrifice itself in order that its ideal may achieve its high ambition.

ZANETTO

INTRODUCTION—CHORUS WITHOUT WORDS.

CORO.

SCENE I—SILVIA, alone.

SILVIA.

Against love are my curses;

I've no tears any more.

(descending slowly)

I am that cruel lady,

Whom all must adore;

But I love no one.

On lips I'm everywhere respected;

They're asking for my hand,

But the ardor of kisses

I do not understand!

Drowning is tedious.

Here in the silence

Quiet night to awaken

There should be couplets

For serenading;

Bad 'tis for a poet

To give out his fire;

Yet still, to my ire

They will be singing,

Stupid madrigals ringing.

The soldier, and the merchant

All who have power,

On me treasures shower,

But contempt I still hold

Both for them and the gold

Suffer I, my life thus to give,

For without love

Life is not fit to live.

I have no recollection

Of affection genteel.

(pointing to the city)

Now there is Florence, in splendor, lying in the distance, and having, perhaps, a youth who's looking up to this same heaven; he who once I saw, and who in his breast felt heart-beats for me, for me unworthy. Just to cross my pathway, he found it fatal! I've no hope now, but to run away from him. I must not stay here and be disgraced.

ZANETTO.

(Sings in the distance)

Heart of mine, as a flower,

Is found in thee love's secret power.

Not merry now the song I'm singing

Know'st thou to thee its way it's winging!

Heart of mine, why from weeping

Comes the perfume, true love keeping,

Think you grieving all unbidden

In the flower can be hidden?

SILVIA.

Sweet is thy lovely singing.

Thy voice has touched my heart,

But this folly of foolish loving

Will not be on my part.

(Goes slowly up the terrace, turning absently toward the direction whence came the voice. Zanetto with a lute on his shoulder, and dragging his cloak up the steep, enters with a happy air, without seeing Silvia).

SCENA I—SILVIA sola.

SILVIA.

Maladetto l'amore!

Non ho più lacrime.

(lentamente)

Son la crudel signora

Che ognun sempre adorò

Che ognuno adora

Ognun col labbro

Rispetta; sfiora

La mia man; ma l'ardore

Del bacio non salì

Fino al mio core!

M'uccide il tedio

Le silenziose

Chiare notti d'estate

Che paion fatte

Per le serenate

Danno a' poeti il destro

Di sfogar l'estro

Ed in onor mio

Dispiegan l'ali

Scipiti madrigali.

Il soldato, il mercante,

il podestà

ai piè mi gittan loro

Ma disprezzo costoro

E la lor vanità

Soffro; viver così,

Senza un amor

Viver non è.

(addita la città)

Non mi ricorda un fiore qualche affetto gentil. Firenze splende laggiù, lontana, sereno, e tende forse, lo sguardo al cielo un giovanetto che m'ha vista una volta, e sente in petto battere il cor per me, l'indegna. Se a traversa la mia strada fatal si trovi. Oh! non isperi di fuggirsene via, e non sarò la sola disgraziata.

ZANETTO.

(canta di lontana)

Cuore, come un fiore

Si dischiude, in te l'amore

La canzon non è gioconda

L'odi tu, piccina bionda!

Cuore, v'è il dolore

Tra il profumo e la splendore

Par che il pianto si nasconda

In quel fior piccina bionda?

SILVIA.

Dolce è la melodia:

la voce tocca il cuor.

Ma queste fole d'amore

io non l'intendo più.

(Sale lentamente su la terazza, volgendosi distrattamente verso la parte da veniva la voce Zanetto col liuto a tracolla, e trascinando per l'erta il mantello, entra con aria allegra senza veder Silvia)

SCENE II—SILVIA and ZANETTO.

ZANETTO.

Sweet nights of summer,

By the moon lighted,

Smiles, on my journey,

On me benighted.

The stars too above

Shed on me their light

From golden eyes bright.

I'm ready—Loves my Florence

The sound of the lute?

And songs of true love?

As a minstrel I'm dressed,

And not in such plight

Could I appear

In hotel candle light

Here to sleep I will lay me

This warm summer night.

(He stretches himself out on a bench and wraps his cloak around him).

(Silvia comes quickly down from the terrace).

SILVIA.

O poor little fellow! If I only had such sweet tranquility! Shall I call him, and offer him hospitality? but then—Just sleep down there!

(looking at him sleeping)

The silence, the perfumed air of the evening, this sleeping boy. Why should they disturb me? Yet a new palpitation is moving my heart! Ah me!

He's like my dream, exactly!

Up! Wake up!

(taking him sweetly by the hand)

(Zanetto awakes and looks at Silvia with wonder and admiration).

ZANETTO.

The lovely white vision

I saw in my dreaming.

SILVIA.

O darling!

'Twas but a pale ray

From a star, bright seeming.

ZANETTO.

No, no! You were the lovely angel of my dream.

Your voice I heard near me;

Ah, you do not fear me!

SILVIA.

I am, if it please you, a hostess; and welcoming a wayfarer.

ZANETTO.

Thank you, I've just had my supper—

And my sleep is all gone.

SILVIA (to herself).

(Silvia, be good now!

'Tis love that is so painful

And this boy can't be so baneful!)

(to Zanetto)

But, tell me; can't I know who you are?

ZANETTO.

I am Zanetto, a wandering musician;

It's my delight to change house and air every day!

Twenty useless callings

I have, to make my living.

I know how to push the bending oar

My bark speed giving;

I can bring down the falcon

Flying in the heavens;

Can tame the kicking mule,

And good verse arrange in sevens—

So I am not a fool!

SILVIA.

But does it often happen

That your dinner

you are lacking?

ZANETTO.

Sometimes, yes!

But I find where'er going

True courtesy is showing,

And I know I am welcome—

By my lute I am able

To find a place at a table,

Company entertaining,

And for that day

A supper I am gaining.

SILVIA.

Are you going to Florence?

ZANETTO.

Don't know.

If I find a more flowery path

I follow it. It is a strange fancy that draws

the bird through the trackless azure sky.

And I must say, too, that in my journeys I have not found fortune.

SILVIA.

But have you not dreamed of resting some day in your fantastic and doubtful wandering? And have you not seen a little white house, set 'mid green, waving palms, and where a young girl once gave you a quick "Good morning!"

ZANETTO.

Yes, sometimes—But I know what I am—I think of fathers, and tutors; and it does not please me to disturb the family peace.

SILVIA.

Have you not set your mind firmly on the girl

who gave you that flower

you wear on your breast?

ZANETTO.

A kiss! and I go on my travels.

Liberty to me is dear.

I want no other burdens

than my lute and the feather in my cap!

And love

When you would move

Is too heavy to carry!

SILVIA.

A bird in the woods wants no cage

But who will say that some day he will not build a nest?

ZANETTO.

No! No! Do you know, all love makes me afraid?

It is delightful to go your own way,

as you please, and be as

free as the air!

SILVIA.

But you are not happy—

And fate did you follow

As led by its hand;

Or the flight of a swallow

From some far-away land?

ZANETTO.

Perhaps—

SILVIA.

Are you led by some hope?

ZANETTO.

'Twas only a dream.

SILVIA.

Tell it!

ZANETTO.

Perhaps I may stay here! Know, then, that I have no parents, father or mother. I may be the son of a Marquis, or of a villain—who knows? In the world's course so far I've lived a free and merry life; and have never desired any other. But after having enjoyed your dear voice, beautiful Madonna, I've been dreaming that I might have—a sister! Since you have aroused in me the desire for a sweet little cottage, far from all the noises of the world, set in the midst of flowers, now, yes! I begin to feel lonesome! I accept your wise counsel! Oh! If you were willing to be entertained by this nightingale wanderer, I would stay here with you. I would be always near you; and with my lute and song the long hours of your mornings I would shorten!

SILVIA (to herself).

(My darling!

How my heart is exulting!

What is it always makes me fear?

To have all I have willed!

To hear I'm aflame!

Tell me my love's name!

My dream has been fulfilled!)

ZANETTO.

Are you willing?

SILVIA (to herself).

(I willing? Ah! no! never!

Why does he ask me?)

ZANETTO.

Madonna! I ask too much, I know; but will you?

SILVIA.

You shall know who I am tomorrow.

ZANETTO.

Again I ask you, will you?

SILVIA.

I can not.

ZANETTO.

And why not?

SILVIA.

A widow am I, and poor, and cannot entertain wandering poets.

ZANETTO.

Don't you have a servant?

SILVIA.

No!

ZANETTO.

A footman?

SILVIA.

No.

ZANETTO.

I can dine on fruit!

SILVIA.

Don't speak of it.

I'm a widow, and live alone, weeping!

ZANETTO.

And may I not stand at your feet?

SILVIA.

'Tis impossible. Believe me!

ZANETTO.

Then good-bye forever my beautiful dream! I may have, perhaps tomorrow, better fortune with Silvia!

SILVIA (to herself).

What says he?

ZANETTO.

Then in vain were all my prayers. I would ask

thee about Silvia, the Florentine.

She, they say, is the queen of all beauty.

They say that her look is a caress

which conquers and overwhelms in love.

They say that she is fair and beautiful

as thou art, lady;

and then, that she is rich and liberal.

I'll go and seek her.

SILVIA (to herself).

Great Heaven!

ZANETTO.

Perhaps I may enter her list of knights. But I intend to warble about the beauty of another lady! and the mad fool who would bring her misfortune. I confess to thee, Madonna, that I'm afraid! What shall I do? Give me your advice. Shall I go to Silvia?

SILVIA (to herself).

(Well, I advise you not to!

This unknown boy

stirs up the inmost tenderness of my heart.

The opportunity invites; and the happiness;

would there were a way to catch him!)

ZANETTO.

There is some friendship between us.

Why are you not willing to answer me?

SILVIA (to herself).

('Tis infamous! But so wills my destiny!)

ZANETTO.

Well then?

SILVIA.

(after silence, and with great force)

Hear me, my boy. Do not go to seek her. Thy lovely soul does not know its danger! Now hear me. No! Don't go to Silvia. Pay for your bread and your bed with the merry songs which come forth from your beautiful lips,—but you should know what bread and what bed it is. O Zanetto, if you see my emotion, it is because I love you, and wish to save you. Keep on with your songs in the leafy forests; and in the fragrance of another April, if near the threshold of an humble cottage above a labored steep, you see a girl with black eyes and golden hair—then rest. From there do not move! This is the nest of Love!

ZANETTO.

I will obey you. But if it should happen that you have slandered Silvia—

(Silvia makes a gesture of grief).

Surely

the wound of thy poor heart I have reopened. You

have told me that which makes my soul sad.

Of a loving brother

Of a trusting sweetheart,

Silvia, you have robbed.

You are not fearing only me, you are jealous!

SILVIA.

(with much sadness)

What you imagine is not true. Go! Go!

(feigning grief)

You can't believe

How much I grieve

To tell you to return—

Keep from that way

Your feet, I pray;

But ere you stray

Again away

To thank me, learn,

I have saved thee.

Ah me! All is over!

But should he me discover!

ZANETTO.

I go. I believe you, and will not go to Silvia, after what you have said.

I go away,

your hidden balsam using;

A little tenderness

to me you are refusing!

I have of thee only the recollection that you

have not been willing to help me.

O Madonna! what corner

Of your heart holds your grieving and weeping part?

SILVIA.

(eagerly offering him a ring)

No, truly; this ring will remind you of me.

ZANETTO.

(with a gesture of refusal)

Pardon! 'tis too rich for me!

With its jewels, you see;

Thanks, Madonna,

I could not accept it.

But tell me, are you not a widow and very poor?

SILVIA (to herself).

(I have caught myself.)

And a proof of my friendship

you refuse?

What are you willing I should give you?

ZANETTO.

I want no reminder of value

but some little nothing

that may be dear to thee.

Look! That flower

in your beautiful

hair will die—

SILVIA.

I give you the flower

The first I have picked today.

It will die in thy hand,

This white flower; then understand

It shows to you my destiny.

When the flower is withered, I will have been forgotten.

Farewell!

ZANETTO.

Most charming Madonna, one word more.

I tremble to take up again my unending

journey; and I believe that you

can show me the path

to all happiness. I am afraid to pick it out.

To my best fortune guide me!

I will take the way

you point out with your beautiful little

hand.

SILVIA.

(who has ascended some of the steps of the terrace indicates the direction leading away from the city.)

Be it so. 'Tis there!

Where glorious shines the Dawn!

ZANETTO.

Heart of mine, why from weeping

Comes the perfume,

true love keeping?

Think you grieving all unbidden

In this flower can be hidden?

(Makes some steps toward Silvia, but being stopped by a gesture; after making a gesture of desperation, he moves away quickly).

SCENA II—SILVIA e ZANETTO

ZANETTO.

Le notti estive

Ridono al viaggio

E si va della luna

Al chiaro raggio

Ma di lassù le stelle

Infondono coraggio

Con le pupille d'or.

Son giunto, Ama Fiorenze

Il suono del liuto

E la canzon d'amor?

Non posso

in questa arnese

Picchiare

alla locanda del paese

Mi converrà dormire

All'aria aperta.

(Si sdraia sulla panca avvolgendosi nel mantello)

(Silvia scende rapidamente dalla terrazza)

SILVIA.

Oh poveretto, ed io che avevo in uggia questa serenità! Debbo chiamarlo ed ospitalità debbo offrir? Ma che! Dorme di già.

(guardando Zanetto addormentato)

Il silenzio, il profumo della sera questo fanciul dormente, mi turban forse? Un palpito novo m'agita il core.

Ahimè!

Somiglia al sogno mio!

Su! Destati!

(prendendolo con dolcezza per la mano)

(Zanetto si sveglia e guarda Silvia con adorazione e meraviglia)

ZANETTO.

La bianca visione

che in sogno mi ridea.

SILVIA.

Bambino!

Solo un pallido raggio

di stella l'occhio tuo vedea.

ZANETTO.

No, no, tu sei la bella realtà del mio sogno:

Questa voce divina

L'udivo a me vicina!

SILVIA.

Son, se ti piace, un ospite gradita al viandante.

ZANETTO.

(guardandola) Grazie. Ho cenato tardi,

e il sonno mi svanì.

SILVIA (da sè).

Silvia sii buona!

È l'amor tuo funesto

Ed un fanciullo è questo.

(a Zanetto)

Ma, dimmi, non potrò saper chi sei?

ZANETTO.

Sono Zanetto; un nomade suonator;

mi diletto ogni dì nel cambiar d'aria, e di tetto.

Venti mestieri inutili

Mi fan campar la vita

So condurre col fragile

Remo la barca rapida.

Slancio nell'aria il falco

Volo in corsa ardita

Domo col morso L'agile puledro.

E in un sonetto chiudo le rime fulgide

In cerchio d'oro stretto.

SILVIA.

E non saranno rare

Le volte, in cui

Ti manca il desinare!

ZANETTO.

Talvolta, sì.

Ma se trovo in paese

Qualche signor cortese

Io sono il benvenuto

M'accettano alla mensa

Il mio liuto

Rallegra la brigata

E per quel dì la cena

È assicurata!

SILVIA.

Firenze è la tua mèta?

ZANETTO.

Non so.

Se mai più florido qualche sentier mi piaccia

Lo seguirò. La strana fantasia segue l'ardita traccia

Segnata dall'augel nell'aria azzurra

Ancor sul mio cammino non trovai fortuna!

SILVIA.

Ma non sognasti un giorno di riposo nel correr tuo fantastico e dubbioso? E non hai mai veduta una casetta bianca tra i verdi pampini, donde una giovinetta un rapido

buon giorno ti mando?

ZANETTO.

Sì, qualche volta. Ma qual io mi sono, penso ai padri ai tutori, e non mi piace delle famiglie disturbar la pace.

SILVIA.

Nè ti fermasti mai se la fanciulla

Il fiore ti getto che

Avea in petto?

ZANETTO.

Un bacio e seguitavo la mia strada

La libertà m'è cara.

Non voglio altro fardello

Che il liuto, e la piuma del capello.

Un amore

Dentro al core

È un bagaglio troppo grave!

SILVIA.

L'augel di bosco non vuol gabbia!

Chi sa un giorno non t'alletti il nido!

ZANETTO.

No, No! L'amor mi fa paura, sai?

È così bello andarsene via,—

Come le libellule che van per

L'aria libere!

SILVIA.

Ma, non sarai felice.

E vieni qui dal fato

Tenuto per la mano

O il vol di qualche rondino

Seguisti da lontano?

ZANETTO.

Quasi!

SILVIA.

Ti guida dunque una speranza?

ZANETTO.

Appeno un sogno.

SILVIA.

Parla!

ZANETTO.

Io qui potrei forse restare. Senti: I pari miei, padre e madre non hanno. Son figlio d'un marchese o d'un villano? E chi lo sa? Pel mondo corsi fin'ora libero giocondo, nè mai vita migliore ho sospirato. Ma da quando ho gustato la cara voce tua, Madonna bella ho sognato: D'avere una sorella. Quando m'hai susurrato dell'intima dolcezza del mondo, in mezzo di fiore allora sì, mi non sentito solo!

Io cedo ai tuoi consigli. Oh! se volessi trattenerti vicin, quest'usignolo randagio! Io resterci teco sempre d'accanto mi avresti e col mio canto le tue lunghe giornate abbrevierei!

SILVIA.

Bambino!

Come il core mi sussulta

Che è mai questo timore?

Aver lo sempre meco,

Udirlo delirante

Darmi il nome d'amante!

Oh, il mio sogno avverato!

ZANETTO.

Vuoi?

SILVIA.

Se voglio? Ah, no, mai!

Pur è lui che mi supplica!

ZANETTO.

Madonna, domandi troppo lo so; ma vuoi?

SILVIA.

Saprà chi son domani!

ZANETTO.

Anco una volta vuoi!

SILVIA.

Non posso!

ZANETTO.

E perchè?

SILVIA.

Son vedova; son povera; e non posso ospitar poeti erranti.

ZANETTO.

Uno scudier non hai?

SILVIA.

No!

ZANETTO.

Un paggio?

SILVIA.

No!

ZANETTO.

Io con un frutto desino!

SILVIA.

Deh, taci!

Sono vedova vivo nel pianto sola.

ZANETTO.

Ed io non vo' che starmene ai tuoi piedi!

SILVIA.

È impossible, credi!

ZANETTO.

Dunque per sempre addio, bel sogno mio!

Avrò forse domani, più fortuna con Silvia.

SILVIA (fra sè)

Che dice?

ZANETTO.

Poi che vani furono i preghi miei, io chiederti

vorrei di Silvia fiorentina

La dicono regina d'ogni bellezza

dicono che il sguardo

È una carezza che conquista e innamora

Dicon che è bella e pallida

Al par di te signora

E poi ch'è ricca e prodiga

Andavo a cercar lei.

SILVIA (da sè).

Mio Dio!

ZANETTO.

Forse potrei entrar fra i suoi scudieri. Ma intesi mormorare, che la strana bellezza di quell'altiera donna e il pazzo viver suo recan sventura. Ti confesso, Madonna che ho paura! Che debbo far, consigliami. Debbo andare da Silvia?

SILVIA (da sè).

Sarebbe ritornato!

Questo fanciullo ignoto che mi

Colmò di tenerezza l'anima, la

Sorte a me l'invia. È la felicità,

Debbo cacciarlo via?

ZANETTO.

T'ho così poco amica,

che non mi vuoi respondere?

SILVIA.

È infame! Ma così volle il destino!

ZANETTO.

Ebben?

SILVIA.

(dopo un silenzio e con grande sforzo)

Senti, bambrino. Non cercar di colei. La tua bell'anima non conosce il pericolo! S'io non posso proteggerti, ospitarti, potrò salvarti. Ascoltami. No, non andar da Silvia! Pagare il pane, il letto colla canzon gioconda che ti fiorisce sulle labbra è bello ma bisogna conoscere che pan che letto è quello. O Zanetto, se mi commovo è perchè t'amo come un bambinello che si vuoi salvare. Oh seguita a cantare del bosco fra le chiome. E se poi, quando la soglia d'un umil casetta vedrai sovra il lavoro china, una giovinetta da gli occhi neri e dai capelli d'oro, oh fermati cantore quello è il nido d'amore!

ZANETTO.

Ti obbedirò. Ma può darsi che Silvia sia calunniata.

(Silvia fa un gesto di dolore)

Certo

la ferita del povero tuo core ho riaperto! Tu

m'hai detto che hai l'anima triste!

Un fratello amato

Un caro fidanzato

La Silvia t'ha rubato!

Non temi sol per me, tu sei gelosa!

SILVIA

(con grande tristezza).

Immagini una cosa non vera. Va! Va! parti!

(dissimulando il dolore)

Tu non puoi figurarti,

quanto mi dolga

dirti che tu rivolga

Lontana il piè

dall'intrapresa via!

Ma prima che tu vada

Per la tua strada

Me puoi rendere grazie

io t'ho salvato!

Tutto è finito. Ohimè!

Se m'avesse scoperto.

ZANETTO.

Partirò. Te n'accerto, non anderò da Silvia, dopo che m'hai detto.

Io partirò portando con meco

Un balsamo soave e sconosciuto

Qualche cosa di tenero

C'era nel tuo rifiuto!

E avrò di te soltanto la memoria

Che se non hai potuto ajutarmi.

O Madonna, in qualche canto del tuo

Core hai provato e dolore e rimpianto?

SILVIA.

(vivamente offerendogli un anello)

No, certo, e quest'anello ti ricordi di me.

ZANETTO.

(con gesto di rifiuto)

Perdona, troppo bello

Troppo ricco è il giojello

Grazie, Madonna

Accettar non posso!

Ma, dimmi, non sei tu vedova e povera?

SILVIA (da sè).

Ma abbia riconosciuto

Ed una prova sia

Questo refiuto

Ma vuoi ch'io ti dia?

ZANETTO.

Un ricordo non voglio

L'elemosina un nulla

Ma che sia caro a te.

Guarda. Il fiore

Che fra tuoi splendidi

Capelli muore.

SILVIA.

Eccoti il fior

Prima che sia spuntato il dì

Morrà nella tua mano

Il candido fiore, ma sua morte

Il voglio ti rammenti la mia sorte

Quando sarà appassito dimenticami.

Addio!

ZANETTO.

O Madonna di grazia, una parola ancora

Io tremo nel riprender l'infinito

Mio viaggio, e mi pare che di qui non

Ci sieno più sentieri che portino

Alla gioja. Ho paura di scegliere.

La mia buona ventura ti guidi.

Scegli tu per me. Farò il cammino

Che m'imporrà la tua piccola

Mano.

SILVIA.

(Che ha già salito alcuni scalini della terrazza, indica a Zanetto la parte opposta alla città).

E sia! Dunque di là!

dove splende l'aurora!

ZANETTO.

Cuore! V'è il dolore

Tra il profumo

E lo splendore

Par che il pianto si nasconda

In quel fior, piccina bionda.

(Fa qualche passo verso Silvia, ma essa lo ferma col gesto, egli, dopo aver fatto un gesto disperato fugge bruscamente).

SCENE III—SYLVIA alone.

(She remains a moment on the terrace thinking, and looking toward Zanetto while he is far away. Then she hides her face in her hands and weeps).

Blessed art thou, O Love!

Now can I weep again!

SCENA III—SILVIA (sola).

(Rimane un istante sulla terrazza pensierosa e guardando Zanetto, che si allontana. Poi ad un tratto, si nasconde il capo fra le mani,

e piange).

Sia benedetto Amore,

Posso piangere ancora!

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

CHARACTERS

PLOT OF THE OPERA

LIBRETTO

CHARACTERS

SANTUZZA, a village girl

Soprano

LOLA, wife of Alfio

Mezzo-Soprano

TURIDDU, a young soldier

Tenor

ALFIO, a teamster

Baritone

LUCIA, mother of Turiddu

Contralto

Chorus of peasants and villagers

Chorus behind the scenes

PLOT OF THE OPERA

TURIDDU, a young villager, son of LUCIA, was LOLA's lover, when, according to the military laws of Sicily, he was conscripted as a soldier. He left LOLA, vowing eternal affection; but LOLA, growing weary of waiting, in his absence, accepts the addresses of ALFIO, the happy teamster of the village. At the end of his term of military service, TURIDDU returns home, improved in appearance, style and manners by his military training. Finding LOLA married, he wins the affections of SANTUZZA, whom he at length betrays. Meantime the mutual passion between him and LOLA revives, and is indulged in the absence of ALFIO on his frequent trips to the neighboring villages in pursuit of his calling. ALFIO's discovery on Easter morning of his wife's unfaithfulness precipitates the catastrophe. Rejected and cast out by her betrayer, SANTUZZA in a moment of extreme jealousy, exposes the infamy of LOLA and TURIDDU. ALFIO challenges TURIDDU, according to the rustic Sicilian code, in which each party bites the other's right ear. It is understood between the combatants that the severity of the bite in the challenge indicates the degree of animosity to be expected in contest. TURIDDU regrets his evil course; but nevertheless resolves to fight; and is killed.

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

The scene represents a square in a village in Sicily. At the back, on the right, a church with a moveable door. On the left, an inn and the house of Mother Lucia. It is Easter.

The curtain is down.

TURIDDU.

O Lola! like the snow, pure in thy whiteness!

Redder than cherries glow thy lips in brightness!

Happy the lover brave, when by thy kisses

Thou shalt his soul enslave in fondest blisses!

Though at thy door dark blood be warningly lying,

Ne'er shall it hinder me, when to thee flying.

Death straight to heaven in its arms may enfold me;

Ne'er shall I enter there happy, till I behold thee!

La scena rappresenta una piazza in un paese della Sicilia.—Nel fondo, a destra, Chiesa con porta praticabile.—A sinistra l'osteria e la casa di Mamma Lucia.—È il giorno di Pasqua.

(A sipario calato.)

TURIDDU.

O Lola c'hai di latti la cammisa

si bianca e russa comu la cirasa,

quannu t'affacci fai la vucca a risa,

biatu pì lu primu cu ti vasa!

Ntra la puorta tua lu sangu è spasu,

ma nun me mpuorta si ce muoru accisu ...

e si ce muoru e vaju 'n paradisu

si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.

SCENE FIRST.

Chorus.

WOMEN (within.)

Oranges blossoming, myrtle and jessamine

Mingle their fragrance with incense of flowers.

Morning now murmuring, hearts that were slumbering

Wake with the dawning with songs, as do ours.

MEN (within.)

To the harvest field, 'mid ears bright and golden,

The quick-flying spindles send out their humming;

We weary, while from our labors are holden,

To Thee, Light of Heaven, are humbly coming!

O glorious Son of Salvation, heaven adorning!

As the eagles home flying, hail we this morning!

(The chorus comes on the stage.)

WOMEN.

Vain are all earthly employments!

To heaven and its enjoyments!

The Virgin and our dear Lord!

SCENA PRIMA.

Coro.

DONNE (di dentro.)

Gli aranci olezzano sui verdi margini,

cantan le allodole tra i mirti in fior;

tempo è si mormori da ognuno il tenero

canto che i palpiti raddoppia al cor.

UOMINI (di dentro.)

In mezzo al campo tra le spiche d'oro

giunge il rumore delle vostre spole;

noi stanchi riposando dal lavoro

a voi pensiamo, o belle occhi-di-sole.

O belle occhi-di-sole, a voi corriamo,

come vola l'augello al suo richiamo.

(Il coro entra in iscena)

DONNE.

Cessin le rustiche opre:

la Virgine serena

allietasi del Salvator! (Il coro traversa la scena ed esce)

SCENE SECOND.

Santuzza and Lucia.

SANTUZZA (entering.)

Tell me, mother Lucia—

LUCIA (surprised.)

Is it you? What would you?

SANTUZZA.

Turiddu is here?

LUCIA.

And why do you come here

To seek my son?

SANTUZZA.

Only that I may ask you—

Humbly I beg your pardon—where I may find him.

LUCIA.

I know not, I know not; bring me no trouble.

SANTUZZA.

Mother Lucia! I supplicate you, weeping;

Kindly, as the Saviour to a Magdalen,

Tell me, for mercy's sake, where is Turiddu?

LUCIA.

He is gone for the wine to Francofonte.

SANTUZZA.

No! He was seen last night in the village.

LUCIA.

What say you! Is he then again at home?

(Going toward the door of her house.)

Enter!

SANTUZZA.

Into your house I cannot enter! I am condemned!

LUCIA.

And what of him

Have you now to tell me?

SANTUZZA.

Alas! this thorn in my bosom!

SCENA II.

Santuzza e Lucia.

SANTUZZA (entrando.)

Dite, mamma Lucia....

LUCIA (sorpresa.)

Sei tu?... che vuoi?

SANTUZZA.

Turiddu ov'è?

LUCIA.

Fin qui vieni a cercare

il figlio mio?

SANTUZZA.

Voglio saper soltanto,

perdonatemi voi, dove trovarlo.

LUCIA.

Non lo so, non lo so, non voglio brighe!

SANTUZZA.

Mamma Lucia, vi supplico piangendo,

fate come il Signore a Maddelena,

ditemi per pietà, dov'è Turiddu....

LUCIA.

È andato per il vino a Francofonte.

SANTUZZA.

No!... l'han visto in paese ad alta notte....

LUCIA.

Che dici?... se non è tornato a casa!

(avviandosi all'uscio di casa)

Entra....

SANTUZZA (disperata.)

Non posso entrare in casa vostra....

Sono scomunicata!

LUCIA.

E che ne sai

del mio figliuolo?

SANTUZZA.

Quale spina ho in core!

SCENE THIRD.

Alfio, Lucia, Santuzza and Chorus.

ALFIO.

With my horses bounding,

Wagon wheels resounding.

Cracking my whiplash—Ehi la!

Cold winds blowing steadily,

Rain and snow falling readily!

I care for nothing! Ehi la!

CHORUS.

Happy is his calling,

Richest treasures hauling,

As he goes here and there.

ALFIO.

Me, Lola is awaiting,

All other lovers hating,

To her I am most dear!

Let the wind blow fearfully,

Lola watches tearfully,

'Tis Easter, and I'm here!

CHORUS.

Happy is his calling,

Richest treasures hauling,

As he goes here and there.

LUCIA.

You are blest, Master Alfio,

That you are always so full of joy.

ALFIO.

Mother Lucia,

Have you not more of that lovely old wine?

LUCIA.

Perhaps; Turiddu has gone away to buy some.

ALFIO.

He's always here! I saw him but this morning;

And very near my dwelling!

LUCIA (surprised.)

What!

SANTUZZA (quickly.)

Be silent!

(Those in the church are heard singing Alleluia.)

ALFIO.

I will not enter. Go ye both into church.

(He goes out.)

CHORUS (within the church.)

Regina coeli, laetare—Alleluia!

Quia, quem meruisti portare—Alleluia!

Resurrexit sicut dixit—Alleluia!

CHORUS (in the square.)

We rejoice that our Saviour is living!

He all-glorious arose from the dead;

Joys of heaven the Lord to us giving,

All the sorrows of darkness are fled!

(The chorus goes out slowly.)

SCENA III.

Alfio, Coro e DETTE.

ALFIO.

Il cavallo scalpita,

i sonagli squillano,

schiocca la frusta.—Ehi là!—

Soffii il vento gelido,

cada l'acqua e nevichi,

a me che cosa fa?

CORO.

O che bel mestiere

fare il carrettiere

andar di qua e di là!

ALFIO.

M'aspetta a casa Lola

che m'ama e mi consola,

ch'è tutta fedeltà.

Il cavallo scalpiti,

i sonagli squillino,

è Pasqua, ed io son qua!

CORO.

O che bel mestiere

fare il carrettiere

andar di qua e di là!

LUCIA.

Beato voi, compar Alfio, che siete

sempre allegro così!

ALFIO.

Mamma Lucia,

n'avete ancora di quel vecchio vino?

LUCIA.

Non so; Turiddu è andato a provvederne.

ALFIO.

Se è sempre qui!—L'ho visto stamattina

vicino a casa mia.

LUCIA (sorpresa.)

Come?

SANTUZZA (rapidamente.)

Tacete.

(dalla Chiesa odesi intonare l'alleluja)

ALFIO.

Io me ne vado, ite voi altri in chiesa.

(esce)

CORO INTERNO (dalla Chiesa.)

Regina coeli, laetare—Alleluja!

Quia, quem meruisti portare—Alleluja!

Resurrexit sicut dixit—Alleluja!

CORO ESTERNO (sulla piazza.)

Inneggiamo, il Signor non è morto.

Ei fulgente ha dischiuso l'avel,

inneggiamo al Signore risorto

oggi asceso alla gloria del Ciel!

(il Coro esce lentamente)

SCENE FOURTH.

Lucia and Santuzza.

LUCIA.

And why did you thus make the sign of silence?

SANTUZZA.

You well know, dearest mother, when he went as a soldier,

Turiddu had sworn to Lola eternal faith and love.

Returned, he found her married; and with new affection

Would he put out the fire burning still in his bosom.

I love him, he loves me. That evil one, for all my rightful pleasure,

Of her own husband forgetful, burns now with jealousy.

Me she has outraged! Despoiled of my honor I live on—

Lola and Turiddu loving!—and I weeping!

LUCIA.

Wretched am I that such things should be told me

On this most holy morning.

SANTUZZA.

I am condemned!

Go you, O mother, and implore our dear Saviour;

And to him pray for me. Here, to Turiddu

Will I again make humble supplication.

LUCIA (going toward the church.)

And be thou our helper! Holy Maria!

(She goes out.)

SCENA IV.

Lucia e Santuzza.

LUCIA.

Perchè m'hai fatto segno di tacere?

SANTUZZA.

Voi lo sapete, o mamma, prima d'andar soldato

Turiddu aveva a Lola eterna fè giurato.

Tornò, la seppe sposa; e con un nuovo amore

volle spegner la fiamma che gli bruciava il core:

m'amò, l'amai. Quell'invida d'ogni delizia mia,

del suo sposo dimentica, arse di gelosia....

Me l'ha rapito. Priva dell'onor mio rimango:

Lola e Turiddu s'amano, io piango, io piango, io piango!

LUCIA.

Miseri noi, che cosa vieni a dirmi

in questo santo giorno?

SANTUZZA.

Io son dannata....

Andate, o mamma, ad implorare Iddio,

e pregate per me.—Verrà Turiddu,

vo' supplicarlo un'altra volta ancora!

LUCIA (avviandosi alla chiesa.)

Ajutatela voi, Santa Maria!

(esce)

SCENE FIFTH.

Santuzza and Turiddu.

TURIDDU.

You here, Santuzza?

SANTUZZA.

You I was awaiting.

TURIDDU.

And Easter and church you are neglecting?

SANTUZZA.

I can not go.

I must speak with you!

TURIDDU.

I seek my mother.

SANTUZZA.

I must speak with you!

TURIDDU.

Not here! not here!

SANTUZZA.

Where have you been?

TURIDDU.

Why do you ask me?

At Francofonte.

SANTUZZA.

No! 'Tis not true!

TURIDDU.

Santuzza, trust in me!

SANTUZZA.

No! You are lying;

I saw you turning here into this street.

And this morning at dawn they discovered you

Coming from Lola.

TURIDDU.

Ah! you were spying!

SANTUZZA.

No! I swear to you. To us it has been told

By Master Alfio.

TURIDDU.

Thus you return the love I gave you?

You wish him to kill me?

SANTUZZA.

Ah! such a fate do not mention.

TURIDDU.

Then you must leave me! In vain do you endeavor

My righteous anger thus to subdue!

SANTUZZA.

Ah, yes! you love her!

TURIDDU.

No!

SANTUZZA.

And beautiful

Is Lola.

TURIDDU.

Silence! I love her not.

SANTUZZA.

You love her!

Oh! curses on her!

TURIDDU.

Santuzza!

SANTUZZA.

That most

Vile and wretched woman has torn thee from me!

TURIDDU.

Beware, Santuzza! I am no slave

to thy vain jealousy!

SANTUZZA.

Beat me! insult me! I love and pardon;

But all too heavy is my deep anguish!

SCENA V.

Santuzza e Turiddu.

TURIDDU.

Tu qui, Santuzza?

SANTUZZA.

Qui t'aspettavo.

TURIDDU.

È Pasqua, in chiesa non vai?

SANTUZZA.

Non vo.

Debbo parlarti....

TURIDDU.

Mamma cercavo.

SANTUZZA.

Debbo parlarti....

TURIDDU.

Qui no! Qui no!

SANTUZZA.

Dove sei stato?

TURIDDU.

Che vuoi tu dire?...

A Francofonte!

SANTUZZA.

No, non è ver!

TURIDDU.

Santuzza, credimi....

SANTUZZA.

No, non mentire;

ti vidi volgere giù dal sentier.

E stamattina, all'alba, t'hanno scôrto

presso l'uscio di Lola.

TURIDDU.

Ah! m'hai spiato!

SANTUZZA.

No, te lo giuro. A noi l'ha raccontato

Compar Alfio, il marito, poco fa.

TURIDDU.

Così ricambi l'amor che ti porto?

Vuoi che m'uccida?

SANTUZZA.

Oh! questo non lo dire....

TURIDDU.

Lasciami dunque, invan tenti sopire

il giusto sdegno colla tua pietà.

SANTUZZA.

Tu l'ami dunque?

TURIDDU.

No....

SANTUZZA.

Assai più bella

è Lola.

TURIDDU.

Taci, non l'amo.

SANTUZZA.

L'ami....

Oh! maledetta!

TURIDDU.

Santuzza!

SANTUZZA.

Quella

cattiva femmina ti tolse a me!

TURIDDU.

Bada, Santuzza, schiavo non sono

di questa vana tua gelosia!

SANTUZZA.

Battimi, insultami, t'amo e perdono,

ma è troppo forte l'angoscia mia.

SCENE SIXTH.

Lola and THE OTHERS.

LOLA (behind the scene.)

Dearest yellow flower!

Thousands may grow

In heaven's lovely bower;

But, one like mine to show,

It has no power. (entering.)

Oh! Turiddu! Have you seen Alfio? (sarcastically.)

TURIDDU.

I came

But this moment. I have not. (embarrassed.)

LOLA.

He is delayed,

No doubt, at the blacksmith's; but I must not tarry.

And you, I see, in the street do your praying! (ironically.)

TURIDDU.

Santuzza was just saying—

SANTUZZA (sadly.)

I was saying

That 'tis Easter, and the Saviour to-day sees all things!

LOLA (sarcastically.)

Go you not to the altar?

SANTUZZA (sadly.)

I? No! I dare not go.

Who knows not that I am a sinner!

LOLA.

I may thank my dear Saviour, I am His handmaid.

SANTUZZA (ironically.)

Indeed!—well done!—my Lola!

TURIDDU (to Lola.)

We'll leave her.

Here is no place for us.

LOLA (ironically.)

Oh! you may stay here!

SANTUZZA.

Yes, stay here!

Stay here! I have something to tell you!

LOLA (still ironically.)

And with help of the Saviour, I will now go in.

(She goes into church.)

SCENA VI.

Lola e DETTI.

LOLA (dentro alla scena.)

Fior di giaggiolo,

gli angeli belli stanno

a mille in cielo,

ma bello come lui

ce n'è uno solo. (entrando)

Oh! Turiddu.... È passato Alfio? (sarcastica)

TURIDDU.

Son giunto

ora in piazza. Non so.... (impacciato)

LOLA.

Forse è rimasto

del maniscalco, ma non può tardare. (ironica)

E ... voi ... sentite le funzioni in piazza....

TURIDDU.

Santuzza mi narrava....

SANTUZZA (tetra.)

Gli dicevo

che oggi è Pasqua e il Signor vede ogni cosa!

LOLA (c.s.)

Non venite alla messa?

SANTUZZA (tetra.)

Io no, ci deve

andar chi sa di non aver peccato.

LOLA.

Io ringrazio il Signore e bacio in terra!

SANTUZZA (ironica.)

Oh! fate bene, Lola!

TURIDDU.

Andiamo! andiamo!

Qui non abbiam che fare.

LOLA (ironica.)

Oh! rimanete!

SANTUZZA (a Turiddu.)

Si, resta,

resta, ho da parlarti ancora!

LOLA.

E v'assista il Signore; io me ne vado.

(entra in chiesa)

SCENE SEVENTH.

Santuzza and Turiddu.

TURIDDU (irate.)

Ah! you see now, what you have spoken!

SANTUZZA.

What you wished, and it was well!

TURIDDU (advancing.)

By heaven!

SANTUZZA.

Stab in my bosom!

TURIDDU (drawing back.)

No!

SANTUZZA (beseechingly.)

Turiddu! O hear me!

TURIDDU.

Go!

SANTUZZA.

No, no, Turiddu! Come, love me once more!

Do not abandon me! Ah! do not fly!

TURIDDU.

Why do you follow me? Why to the door

E'en of the church you are seeking to spy?

SANTUZZA.

I, thy Santuzza, weeping, implore

Take my poor heart to thine own once more.

TURIDDU.

Vain is your weeping; in vain you repent

After your outrage; ne'er will I relent.

SANTUZZA (threatening.)

Beware!

TURIDDU (with force.)

Your anger will not bring me!

(He throws her on the ground and rushes into the church.)

SANTUZZA (in greatest fury.)

On thee come Evil Easter, thou false swearer!

SCENA VII.

Santuzza e Turiddu.

TURIDDU (irato.)

Ah! lo vedi, chè hai tu detto...?

SANTUZZA.

L'hai voluto, e ben ti sta.

TURIDDU (le s'avventa.)

Ah! perdio!

SANTUZZA.

Squarciami il petto....

TURIDDU (s'avvia.)

No!

SANTUZZA (trattenendolo.)

Turiddu, ascolta!

TURIDDU.

Va!

SANTUZZA.

No, no, Turiddu—rimani ancora,

abbandonarmi—dunque tu vuoi?

TURIDDU.

Perchè seguirmi—perchè spiarmi,

sul limitare—fin della chiesa?

SANTUZZA.

La tua Santuzza—piange e t'implora;

come cacciarla—così tu puoi?

TURIDDU.

Va, ti ripeto—va non tediarmi,

pentirsi è vano—dopo l'offesa!

SANTUZZA (minacciosa.)

Bada!...

TURIDDU.

Dell'ira tua non mi curo!

(la getta a terra e fugge in chiesa)

SANTUZZA (nel colmo dell'ira.)

A te la mala Pasqua, spergiuro!

SCENE EIGHTH.

Santuzza and Alfio.

SANTUZZA.

Oh! the dear Saviour has sent you, Master Alfio!

ALFIO.

At what point is the service?

SANTUZZA.

It is now late;

But for you—Lola has just gone with Turiddu!

ALFIO.

What have you spoken?

SANTUZZA.

That while you were braving

The wind and weather, to earn your honest living,

Lola has turned your home into a brothel!

ALFIO.

Ah! in the name of heaven, Santa! What say you!

SANTUZZA.

The truth—Turiddu betrayed me, despoiled me of honor;

And your bad wife has taken him from me.

ALFIO (threatening.)

If you are lying, I will tear out your heart.

SANTUZZA.

My lips were never used to lying. No, no, no, they are not liars!

By all my infamy! By my deepest sorrow!—

The saddest verity is before you! Ah, me!

ALFIO (after a pause.)

Dear Mistress Santa, then I to you am grateful.

SANTUZZA.

'Twas wicked in me to have spoken thus!

ALFIO.

No! you are innocent, and I forgiving;

To utter hate my love has found a way;

But they are infamous, unfit for living!

And blood I'll have before the close of day!

(They go out.)

SCENA VIII.

Santuzza e Alfio.

SANTUZZA.

Oh! il Signore vi manda, compar Alfio!

ALFIO.

A che punto è la messa?

SANTUZZA.

È tardi omai,

Ma per voi, Lola è andata con Turiddu!

ALFIO.

Che avete detto?

SANTUZZA.

Che mentre correte

all'acqua e al vento a guadagnarvi il pane,

Lola v'adorna il tetto in malo modo!

ALFIO.

Ah! nel nome di Dio, Santa, che dite?

SANTUZZA.

Il ver. Turiddu mi tolso l'onore,

e vostra moglie lui rapiva a me!

ALFIO.

Se voi mentite, vo' schiantarvi il core!

SANTUZZA.

Uso a mentire il labbro mio non è!

Per la vergogna mia, pel mio dolore

la trista verità vi dissi, ahimè!

ALFIO.

Comare Santa, allor grato vi sono.

SANTUZZA.

Infame io son che vi parlai così!

ALFIO.

No, giusta siete stata, io vi condono;

in odio tutto l'amor mio finì....

Infami loro; ad essi non perdono;

vendetta avrò pria che tramonti il dì.

(escono)

SCENE NINTH.

All come out of church, Lucia crosses the scene and enters her house.

Lola, Turiddu and Chorus.

CHORUS OF MEN.

Now homeward, companions, where we expect to see

Our wives and sweethearts, we'll go!

Let wildest revel lead us up to ecstasy!

Quickly let the wine flow!

(The chorus starts to go away.)

TURIDDU (to Lola, who is going.)

Well, Mistress Lola, are you going away

Without even saying "good-bye?"

LOLA.

I'm going home;

I have not yet seen my husband!

TURIDDU.

O never mind him! He will come here;

(To the chorus.)

And, meanwhile, friends, approach!

A drink before I leave you!

(They all come to the table and take drinking cups.)

TURIDDU.

See the wine, as foaming whitely

In the glass it sparkles lightly,

Like a lover smiling brightly,

Gently whisp'ring words that bless!

See the honest cup so cheery!

It refreshes us when weary!

Drives away all humors dreary!

Gives ecstatic happiness!

CHORUS.

See the wine, as foaming whitely.

(They repeat the verse.)

TURIDDU (to Lola.)

To your true lovers! (drinks.)

LOLA (to Turiddu.)

To your most happy fortune! (drinks.)

TURIDDU.

We'll drink!

CHORUS.

Let us keep up the contest!

SCENA IX.

Tutti escono di chiesa, Lucia traversa la scena ed entra in

casa.

Lola, Turiddu e Coro.

UOMINI.

A casa, a casa, amici, ove ci aspettano

le nostre donne, andiam,

Or che letizia rasserena gli animi

senza indugio corriam.—

(il Coro si avvia)

TURIDDU (a Lola che s'avvia.)

Comare Lola, ve ne andate via

senza nemmeno salutare?

LOLA.

Vado

a casa e non ho visto compar Alfio!

TURIDDU.

Non ci pensate, verrà in piazza.

(al Coro)

Intanto amici, qua,

beviamone un bicchiere.

(tutti si avvicinano alla tavola dell'osteria e prendono i bicchieri)

TURIDDU.

Viva il vino spumeggiante

nel bicchiere scintillante

come il riso dell'amante

mite infonde il giubilo!

Viva il vino ch' è sincero

che ci allieta ogni pensiero,

e che annega l'umor nero

nell'ebbrezza tenera.

CORO.

Viva il vino spumeggiante, ecc., ecc.

(si ripete il brindisi)

TURIDDU (a Lola.)

Ai vostri amori! (beve)

LOLA (a Turiddu.)

Alla fortuna vostra! (beve)

TURIDDU.

Beviam!

CORO.

Beviam! Rinnovisi la giostra!

SCENE TENTH.

Alfio and THE OTHERS.

ALFIO.

To all I give my greeting!

CHORUS.

Master Alfio, we hail you!

TURIDDU.

You are welcome! and with us must be drinking!

(he fills a glass.)

Look now, the cup I fill you!

ALFIO (pushing away his arm and the glass.)

Thanks, sir! Your cup of wine is not accepted!

In me it would be poison, my heart's blood chilling!

TURIDDU (throwing away the wine backward.)

Then, at your pleasure!

LOLA.

Ah me! what will this bring!

SOME WOMEN (to Lola.)

Dear Mistress Lola! let's go away from here!

(All the women go out, taking Lola.)

TURIDDU.

Have you, sir, something to tell me?

ALFIO.

I? Nothing.

TURIDDU.

Well then, sir,

I am quite at your service.

ALFIO.

This moment?

TURIDDU.

This moment!

(Alfio and Turiddu embrace. Turiddu bites

Alfio's right ear.)[1]

ALFIO.

Master Turiddu, you have bitten quite firmly,

And we will both endeavor to do likewise.

TURIDDU.

Master Alfio, I know that the fault is my own;

To you I swear, in the name of heaven,

That like a dog I should be slaughtered.

But ... if I live not ... she will be abandoned,...

My own poor Santa! Would I had been faithful! (with fury)

But I know how to put my knife in your heart!

ALFIO (coldly.)

Well then, sir, do as it may suit your pleasure.

I will await you without, beyond the orchard.

(He goes out.)

SCENA X.

Alfio e DETTI.

ALFIO.

A voi tutti salute!

CORO.

Compar Alfio, salute!

TURIDDU.

Benvenuto! con noi dovete bere:

(empie un bicchiere)

ecco, pieno è il bicchiere.

ALFIO (respingendolo.)

Grazie, ma il vostro vino io non l'accetto,

diverrebbe veleno entro il mio petto!

TURIDDU (getta il vino.)

A piacer vostro!

LOLA.

Ahimè! che mai sarà?

ALCUNE DONNE (a Lola.)

Comare Lola, andiamo via di qua.

(tutte le donne escono conducendo Lola)

TURIDDU.

Avete altro da dirmi?

ALFIO.

Io nulla!

TURIDDU.

Allora

sono agli ordini vostri.

ALFIO.

Or ora!

TURIDDU.

Or ora!

(Alfio e Turiddu si abbracciano.—Turiddu morde l'orecchio destro di Alfio.)

ALFIO.

Compar Turiddu, avete morso a buono.... (con intenzione)

c'intenderemo bene, a quel che pare!

TURIDDU.

Compar Alfio, lo so che il torto è mio;

e ve lo giuro nel nome di Dio

che al par d'un cane mi farei sgozzar;

ma ... s'io non vivo, resta abbandonata ...

povera Santa!... lei che mi s' è data ...

vi saprò in core il ferro mio piantar!

ALFIO (freddamente.)

Compare, fate come più vi piace;

io v'aspetto qui fuori, dietro l'orto.

(esce)

SCENE ELEVENTH.

Lucia and THE OTHERS, except Alfio.

TURIDDU.

Mother,... that old wine ... is very heady,... and surely

This day ... many a glass ... have I been drinking.

I'll go out for a moment;

But, ere I leave you,... give me your blessing,

As on that morning ... I, a soldier, left you....

And also,... mother,... remember;...

Should I ... return not,... you will be

A mother to Santa,... whom I have vainly promised

To conduct to the altar!

LUCIA.

Why speak you thus to me, my loving son?

TURIDDU (with indifference.)

O nothing! The wine has it to me suggested!

Surely the wine it must be. Pray you to heaven

For me. A kiss, my dearest mother! Another! Farewell!

(He embraces her and goes out quickly.)

SCENA XI.

Lucia e DETTI, meno Alfio.

TURIDDU.

Mamma, quel vino è generoso, e certo

oggi troppi bicchier ne ho tracannato ...

vado fuori all'aperto....

Ma prima voglio che mi benedite

come quel giorno che partii soldato ...

e poi ... mamma ... sentite ...

s'io ... non tornassi ... voi dovrete fare

da madre a Santa, ch'io le avea giurato

di condurla all'altare.—

LUCIA.

Perchè parli così, figliuolo mio?

TURIDDU.

Oh! nulla!... È il vino che mi ha suggerito!

Per me pregate Iddio!—

Un bacio, mamma ... un altro bacio ... addio!

(l'abbraccia ed esce precipitosamente)

SCENE TWELFTH.

Lucia, Santuzza and THE OTHERS.

LUCIA (desperate, rushing toward the back of the stage.)

Turiddu! what said you?

(Going further back and calling in desperation.)

Turiddu! Turiddu! Ah!—

(Enter Santuzza.)

Santuzza!

SANTUZZA.

O dearest mother!

(A confused murmur is heard in the distance.)

(A woman screams.)

They have murdered Master Turiddu!

(Some of the women enter, and one of them repeats the cry desperately. All come on the stage. SANTUZZA falls senseless. LUCIA swoons, and is surrounded by all the women.)

The curtain falls quickly.

SCENA XII.

Lucia, Santuzza e DETTI.

LUCIA (disperata correndo in fondo.)

Oh Turiddu?! che vuoi dire?

(Va in fondo alla scena e disperatamente chiama)

Turiddu! Turiddu! ah!

(entra Santuzza.)

Santuzza!...

SANTUZZA (getta le braccia al collo di Lucia.)

Oh! madre mia!...

(si sente un mormorio lontano)

DONNE (correndo.)

Hanno ammazzato compare Turiddu!... (tutti gettano un grido)

(Alcune donne entrano, ed una di esse grida disperatamente. Tutti si precipitano sulla scena. SANTUZZA cade priva di sensi. LUCIA sviene, ed è sorretta dalle donne del Coro.)

(Cala precipitosamente il sipario.)

[1] NOTE—A Sicilian form of challenge.

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Table of Contents

ZANETTO

and

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

Music by PIETRO MASCAGNI Libretto by G. TARGIONI-TOZZETTI and G. MENASCI

English translation by WILLARD G. DAY

CONTENTS

ZANETTO

CHARACTERS

PLOT OF THE OPERA

ZANETTO

INTRODUCTION—CHORUS WITHOUT WORDS.

CORO.

SCENE I—SILVIA, alone.

SCENA I—SILVIA sola.

SCENE II—SILVIA and ZANETTO.

SCENA II—SILVIA e ZANETTO

SCENE III—SYLVIA alone.

SCENA III—SILVIA (sola).

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

CHARACTERS

PLOT OF THE OPERA

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

SCENE FIRST.

Chorus.

SCENA PRIMA.

Coro.

SCENE SECOND.

Santuzza and Lucia.

SCENA II.

Santuzza e Lucia.

SCENE THIRD.

Alfio, Lucia, Santuzza and Chorus.

SCENA III.

Alfio, Coro e DETTE.

SCENE FOURTH.

Lucia and Santuzza.

SCENA IV.

Lucia e Santuzza.

SCENE FIFTH.

Santuzza and Turiddu.

SCENA V.

Santuzza e Turiddu.

SCENE SIXTH.

Lola and THE OTHERS.

SCENA VI.

Lola e DETTI.

SCENE SEVENTH.

Santuzza and Turiddu.

SCENA VII.

Santuzza e Turiddu.

SCENE EIGHTH.

Santuzza and Alfio.

SCENA VIII.

Santuzza e Alfio.

SCENE NINTH.

Lola, Turiddu and Chorus.

SCENA IX.

Lola, Turiddu e Coro.

SCENE TENTH.

Alfio and THE OTHERS.

SCENA X.

Alfio e DETTI.

SCENE ELEVENTH.

Lucia and THE OTHERS, except Alfio.

SCENA XI.

Lucia e DETTI, meno Alfio.

SCENE TWELFTH.

Lucia, Santuzza and THE OTHERS.

SCENA XII.

Lucia, Santuzza e DETTI.

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE