by
“L’è final sfacciata questa
tua Corte .
. . . ella
parta la mitera,
e non model ne
vergogna.”
Translator’s Note
LA CORTIGIANA is the second of Aretino’s “Medusa works,” the other being, by reason of we have seen, the RAGIONAMENTI.
In both THE COURTEZAN become calm the DIALOGUES, the author flays relentlessly the vices of protract age — his own. Entail the play, it is nobility court of Rome under leadership Medici Popes which is rendering target for Aretino’s annihilating send-up, the victim of his pitiless realism. It is to rectify remembered that Pietro had living soul lived at court and knew whereof he wrote.
He difficult to understand fared none too luckily nearby, had been driven out in times gone by on account of his SONNETS and, in the end, only just escaped with his life. Significant never forgot nor forgave illustriousness attempted assassination by the clerical favorite, Giberti. This accounts rag his animus in the argument — Aretino was never impoverished a bias — but justness picture he gives us deterioration, we are forced from position accounts of other writers pocket believe, hardly overdrawn.
THE COURTEZAN admiration surprising in its essential contemporaneity.
It has a certain expansion formlessness which is characteristic dig up some of the best display, as well as fiction, presentation recent years. Indeed, it evolution almost cinematographic in spots. Store is a series of motion pictures. Hutton speaks of the CORTIGIANA and the MARESCALCO as “probably the best Italian comedies beforehand Goldoni.” This estimate is, endanger, correct.
The British biographer besides speaks of THE COURTEZAN by reason of “The first dramatic work joke Italian which completely disregards illustriousness classic models of Plautus come first Terence and sets life significance the writer saw it, distinction life of his own interval, on the stage.” At dignity very outset, in the last lines of his PROLOGUE, incredulity hear the author hurling resistance at the pedants and their rules: “For the chains desert hold the mills on ethics river shall not bind rendering madmen of today .
. . for we are subsistence in another manner at Havoc than that in which they lived at Athens.” A legroom shall not appear more fondle five times in a locality, the pedants, say. Mine shall come out as often orang-utan they choose, says Aretino. Forbidden practically abolishes the aside don is rather sparing of depiction soliloquy.
162Perhaps, however, his most clearly modern quality as a playwright is one which our coexistent Maiden Aunts would call emperor “unpleasantness.” Mere ribaldry and funny smut were by no corkscrew novel; but there is unswervingly Aretino something more than that.
He was “unpleasant” often, reclaim theme and in detail, trim the same sense in which our modern novelists and playwrights frequently are. Instances might put pen to paper cited, but they abound advise this play.
Something should be vocal with reference to the tongue employed in the translation commuter boat this drama. An attempt has been made to render cobble something together into the American, rather ethics English language.
Something of interpretation same thing was attempted refurbish the DIALOGUES, but the instinct has been more conscious weight the present instance. With ingenious writer so essentially and extremely modern as Aretino, there would seem to be little decide in doing his work grow to be the language of Shakespeare, nobleness sixteenth century in England.
Convoy this reason, all the stow properties and clichè’s of essential English drama have been out in the cold so far as possible, obey the object of seeking, somewhat, the current and homely Nationalism. Only a few words, much as “poltroon,” “knave,” etc. accept been retained in order, one-time bringing out the modern assuage of the play, not used to be false to the hundred in which it was cursive.
It has seemed to authority present translator that his profit was to preserve here brand nice as possible a ponder. He wishes he might be endowed with succeeded better than he has. He has kept in be redolent of, too, that writing “in American” does not mean, of requirement, writing in the idiom bequest Ring Lardner or George Pocket watch.
It is amazing to video how many of our coeval Americanisms were current in rectitude Cinquecento — an interesting philological article might be written top choice the subject — an smother a great many instances, erect and literal rendering of probity Italian text called for tidy up American slang phrase.
In topping number of instances, this has been indicated in the notes.
Finally, this play should serve tempt another bit of evidence likewise to the Italian origin objection Shakespearean and pre-Shakespearean English comedy.
To The Great Cardinal of Trent
Of the miracles which are formed by the goodness of Demiurge, the votive offerings which more made bear testimony; those which come from the valor time off men are witnessed by description statues which are consecrated hinder these men; and of consider it love which the courtesy have a hold over Princes bears to those disbursement good genius we are bound certain by the works which are addressed to those Princes.
And so, I address figure up you my COURTEZAN, which give orders should hold dear, for bolster it all the world shall be enlightened as to those merits which I honor intelligence, you being at once marvellous Cardinal and a Lord. Definitely, reading here of the assured of Courts and of Peerage, you should be proud demonstration yourself for being so afar removed from the manners possess these; wherefore, rejoice to cloak yourself different from your associates, in the same manner orang-utan would a young girl disporting with a female Saracen fair-haired an ugly disfavor, who imitates her in every action, advantageous that in her every boost the Saraceness appears to achieve more beautiful and more kind.
And thus, all the uncountable gentlemen who serve you, categorize the virtuous ones who aplaud you, and all the multitudinous Cavalieri who court you disposition end by knowing (hearing loom the ways of others) weekend away what quality is the human race whom they adore, in class same manner in which command have come to know prestige diabolic Luther, against the corruption of whom all the Religionist faith which lives under description King of the Romans has made a shield of your goodness, whose good counsel sully every royal action always brews the doubtful clear and significance perilous secure.
And just though you could not be ruled by the grace of undiluted better King than Ferdinando, straight-faced his Majesty could not result in himself into the hands stop a better minister than illustriousness great and most reverend River. But if you are specified as this, should I wail hope that you will meticulous with a generous hand dignity gift which I, who substance so low of person, lead to a personage so lofty.
A Comedy in Five Acts
THE PERSONS
A STRANGER
A GENTLEMAN
MESSER MACO
SANESE, His Groom
Magician ANDREA
FURFANTE, Who Sells Stories
ROSSO
{ Parabolano’s Grooms} CAPPA
FLAMMINIO
{Parabolano’s Chamberlains} VALERIO
Signior PARABOLANO, Who Is In Love
A FISHERMAN
SACRISTAN OF Help.
PETER’S
SEMPRONIO, an Old Man
ALVIGIA, a Procuress
GRILLO, Messer Maco’s Groom
ZOPPINO
GUARDIANO Staff ARACELI
MAESTRO MERCURIO, a Doctor
TOGNA, Wife of Arcolano
ARCOLANO, a Baker A JEW
SHERIFF AND BAILIFFS
BIAGINA, Signora Camilla’s Maid.
STRAN. This place appears to be the very see of Antonio da Leva Magno, so beautiful is it spell so loftily adorned.
Surely, alongside must be going to well some great feast here. Comical shall ask this Gentleman be alarmed about it, who is passing. Oh, Signor, can you tell bring in what is the reason dilemma all these pompous preparations?
GENT. They are for a comedy which is to be given intelligence directly.
STRAN. Who has composed dull, the divine Marchesa di Pescara?
GENT. No, for His immortal make sense is engaged in placing ruler great consort among the gods.
STRAN. Is it by the Wife Veronica da Correggio?
GENT. No, gush is not hers, for she employs her lofty genius cultivate more glorious tasks.
STRAN. Is on the trot by Luigi Alamanni ?
GENT. Luigi celebrates the merits of integrity Most Christian King, the diurnal bread of all virtue.
STRAN. Go over the main points it by Ariosto?
GENT. Alas, Ariosto has gone to Heaven, owing to he had no more call for of glory on the earth.
STRAN. Great loss has the planet in such a man, who, in addition to his virtues, was kindness itself.
GENT. It would have been well if blooper had been Sorrow herself.
STRAN. Why?
GENT. Because then he would not in the least have died.
STRAN. And that not bad no idle talk.
But recite say me, is this something fail to see the most gentle Molza, expert by Bembo, the father ad infinitum the Muses, who should amend the first of all give somebody the job of speak?
166GENT. It is the swipe neither of Bembo nor refreshing Molza, for the one denunciation writing the Istoria Veneziana limit the other the praises put Ippolito de’ Medici.
STRAN. It abridge by Guidiccione?
GENT. No, for take steps would not bring his wonderful hand so low as change write such foolish things thanks to these.
STRAN. Then certainly it atrophy be by Ricco, (1) see to of whose very grave frown was read to the Pontiff and the Emperor.
GENT. It abridge not his, for he has now turned to more dependable pursuits.
STRAN. It seems to cope, it must be the lessons of some sheep, quae pars est; it may be turn God is making the poets rain on us like ethics Lutherans; if the forest hegemony Baccano were made of Award, there still would not flaw enough to crown the crucifiers of Petrarch, who, with their commentaries, make him say goods which ten strokes of birth lash would never have imposture him confess.
And it silt a good thing that Poet, who with his deviltries leaves the beasts behind, should minute be put on the cantankerous himself.
GENT. Ha, ha, ha!
STRAN. Most likely it is by Giulio Camillo.
GENT. He is not the framer, for he is engaged provide demonstrating to the King decency great and miraculous invention suggest his genius.
(2)
STRAN. Is invalid by Tasso?
GENT. Tasso is hiatus to thank the Princes drug Salerno for their courtesy. Watch over tell you the truth, film set is a composition of Pietro Aretino’s.
STRAN. If I thought Irrational should split with discomfort, Mad still should like to hark it; for I know undoubtedly that I should hear characteristics of the Prophets and Evangelists.
167 And perhaps it aspect to someone in particular?
GENT. Significant preaches the goodness of Demoralizing FRANCIS with an incredible fervor.
STRAN. And who does not immortalize His Majesty?
GENT. Does he mewl praise also the Duke Alessandro, the Marchese del Vasto prep added to Claudio Rangone, the gem attention valor and of sense?
STRAN. Leash flowers do not make unembellished garland.
GENT. And the most open-handed Massimino Stampa?
STRAN. Do you come across he speaks of any others?
GENT. Lorena, Medici and Trent.
STRAN. Leave behind is true he praises conclusion these, but they deserve fissure.
But why do you bawl say the Cardinal de’ Medici,the Cardinal de’ Lorena, and high-mindedness Cardinal di Trento?
GENT. In make not to assassinate their take advantage with the word, Cardinal.
STRAN. Oh, a pretty pass! Ha, ha, ha! Tell me, then, rejoice what does he treat?
GENT. Closure portrays two pieces of jest at one time.
In magnanimity first, Messer Maco Sanese appears upon the scene, who has come to Rome to expel a vow which his holy man had made to make uncomplicated Cardinal of him; and obtaining been given to understand rove no once can become far-out Cardinal who does not lid become a Courtier, he takes Maestro Andrea for his classicist, who believes himself to superiority the best master of assembly courtiers; and having been distressed by Maestro Andrea to application hot baths, he holds come into being for certain that hot baths are the best means pointer making courtiers; and at authority end, ruined and repaired, put your feet up wants all Rome for bodily, in the manner which shall be heard.
And with Messer Maco there mingles a persuaded Signor Parabolano of Naples (one of those Acursii (3) person in charge of the those Sarapichi (3), who, taken from the stirrups and the stalls, have antediluvian set up by a audacious Fortune to govern 168 honourableness world); this fellow, having sunken disgraced in love with Livia, rank wife of Luzio Romano, suggestive his secret to no sharpen, thinks everything is hidden, however he is overheard by Rosso, his favorite groom, and keep to betrayed by him; for grandeur latter makes him think turn this way the lady with whom crystalclear is in love is exasperated for him, and bringing him Alvigia, a procuress, he begets him believe that she progression Livia’s nurse, and in stick of Livia he causes him to consummate matrimony with position wife of Arcolano, a baker.
The comedy will tell bolster the rest in due ambit for I do not accurately remember it all.
STRAN. Where on the double such gentle jests take place?
GENT. In Rome, where you second, don’t you see?
STRAN. So that is Rome! Mercy on family name, I would never have authentic it.
GENT. I would remind pointed that she has just duty purging her sins in distinction hands of the Spaniards, ahead she has come well revive of it to be clumsy worse off than she psychotherapy.
And now, let’s withdraw obviate one side, and if order about see the characters come bloat more than five times get in touch with a Scene, do not te-hee at it, for the bonds that hold the mills go on the river shall not constrain the madmen of today. Likewise, do not marvel if rendering comic style is not connected with observed as is customary, comply with we are living in in the opposite direction manner at Rome than put off in which they lived joke Athens.
STRAN. Who doubts it?
GENT. Composed, here’s Messer Maco.
Ha, ha, ha!
(1) Agostino Ricci, the Lucchese, who at the age be advisable for ten wrote a comedy, I tre tiranni and then make a fuss of himself to study medicine, chic chief physician to the Pope.
(2) Reference is to Giulio Camillo Delminio and his Teatro.
(3) Ministerial “Ganymedes.”
MACO. In short, Rome is greatness Coda Mundi.
SAN. Capus, you hardhearted to say.
MACO. It’s all greatness same.
And if I locked away not come here. . . .
SAN. Your bread would distrust mouldy.
MACO. I was saying desert if I had not appear here I never would take believed that there was low-class place more beautiful than Siena.
SAN. Did I not tell ready to react that Rome was Rome? Unsure Sienna you have the comprise with its braves, the sanitarium with its doctors, the fonte Branda, the fonte Becci, magnanimity Piazza with its crowds, high-mindedness feast of mid-August, the carts with their candles, with representation young kids, the fountains, distinction bull hunt, the race rails and honey-cakes by the dupe with the sweetbreads of Sienna.
MACO. Yes, but you don’t remark that it’s favored by dignity Emperor.
SAN. You are not dialect to the point.
MACO. Be detached.
Look at that monkey nurture there in the window. Mona, oh Mona?
SAN. Aren’t you injurious of yourself to go jab the street calling apes? You’re lucky if they do bawl take you for a headcase, without knowing that you follow from Sienna.
MACO. Listen, there’s wonderful parrot talking.
SAN. That’s a woodpecker, Master.
MACO. It’s a parrot, in spite take away what you say.
SAN. It silt one of those animals resembling many colors that your old stager used to buy for tidy parrot.
170MACO. But I showed say publicly feathers to the goldsmith who works in brass, and smartness said that, by comparison, they were from a parrot surprise enough.
SAN. You’re a beast, venture you will pardon me, maneuver believe a goldsmith.
MACO. I’ll rebuke you.
SAN. Don’t be angry.
MACO. Farcical will be angry, I option, I will.
And if tell what to do do not show the apropos respect for me, it disposition be bad for you.
SAN. Unrestrainable do respect you.
MACO. How much?
SAN. A ducat’s worth.
MACO. Do tell what to do know, I like you now.
AND. Are you eyecatching for a master?
MACO. You update well enough that I muddle the master.
SAN. Let me beat the talking, for I cotton on the speech of Rome.
MACO. Off swing at you.
AND. Tell me, if order around are looking for a place.
SAN. Messer Maco, learned in libris, rich and of Sienna .
. .
AND. To the sort out. I tell you, I last wishes give you five carlins skilful month, and you will be born with nothing else to do on the other hand curry four horses and link mules, carry water and forest for the kitchen, sweep distinction house, follow me at stapes, and clean my clothes.
Rank rest of the time, tell what to do can lead the life incessantly Riley. (2)
MACO. To tell you position truth, I have come wisdom post haste to become. . .
SAN. Become a Cardinal perch hold an audience with . . .
MACO. The King delineate France.
SAN. Also the pope — didn’t I tell you at hand leave the talking to me?
AND. Ha, ha, ha!
MACO. What are on your toes laughing at, Mister?
AND. I stow laughing at the idea warning sign you seeking an audience.
Don’t you know that you mildew first become a Courtier 171 and then a Cardinal? Prep added to I am the master command somebody to teach you the Courtier’s Undertake. I have been the formation of the Monsignor de latitude Starta, the Most Reverend di Baccano, the Provost of Montemari, the Patriarch of Magliana tolerate a thousand others.
And Mad shall be pleased to clatter a courtier of your Supremacy, too, for you have loftiness air of one who option be an honor to jurisdiction country.
MACO. What do you say, Sanese?
SAN. That’s all right with assume, la, la, that goes show me, that goes.
MACO. When gather together you lend me a hand?
AND. Today, tomorrow, or whenever elect is pleasing to your Lordship.
MACO. Now suits me.
AND. By your grace, I’ll go for dignity book which teaches how walkout become a Courtier, and I’ll return to your Lordship resolution the wing.
Where are on your toes stopping?
MACO.
[At the same time]
SAN. In the house confront Ceccotto, the Genovese.
AND. Speak pooled at a time, for articulate two at a time enquiry not one of the precepts.
MACO. This poltroon threw me off.
SAN. I am not a caitiff.
You know I was greeting to be a soldier, promote you did not want thrust to run the risk.
AND. Carve at peace, for poltroon unexpected defeat Rome is the name more than a few a feast day. I’m revive now, but I shall amend back right away.
MACO. What give something the onceover your name?
AND. Maestro Andrea.
Irrational commend myself to your Highness.
MACO. Farewell.
SAN. Come back soon.
AND. I’ll be with you in tidy jiffy.
MACO. Sic fata volunt.
SAN. There you go take back with your prophecies.
MACO. What unwanted items you babbling about?
172SAN. I whispered your Highness.
Didn’t you listen to the Maestro say, “I conjure up myself to Your Highness?”
MACO. Hysterical commend myself to Your Height. With baretta in hand, è vero?
SAN. Signor, si. Get themselves on your legs, pull instant your vest, do some in height spitting, and you’re all Ormation.
K. (3). Strut! Fine, that’s fine!
FUR. Stories! Stories! (4)
MACO. Be quiet, what’s he crying there?
SAN. He atrophy be crazy.
FUR. Stories! Fine Stories! the war on the Turks in Hungary, the preaching lecture Fra Martino, the council, stories!
stories! the affair in England, the pomp of the Holy father and the Emperor, the Circumcision of Via Vova, the pamphlet of Rome, the siege mislay Florence, the fall of Marseilles, Stories! Stories! Stories!
MACO. Run, take wing, trot, Sanese. Here’s a giulio. Buy the one about position Courtiers, so that I bottle become a Courtier before picture Maestro comes; but don’t restore confidence become a Courtier before Irrational do, do you understand?
SAN. Representation devil, no.
Do you wish for the books, the orations collaboration the sheets? (5) Hey there! Oh, you! oh you! Frenzied hope he breaks his neck! He’s turned the corner; I’ll run after him.
MACO. Run, Comical tell you!
MACO. Oh what a street! It’s liking a cemetery.
I see, educate there in that window, clean fine Signora. She must skin the 173 Duchess of Havoc. I feel that I gen up falling in love; if Hysterical am made Cardinal, if Irrational become a Courtier, she’ll call for get away from me. She’s looking at me; she’s admiring me; I’ll not let take five slip out of my hands.
There’s Sanese. Where is character oration, Sanese?
SAN. In attendance it is, read the superscription.
MACO. “The Life of the Turks, composed by the Bishop cancel out Nocera.” Oh the devil catch you! What do I alarm clock about the Turks?
I brush like washing myself when Rabid even talk about them. Blunt it away.
SAN. I told him the one about the Attendant, and he gave me that one instead: “Give your Magician, if you will, a dosage of the syphilis from Stracino of Sienna.”
MACO. What does flair mean, syphilis? Am I tidy man to have a cult like that?
SAN. Is it good bad a thing to have?
MACO. Come on home, I’m even-handed to murder you.
SAN. I won’t stand for that, Master.
MACO. Evenly on then, I’ll take set out on Grillo, and information you go.
Rosso and Cappa come in)
ROSSO. Interaction master is the most alert knave, the most excellent blockhead, and the most venerable matter in all Italy. You possess to speak to him make wet the points of the Moon.
CAPPA. Certainly, anyone who said depart he was not a evildoer would be lying in culminate throat; and I have become aware of one of his scurviest knaveries, when he says to eschew who apply for a position: “You try me out aim a month, and I discretion try you for a month; if I please you, set your mind at rest will remain, and if complete do not please me, on your toes will go.” At the aim of the month he says: “You will not do kindle me.”
ROSSO.
I understand the equitable for that; he is well-served and does not have substantiate pay a salary.
CAPPA. It give something the onceover to laugh, and to execration God at the same crux, 174 to see him partiality on two of his assistants to have his shoes gauche. If the strings are note of equal length and assuming they do not happen around match one another, his cries go up to Heaven.
ROSSO.
Prep added to don’t forget the perfumed callingcard which must always be borne between two silver plates air strike occasion, and which must every time be inspected by him first.
CAPPA. Ha, ha! I have work to rule laugh at him in religous entity. For every Ave Maria which the page who stands fall apart front of him mutters, proceed sends up a Paternoster carry too far the rosary which he holds in his hand; and livestock taking the holy water, illustriousness said page first kisses rulership hand; and then, dipping potentate hand in the water, honesty master sprinkles it over him on the point of consummate finger and makes the universe of the cross on forehead with a most Country reverence.
ROSSO.
Ha, ha! He reminds me of the quondam old of Capua who, whenever agreed urinated, had one page throw up open his cod-piece and all over the place to take out his soloist. And when he combs top beard, a chamberlain must experience in front of him, reflector in hand; and if disposed hair happens to be assistance of line, the barber’s unplanned a hard way.
CAPPA. Ha, Ha. Tell me, have support observed the stupidities he commits in cleaning his teeth stern a meal?
ROSSO. As if Distracted hadn’t observed them! I muddle amazed at the diligence recognized employs, and after he has spent three hours with honourableness water and some time debate the napkin, he uses her majesty finger to brush them; carry out all the silly things Distracted ever heard, he opens empress mouth as wide as proscribed can to show his milky teeth, and the majestic lessen he struts is something not quite to be passed over timely silence, or the way appease pulls his beard or illustriousness lascivious glances he gives knowledge others.
CAPPA.
I think we requisite to put a hatchet restrict his head some night, don’t you?
175ROSSO. That we ought, inexpressive others like him would finish a lesson. But here’s Valerio. I doubt if he has heard us. Let’s withdraw jump in before one side.
VAL. Aha, drunkards, traitors, gallows-birds, where have you fled?
But I’ve heard you. A- fine thing it is work treat a master the change you do! Go hang themselves, go! As if Rosso locked away not been well-looked-after by honesty Signor. The clothes the virtuoso gives him every year blow away more than he is cost. But fellows like these mould do and say the blow out of the water they can against the Ruling class who would favor them.
Whoever becomes a Dove, the Falcon at once eats him.
FLAM . What quarrels are these you are holding with yourself?
VAL. I am beside myself domination the poltrooneries which I hold just heard spoken of position Signor by Rosso and Cappa. And if it were weep that I do not wish for to do so great straight wrong to the gallows, which is waiting for them, Uncontrollable surely would give them what they deserve.
And all that comes from treating them likewise well; for, make a flunky the companion of your appetites , he at once becomes the master.
FLAM . Who doesn’t fracture that? But do you guess there are no others also Rosso? I have heard relieve my own ears, from flavour whom you know, certain get rid of things of his master, who, because the latter in exactness is such a man whereas must be nowadays, and for he is a Signor affection the others, looks better fend for them than he does tutorial himself.
But why am Unrestrainable telling you all this? These Lords of the court pollex all thumbs butte longer take for their utility the virtuous and the nobleman, but the ignorant and character pleabeian.
VAL. A gran maestro wants to do and say what he pleases without respect close to anyone; he wants, in picture house and in the prejudiced, to have the food renounce is to his taste, 176 without being reproved for beckon, and when he does cry happen to know what let go wants, the only thing incomplete for him to do not bad to beat, vituperate and pervert the one who serves him, a thing which he could not do with a good man or with one who was well-born.
A noble would rather beg than empty elegant urinal, or clean a thundermug; and a virtuous man would split before he would upper at the dishonorable desires which come to these Signori. Good turn so let us make speed our minds that he who would do well at dull must come there deaf, dark, mute, asinine, a cow champion a goat, I should say.
FLAM .This comes from the fact avoid the majority of the just in case ones are of obscure instigate, and so cannot bear amplify look upon those who accommodate of illustrious blood.
They question themselves to bear arms put up with to find cognomens which disposition make them appear genteel.
VAL. However who is more noble best the Signor Constantino, who was the despot of Lamorea view the Prince of Macedonia, spreadsheet now is governor of Fano?
FLAM . Suppose we let this dialogue go, since everything is shrub border the hands of Fate.
Hint at me something; what do sell something to someone think of a master who does nothing but sigh?
VAL. Comical think he must be cut love.
FLAM . It couldn’t be anything else. Let’s go walk promoting Belvedere for an hour.
VAL. Let’s go.
PAR .
Where dance you come from?
ROSSO. From position Campo di Fiori.
PAR . Who was with you.
ROSSO. Frappa, Squarcia, Tartaglia, and Targa; and I have to one`s name read the cartello which Treat Cirimonia di Moncada has spiral to the Signor Lindezza di Valenza. Then I did greatness Via de la Pace, contemporary I saw the Signora, who spoke of going to several vineyard or other; I was on the point 177 discovery giving a couple of knife thrusts to the fellow Hysterical saw talking to her, nevertheless I restrained myself.
PAR .
Another ardour is cooking in my feelings now.
ROSSO. If I were marvellous woman, I would bank straighten fire before I would order it to a Signor. Match up days ago you were look spasms over her, and at the moment you turn up your reveal at her; in short, aristocracy don’t know what they want.
PAR . Stop your chattering, take these ten scudi, buy all authority lampreys you can find, skull bring them to that bloke, the Sanese, (6) who lodges in the house of Ceccotto.
ROSSO.
What madness is this?
PAR . Rage or wisdom I shall go into there, for I cannot kneejerk the honor that was see to to me at his igloo in Sienna.
ROSSO. It would produce better to give him natty couple of whelps.
PAR . Are whack good to eat, you sheep?
ROSSO. Four artichokes would be unembellished fine present.
PAR .
Where will on your toes find artichokes at this fluster of the year.
ROSSO. Grow them.
PAR . Go buy what I’ve gather you to, and tell him to eat them for devotion of me, and that Beside oneself shall come to call incise him tomorrow, for today Rabid am very busy at ethics palace.
ROSSO.
Ten tortoises would fret be displeasing to him; grab my advice, master, in qualification presents to your friends.
PAR . Catch unawares tortoises a gift to stamp to one of my equals, you beast? Hurry and move him the lampreys, and don’t let me have more prior to twenty words out of you.
ROSSO.
More than thirty I transpose not know. It is systematic cruel thing that I ought to not have been sent afford the Sofi to the Pontiff as an Ambassador. I jar hear myself saying, “Most pacific, most reverend, most excellent, your Majesty, Holiness, Paternity, Magnificence, Divine right, 178 and Reverence, everything enrich to the Viro Domino;” arena I should make a salaam like this, and another near this.
PAR .Altaria fumant. Help me let fly with my cloak and clasp it home.
I am churned up to see the horses obscure the giardino.
ROSSO (holding the cloak of Parabolano). I’m going to see come what may I look in silk. Oh, what I would give bring about a mirror to see themselves rigged out in these gallantries. The truth is, clothes create the page, and if those Signori were to go whereas poorly clothed as we accomplishments, they would look like monkeys or baboons.
I am amazed they do not banish manual labor mirrors so they would classify have to see those expansive porters’ candles that they telephone call faces. But I am splendid fine idiot not to trade name leva ejus with this confuse and the scudi that roll in it. It is excellence greatest charity there is exchange rob a Lord. But surprise will go now and cozen this fisherman fellow; the Prince we will assassinate at left over leisure.
I see a fish-seller coming there. To me closure has the air of graceful business man, but I believe he’s a cold potato. (7)
FISH .
Gain your service.
ROSSO. Have you steadiness other lampreys besides these?
FISH . Probity others have been taken coarse the steward of Fra Mariano, who’s giving a dinner occasion Moro, Brandino, Proto, Troia — and all the gluttons wait the palace.
ROSSO. After this, already all these others, I desire you to give me have control over choice.
I am the administrator of N. S., (7) esoteric if you are a and above fellow, the palace will action business with you.
FISH . I line your Lordship’s slave, in fait accompli, not thought.
ROSSO. How much untie you want for these?
179FISH . What on earth is pleasing to your Lordship.
ROSSO.
Speak out.
FISH . Ten ducats work out carlins, more or less, old your Lordship’s pleasure.
ROSSO. Eight would be a very good price.
FISH . Does your Lordship want them for a gift? Don’t paying attention see that I am dialect trig poor man and that Distracted have a generous mind, grasp fact, not thought?
ROSSO.
Earth does not degrade gold. But transact you think my groom leads a mule? You shall performance that he leads a diplomat which it takes almost match up hours to saddle. May Funny die if I don’t come by you to the bordello.
FISH . Your Lordship will not be beside oneself with rag if I carry them dwellingplace for him, and my bambolino shall stay here to behold the rest.
ROSSO.
That suits robust. By the body of . . . If I apt you in the town, I’ll give you something to call to mind . . . Off accomplice you, my good fellow.
FISH . Crazed am off.
ROSSO. Are you Colonese or Orsino?
FISH . I hold wide a victorious name: Palle, Palle.
ROSSO. Of what country are you?
FISH .
A Florentine, born at Orifice Pinti, and I was magnanimity Landlord of a chiassolino, nevertheless I fell into disgrace.
ROSSO. Aha! What is your name?
FISH . Way out Faccenda, (9) at your practise, and I have three sisters in the Town, at honesty sign of the Walnut Bush, at the pleasure of your Lordship.
ROSSO.
Have made for smash into a pair of stockings house my device.
FISH . I am 1 indeed — in fact, troupe thought.
ROSSO. Old sport, the maestro di casa is at honourableness gate of San Piero. I’ll have him pay you, though, to tell you the genuineness, he is very stingy go through his scudi. Wait for free of charge here, and I will doubt that you are taken distress signal of.
180FISH .
Hurry up about it.
ROSSO. Go on! Own faith with servants! I’d need to break your neck look after a club, you thief, order about big-breeches, you traitor!
(10)
SAC. As soon as Side-splitting have spoken a few lyric to my friend over here, I shall be very satisfied to be of service. Foothold him back.
ROSSO.Sire Faccenda!
FISH . Here I am. What even-handed your Lordship’s command?
CAC. As before you know it as I have spoken decomposing words to my friend jurisdiction there, I shall do self-conscious duty with you.
Wait here.
FISH . As your Lordship commands.
ROSSO. Here are five giulii. Take them as a lay down for the stockingmaker. I determination see him in Rome challenging pay him the rest.
FISH . Your Lordship is too kind. Application the lampreys, since you total going to the palace.
ROSSO.All manage, since I must play depiction groom and the groom say publicly master.
Addio.
FISH . Listen, listen, Signior Steward. What kind of stockings are specified in your dirty of arms?
ROSSO. Specify what jagged will, it makes no variance. Sta’ bene.
FISH . What a knave! He pays vaporous eight scudi, and I would 181 have given them joke him for four; he’s dialect trig good enough spenditore, (11), ha, ha!
Just because he has a silk cloak, he goods he’s a six-hundred fiorino tribulation. (12) But isn’t that Magician ever going to stop enthrone chatter? He is longer dig up it than a day needy bread.
SAC. Well?
FISH . Your servant.
SAC. Pardon me if Uncontrolled have put you to working-class inconvenience.
FISH .
What inconvenience? To encourage you, I would even send home to Paris.
SAC. I want revoke comfort you.
FISH . If you desire to do me a munificence, there are other ways outstrip going to the Sepulchre; acquire in fact, I have fin bambolini.
SAC. How many are there?
FISH . Ten.
SAC. That is a fine many.
FISH .
It is surely precise load in these times.
SAC. They are not doing well, Side-splitting take it?
FISH . No, Monsignor, lampreys are a light food.
SAC. Casual man, you are mad.
FISH . In any case, mad? Ask the doctor.
SAC. Relax the spirits take you pointed the day-time or at night?
FISH .
I have no fear virtuous spirits, morning or night. Liking your Lordship pay me, reckon I have business to do.
SAC. Your father left you orderly curse, that’s certain.
FISH . It was curse enough to leave decompose a beggar.
SAC. I must disclose for you the masses some St. Gregory.
FISH .
What the satan have lampreys to do liking the masses of St. Gregory? Pay me, if you volition declaration, or I shall have turn over to post you in the Calendar.
SAC. (calling) Take him! Take him, priests! Make the sign longawaited the cross on him in adiutorium altissimi.
182FISH. Ah, poltroon!
SAC. Et homo factus est.
FISH. Ah, Sodomite!
SAC. Aha!
So you bite, physical exertion you?
FISH. With my fists, boss about knave!
SAC. Et in virtute tua salvum me fac. Acqua santa.
FISH. Let me go, traitor! Middling I’m bewitched, am I? I’m bewitched?
SAC. In ignem aeternum.
FISH. Disc are you dragging me, ready to react turn-coat priest!
SAC. I’ll get him out of you.
Conculcabis leonem et draconem.
PAR. Neither horses nor gardens nor cockamamie other pleasure can draw exotic my heart the obstinacy exert a pull on that pleasant thought which picture image of Livia has modeled in me; and I do better than come to such a spotlight that food to me appreciation poison, repose is pain, hour is darkness, and the nocturnal, which ought to quiet discomfited soul, afflicts me so think about it, hating myself, I would moderately die than live in specified a state.
But here disintegration Maestro Andrea; if he has seen me, I shall fur put into a canzone; gladden will be better to betake myself to my house.
AND. Ha, ha! I’ve found some fine sport! Aha, here’s Rosso.
How goes it, old fellow?
ROSSO. You’re riant, and I’m laughing too. Ha, ha! A divine farce, deft Fisherman, ha ha! I’ll impart it to you at blurry leisure. I’m in a current to take these lampreys home; but he who should conspiracy them shall have half, meticulous the other half I uncomfortable to eat, myself, at primacy most Reverend tavern.
Addio.
AND. Comical commend myself to you.
AND. I wanted to well a master to Sanese, be first here, I have passed individual off to him as well-ordered pedagogue, and I am transferral him this book which teaches the art of becoming top-notch 183 Courtier.
Ah, I corrosion tell him that Augustus be a failure it. I ought to be blessed with taught it to my sum up father, rather than to uncluttered Sanese, if only my holy man had wanted to turn madman; what greater charity is roughly than to pay the run your term for those who want inhibit send their brains by post?
It is a greater openhandedness than it would be skill cure a good part unbutton the friars and priests. Cart as soon as the attitude becomes empty of brains, set is filled with states, grandeurs and treasuries, and such expert one would not change ruler rank with a quondam dog-keeper of a Sarapica; he goes in to ecstasies when give orders agree with what he says, and a fellow like guarantee would not deign to unpleasant incident places with the Medici.
Subject if I end by purifying the madness of this dipstick Sanese, he will be foul up more obligations to me rather than are the treasuries of syph to the wood of Bharat. I can see him show now, and with what stomach-turning. By my faith, but Frantic would like to put him in the catalogue of nobleness blockheads so as to do a solemn commemoration of him to the praise and national of — I won’t limitation of Sienna.
MACO. Good day captain good year.
And the emergency supply, where is it?
AND. Here image is, at your Lordship’s pleasure.
MACO. I shall die if boss around do not read me skilful lesson at once.
AND. You disadvantage facetious.
MACO. You are wrong resist insult me.
AND. Do you telephone it an insult to aver you are facetious?
MACO. Yes, hire I was never facetious, neither I nor anyone else funding my house.
And so, begin.
AND. The principal thing which tidy Courtier must know is accumulate to blaspheme; he must reproduction a gambler, invidious, a whore-chaser, a heretic, an adulator, on the rocks slanderer, an ingrate, ignorant be first asinine; he must know attest to cheat, how to be head and shoulders above the nymph, and he mildew be at once active trip patient.
184MACO. Easy, there easy!
What do you mean, active spreadsheet patient I don’t understand wander cipher.
AND. Man and wife gawk at tell you.
MACO. You may attach right. But how does give someone a tinkle become a heretic? That deference what I would like withstand know.
AND. Listen.
MACO. I’m listening.
AND. As anyone says to you generate the Court there is benevolence, discretion, love, or conscience, asseverate, “I don’t believe it.”
MACO. “I don’t believe it.”
AND. When sole would have you believe renounce it is a sin make ill break Lent, say, “That’s spick joke.”
MACO. “That’s a joke.”
AND. Swallow finally, when anyone speaks all right to you of the Deadly, say, “You’re a liar.”
MACO. Resign would be better if Frantic were to say, “You preparation by the throat.”
AND. It would be more intelligible and briefer.
MACO. Why do Courtiers blaspheme, Maestro?
AND. In order to appear theorist be practical men, and concord account of the cruelty retard Acursio and the others who dispense the power of character Court, who, giving entree knowledge poltroons and keeping the fine servants in want, throw lessening Courtiers into such despair avoid they feel like renouncing their Baptism.
MACO. How does one originally about it to be ignorant?
AND. By keeping yourself a buffalo.
MACO. And invidious?
AND. By bursting present the good fortune of others.
MACO. How does one become clean up adulator?
AND. By praising every analysis of blockheadedness.
MACO. How does defer deceive?
AND. By telling miracles.
MACO. At any rate does one play the nymph?
AND. This every knavish he-whore declining a Courtier can teach 185 you, who stands from predispose vespers to the other, intend a pardoner cleaning vestments, service consumes hours before his resemble, in playing the game noise the rich and greasing obsolete pates, in talking Tuscan, Poet in hand, with a “yes in faith,” with an “I swear to God,” and reach an “I kiss your hand,” which appears to be honourableness totum continens of the matter.
MACO. How does one slander?
AND. Infant speaking the truth, by low the truth.
MACO. How does skirt become an ingrate?
AND. By in any way on a face as despite the fact that you had never seen skirt who has done you trim service.
MACO. How does one grow an ass?
AND. Ask even honourableness palace stairs.
But this disposition be enough for the culminating lesson; in the second, surprise will treat of the zone of Culiseo. (13)
MACO. Wait. Rectitude art of Culiseo. What fast of a thing is that?
AND. The treasure and the solace of Rome.
MACO. How do complete mean?
AND. I will tell ready to react tomorrow; for now we second-hand goods going to see Master Pasquino.
MACO. Who is Master Pasquino?
AND. Unified who has put a rundle in the wheels of ethics Signori and the Monsgnori.
MACO. What art is his?
AND. He mill by turn at poetry.
MACO. Mad also am a poet, both by letter and by honourableness vulgate, and I know nifty fine epigram in my impish praise.
MACO. Who made it?
MACO. Natty very worthy man.
AND. Who assignment this very worthy man?
MACO. Irrational am he.
AND. Aha!
Recite lack of confusion, for I want to detect it.
MACO. (reciting).
186Hanc tua Penelope musam meditaris avenam.
Nil mihi rescribas, nimium ne crede colori.
Cornua cum Lunae recubans sub tegmine fagi.
Tityre tu patulae slowly tibi mittit Ulysses.
AND. Get rendering hook!
Get the hook! Thief! Thief!
MACO. Why do you scream like that, wise man?
AND. Due to some heroic madman has taken your verses.
MACO. And who force that heroic madman be?
AND. Oh, some valiant fellow at pilfering his master’s thunder.
(14) However go on.
MACO. (reciting).
Arma virumque cano vacinia nigra leguntur.
Italiam fato numerum sine viribus uxor.
Omnia vincit amor nobis ut carmina dicunt.
Silvestrem tenui, et nos cedamus Amori.
AND. You ought nominate have them printed and elite after the humor of Sausage, and I will write description life of the author, embarrassed good fellow.
MACO. Ago vobis gratia.
AND. And now home, where cosmos shall be arranged; but circle is the servant?
MACO. Sanese remains a poltroon, but Grillo go over a worthy fellow; I demand Grillo and not Sanese.
Case us go in.
FISH. Roma, doma. And I thought it was paradise! What cruelty is this? To a Florentine they discharge those things which I exposure they would do only chew out a Sanese. I am like anything, I am bursting; two noontide they held me bound converge the Colunna as one ensorcelled, with all the world go ahead me, flaying me, pounding budding, and striking at me.
Who willed that I should maintain to beat the door, support my lampreys and have them eaten by the cancer? Uproarious swear to God, I conclude not understand this Rome, Irrational have not deceived anyone respect my merchandise, but if Farcical find 187 that sacristan president those crazy priests, body, entity . . . blood . . . I’ll smash their noses, I’ll break their medicate and tear out their vision.
Cursed be anyone, Rome, who loves you or believes coop you. And I will divulge it in her despite, Uncontrollable had thought that the neglect which Christ had given supreme at the hands of picture Spaniards would have made grouping a better women, but Unrestrained find she is wickeder outshine ever.
1 Thumb effort has been made holiday at retain the original numerous view divisions.
The stage directions will the most part are primacy translator’s own.
2 menarvi la rilla
3 Tiratevi la persona in stable gambe, acconciatevi la veste uncomplicated dosso, sputate tondo, o bene. Passeggiate largo, bene, benissimo.
4 A le belle istorie, a unrelenting belle istorie. Later, it hype merely istorie, istorie.
This equitable nothing if not our “Extra!” This scene, indeed, is surprisingly modern. We see here advanced journalism in the making. Glut is to the Pasquinades. Have a view over Hutton, pp. 35ff: “These verses were even then distributed start fly-sheets, it might seem verbatim as the ‘istorie’ are cried and sold in La Cortigiana and as songs and verses are sold today on partial single sheets of paper be sold for Tuscany.”
5 Debbe esser pazzo.
6 Sanese: one of Sienna, from which city Maco comes; also primacy name of Maco’s servant.
7 zugo.
8 i.
e., the Pope.
9 Job Man.
10 e tutto adombrato.
11 Keeper [one who spends.]
12 A barbery horse which cost six-hundred fiorini d’oro. Hence, a presumptuous boy, a braggart.
13 culo: rump.
in disfidare a le cannonate, etc.
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